Date: Tue, 29 Feb 2000 17:14:27 -0500 Reply-To: Maryland Birds & Birding Sender: Maryland Birds & Birding From: "Hoffman, Mark" Subject: Ruffed Grouse in Southern Maryland MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Regarding the discussion on grouse in southern MD, the following might be of interest . It is unlikely any of these birds are still alive, but you never know ... ------------------------------------- Mark L. Hoffman Assistant Director Wildlife and Heritage Divsion 580 Taylor Ave., E-1 Annapolis, MD 21401 Phone: 410-260-8449 Fax: 410-260-8595 Email: mhoffman@dnr.state.md.us P.S. Re. the quail-like birds spotted recently in the same region, big brother is watching :) Photo from DNR archives circa. 10,000 BC. REINTRODUCTION OF RUFFED GROUSE INTO SOUTHERN MARYLAND'S COASTAL PLAIN FINAL REPORT INTRODUCTION The Maryland Wildlife & Heritage Division (WHD) initiated a grouse relocation effort in 1990. Historical records indicated that ruffed grouse were present in Maryland's Coastal Plain Province during settlement times. However, grouse populations have been absent from these areas for probably 100 years. It was felt that suitable habitat for grouse existed in southern Maryland, primarily Charles County. Two release sites were identified in Charles County, both near the Zekiah Swamp. It was determined that at least 65 grouse should be released at each site to maximize the potential for success. Releases were to occur over a two year period, beginning in 1990. METHODOLOGY Ruffed grouse were trapped from various locations in western Maryland and western Pennsylvania. Clover leaf funnel traps were placed in suitable grouse habitat during September and October of 1990 and 1991. A supplemental release was conducted in 1994. Release sites were monitored for grouse drumming activity, brood production and tracks in subsequent years. Formal surveys were conducted by agency staff, and incidental observations by landowners and others were recorded. RESULTS A total of 120 grouse were released on two release sites near the Zekiah Swamp in Charles County (58 in 1990 and 62 in 1991). Post release monitoring of these sites indicated that drumming activity occurred on both releases. Brood activity was found on one of the two release areas. It was determined that a supplemental release would be conducted in 1994 at the release area where brood activity was noted. A total of 73 grouse were released on this site in 1994. Monitoring of this area since that date indicate that grouse population are minimally established. Drumming grouse have been heard, but no broods have been observed. Reports of grouse from areas adjacent to the release areas have been nonexistent. It appears that grouse population did not become established at one release site. No evidence of drumming or broods has been recorded since 1994. Grouse have been present at the other release site, but surveys indicate that grouse numbers are minimal. Drumming activity has been noted during spring drumming season, but no broods have been reported since 1995. CONCLUSION Monitoring of these releases has not identified substantial grouse activity. Drumming grouse have been heard on occasion, but reproductive success has not been confirmed for several years. An occasional unbanded grouse has been recovered from the area, but observations have been extremely rare. Grouse activity has not been noted at one of two release sites. Minimal grouse activity has been recorded at a second site, despite a supplemental release three years after the initial release. It appears that the reintroduction of ruffed grouse into Maryland's Coastal Plain has failed. ======================================================================= To leave the MDOsprey list, send e-mail to listserv@home.ease.lsoft.com with the following message in line 1: signoff mdosprey ======================================================================= =========================================================================