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Connecticut Wildlife 1September / October 2004

PUBLISHED BY THE CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTIONBUREAU OF NATURAL RESOURCES � WILDLIFE DIVISION

September/October2004

2 Connecticut Wildlife September / October 2004

Fromthe Director

An osprey perches on a nest platform in a Connecticut tidalmarsh as the sun burns through the early morning fog.

Photo courtesy of Paul J. Fusco

Cover:

��Published bimonthly by

State of ConnecticutDepartment of Environmental Protection

www.dep.state.ct.usArthur J. Rocque, Jr. .......................................................... CommissionerDavid K. Leff ........................................................ Deputy CommissionerEdward C. Parker ........................... Chief, Bureau of Natural Resources

Wildlife Division79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT 06106-5127 (860-424-3011)Dale May .................................................................................... DirectorGreg Chasko .......................................... Assistant Director (Assessment)Mark Clavette ..................................................... Recreation ManagementLaurie Fortin ............................................................... Wildlife TechnicianBrenda Marquez ........................................................................ SecretaryShana Shafer .................................................................... Office AssistantChris Vann ................................................ Technical Assistance Biologist

Eastern District Area Headquarters209 Hebron Road, Marlborough, CT 06447 (860-295-9523)Ann Kilpatrick ................................................. Eastern District BiologistPaul Rothbart ............................................ District Supervising Biologist

Franklin W.M.A.391 Route 32, N. Franklin, CT 06254 (860-642-7239)Paul Capotosto ........................................ Wetlands Restoration BiologistMike Gregonis ....................................... Deer/Turkey Program BiologistMin Huang ................................................ Waterfowl Program BiologistHoward Kilpatrick ................................. Deer/Turkey Program BiologistHeather Overturf ......................................................... Program AssistantWinnie Reid ............................................................................... SecretaryJulie Victoria ............................... Wildlife Diversity Program BiologistRoger Wolfe ................................. Mosquito Management Coordinator

Sessions Woods W.M.A.P.O. Box 1550, Burlington, CT 06013 (860-675-8130)Trish Cernik ................................................................ Program AssistantJenny Dickson ............................ Wildlife Diversity Program BiologistPeter Good .............................................. Supervising Wildlife BiologistGeoffrey Krukar ......................... Wildlife Diversity Program TechnicianDave Kubas ................................................... CE/FS Coordinator (West)Peter Picone ................................................... Western District BiologistPaul Rego ................................................ Furbearer Program BiologistLaura Rogers-Castro ............................... Education/Outreach ProgramJim Warner ....................................................................... Field AssistantJudy Wilson ........................................ Private Lands Habitat Biologist

Connecticut WildlifeKathy Herz ..................................................................................... EditorPaul Fusco .............................................. Media Designer/Photographer

Wetlands Habitat & Mosquito Management Crew51 Mill Road, Madison, CT 06443Steven Rosa ................................................. Mosquito Control SpecialistDaniel Shaw ................................................ Mosquito Control Specialist

The Wildlife Division grants permission to reprint text, not artwork, provided the DEPWildlife Division is credited. Artwork printed in this publication is copyrighted by the CTDEP Wildlife Division. Any unauthorized use of this artwork is prohibited. Please contactthe editor at the Sessions Woods office to obtain permission for reprinting articles.

The Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Program wasinitiated by sportsmen and conservationists to providestates with funding for wildlife management and researchprograms, habitat acquisition, wildlife management areadevelopment and hunter education programs. Each issue ofConnecticut Wildlife contains articles reporting on WildlifeDivision projects funded entirely or in part with federal aidmonies.

The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protectionis an equal opportunity agency that provides services,facilities, and employment opportunities without regard torace, color, religion, age, sex, physical and mentaldisability, national origin, ancestry, marital status, andpolitical beliefs.

Volume 24, Number 5

As our family traveled across northern New Hampshire and Mainethis summer, we passed a seemingly uncountable multitude of“moose alert” signs. The wording varied: “Brake for moose: itcould save your life,” “Thousands of collisions,” etc. But themessage was pretty clear – hit an 800-pound animal with yourvehicle and bad things happen.

In the Great Northwoods, the benefits of a large moose populationmay exceed its danger. Moose-based tourism, including viewing andhunting, is booming. The fact that most moose occur in regions ofsparse human population and low road density certainly improvesthe level of compatibility. Yet, the growing number of moose/vehiclecollisions in northern New England now exceeds 1,000 per year.Several people die as a result each year and this is a serious causefor concern.

Connecticut’s moose population is small, but growing quickly due toresident reproduction and a steady stream of immigrants fromMassachusetts. The Great Northwoods has the luxury of open space– lots of it. We don’t. Certainly, Connecticut has forested land thatcould provide trouble-free habitat for moose that establishpermanent home ranges. However, dispersing and wandering moosepresent a serious problem in a small state with a dense network ofhigh-speed, heavily traveled roads.

The moose episode we experienced this past July was a portent. Injust over a month, an adult female traveled more than 150 miles untilit was darted by wildlife biologist Howard Kilpatrick in Old Lyme,less than half a mile from Route 1 and Interstate 95. The further thisanimal traveled into Connecticut, the greater the threat it posed tothe public. Due to a combination of good fortune and perseveranceby a well-trained DEP staff, we were able to tranquilize and movethis moose successfully. However, had the moose beenunapproachable, we were prepared to take lethal measures due tothe animal’s location and the high probability that a vehicle collisionwas imminent.

The time to evaluate options to address a growing moose populationis now, while the population is relatively small. The high cost, highdegree of difficulty, and questionable effectiveness of instaterelocations virtually eliminate this option as a practical response towandering moose. While we can be thrilled that this symbol of thewilderness has expanded its range into our state, we must alsorecognize the challenges of maintaining a species while balancingrisk. The department does not have the resources to repeatedlymobilize staff to locate, tranquilize, and move, or destroy, everymoose that wanders “out of bounds.” There will be no easy answers.

Dale W. May


On June 5, 2004, the MassachusettsDivision of Fisheries and Wildlifetranquilized a young female moose 30miles outside of Boston in the town ofClinton. The moose was in a heavilypopulated area and was relocated nearthe Massachusetts-New Hampshireborder in the town of Winchendon. Aradiocollar and ear tags were attached tothe moose to allow its movements to bemonitored. In late July, about threeweeks after its release in Winchendon,the moose was seen just north of theConnecticut border in the town ofMonson. Over a 17-day period (June 25–July 11), the moose was observedtraveling southward in Connecticutthrough the towns of Stafford, Coventry,Columbia, Lebanon, Montville, and OldLyme. From June 5 to July 11, the moosetraveled over 100 miles from the Massa-chusetts-New Hampshire border to OldLyme, along the southern Connecticutcoastline.

The moose appeared to temporarilysettle down in a three-square-mile areabetween Route 1 and I-95. Moose havelarge home ranges (about 10 squaremiles) and this moose, in particular,demonstrated a tendency to wander greatdistances. These facts, coupled with itsclose proximity to a major highway,resulted in the decision to relocate themoose to a more suitable location. DEPWildlife Division personnel tracked themoose in a heavily wooded area, lookingfor the opportunity to tranquilize andrelocate it. After five days, residents onWhippoorwill Road contacted the DEP toreport that a moose was bedded down ina field behind their houses.

Within one hour, Wildlife Divisionand Law Enforcement personnel arrivedon site, assessed the situation, andprepared an action plan. A WildlifeDivision biologist stalked within 20yards of the moose and fired a tranquil-izer dart in its hindquarter. In less thannine minutes, the moose was sedated andfound at the bottom of a slope near alarge wetland. Over the next hour, aneight-person team from the DEP’sDivisions of Wildlife, Law Enforcement,Fisheries, and Parks, carried the 600+-pound moose on a stretcher about 70yards up hill to an access road. Aneighboring Old Lyme residentoffered the use of his bucket-loader totransport the moose from the access road

to a horsetrailer, whichwas providedby theDepartment ofAgriculture.Becausemoose canoverheat onhot summerdays, the DEPteam quicklyloaded themoose ontothe trailer,cooled it offwith water andice, adminis-tered drugs toreverse theeffects of thetranquilizerand quicklytransported the moose to a large stateforest in northwest Connecticut. Withinfour hours of being tranquilized, themoose was released back into the wild.

While many factors contributed tothe successful capture and relocationof this moose (e.g., easy access to theanimal, availability of a bucket loaderand horse trailer, and the ability tokeep the moose from becoming heatstressed), much time (more than 300 manhours) and resources were expended tolocate, capture, and relocate it. The costof capturing and relocating this moose isestimated at $6,000. In addition, based onwhat this moose did after being relocatedin Massachusetts and past experiencesof relocating other problem moose, thelikelihood of this moose staying at therelease site is extremely low.

If the moose had remained in OldLyme, adjacent to I-95, it likely wouldhave caused a serious moose-vehicleaccident like the one that occurred onI-95 in Westbrook in 1998.

Fortunately, no human fatalities haveresulted from the eight moose-vehiclecollisions that have occurred in Con-necticut in the last decade. However, thepublic needs to be aware of the signifi-cant hazard that moose represent.Motorists are 12.5 times more likely to bekilled in a collision with a moose thanwith a deer. As Connecticut’s moosepopulation grows and moose continue todisperse into Connecticut from neighbor-

Massachusetts Moose Wanders into ConnecticutWritten by Howard Kilpatrick, Deer/Turkey Program

� The first reported moose-vehicleaccident in Connecticut occurred in1995. Since then, eight moose-vehicleaccidents have occurred in the state(1995-2004).

� The first problem moose wastranquilized in Connecticut in 1987.Since then, five moose have beentranquilized and relocated.

� The first documentation of a cow moosewith calves was reported in 2000 inHartland. Since 2000, at least 21 calveshave been born in five differentConnecticut towns (Hartland, Granby,Barkhamsted, Goshen, New Hartford).

� In 1995, the DEP received threesightings of moose from the public. In2003, the DEP received 34 sightings ofmoose from the public.

Moose Making Tracks inConnecticut

ing states, this kind of situation willinevitably become more common unlesssome type of population managementprogram is initiated. The cost andlogistics of addressing these issues willbecome prohibitive. Recently, Massachu-setts proposed a bill that would allow thestate to open a moose hunting season asa means of managing the growing moosepopulation. This bill was introduced toreduce the increasing number of moose-vehicle accidents in the state.

DEP Wildlife Division biologist Michael Gregonis (left) and DEPConservation Officer Todd Chemacki prepare to transport animmobilized moose to a more remote location in Connecticut.

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If Jerry Mersereau had been asked 30 years ago howConnecticut’s osprey population was faring, he would haveanswered that the birds were headed for extinction. Jerry shouldknow. He’s been helping to monitor the state’s osprey popula-tion since it was first noticed in the 1960s that eggs were nothatching and osprey numbers were plummeting. Ask Jerrytoday how ospreys are doing and he would reply, “better thanhe ever expected.”

The story of the osprey may be familiar to many…how aspecies headed for extinction because of human actions hasmade a remarkable recovery with the help of human hands. JerryMersereau is one of those many “helping hands.”

Jerry has had an avid interest in raptors his whole life.When he was in his late teens, Jerry was invited to visit a raptorbanding station in Pennsylvania. From that moment on he washooked and he eventually took the necessary steps to becomea licensed bird bander for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. His“day job” eventually brought him to Connecticut, where hemade a name for himself in the birding circles. That is how hecame to know the late Roger Tory Peterson, a famous ornitholo-gist, who lived near Great Island in Old Lyme. By the late 1950s,Peterson, among others, had become concerned about thedevastating decline in raptor numbers. He had noticed thatfewer osprey pairs were nesting at Great Island—once ahotspot for ospreys—and no young were fledging from thosefew nests. He asked Jerry and his birding associates to try tofind out why no young were fledging.

So, Jerry and members of a study team began observing andinspecting osprey nests at Great Island. What they found wasthat most of the eggs were cracked and broken. Not knowingwhat was causing the broken eggs, the study team decided towatch the nests more closely. They wanted to determine ifcrows or gulls were coming to the nests and damaging eggswhile the adult ospreys were away fishing or getting nestingmaterial. It was important to confirm or eliminate these birds as asource of the problem. To help with closer observations, theteam constructed a blind on the mainland, next to the boatlaunch ramp, and towed it to Great Island behind their smallboat. The blind had long legs so that observers would be abovethe top of the nests. By having the blind already built, it couldbe set up in about 45 minutes near an occupied osprey nestwith as little disturbance as possible to the nesting pair. Afterthe blind was set up, two members of the team would go to theblind—one would go inside and the other would walk away.This seemed to fool the ospreys, which did not appear to bebothered by the blind and resumed their nesting activities. Thestudy team observed normal nesting activity and watched theadults at each of the nests turn and incubate the eggs. No otherbirds were seen coming to the nests. At this point, teammembers knew that outside disturbance from other birds wasnot the problem. It had to be something that was not yetunderstood, but what?

As the story goes, it was eventually discovered that thewidespread use of the pesticide DDT caused populations ofospreys and other raptors to plummet. During the 1950s and

Written by Kathy Herz, Editor

P. J. FUSCO


continued on page 17

1960s, DDT was used for mosquito control in salt marshes.Absorbed by the invertebrates and, in turn, by fish, on whichospreys depend for food, DDT ultimately caused ospreyeggshells to weaken, resulting in nest failures due to crackedeggs. By 1974, only nine active osprey nests were recorded inConnecticut. Fortunately, DDT was banned in the United Statesin the early 1970s, thus helping osprey populations make asteady recovery in the Northeast.

DDT, however, was not the only cause for the decline inospreys. Development along Connecticut’s shoreline in themid-1900s resulted in the loss of trees for nest sites. At onepoint, ospreys resorted to making huge ground nests at placeslike Great Island. During the 1940s, when this sight was mostcommon, predators like raccoons and house cats were not asmuch of a threat as they are today. Because of an increase inpredators, ospreys continued to adapt by using telephonepoles, light stanchions, and channel markers for nest sites. Thebiggest help came when “helping hands” pitched in to buildand erect nesting platforms in suitable habitat alongConnecticut’s shoreline.

This is where Jerry and dozens of other volunteers comein again. Once the two factors that were hurting ospreys—DDT and the lack of nest sites—were addressed, it neededto be known if ospreys were making a comeback. The DEPWildlife Division couldn’t undertake that effort alone withits small budget and small staff. So volunteers throughoutthe state stepped up to the plate to help the Divisionmonitor ospreys during the nesting season. For over 35years, dedicated volunteers have been making note of nestlocations, watching for osprey nesting activity, and some(like Jerry Mersereau) have even helped to band the youngbefore they fledge from the nest. The link between past andpresent osprey volunteers and DEP biologists, starting withTom Hoehn, then Greg Chasko (currently an assistantdirector for the Wildlife Division) and now WildlifeDiversity Program biologist Julie Victoria, has been JerryMersereau and his continuous devotion to this species. “Weowe Jerry many thanks for his time and attentiveness that

have kept the welfareof Connecticutospreys in focus,”said Victoria.

Jerry’s efforts toband ospreys providebiologists withimportant information.The recovery of legbands lets biologiststrack where the youngbirds migrate to, wherethey eventually havenests of their own(usually in the generalarea where they wereborn and raised) andhow long they live.According to Jerry,bands from ospreysborn in Connecticuthave been recoveredrecently in Ecuador,Paraguay, and Colum-bia, unfortunately after the birds were shot and killed. Jerry hasspent countless hours each summer visiting as many ospreynests as possible to band the young before they are oldenough to fledge. In recent years, he has visited between 50and 60 osprey nests between late May and early July.

On one such day of banding in late June 2004, Jerry wasaccompanied by his longtime friend and helper, MikeO’Leary, a retired teacher. (Mike has logged in manyvolunteer hours with the Wildlife Division over the years,helping to band Canada geese, as well as ospreys.) Mikecame along to climb the ladder to retrieve ospreys from thenests and then hold them while Jerry attached the leg bands.Greg Decker, a biologist at the Millstone Power Station inNiantic, organized this ambitious day of osprey banding.Joining the group were DEP biologist Julie Victoria, MegNieman from the Environmental Management Department ofNortheast Utilities, Len Beebe and Steve Neddeau, operators ofa bucket truck provided by Connecticut Light and Power(CL&P), and Greg’s son Eric. The plan was to check the fouractive ospreynests at Mill-stone, as well asseveral nearbynests on publicand private land.The bucket truckgenerouslyprovided byCL&P wasneeded to accessthe ospreyplatforms thatwere too high toreach by ladder.

There arenine ospreyplatforms locatedthroughout the

(From left to right) Mike O’Leary, a longtime volunteer, Greg Decker, abiologist at Millstone Power Station, and Greg’s son Eric hold threeosprey chicks that were banded by Jerry Mersereau.

The link between volunteers andDEP biologists has been JerryMersereau and his continuousdedication to Connecticut’s ospreys.

A silver U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service band,that has a unique, identifying number, isattached to the left leg of young ospreys.

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Connecticut spring wild turkeyhunters reported harvesting 2,081birds in 2004. The challenge ofharvesting a wild turkey has luredboth residents and nonresidents totake advantage of the opportunitiesthat exist in our state. Connecticutturkeys were harvested by huntersfrom North Carolina, Montana,California, Utah and all the NewEngland states, as well as Canada.

The 2004 spring wild turkey seasonharvest decreased by 12 percent from2003’s harvest of 2,367. Of the 7,330turkey hunters with permits, 1,375hunters harvested at least one bird. A

2004 Spring Wild Turkey Season ResultsWritten by Michael Gregonis, Deer/Turkey Program

total of 547 hunters harvested multiplebirds: 388 hunters harvested two birdsand 159 hunters harvested three birds.Statewide hunter success rate was 19percent.

At least one turkey was harvestedfrom state or private land in 152 ofConnecticut’s 169 towns, with Leba-non reporting the highest harvest at 69birds, followed by Sharon (50) andRedding (46). State land turkeyhunters reported the highest harvest inCockaponset State Forest (32) andNaugatuck State Forest (17). Highestharvest levels were consistent with areasof the state which contain the best

quality turkey habitat. Private landhunters accounted for 88 percent (1,827)of the total harvest and 77 percent (5,629)of the permits issued. Total reportedspring harvest consisted of 653 jakes,1,420 toms, and eight bearded hens.

In general, the highest harvest occurson opening day and the Saturdays of theseason. The 2004 spring season was noexception as 18 percent (368) of the totalharvest occurred on the first day of theseason and 26 percent (551) occurred onthe four Saturdays during the season.This is to be expected as the majority ofhunters have time off and are able toenjoy recreational activities on thesedays. Although the majority of turkeysare harvested during the early portionof the season, a significant number ofbirds are still available throughout theentire season. The last three days ofthe 2004 spring season accounted for10 percent (212) of the total harvest.

In an effort to provide a qualityturkey hunting experience forConnecticut’s junior hunters (age 12to 15), the second youth wild turkeyhunting day took place on Saturday,May 1, 2004. Junior hunters harvested 35wild turkeys, which was an increase of 22birds over last year. The youth turkeyhunting day was well received asparticipants and mentors had manypositive comments on the 2004 springturkey hunter surveys. As more peoplebecome aware of this opportunity, theyouth turkey hunting day is expected tobecome more popular in the future.

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a neurologicaldisease (brain and nervous system) that affects deer andelk and belongs to a family of diseases known as transmis-sible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE). This diseaseattacks the brain of infected animals and produces smalllesions that eventually result in death. While CWD issimilar to other TSE diseases, such as mad cow disease incattle and scrapie in sheep, there is no known relationshipbetween CWD and any other TSE of animals or people (seethe September/ October 2002 issue of Connecticut Wildlifefor details).

In 2003, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusettsdeveloped a regional “Southern New England CWDSurveillance Plan.” The plan was initiated to determine the

2003-2004 CWD Testing Nearing CompletionWritten by Andrew M. LaBonte, Wildlife Technician, University of Connecticut, Wildlife Conservation Research Center

presence and distribution of CWD in southern NewEngland. The DEP Wildlife Division initiated the study inConnecticut with funding provided by the U.S. Departmentof Agriculture-Animal and Plant Health InspectionService. The objective of the study was to document thepresence or absence of CWD in free-ranging white-taileddeer throughout the state by collecting a random sampledeer.

During the early archery hunting season (September15–November 15, 2003), about 118 deer heads werecollected from butcher shops throughout the state. Duringthe firearms and muzzleloader seasons (November 15–December 31), about 100 heads were collected by DEPstaff at state-operated deer check stations. An additional

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In late June and early July, the DEPWildlife Division continued field workassociated with a four-year study toassess the growing resident Canadagoose population in the state. Oneaspect of the current project involves theassessment of movement patterns andsurvival rates of Connecticut’s residentgeese. To acquire this information, geeseare captured throughout the state andthen fitted with individually codedplastic neck collars and metal leg bands.These fixtures cause no harm to thebirds, and allow biologists to assesmovement patterns, survival rates, andpopulation size.

During this past field season, DEPstaff and numerous volunteers captured1,857 geese at 43 different sites through-out the state. A total of 500 yellow neckcollars were placed on geese, withapproximately 60 birds in each of theeight counties receiving collars. Geesewere caught during the annual flightlessperiod. Canada geese, like all waterfowl,undergo an annual wing feather moltwhen they shed all their flight feathers.During the period of feather regrowth,which lasts approximately four weeks, thebirds cannot fly. Geese were corralledinto a portable net and then aged, sexed,and fitted with collars and legbands.Subsequent sightings of these collared

Keeping Track of Collared Geese

birds will provide valuable informa-tion on movement patterns.

One important piece of informationthat is being gained from monitoringcollared geese is that a percentage of thejuvenile and a smaller percentage ofadult resident geese undergo a “moltmigration” to Canada. Over the pasttwo years, the Wildlife Division hasreceived over 20 reports of collaredgeese in Canada during the annualmolting period. These birds migrateout of Connecticut in early June, moltin Canada, and then return to the statein September and October. Biologistshave known that geese undergo these“molt migrations” for some time. Thefrequency and cause of these move-ments are of great interest. If actionscould be taken to force some of thestate’s resident birds to undergo moltmigrations, it may be possible toalleviate many of the goose nuisanceissues that occur during summer. Moltmigrating resident geese, apart from notbeing present in the state during summer,are also subject to higher mortality rates,as they experience greater huntingpressure during their journey home.

Sport hunting of resident geese is aprominent tool for managing over-abundant resident goose populations.Connecticut’s special resident goose

Written by Min T. Huang, Migratory Gamebird Program

hunts, which are held in Septemberand in late January through earlyFebruary, are specifically timed tooccur when migrant geese are notpresent in large numbers. These huntshave been successful in reducingresident goose numbers from ruralparts of the state. The Division isinvestigating innovative ways to targeturban birds, such as working with golfcourses and water companies tostructure goose hunting on their areasand coordinating hazing activitieswithin urban areas to coincide withoperational hunting seasons. Placingcollars on several geese in certainflocks will assist with the assessmentof this latter technique. Ultimately, anoverall assessment of the efficacy ofsport hunting to reduce goose-humanconflicts is paramount in achieving theproper balance between goose num-bers and human tolerance.

Anyone seeing Canada geese withyellow neck collars is urged to reportsightings to the Wildlife Division’sMigratory Bird Program at 860-642-7239 or [email protected]. Theinformation needed includes theindividual collar codes, number ofcollared birds present, number ofuncollared birds present, the locationwhere seen and the date.

20 heads were collected from vehicle-killed deer picked upby the Connecticut Department of Transportation, towngarages, and public works departments. An additional fivesamples were collected from crop damage permit huntersduring the spring and summer of 2004. Of the 233 samplestested, all were negative for CWD. Samples were collectedfrom 92 towns throughout Connecticut. All tests fromMassachusetts and Rhode Island also were negative.

In addition to sampling, the DEP tested four deerdisplaying some symptoms consistent with CWD (emacia-tion, abnormal behavior, excessive salivation), all of whichtested negative. Nearly all animals showing symptoms ofCWD were injured, likely by motor vehicles and wereemaciated or in poor condition. To inform the public aboutCWD, the DEP is developing a brochure that is expected tobe available soon.

In 2004, about 300 samples will be collected from areaswith high deer densities (deer management zone 11) andtested for CWD. Anyone interested in donating deer headsfrom zone 11 for testing this coming season should contactthe Wildlife Division’s Franklin office. Zone 11 includes

the towns of Bethel, Bridgeport, Brookfield, Danbury,Darien, Easton, Fairfield, Greenwich, Monroe, NewCanaan, New Fairfield, Newtown, Norwalk, Redding,Ridgefield, Shelton, Sherman, Stamford, Stratford,Trumbull, Weston, Westport, and Wilton.

All heads should be kept in a cool place or refrigerateduntil pick up can be arranged. Anyone observing deerdisplaying symptoms associated with CWD should contactDEP Emergency Dispatch (860-424-3333), the FranklinWildlife office (860-642-7239) or the Sessions Woodsoffice (860-675-8130). Those interested in finding outmore about CWD should log onto the DEP’s websitewww.dep.state.ct.us or the Chronic Wasting DiseaseAlliance website www.cwd-info.org.

The DEP would like to acknowledge all participatinghunters, processing facilities (Hiller Brothers, LitchfieldLocker, Lebanon Green Market, Large Game Company,Maurice’s Slaughter House, Salem Prime Cuts), and alllocal and state police and highway departments for theirtime and cooperation in assisting with the project.


The timber rattlesnake is so rare inConnecticut that it is protected as anendangered species. What made thissnake rare is the past indiscriminatekilling (even bounties in some Con-necticut towns), illegal collection, andloss of habitat due to development.Rattlesnakes occur in low numbersalong the New York-Massachusettsborder and in a small pocket in centralConnecticut. One of two venomoussnakes found in Connecticut, thetimber rattlesnake, with its larger sizeand venom capacity, can deliver amore severe bite than the northerncopperhead, the only other venomoussnake in the state.

Rattlesnakes in the NewsSo why did this species in such

jeopardy receive so much mediaattention this past summer? On July26, a hiker on the Appalachian Trail(AT) in Connecticut was supposedlybitten by a rattlesnake, treated atHartford Hospital, and released. The DEPWildlife Division does not keep recordsof snakebites and thus was not con-tacted with the details of this incident.This situation confounded many of thenews reporters who called the DEPwanting a quick story.

In the days that followed, SamThompson, a volunteer for the Wild-life Division who monitors the timberrattlesnake population, met the hikeron the trail. Sam reports that the hikerwas Jim Hailey, a 62-year-old Virgin-ian who was hiking the AT fromGeorgia to Maine.

On that warm Monday of July 26,Mr. Hailey was walking a stretch oftrail in Salisbury that was deeplyrutted with high banks on either side.He kicked up a rock and felt some-thing hit the back of his leg. He neversaw a snake or heard a snake rattle.There were, however, two puncturewounds that were very painful. Mr.Hailey met another person on the trailwho had an extractor kit (that suctionsout the venom) and the kit was appliedto his wound. He was subsequentlytaken to Sharon Hospital and flown toHartford Hospital. He was not treatedwith antivenin (an agent that neutral-izes the venom) and was released thatnight. Sam reports that when he metMr. Hailey three days later, there was

What’s All the Rattle About Rattlesnakes?

no swelling or discoloration aroundthe wound and Mr. Hailey indicatedthat he did not get sick from the bite.During his hike from Georgia toConnecticut, Mr. Hailey had seenabout a dozen rattlesnakes but none inConnecticut, and he planned tocontinue his hike to Maine.

Rattlesnake AdviceHank Gruner, of the Science Center of

Connecticut, was consulted for informa-tion on rattlesnakes and the effective-ness of using “extractors.”

According to Hank, a bite by anyvenomous snake, including the timberrattlesnake, should be treated as aserious medical emergency. Because oftheir size and venom yield, timberrattlesnakes are capable of delivering afatal bite in humans. However, becauseantivenin is highly effective at treatingbites and is readily available in hospitalsthroughout the eastern United States,fatalities are almost nonexistent. Thereare several factors that will determine theseverity of a particular bite, including theamount of venom injected by the snake(dry bites where little or no venom isinjected occur in an estimated 25-30% ofbites), the location of the bite on thebody, whether the bite occurred on bareskin or through clothing, and the age andoverall health of the victim. The toppriority in any case of venomoussnakebite is to get the victim to ahospital for observation and treatment.

Although timber rattlesnakes may beencountered along the AT in easternNew York, northwestern Connecticut,and the Berkshires of Massachusettsfrom mid-May through September, thechances of being bitten by a rattlesnakeare extremely remote. Of the six confirmedrattlesnake bites in Connecticut datingfrom the 1950s to the present, only onedid not involve the individual attemptingto handle the snake (this most recentbite). Of these six bites, only two haveoccurred along the AT. Timber rattle-snakes are large and difficult to miss ifthey are on the immediate trail. Their non-aggressive disposition also makes itunlikely that an unseen rattlesnakecoiled near the trail or in the forestwill strike unless seriously provoked.

When hiking in “rattlesnake areas,”you should do the following:

� Be observant. Watch where youplace your feet and hands, espe-cially in areas along rock outcropsand where there is thick growth oflowbush huckleberry. Do not placeyour feet immediately next to orreach under large slabs of rock withopen spaces underneath.

� Learn to identify a timber rattle-snake.

� Do not, under any circumstances,attempt to kill or handle a rattle-snake. This is when mistakes occurand most bites take place. If yousee a rattlesnake, enjoy this“wilderness observation” and letthe snake be.

� Be respectful. If a timber rattle-snake is encountered, back awayslowly. Snake vision is designed todetect motion and sudden, fastmovement may alert the snake. Timberrattlesnakes do not strike withoutprovocation.

An “extractor” for treating venomoussnakebites is a device with a plunger thatis placed over the bite. The plungercreates suction to remove venom fromthe bite area. Upon injection by thefangs, venom is rapidly absorbed into thetissue in the vicinity of the bite. There isdebate concerning the effectiveness ofapplying an extractor device following avenomous snakebite to remove venomfrom the wound. However, under nocircumstances, should any incision bemade at the bite or any other area!

Several case histories and studiesdemonstrate the difficulty of assessingthe effectiveness of using extractors.These cases indicate that severe enveno-mation and tissue damage can occurdespite the use of an extractor. Also, thelocation of the bite on the body can limitthe ability to form a snug seal with theextractor, and the use of extractors mayincrease the incidence of pools of bloodat the bite location. However, severalmedical websites note that extractors maybe useful if applied rapidly.

Questions RemainWhile we can never get a definitive

story, since the snake or whatevercaused Mr. Hailey’s wounds was neverseen and identified, several other

Written by Julie Victoria, Wildlife Diversity Program



The DEP’s Sessions WoodsWildlife Management Area (WMA)in Burlington grew by 311 acres inJuly when property purchased for$475,000 from the New BritainWater Department was added to the455-acre area. Funds were providedthrough the Recreation and NaturalHeritage Trust Program.

In 2001, the DEP reviewed theproperty for potential acquisition.An offer was made to purchase theproperty in June 2003 and wasaccepted by the New Britain WaterDepartment. The property is part ofa 3,393-acre watershed (WhigvilleReservoir System), which is anintegral part of the public watersupply system. It consists of Class 1and Class 2 watersheds. Class 1 isessential for water supply protec-tion, while Class 2 is not essentialfor source protection, but providesadditional buffers and protectionfor Class 1 land. Potential use of theproperty is restricted to any type ofpassive recreation that will nothave an adverse effect on thepublic water supply. The types ofrecreational activities that will bepermitted on the new acquisition willbe determined by the DEP in the nearfuture and will require Department ofPublic Health approval.

The new addition to SessionsWoods is a contiguous block boundedby Milford Street (Route 69) inBurlington on the north and east, EastChippen Hill Road on the west and theexisting wildlife management area onthe south. The extensive roadsidefrontage includes 4,500 feet on thewest side of Route 69 and 5,850 feeton the south and east sides of EastChippen Hill Road. The habitat isprimarily forested, with approximately20 percent wetlands, including feederstreams to Negro Hill Brook, whichflows through the Sessions property.An added highlight is the blue-blazedhiking trail, which is part of the TunxisTrail System, that traverses throughthe new property and into SessionsWoods WMA.

Sessions Woods is the site of theDEP Wildlife Division’s ConservationEducation Center. Facilities include aneducation center with an exhibit areaand a large meeting room, as well asinterpretive trails, habitat management

Sessions Woods WMA Grows by 311 Acres

demonstrations, and a backyard wildlifearea. Local residents, as well as visitorsfrom around the state and country, cometo Sessions Woods year round to hikethe several miles of trails, attend educa-tional programs, and view exhibits.Bowhunting and waterfowl hunting areallowed by permit only during regulatedseasons. With the addition of more than300 acres, there will be an opportunity toexpand the recreational and educationalbenefits of Sessions Woods.

Visitors are reminded to observethe following rules to ensure a safeand enjoyable visit:� Trails open at sunrise and close at

sunset.� Dogs must be on a leash at all

times.� Carry out what you carry in.� Motorized vehicles, horses, and

horseback riding are prohibited.Mountain biking is restricted tograveled trails.

� Bowhunting and waterfowl huntingare by permit only.

� Fires and unauthorized camping arenot allowed. Youth group campingat a designated area on the propertyis available by permit.

� Collecting of plants and wildlife orfeeding of wildlife are prohibited.

Sessions Woods is fortunate to havethe assistance of an active all-volunteerorganization known as the Friends ofSessions Woods. This nonprofitorganization has been in existence since1998 and has supported projects andprograms to enhance the value ofSessions Woods. The Friends organiza-tion sponsors activities, such as naturewalks, bird house workshops, andvarious hands-on activities, throughoutthe year. It has also raised money andreceived grants to help purchaseeducational materials for visitors andwildlife mounts for exhibits in theconservation education center.

For more information on the SessionsWoods Wildlife Management Area andConservation Education Center, as wellas the Friends of Sessions Woods,contact the DEP Wildlife Division atP.O. Box 1550, Burlington, CT 06013,call (860) 675-8130, Monday throughFriday, from 8:30 AM-4:30 PM, orvisit the DEP’s website atwww.dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/wildlife/geninfo/sessions.htm.

Wildlife viewing has become a popular activity at Sessions Woods Wildlife ManagementArea in Burlington. Observers may catch a glimpse of various bird species, like the yellowwarbler.

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Peeps - The Smallest SandpipersWritten by Paul Fusco, Wildlife Outreach Unit

Members of the shorebird family aresome of the most difficult birds toidentify. Over 30 species can be foundin Connecticut and many are verysimilar in appearance. Among themost difficult are the five regularlyoccurring sandpipers, known as“peeps,” which are the smallestmembers of the shorebird family. Eachof these species has brownish plumageabove and white on the underside.They have varying amounts ofstreaking on the breast and/or flanks(lower sides). The bill structures arebasically the same, but with subtle anddistinguishing differences. All areabout the size of a sparrow, and all usethe same wetland and mudflat habitats.If this isn’t confusing enough, thesebirds can be seen in a variety ofplumages in the state as they migratesouth in late summer and fall, makingidentification even more difficult.

These peep sandpipers do not breedin Connecticut and are only found hereduring migration. One, the Baird’ssandpiper, is only found in the state onits southbound trip in late summer orearly fall. In fact, late summer migration is when the biggestnumbers of peep sandpipers are found in the state. Largeflocks, made up mostly of semi-palmated sandpipers, can beseen gathering at certain shoreline locations, waiting for theright conditions of wind and tide before heading to the nextstop in a journey that will take them to South America.

During spring migration, many shorebirds take the mostdirect route from South American wintering areas to their Arcticand subarctic breeding grounds by shooting straight up theGreat Plains. Most of those that move up the east coast moveinland once they get to the Delaware Bay, thus bypassingConnecticut on their way north. Lesser numbers continue up

the coastline and pass through our state.Beginning in July, fall migrants moving

south pass through Connecticut in largernumbers than we see in spring. Adults arethe first to arrive, some of them stillsporting their breeding attire, while othersare in full molt between breeding andwinter plumage. At this time of year, mostadults will have worn breeding plumage,frequently showing tattered feather edgesand faded color. The worn feathers aregradually replaced by new winter plumage,so the “in-between” molt can look verymessy. By mid-August, juveniles startarriving in the state and stand in contrastwith their freshly grown feathers and crisp,clean appearance. Their new plumage isbrightly colored with rich brown and rusttones. Making the determination betweenadult or juvenile can be helpful in correctlyidentifying these sandpipers.

Because most shorebird species,especially the “peep” sandpipers, appearsimilar in color and form, using such traitsto identify them can be very difficult.

An overall buffy appearance, long wing tips that extend beyond the tip of the tail, aslightly curved bill, and a strong scaly feather pattern on the back are characteristic of ajuvenile Baird’s sandpiper.

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Semi-palmated sandpipers are common along the Connecticut shoreline in late summer. Atthis time of year, adults have a patchy appearance as they molt into their winter plumage.



Knowing the differences in structural characteristics betweenspecies can make correct identification easier. Physical traits,like bill shape and length and wing length, can be diagnosticwhen an observer knows what to look for. The differing calls ofeach bird may also help in separating them.

Semi-palmated SandpiperSometimes seen in large flocks in Connecticut during late

summer, the semi-palmated sandpiper is our most common

All photos show birds in late summer plumage, when adults are typically molting out of breedingplumage and juveniles have crisp new feathers.

Generally a bit darker than the other small sandpipers, the least sandpiper can be identified by its yellowish legs. Juveniles (left)have neatly patterned plumage with bright rufous coloring on the back, compared to the duller brown and patchy moltingplumage of an adult (right). The bill is slightly downcurved toward the tip.

Western sandpipers are paler in comparison than the other peeps, especially around the head and neck. Note the more distinctive whitisheyebrow stripe. They also have a long, slightly curved bill that has a fine tip. Here, a molting summer adult (left) is compared to a juvenile(right) with fresh plumage. Note the rufous-tipped scapular (shoulder) feathers of the juvenile.

A juvenile semi-palmated sandpiper shows a beautiful, freshfeather pattern. A close look at the bill reveals it to be rathershort and stout, with a blunt tip.

White-rumped sandpipers (adult shown) are grayish overall, withheavy streaking that extends into the flanks. Note the long wing tipsthat extend beyond the tip of the tail.

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White-tailed Deer SeasonConnecticut’s deer population is

healthy and harvest rates are expectedto be high during the 2004 deerhunting season. The size of the deerherd, the abundance of acorns, andweather conditions during the huntingseason are variables that will influencehunter success. For example,snowcover late during the shotgun andmuzzleloader seasons increased the2003 harvest rates.

Since 1995, a replacementantlerless tag system has been used toincrease the harvest of antlerless deerin specific areas of the state wheredeer populations are growing. Duringthe 2004 season, hunters who harvestan antlerless deer on private land andhave permission to hunt on privateland in deer management zones 11 and12 (see the 2004 Connecticut Huntingand Trapping Guide) will be eligible toobtain a free replacement antlerlesstag. In 2004, replacement tags will beavailable for use during the shotgun/rifle, archery, and muzzleloaderhunting seasons. A limited number ofreplacement antlerless tags will beavailable at designated vendor

locations on a first-come, first-servebasis. Bowhunters who harvest a deerare still required to submit a kill reportcard at the vendor location where thereplacement tag is obtained. Thereplacement tag program has resultedin an increased harvest of female deerin southwestern Connecticut and inmany Connecticut shoreline towns.

Hunters are reminded thatbowhunting is permitted during theshotgun/rifle hunting season only indesignated deer bowhunting areas andon private land in deer managementzones 11 and 12 only. On private land inzones 11 and 12, bowhunters can alsohunt deer during January.

2004 will be the sixth consecutiveyear that the antlerless only deer tagon private land shotgun/rifle andmuzzleloader permits will NOT bevalid in deer management zone 4A.Antlerless tags will be valid in deermanagement zone 4B.

To increase deer harvest rates in highdeer density areas, hunting with the useof bait was allowed in 2003 on privateland in deer management zones 11 and12. This change resulted in a 16.8 percentincrease in harvest in zones 11 and 12,

compared to only a 1.4 percent increasein harvest in the remaining portions ofthe state (zones 1-10). In 2004, huntingwith the use of bait will be allowedduring the archery, shotgun/rifle, andmuzzleloader seasons on private land inzones 11 and 12.

Fall Wild Turkey SeasonThe 2004 fall turkey season

harvest should exceed last year’sbecause this past spring was relativelywarm with no extended periods ofrain, resulting in limited mortality onnesting hens and good poult survival.Connecticut’s wild turkey populationcontinues to remain healthy through-out the state.

This fall, turkey hunters shouldconcentrate their efforts on oak ridges,cut cornfields, and forest openings.Each of these areas contains a foodsource that turkeys will use during fall.Hunters should scout several locations,prior to the seasons, to find scratchings,feathers, and droppings to determinewhether turkeys are present. By scoutingseveral locations, hunters can maximizetheir efforts and minimize hunter interfer-ence.

The fall bowhunting and firearmsseasons will be open statewide andstart on September 15 and October 16,respectively. During the bowhuntingseason, the bag limit is two birds ofeither-sex taken on either state orprivate land. During the firearmsseason, the bag limit will be one birdof either-sex on state land or two birds ofeither-sex on private land.

Waterfowl SeasonSeptember Canada Goose Season:

This season will be held in the northzone (portion of the state north ofInterstate 95) from September 1-3 andfrom September 7-30, 2004. The southzone (portion of the state south ofInterstate 95) season will run fromSeptember 16-30, 2004. The daily baglimit is eight geese.

The September goose seasonprovides the opportunity to harvestresident Canada geese. The growingresident goose population continues tocause substantial nuisance problems.While the September season helpsaddress a growing management need,hunters should recognize that somecitizens are not aware of the early season.

Prepare for the 2004-2005 Hunting Season

Connecticut’s deer population is healthy and harvest rates are expected to be high during the2004 deer hunting season.

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The DEP urges hunters to be judiciousin selecting hunting sites and to berespectful to others who will be outdoorsduring this season.

Ducks, Mergansers and Coots:There are a few changes in the duckseason frameworks this year. As in 2003-2004, a 30-day season for canvasbackswill be offered. The daily bag limit forcanvasbacks will be one, and the seasonwill run from December 6, 2004, throughJanuary 8, 2005, in the north zone andfrom December 20, 2004, through January22, 2005, in the south zone. Black duckpopulations continue to show stability,and one black duck will be allowedduring the early season in both zones.One major change is a reduction in thedaily bag of sea ducks from seven to five.The daily bag limit for long-tailed(oldsquaw) ducks is reduced from sevento four. Declining numbers of winteringsea ducks and increased huntingpressure on these long-lived specieswarrants more conservative regulations.

Specific details on waterfowl seasondates and bag limits can be found in the2004-2005 Migratory Bird HuntingGuide available at DEP offices, townclerks’ offices and the DEP website,(www.dep.state.ct.us.)

Regular and Late Canada GooseSeasons: As was the case in 2003-2004,the North Atlantic Population (NAP)hunt zone for Canada geese is split intotwo zones—the NAP L-Unit, and theNAP H-Unit—based on differences inthe proportion of resident to migrantgeese between the two areas. Thesezones were created to exert moreharvest pressure on resident geese inareas (primarily southwestern Con-necticut) where there have beenpersistent nuisance problems. Theseasons for these two units are identi-cal to last year: a 70-day season with athree-bird daily bag limit in the NAP-Lunit and a 60-day season with a two-bird daily bag limit in the NAP-H unit.

The Atlantic Population (AP) ofCanada geese continues to recover.Breeding pair estimates were 174,000,above last year’s estimate. Productionin 2004 looks like it could be low, but agood fall flight of AP breeding geese isforecast. The season will be 45 days, witha three-bird bag limit.

Sportsmen will also have theopportunity to harvest resident Canadageese during the special late season (inthe south zone only) from January 15

through February 15, 2005. No specialpermit is required for this season.

Specific details on the Canadagoose season dates and bag limits canbe found in the 2004-2005 MigratoryBird Hunting Guide.

Hunters are reminded to please reportwaterfowl bands. Band returns providevital information for the continuedmanagement of the waterfowl resource.Additionally, the Wildlife Division hasbegun a four-year resident Canada goosestudy. Anyone observing yellow neckcollars on geese is urged to call 860-642-7239 with the location and individualcollar code information (see page 7 formore information).

More Pheasants to Be Stockedthis Year

Opening day for most small gamehunting will be Saturday, October 16.The DEP will purchase 20,770 adultpheasants for the upcoming fallseason, an increase of 3,145 birdsfrom the previous year’s purchase.Most stocking areas will receiveallotment increases of approximately 18percent. In addition to adult pheasants,1,050 eight-week-old pheasants werepurchased and delivered to Norwich Fishand Game and Sprague Rod and GunClubs for eventual release on permit-required hunting areas.

Junior Hunter Training Days ScheduledRegulations adopted in December 2002 established designated days for youth huntingin Connecticut. On these days, licensed junior hunters may hunt when accompaniedby a licensed adult hunter 18 years of age or older. The adult mentor may not carry afirearm. These training days provide junior hunters with an opportunity to learn safeand effective hunting practices from experienced hunters.

Pheasant - Saturday, October 9, 2004Private Lands Only: Licensed junior hunters must have valid pheasantharvest tags. Harvest tags must be used except when hunting as membersof a registered private hunting club with a pheasant tagging exemption.

Waterfowl - Saturday, October 9 and Monday, October 11, 2004Participants must be 15 years of age or younger, possess a valid small game juniorhunting license and a HIP permit and be accompanied by an adult at least 18 years ofage. Adults must possess a valid hunting license; however, they are not allowed tocarry a firearm. Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots may be hunted. Bag limits andshooting hours are the same as for the regular duck and goose hunting seasons.

Deer - Saturday, November 13, 2004Private Land: The licensed junior hunter must have a valid private land shotgun/rifledeer permit and written consent from landowner. Adult mentor must have a deerpermit and written consent from the landowner. Harvested deer must be brought to adeer check station.

State Land: The licensed junior hunter must have a state land shotgun deer permitfor the specific area being hunted. Adult mentor must have a valid deer permit.Harvested deer must be brought to a deer check station.

The Pheasant Program budgetcontinues to be determined by the netrevenue collected in the previous year.An increase in the pheasant tag andlicense fees in 2003 resulted in more than$30,000 of additional revenue collectedfrom pheasant hunters, which will beused to directly support the stockingprogram.

A total of 55 areas will be stockedduring the 2004 fall season. Stockingwill be restored on five of the 20 areaswhich were discontinued in 2003. Anumber of lower quality/lower publicuse areas will not be stocked in aneffort to address continuing laborshortages and to increase allocationsfor the better quality sites. Areas willbe stocked two to three times per weekfor the duration of the seven-weekdistribution period. Pheasants will benearly evenly distributed, with one-half of the allocations released inOctober and one-half during Novem-ber. All stocking will conclude byThanksgiving Day.

In an effort to provide opportuni-ties for the weekend hunter, the DEPwill continue to use volunteers forFriday evening releases and thestocking of selected areas on variableSaturday mornings. Cooperativesportsmen’s clubs that provide public



Hawk Watching!On a clear, crisp fall day, look to the sky for a phenomenon notknown to most people--the annual fall hawk migration!

How Do Hawks Hit the Road?It takes a lot of energy to fly hundreds of mileseach fall. But, if you “ride” the thermals, it’seasier! Warm air rises, creating “thermal”winds. Hawks ride the thermals by letting aircurrents bring them up into the sky. Then, thehawks can glide down and head forward.Usually, very little wing flapping is needed andthe hawks save energy.

Here’s to Hawks!Which hawk....... is called the “fish hawk?”...is common almost coast to coast in the United States?...loves to eat grasshoppers and other insects?

Answers on page 19

Hints to HawksThere are several different types ofhawks in Connecticut. The shapeof their wings and tails tells themapart. Buteos have long, widewings and fan-shaped tails.Accipiters have short wings andlong tails. Ospreys have long,narrow wings, which make an“M” shape when soaring. Falconsare related to hawks and havenarrow, pointed wings and longtails.

Hawk WatchingHot Spots!� Lighthouse Point in

New Haven� Quaker Ridge in

Greenwich

Want to Learn More?A great book called, “Raptor! A Kid’sGuide to Birds of Prey,” by Christyna andRene Laubach and Charles W. G. Smith,will tell you a whole lot more about hawks!

Hawks can be identified by the shape of their bodies, wings, andtail. The long tail and rounded wings of this sharp-shinned hawkhelp to identify it.

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The Wildlife ObserverDo you have an interestingwildlife observation to report tothe Wildlife Division?Please send it (and any photos) to:

Wildlife ObservationsDEP - Wildlife DivisionP.O. Box 1550Burlington, CT 06013

Email: [email protected]

(submitted photos will be returned at yourrequest)

Bear Caught in the ActPhotographs sent in by reader Paul Wickersham, from Weatogue, remind us how

important it is to “bear proof” if you want to avoid having your bird feeders destroyed by ablack bear.

This black bear visited Paul’s backyard during theafternoon in late July 2004. After the bear finished the birdseed, it took an hour long nap in the backyard.

Paul did what the Wildlife Division suggests all birdfeeding enthusiasts should do, take down the bird feeders.The bear has not been seen since Paul removed the feeders.Bird feeders can be put back up in the fall, but removed byspring to avoid attracting hungry bears as they come out oftheir winter sleep. To learn more about how to “bear proof,”check out the DEP’s website (www.dep.state.ct.us) orrequest a bear fact sheet and tip cards from the SessionsWoods office. The Division encourages anyone whoobserves a black bear to report the sighting on the DEPwebsite or call the Wildlife Division’s Sessions Woods officeat (860) 675-8130.

The DEP Wildlife Division tracked sixpairs of peregrine falcons in 2004. Onepair was territorial but did not nest andfive pairs were active. Of the five activepairs, three pairs lost their eggs or chicksearly, either due to predation or naturalcauses. The two pairs that had success-ful nests each produced and fledgedthree young for a total of six.

The Falconcam located on theTravelers Tower in Hartford was turnedon again in conjunction with the ScienceCenter of Connecticut. Amelia laid twoeggs but was never able to hatch them.During the incubation period, which isdone mostly by the adult female, the malebrings food to her several times a day orrelieves her and takes a turn on the eggswhile she hunts. While the problem wasnever clearly answered, it is speculatedthat Amelia either wasn’t fed by the male

Six Peregrine Falcon Chicks Fledge

or relieved from incubation and had toleave the eggs to feed herself.

The Wildlife Division attempted toband the six chicks from the successfulnests, but three were old enough onbanding day that they flew away beforethey could be banded. Aluminum bandswere attached to each leg of the otherthree chicks -- one of the bands wasblack and green and can easily be readwith a spotting scope. Banding providesa way for wildlife managers to tracemovements of individual falcons,estimate population changes, anddetermine lifespans.

All of the active peregrine nests inthe state are on private property. TheWildlife Division doesn’t disclose theexact locations of the nests to protect thefalcons from disturbance and out ofrespect for the landowners who do not

Written by Julie Victoria, Wildlife Diversity Program

want trespassers on their land. Theactive nests are in Hartford, Middlesex,New Haven, and Fairfield Counties.

The DEP Wildlife Division would liketo thank the volunteers that helped withthe time-consuming task of peregrinefalcon monitoring: Mary Baier, DEPConservation Officer Bill Meyers, SteveBroker, Tom Nurse, and Mona Ayer.

A Sad NoteOn a sad note, the adult male at the

active nest in New Haven County waspicked up with a broken wing and takento the Shakespeare Veterinary Hospital inStratford. The veterinarians pinned thewing but the bird later died of shock. Inthe future, it is hoped that this specimencan be preserved and used for educa-tional purposes at the Sessions WoodsConservation Education Center.

Wildlife Holiday Gift Workshop to be held at the Sessions Woods Conservation EducationCenter on November 6. Make a bird feeder or nest box for holiday giving and learn aboutfeeding birds. See the Wildlife Calendar on page 19 for more information.


Sandpipers,continued from page 11

“peep.” Big flocks can be seen gathering on offshoresandbars and sand spits when the tide nears high. The mostdistinguishing trait is a straight, stout bill of variablelength, which is blunt at the tip. In comparison, the closely-related western sandpiper has a longer, tapered bill with adrooped and more finely pointed tip.

Semi-palmated sandpipers are grayer overall than least orwestern sandpipers. Streaking is absent or minimal on theflanks and in the center of the breast. In their plain gray winterplumage, semi-palmated and western sandpipers are virtuallyindistinguishable, except by bill characteristics and voice. Thesemi-palmated’s call is a short “chit,” or “churk.”

Western SandpiperThe western sandpiper is abundant in other parts of

North America, but is not commonly found in Connecticut.When here, they are frequently seen in small numbers, usuallymixed into flocks of semi-palmated sandpipers.

The long bill of the western sandpiper is one of the mostapparent field marks. Breeding adults have fine streakingthat reaches across the breast and down the flanks. Insummer, adults may show more rust on the back, crown,and cheek than the semi-palmated. In juvenile plumage, thewestern sandpiper is paler, especially around the head andbreast, than its close relative, the semi-palmated. The pale“eyebrow” stripe is helpful in identification. The call of thewestern sandpiper is a high-pitched “jeet.”

Least SandpiperVery common in Connecticut during migration, the least

sandpiper is the smallest of the group. Its topside plumage isdarker than the other peeps. It has a thin, slightly downcurvedbill, similar to the western sandpiper, but different than thestraight bill of the semi-palmated. It is our only peep withyellowish legs. All of the others have black legs. Juvenile leastsandpipers have bright rufous tones in their plumage and abuffy wash across the breast. The call is high-pitched “kreee.”

White-rumped SandpiperWhite-rumped sandpipers occur regularly in small

numbers in Connecticut, more frequently during fall ratherthan spring migration. Their body structure and size aresimilar to the Baird’s sandpiper, but grayer overall. The breastis heavily streaked, with the streaking extending into theflanks. The namesake white rump is usually visible only whenthe bird is in flight and traveling away from the observer.

Both the white-rumped and Baird’s sandpipers areslightly larger than the other peeps and have long wings,the tips of which extend beyond the tail when the birds arestanding, giving them an elongated appearance. The white-rump’s call is a very thin, high-pitched “jeet,” the tone of whichis unlike the other four peeps.

Baird’s SandpiperA rare bird in Connecticut, the Baird’s sandpiper occurs

in very limited numbers, usually either singly or in smallnumbers in late summer or early fall. The birds that occurin the state are usually juveniles that have strayed from themain migratory path of the interior part of the continent.These juveniles have a distinctive, scaled appearance to the

edges of the back feathers that is a definitive and obviousfield mark. Similar to the white-rumped, the Baird’ssandpiper has a heavily streaked breast. It differs from theformer in that the streaking does not extend into the flanks.The call is a low-pitched “kreeep.”

ConservationEach of the “peep” sandpipers has conservation concerns

with either poorly understood population status or knownpopulation declines. According to the United States ShorebirdConservation Plan, published by the Manomet Center forConservation Sciences, semi-palmated, western, and leastsandpipers are all documented to be in long-term populationdeclines. There is insufficient information on the populations ofwhite-rumped and Baird’s sandpipers to make a determination,although it is thought they are declining as well. The majorfactor in these population declines is loss of habitat, especiallyalong migration paths. Loss of habitat can take many forms,including degradation by encroachment from development andpollution, overuse by humans and pets, as well as the outrightdestruction of wetlands. Additional pressures on sandpiperpopulations include predation, food shortages, and severeweather. Abnormally cold and wet weather can have adevastating impact on breeding efforts, as may havehappened this year. Biologists and birders have reportedextremely low numbers of juvenile shorebirds migratingsouth this year due to a cold and wet breeding seasonthroughout northern Canada which may have resulted in awidespread failure of nesting efforts.

Migration stopover sites, known as staging areas, arecritical to sandpipers, which depend on these locationsalong their migration route for food and rest. When notresting or preening their flight feathers, these birds feedconstantly on small crustaceans, worms, and insects,packing on fat reserves in preparation for the next leg oftheir journey. Each staging area along the path is a link inthe chain that brings them to and from their breeding andwintering areas. Those birds that cannot build up theirenergy reserves have low survival rates.

Connecticut has a number of significant staging areasfor these birds. The Charles E. Wheeler Wildlife Manage-ment Area (WMA)/Milford Point area at the mouth of theHousatonic River in Milford and the Great Island WMA/Griswold Point area at the mouth of the Connecticut Riverin Old Lyme are among the most important stopover areasin the state. Other significant staging areas for sandpipersare the tidal habitats of New Haven Harbor, includingSandy Point in West Haven, and the wetlands in and aroundHammonasset Beach State Park in Madison.

Protection and restoration of wetland habitats is criticalfor the conservation of sandpipers. Many of the habitatmanagement and wetland restoration projects being under-taken by the DEP Wildlife Division will benefit sandpipers, aswell as many other species that depend on wetlands.

Many of the state’s critical shoreline habitats, including WMAs, wereoriginally purchased using funds from the Federal Aid in WildlifeRestoration Program. This money is paid by hunters in the form of afederal excise tax placed on hunting equipment and ammunition.Connecticut’s wildlife management areas are open for use by thegeneral public, including hunters, birders, hikers, photographers,and others.


Ospreys,continued from page 5

Millstone Power Stationproperty. Six of the platformshave had active nests inrecent years, but only fourplatforms were used in 2004.Two of the nests wereaccessible by the bandingteam. After a short hikethrough a marsh, a ladderwas used to reach the firstnest. Mike climbed to thenest and handed down twoyoung ospreys to thosewaiting below. The youngstayed fairly calm while theywere being held. But, with allof the activity going on at thenest, the adult ospreys tookto flying overhead, makingalarm calls to alert thechicks. One of the adultsflying overhead had a fish inits talons and must have justreturned with food for theyoung.

According to Jerry, a bird isold enough to be banded if theband does not slip over the foot. The two young in the firstnest were old enough to be banded and about two weeks

away from flying. Before banding the ospreys, Jerryexamined the crops of the birds. A full crop indicates that

the young are receiving an adequate amount offood from the adults. The nest was also checkedfor food scraps and any dead nestlings orunhatched eggs. Each young osprey was fitted,around the left leg, with a silver, U.S. Fish andWildlife Service band that has a unique,identifying number. After banding, the birdswere returned to the nest and the banding groupmade a quick exit so that the adults couldresume feeding and caring for their young.

The second accessible nesting platform atMillstone was located in a brushy area near a cliffbordering Long Island Sound. The nest at the topof a tall utility pole contained two large ospreychicks, just about ready to fly. This time thebucket truck was needed to reach the nest andGreg used a special hook to move the birds closerto the bucket so that he could grab them and bringthem to the ground.

After all four nests at Millstone were checkedand the young ospreys that could be accessedwere banded, the group headed out to checkseveral other osprey platforms located on bothpublic and private property in Niantic, Waterford,and Stonington. The first platform visited inWaterford was located along a creek on propertyowned by Gail and Jim Hamsher. The Hamsherswere thrilled to have ospreys nesting on theirproperty as they have a keen interest in wildlife.

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Helium Balloons Pose Danger to Ospreys, tooShortly after I wrote an article for the June/July 2004 issue of

Connecticut Wildlife about how dangerous helium balloons are to wildlife, Isaw firsthand how timely that article was. While working on the ospreybanding article for this issue, I accompanied the banding team and saw theitems, both natural and man-made, that end up in osprey nests. Ospreysare notorious for collecting junk (often our trash) to decorate their nests.Jerry, Mike, and Greg (from the banding team) recalled some of the junkthey have found in osprey nests over the years: tiny American flags,ribbon, plastic, paper, rope, mussel shells, fishing line, and popped heliumballoons with the string still attached. Obviously, some of these items aredeadly. Every year, the Wildlife Division receives reports of young ospreysentangled in fishing line or balloon string that was brought to the nest by theadults. Sometimes these birds can be helped, most times they cannot andend up dying.

Of the 11 nests visited in late June with Jerry, Greg, Wildlife Divisionbiologist Julie Victoria, and the others, balloon string was found andremoved from two different nests. Also in June, Julie received a report ofan adult osprey so tangled up in balloon string that it couldn’t fly.Fortunately, before it could be caught, the osprey was able to untangleitself. Upon checking the nest, a large mass of seaweed and a mylarballoon (that said “Good Luck”) was found on the ground underneath.

Helium balloons, discarded fishing line, kite string, and litter all pose ahazard to wildlife. Everyone can make an effort to help wildlife and clean upour natural areas at the same time. DO NOT release heliumballoons…remember, it is against Connecticut state law to release 10 ormore helium balloons. It is good sense to not release any balloons at all!Tangled fishing line and kite string should be disposed of in a coveredtrash receptacle. And, of course, don’t litter! Kathy Herz, Editor

Ospreys usually lay four eggs but, on average, only two young survive to fledging. According toJerry Mersereau, it is unusual to find three young in the nest. He was surprised, but pleased, tofind three nests with three chicks in one day of banding this past June.

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They are involved with the PurpleMartin Society and have participatedin COVERTS training sponsored bythe University of Connecticut Exten-sion Service. This nest became thefirst of three nests checked that daythat had three healthy osprey chicks.Ospreys usually lay four eggs but, onaverage, only two young survive tofledging. According to Jerry, it isunusual to find three young in the nest.He was surprised, but pleased, to findthree nests with three chicks in this oneday of banding.

As the banding group moved alongfrom one nest to the next, it was amazingto see the human interest this activitygenerated. People driving by oneplatform located along a roadwaystopped to ask questions and get aclose look at the birds. Property ownersand their neighbors came out to watchthe banding activity and all seemedeager to have a chance to see, up close,the ospreys that they have beenobserving from afar all nesting season.Several of the property owners gaveGreg permission to erect platforms ontheir property and, over the years, allhave closely watched the adults andtheir young throughout the nesting

questions have been asked repeatedly.Why didn’t the snake rattle and warn thehiker of its presence? Timber rattlesnakesshake their tail in a noisy attempt to scareoff a potential attacker. They usuallyrattle upon detecting an unfamiliarpresence but they can also remain silent,so as to remain undetected. If timberrattlesnakes don’t strike without provo-cation, how did a hiker who didn’t see

one get bit? It is thought that Mr.Hailey was struck by a young snake,which can be quicker to strike if it feelsthreatened. It is also possible that whenMr. Hailey kicked up a rock on thetrail, it was near where the snake wascoiled or that he brushed up against thesnake and didn’t see it.

Sam insists that you can hike the ATin Connecticut and never see a rattle-snake. Rich Viele, a DEP employee whohiked the entire AT several years ago,indicated that he never saw any rattle-

snakes in Connecticut during his hike.In fact, he only saw about six rattle-snakes during the whole trip and theywere in Virginia, Pennsylvania, andNew York.

For more information about timberrattlesnakes or to request a colorbrochure describing the snakes ofConnecticut, [email protected]

Rattlesnakes,continued from page 8

Ospreys,continued from page 17

seasons. Some of the osprey platformswere constructed by youth involvedwith the Denison-Pequotsepos NatureCenter in Mystic. Greg coordinated theproject with the nature center and thelandowners where platforms were erected.

The response of the adult ospreyswas similar at each nest, too. At everynest, the adults circled over, making alarmcalls to the young. Some of the adultseven carried a fish in their talons. At a fewof the nests, the adults were bold enoughto dive-bomb the person reaching into thenest and there were a few close calls.

By the end of the long day, 19ospreys were banded from 11 differentnests. In Jerry’s opinion, it was a verysuccessful day. As it turns out, the

2004 osprey nesting season was one ofthe best. Jerry and his helpers banded134 young ospreys and could havebanded about 20 to 30 more, if thebirds hadn’t been too big and too closeto flying. Last year, Jerry banded 109ospreys and 128 in 2002. The lowernumber of young banded in 2003 wasprobably due to the cold and rainyweather experienced that year, whichresulted in a poor food supply for theospreys. It seems that the betterweather in 2004 helped enhance thesurvival of the young ospreys andresulted in better fishing for the adults.

Now that fall is here and the adultsand their young have migrated southto warmer locales, Jerry and his teamof dedicated volunteers are alreadylooking forward to monitoring ospreyplatforms for another successfulseason. Staff members at the WildlifeDivision know that the recovery ofConnecticut’s osprey population wasmade possible, in part, by the many“helping hands” of the countless anddedicated volunteers who erectplatforms and watch them closely. TheDivision appreciates all of the timeand effort expended by these volunteersand the multitude of others who helpwith other Division projects and pro-grams.

hunting access to permit-requiredhunting areas will continue to stockstate-purchased birds on those areas.The following areas will not bestocked during the upcoming 2004 fallseason:

Eastern District – Assekonk Swamp,Bolton Permit-Required, Mansfield State

Leased (Chaplin section only), TollandState Leased and Wopowog WMA.

Western District – BHC StateLeased, Black Rock Dam, East SwampPermit-Required , Great Swamp FloodControl, Pequonnock Valley Permit-Required, Pootatuck State Forest,Sunnybrook State Park, Whiting RiverFlood Control, Wickwire State Leasedand Wyantenock State Forest.

A complete listing of all majorstocking areas is on the DEP’swebsite. Pheasant tags ($14 for 10tags) can be purchased at town hallsor at DEP’s License and Revenueoffice, at 79 Elm Street, in Hartford.

Hunting Season,continued from page 13

Jerry and his helpersbanded 134 young ospreysin 2004 compared to 109in 2003. Better weather in2004 helped enhance thesurvival of the youngospreys and resulted inbetter fishing for the adults.


Subscription Order

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1 Year ($6.00) 2 Years ($11.00) 3 Years ($16.00)

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Please make checks payable to:Connecticut Wildlife, P.O. Box 1550, Burlington, CT 06013Check one: Check one:

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Gift card to read:

Sept. ....................... 2004 pheasant tags available from town clerks’ offices ($14 for 10 tags).

............................... Report use of bluebird nest boxes by sending a Bluebird Nest Box Network survey card to the DEP Wildlife Division. Cardsare available by calling (860) 675-8130.

............................... Report use of bat houses to the Wildlife Division. Call (860) 675-8130 for more information.

Sept. 15-Nov. 16 ... First portion of archery deer and turkey hunting seasons.

Oct. 16 ................... Tree Identification Workshop, starting at 1:30 PM, at the Sessions Woods Conservation Education Center in Burlington.Join DEP Forester David Irvin on a walk to identify Connecticut’s native trees. Dave will offer a few of a forester’s littlesecrets and pointers in this hands-on workshop and participants will take a leisurely walk during fall foliage season atSessions Woods. The total hike is less than two miles. Wear appropriate footwear for the woods and come dressed for theweather. Call the Sessions Woods office at (860) 675-8130 to preregister.

Nov. 6 .................... Wildlife Holiday Gift Workshop, from 1:00-3:00 PM, at the Sessions Woods Conservation Education Center in Burlington.Make a bird feeder or nest box for holiday giving. Buy an outdoors-themed book from the Friends of Sessions WoodsBookstore. Learn about feeding birds through mini-presentations at 1:30 and 2:30 PM. Several activities forupcoming holidays are planned. Call the Sessions Woodsoffice at (860) 675-8130 to preregister.

Wildlife Calendar Reminders

QUIZ ANSWER

Osprey, red-tailed hawk, American kestrel

and show your support bydisplaying a wildlife licenseplate on your vehicle.

There are twogreat designs tochoose from: thestate-endangeredbald eagle or thesecretive bobcat.Funds raised fromsales and renewalsof the plates will beused for wildliferesearch andmanagement projects;the acquisition,restoration, enhancement,and management of wildlife habitat; and publicoutreach that promotes the conservation ofConnecticut’s wildlife diversity.Application forms are available at DEP andDepartment of Motor Vehicle offices andonline at www.ct.gov/dmv.

Step Up to the Platefor Wildlife...

The DEP Wildlife Division will be offering its fifth Master WildlifeConservationist Program series in February 2005. The program isdesigned to professionally train adult volunteers in the field ofwildlife conservation and education. Participants receive 40 hoursof classroom and field training by DEP professionals and learnabout wildlife conservation, management, ecology, Connecticut-specific wildlife issues, and interpretation. After completing thetraining, volunteers commit to 40 hours of service in the next yearfor the Wildlife Division and other environmental organizations.To maintain certification, volunteers also commit to 20 hours ofservice in subsequent years.Master Wildlife Conservationists can lead wildlife interpretivewalks for the public, present programs at local libraries, conductpresentations at schools, enhance habitat for wildlife, and assistbiologists with research.The training is primarily held in Burlington, Connecticut, at theWildlife Division’s Sessions Woods Conservation EducationCenter. Usually, classes meet during the evening but there arethree all-day sessions, held either on Fridays or Saturdays.Applications will be mailed to interested individuals in Novemberwith a return date of mid-December.For more information, contact Laura Rogers-Castro at the WildlifeDivision at 860-675-8130 or [email protected].

Interested in Becoming a MasterWildlife Conservationist?

20 Connecticut Wildlife September / October 2004PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER

Bureau of Natural Resources / Wildlife DivisionConnecticut Department of Environmental Protection79 Elm StreetHartford, CT 06106-5127

STANDARDPRESORT

U.S. POSTAGEPAID

BRISTOL, CTPERMIT NO. 6

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A flock of semi-palmated sandpipers rises from an offshore sandbar along the Connecticut coast. Offshore sandbars and sand spitsare important habitats for migrating shorebirds which depend on these areas for food and rest.

published by the connecticut department … / october 2004 connecticut wildlife 1 published by the...

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