The Distribution, Abundance, and Diversity of Birds on Edgewood Arsenal's Chemical Agent Test Area
Abstract
Populations of songbirds and gamebirds were studied from January 1970 to July 1971 on Edgewood Arsenal's outdoor test area for chemical agents. Special emphasis was placed on censuses during the breeding seasons. During the study period, 178 species of birds were identified on the test area. During the 1970 and 1971 breeding seasons, more singing (nesting) males were counted at stations adjacent to agent test facilities than at stations remote from the area. The pheasant population increased significantly from 1970 to 1971, and densities were higher in potentially contaminated areas. A woodlot directly downwind from agent test grid 1 had the same density of nesting birds as a woodlot upwind from the grid. Diversity indices were calculated for populations of birds in test areas versus control areas. Indices were similar for both areas except during winter months when diversity was much lower in test areas; this was probably a result of habitat differences. An annotated species list and graphs depicting seasonal abundance and occurrence of the 178 species of birds are included.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1972
- Accession Number
- AD0744434
Entities
People
- James E. Roelle
- Roy S. Slack