Code

CCBTR-23-01

Publication Date

2023

Abstract

The rufa subspecies of the red knot (Calidris canutus) has declined precipitously over the past four decades from an estimated population of 100,000-150,000 individuals to possibly fewer than 30,000. The rufa population undertakes extreme migrations with annual movement distances that range up to 30,000 km and one component of their complex annual cycle is a final refueling event in May before leaving on their ultimate flight to breeding grounds in the high. Major spring staging areas for red knots have been identified along the mid-Atlantic (DE Bay through Delmarva Peninsula) and south Atlantic (SC through north FL) coast. Although a great deal of work with spring migrants has been conducted within DE Bay, we know much less about the importance of staging areas south of this area. Over the past two years, numbers of knots using DE Bay have dropped unexpectedly raising questions about possible short-stopping of birds within southerly staging sites. The Center for Conservation Biology conducted an aerial survey along the outter coast from Cape Henlopen, DE to Little River Inlet, NC as part of a more comprehensive monitoring program that includes the portion of the Atlantic Coast that supports staging knots. The survey was conducted on 18 and 19 May, 2022 and 8,298 red knots were detected in 162 flocks. This included 18 birds in 1 flocks in DE, 67 birds in 4 flocks in MD, 3,595 birds in 32 flocks in Virginia and 4,618 birds in 125 flocks in NC.

Topic

Abund/Distr, Migration

Species

Red Knot

Source

Center for Conservation Biology Technical Report Series, CCBTR-23-01

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