I monitored the roosting preferences of 53 Red Knots (Calidris canutus rufa) during their
northbound migratory stopover in Delaware Bay in 2008 and 2009. The goal was to locate
the high tide daytime and nighttime roosts as well as to determine the habitat characteristics
that create suitable roost sites. Radio-tracking data were used in collaboration with aerial
photos to map and locate high tide roost sites. Habitat surveys were used to determine
environmental characteristics that correlated with roost site use. Birds preferred shoreline
habitat during the day, but preferred inland habitat at night. Birds’ preference for inland roost
sites increased significantly at spring tides. The results of this study can inform local resource
managers about the restoration and conservation of roost sites in Delaware Bay for
shorebirds.Master of ScienceNatural Resources and EnvironmentUniversity of Michiganhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/78411/1/MS_Thesis-Kathryn Zimmerman-Dec2010.pd