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Document Type

Thesis - University Access Only

Award Date

2006

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Wildlife and Fisheries Science

First Advisor

Leigh H. Fredrickson

Keywords

weather, seasons, wetland, habitat mangement, shorebirds, minnesota

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare wetland availability and relative value of private agricultural fields and CRP wetlands to intensively managed impoundments at Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge for migratory shorebirds between seasons and years with variable weather conditions. Habitat conditions between 2002, a wet year, and 2003, a dry year, varied considerably. The percent of flooded off-refuge wetlands varied between 100% in spring 2002 to a low of 5% in fall 2003. As a result of these variable weather conditions, a variety of wetlands were necessary to support migrating shorebirds. Overall, the majority of shorebirds were observed on the refuge. In the drier year, over 99% of the birds observed were on the refuge. Shorebirds were observed on off-refuge wetlands during early spring migration 2002, before the refuge was able to lower their water levels and when the refuge was flooded during summer and early fall 2002.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Shore birds -- Habitat -- Minnesota
Shore birds -- Migration -- Minnesota
Shore birds -- Minnesota -- Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge
Wetlands -- Minnesota
Minnesota -- Climate

Description

Includes bibliographical references (page 151-162)

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

181

Publisher

South Dakota State University

Rights

Copyright © 2006 Kari Ann Ranallo All rights reserved.

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