Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Society
1324 Sandbridge Road ∙ Virginia Beach, VA ∙ 23456
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Society Newsletter
Issue 2, December 2020
In compliance with Refuge COVID-19 restrictions, the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge closed the Visitor Contact Station and restricted volunteer activities. While this has put a damper on some projects, the Society Board of Directors and Refuge staff continue to meet virtually. We anticipate meeting in person and forming project teams inclusive of volunteers as conditions improve. Considering COVID-19 group restrictions, the Board of Directors decided to cancel the annual meeting proposed for early 2021.
As a reminder, to minimize disturbance of wintering waterfowl the Refuge east and west impoundment dike trails are closed south of the waterfowl observation shelter between November 1 and March 31. Access remains available on trails near the Visitor Contact Station, along the beach, and in Back Bay waters.
Projects
Pollinator Garden
The Refuge staff and Society team have identified several areas around the Visitor Center that would benefit from establishing pollinator gardens. A Pollinator Garden project will not only provide an aesthetic benefit to the Visitor Contact Center, but beneficial plants will be incorporated to support pollinators and educate the public of the symbiotic relationship between plants and animals. The project goal is to plant and maintain three primary garden zones, which will be developed in phases over the next two years. Development of the project will henge upon available resources and the COVID restrictions.
With the aid of volunteers (COVID restrictions permitting), phase 1 of the Pollinator Garden is slated for planting, within modified beds adjacent to the Visitor Center west and north sides. The removal of some gallberry bushes will be followed with soil amendments, and populated with native and diverse plants including: grasses, bulbs, plugs, seeds, and flowering species that bloom throughout the season. This layering of native habitat will add visual dimension and support butterflies, bees, ladybugs, crickets, praying mantises, grasshoppers, aphids, and assorted beetles. Such a diverse habitat will draw spiders, turtles, frogs, and birds to eat the insects.
The Pollinator Garden project will depend on seasonal planting and volunteerism throughout the year. Weed, cut back, and seed harvesting will be required to ensure a managed, and sustained environment for the pollinators and also provide enjoyment for visitors.
Phase 1 is budgeted at $2,200, which covers plants, seeds, and 8” of soil amenities such as seed starting mix, compost, and top soil. Many thanks to Master Gardner, Marjorie Thompson for managing this project and providing photo.
Osprey Nest Platforms
The Osprey Nesting Platform Program continues to build on its accomplishments of last winter when two new platforms were erected and two existing platforms repaired. This Fall the Program Manager, Charlie Ellin surveyed Back Bay, mapped locations of the few remaining old platforms and identified locations for 4 new platforms. Three of the new platform locations are visible from the West Dike Trail and located in sections of the marsh with native vegetation.
The Society had optimistically planned to complete these new installations in the Fall of 2020, in time for the 2021 osprey nesting season; nest boxes fabricated, and poles, mounting hardware, and a jet pump were sourced. The Refuge continues to operate under Fish and Wildlife Service mandated COVID-19 restrictions regarding volunteer activities. These restrictions specifically exclude the close contact required to erect the awkward and heavy (approximately 160 pound) nesting platform structures from a boat. While we are hopeful the restrictions will be eased soon, this phase of the program is on a temporary ‘pause’. In the mean time we continue to explore funding sources to support this next phase estimated at $895 and program enhancements such as use of the Osprey Watch website http://www.osprey-watch.org/ to track and document nesting activity, and placement of interpretive signage at nesting platform observation sites. Stay tuned, your comments and suggestions are welcomed, and volunteer opportunities will soon abound!
What You Can Do
It’s understandable that vegetation plays such a beneficial role in reducing Non-Point Source (NPS) pollution by buffering urban, suburban, and agriculture run off into Back Bay and other waterways. Trees absorb large quantities of water through their roots and transport that water via foliage, where it evaporates into the atmosphere. This evapotranspiration (ET) reduces runoff carrying capacity of excess nitrogen, fecal matter, sediment, and chemicals that diminish water quality. ET is particularly beneficial in the Back Bay watershed where sea level rise and subsidence contribute to inland flooding. The need for ET is extra critical when strong south winds push and trap bay and rain water into the upland bay watershed. Of equal importance, trees provide food and shelter for wildlife, summertime cooling, and are also a major absorber of atmospheric carbon dioxide. Trees offer additional benefits of attenuating neighborhood noise, increasing property values, and for blocking cold north winds and artificial lighting.
December is a perfect time to plant trees because growth slows and root stabilization can occur before the hot growing season. Larger trees offer more advantage; however, be careful not to select a tree that will outgrow its surroundings, especially near overhead cables. When selecting trees, also consider crown size/shape/height, soil moisture tolerance, brittleness, surface roots, and pest resistance. For tree selection ideas visit the Norfolk Botanical Gardens https://norfolkbotanicalgarden.org/ ; Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center Virginia Beach https://www.arec.vaes.vt.edu/arec/hampton-roads.html ; and the USFWS publication Native Plants for Wildlife Habitat and Conservation Landscaping, Chesapeake Bay Watershed https://www.fws.gov/chesapeakebay/resources/native-plants.html
Featured Wildlife: The Bald Eagle (haliaeetus leucocephalus) photos and article by Reese F. Lukei, Jr.
Worldwide there are 75 species of Eagles that are classified into four groups – sea or fish eagles such as the Bald Eagle, booted eagles like the Golden Eagle, snake eagles found mostly in Africa like the Bateleur, and giant forest eagles like the Harpy Eagle of Central America. Eagles inhabit every continent except Antarctica.
Two eagles are widely found in the United States. The Golden Eagle is located mostly in the western parts of our country, but is native to the mountains of Virginia. They are occasionally seen during the winter months over the Eastern Shore of Virginia. It ranges throughout the Western Hemisphere, Europe and Asia. Two species of sea eagles, White-tailed and Steller’s are rare visitors to Alaska’s coasts and islands.
The Bald Eagle is found only in North America. Its name is derived from the old English word “balde” which means white. The scientific name Haliaeetus leucocephalus means “fish eagle with white head”. Bald Eagles generally take five years to mature and achieve the familiar white head and tail. Young (immature) Bald Eagles are dark brown with some white speckling. As they age during their second through fourth years (called sub-adult) they have a more varied number of white feathers, especially on their underside.
Golden Eagles and Bald Eagles are approximately the same size and are the largest raptors (birds of prey) in North America. The female is larger than the male, a characteristic common in raptors. They have a wing span of 6 to 7 feet. The female in this region weighs 8 to 12 pounds, and the male about 7 to 10 pounds. Bald Eagles in northern regions like Alaska are larger while those in southern regions like Florida are smaller. In the wild they can live up to 28 years and in captivity up to 40 years.
Bald Eagles are thought to have the best eyesight of any animal, having about twice the resolving power of the human eye. The retina has two focusing foveae (human eyes have only one) which allows them to use both eyes together (binocular vision like humans) for telescopic viewing, or each eye independent (monocular vision) for up close viewing. They see in color with night vision being about the same as ours.
Bald Eagles mate for life and can produce young for over 20 years. In Virginia they usually lay one to three off-white eggs in January or February and incubate them for 35 to 38 days. The young typically fledge (fly) in 10 to 13 weeks, then spend 4 to 6 weeks near their nest, where the adults continue to feed them. The nest is usually in a tall Loblolly Pine tree, but other trees and sometimes man-made structures are used. In the past couple years eagle nests have been located on the ground on the Eastern Shore.
The diet of Bald Eagles varies, but consists largely of fish that they locate from a tree perch along the edge of a lake or river. They are scavengers rather than hunters, and feed mostly on sick or injured prey. They will eat carrion (decaying animals) and take advantage of any opportunity.
Like many species, the Bald Eagle population was severely diminished by human use of persistent pesticides like DDT. In 1972 there were 32 pair of breeding Bald Eagles in Virginia who produced 18 young. As a result of federal and Virginia protection measures, good land management practices, and constant monitoring, their current population has recovered to more than 1,000 breeding pair. In recent years Bald Eagles have begun to establish their nests in urban areas like Hampton Roads. In 1994 the federal and Virginia status of the Bald Eagle was changed from endangered to threatened. In June 2007 the Bald Eagle was removed from the endangered/threatened list. Today they are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.
The Virginia nest locations, projects, data, satellite tracking, and banding of Bald Eagles can be viewed at The Center for Conservation Biology web site https://ccbbirds.org
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge News
Recovering the last turtle nest of the season
On November 6, the biology crew excavated their final loggerhead sea turtle nest of the season. This was the eleventh nest and it was laid on August 28. Storms in early September caused the ocean to wash over the nest at only three weeks of incubation. The Refuge staff left the nest to incubate for 70 days before excavating. Upon excavation they found that 29 cm of sand had accumulated and Refuge interns had to use team work to retrieve the eggs. The total nest contained 128 eggs; however, none of them made it past early development. This is common for late nests.
Habitat management: prescribed burn in B-pool impoundment
On November 10, fire crews from Great Dismal Swamp NWR and Alligator River NWR joined forces at Back Bay NWR to eradicate stands of invasive Phragmites. Weather and personnel issues interrupted the prescribed burn for nearly 4 years. With the help of wind and dry grass Fish and Wildlife Service experts achieved a mosaic burn through the impoundment that knocked back Phragmites and other perennials that restricted beneficial plant growth and had choked up waterfowl habitat. Marsh birds and waterfowl alike were enjoying the newly burned zone by the next day!
Photo and report by: Lauren Mowbray; head fires running across B-pool lit by marsh master crews.
Dune Trail
Except for some delays, resulting from increased materials demand due to COVID-19, the dune trail boardwalk replacement is nearly completed.
The original trail was constructed in 1978/79 by the Young Adult Conservation Corps. By 1992 the rough environment took its toll and a group of long-time Refuge volunteers namely “The Crew” redesigned and rebuilt the entire structure. The boardwalk contractor was very impressed by the construction quality of the boardwalk, especially when hearing “The Crew” volunteer Reese Lukei explain how their team humped in every post. 28 years is an impressive lifecycle, especially on the hostile Refuge dunes.
Thank You
The Society is disheartened by the impacts of COVID-19 on its initiatives, especially involving volunteers; nevertheless, we are optimistic that projects will continue as medical and contagion protections evolve. In the mean-time Refuge visitation has exploded. Even recreational patrons can’t help being influenced by the stunning beauty and appreciation of and connection to the BBNWR natural environment. It is because of this interest the Society will continue to plan projects within pandemic restrictions that meet our mission. Projects do however require financial resources. While we will continue seeking partners and grants, most support comes from member donations. We hope you consider making a contribution in the concluding 2020 tax season. Regardless, we appreciate your interest and hope you continue a close connection to Back Bay through the Society’s free membership.
With sincere gratitude, thank you for supporting the Refuge and Society!
https://backbaynwrsociety.org/
www.facebook.com/backbaynwrsociety
Society Vision Statement: A sustainable Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge that is responsive to diverse native wildlife and habitat maintained in a healthy ecosystem as a contributing link in the migration chain of the Atlantic Flyway
BBNWR Society Newsletter Issue 2 December 2020
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Posted: December 27, 2020 by Back Bay NWR Society
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Society
1324 Sandbridge Road ∙ Virginia Beach, VA ∙ 23456
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Society Newsletter
Issue 2, December 2020
In compliance with Refuge COVID-19 restrictions, the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge closed the Visitor Contact Station and restricted volunteer activities. While this has put a damper on some projects, the Society Board of Directors and Refuge staff continue to meet virtually. We anticipate meeting in person and forming project teams inclusive of volunteers as conditions improve. Considering COVID-19 group restrictions, the Board of Directors decided to cancel the annual meeting proposed for early 2021.
As a reminder, to minimize disturbance of wintering waterfowl the Refuge east and west impoundment dike trails are closed south of the waterfowl observation shelter between November 1 and March 31. Access remains available on trails near the Visitor Contact Station, along the beach, and in Back Bay waters.
Projects
Pollinator Garden
The Refuge staff and Society team have identified several areas around the Visitor Center that would benefit from establishing pollinator gardens. A Pollinator Garden project will not only provide an aesthetic benefit to the Visitor Contact Center, but beneficial plants will be incorporated to support pollinators and educate the public of the symbiotic relationship between plants and animals. The project goal is to plant and maintain three primary garden zones, which will be developed in phases over the next two years. Development of the project will henge upon available resources and the COVID restrictions.
With the aid of volunteers (COVID restrictions permitting), phase 1 of the Pollinator Garden is slated for planting, within modified beds adjacent to the Visitor Center west and north sides. The removal of some gallberry bushes will be followed with soil amendments, and populated with native and diverse plants including: grasses, bulbs, plugs, seeds, and flowering species that bloom throughout the season. This layering of native habitat will add visual dimension and support butterflies, bees, ladybugs, crickets, praying mantises, grasshoppers, aphids, and assorted beetles. Such a diverse habitat will draw spiders, turtles, frogs, and birds to eat the insects.
The Pollinator Garden project will depend on seasonal planting and volunteerism throughout the year. Weed, cut back, and seed harvesting will be required to ensure a managed, and sustained environment for the pollinators and also provide enjoyment for visitors.
Phase 1 is budgeted at $2,200, which covers plants, seeds, and 8” of soil amenities such as seed starting mix, compost, and top soil. Many thanks to Master Gardner, Marjorie Thompson for managing this project and providing photo.
Osprey Nest Platforms
The Osprey Nesting Platform Program continues to build on its accomplishments of last winter when two new platforms were erected and two existing platforms repaired. This Fall the Program Manager, Charlie Ellin surveyed Back Bay, mapped locations of the few remaining old platforms and identified locations for 4 new platforms. Three of the new platform locations are visible from the West Dike Trail and located in sections of the marsh with native vegetation.
The Society had optimistically planned to complete these new installations in the Fall of 2020, in time for the 2021 osprey nesting season; nest boxes fabricated, and poles, mounting hardware, and a jet pump were sourced. The Refuge continues to operate under Fish and Wildlife Service mandated COVID-19 restrictions regarding volunteer activities. These restrictions specifically exclude the close contact required to erect the awkward and heavy (approximately 160 pound) nesting platform structures from a boat. While we are hopeful the restrictions will be eased soon, this phase of the program is on a temporary ‘pause’. In the mean time we continue to explore funding sources to support this next phase estimated at $895 and program enhancements such as use of the Osprey Watch website http://www.osprey-watch.org/ to track and document nesting activity, and placement of interpretive signage at nesting platform observation sites. Stay tuned, your comments and suggestions are welcomed, and volunteer opportunities will soon abound!
What You Can Do
It’s understandable that vegetation plays such a beneficial role in reducing Non-Point Source (NPS) pollution by buffering urban, suburban, and agriculture run off into Back Bay and other waterways. Trees absorb large quantities of water through their roots and transport that water via foliage, where it evaporates into the atmosphere. This evapotranspiration (ET) reduces runoff carrying capacity of excess nitrogen, fecal matter, sediment, and chemicals that diminish water quality. ET is particularly beneficial in the Back Bay watershed where sea level rise and subsidence contribute to inland flooding. The need for ET is extra critical when strong south winds push and trap bay and rain water into the upland bay watershed. Of equal importance, trees provide food and shelter for wildlife, summertime cooling, and are also a major absorber of atmospheric carbon dioxide. Trees offer additional benefits of attenuating neighborhood noise, increasing property values, and for blocking cold north winds and artificial lighting.
December is a perfect time to plant trees because growth slows and root stabilization can occur before the hot growing season. Larger trees offer more advantage; however, be careful not to select a tree that will outgrow its surroundings, especially near overhead cables. When selecting trees, also consider crown size/shape/height, soil moisture tolerance, brittleness, surface roots, and pest resistance. For tree selection ideas visit the Norfolk Botanical Gardens https://norfolkbotanicalgarden.org/ ; Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center Virginia Beach https://www.arec.vaes.vt.edu/arec/hampton-roads.html ; and the USFWS publication Native Plants for Wildlife Habitat and Conservation Landscaping, Chesapeake Bay Watershed https://www.fws.gov/chesapeakebay/resources/native-plants.html
Featured Wildlife: The Bald Eagle (haliaeetus leucocephalus) photos and article by Reese F. Lukei, Jr.
Worldwide there are 75 species of Eagles that are classified into four groups – sea or fish eagles such as the Bald Eagle, booted eagles like the Golden Eagle, snake eagles found mostly in Africa like the Bateleur, and giant forest eagles like the Harpy Eagle of Central America. Eagles inhabit every continent except Antarctica.
Two eagles are widely found in the United States. The Golden Eagle is located mostly in the western parts of our country, but is native to the mountains of Virginia. They are occasionally seen during the winter months over the Eastern Shore of Virginia. It ranges throughout the Western Hemisphere, Europe and Asia. Two species of sea eagles, White-tailed and Steller’s are rare visitors to Alaska’s coasts and islands.
The Bald Eagle is found only in North America. Its name is derived from the old English word “balde” which means white. The scientific name Haliaeetus leucocephalus means “fish eagle with white head”. Bald Eagles generally take five years to mature and achieve the familiar white head and tail. Young (immature) Bald Eagles are dark brown with some white speckling. As they age during their second through fourth years (called sub-adult) they have a more varied number of white feathers, especially on their underside.
Golden Eagles and Bald Eagles are approximately the same size and are the largest raptors (birds of prey) in North America. The female is larger than the male, a characteristic common in raptors. They have a wing span of 6 to 7 feet. The female in this region weighs 8 to 12 pounds, and the male about 7 to 10 pounds. Bald Eagles in northern regions like Alaska are larger while those in southern regions like Florida are smaller. In the wild they can live up to 28 years and in captivity up to 40 years.
Bald Eagles are thought to have the best eyesight of any animal, having about twice the resolving power of the human eye. The retina has two focusing foveae (human eyes have only one) which allows them to use both eyes together (binocular vision like humans) for telescopic viewing, or each eye independent (monocular vision) for up close viewing. They see in color with night vision being about the same as ours.
Bald Eagles mate for life and can produce young for over 20 years. In Virginia they usually lay one to three off-white eggs in January or February and incubate them for 35 to 38 days. The young typically fledge (fly) in 10 to 13 weeks, then spend 4 to 6 weeks near their nest, where the adults continue to feed them. The nest is usually in a tall Loblolly Pine tree, but other trees and sometimes man-made structures are used. In the past couple years eagle nests have been located on the ground on the Eastern Shore.
The diet of Bald Eagles varies, but consists largely of fish that they locate from a tree perch along the edge of a lake or river. They are scavengers rather than hunters, and feed mostly on sick or injured prey. They will eat carrion (decaying animals) and take advantage of any opportunity.
Like many species, the Bald Eagle population was severely diminished by human use of persistent pesticides like DDT. In 1972 there were 32 pair of breeding Bald Eagles in Virginia who produced 18 young. As a result of federal and Virginia protection measures, good land management practices, and constant monitoring, their current population has recovered to more than 1,000 breeding pair. In recent years Bald Eagles have begun to establish their nests in urban areas like Hampton Roads. In 1994 the federal and Virginia status of the Bald Eagle was changed from endangered to threatened. In June 2007 the Bald Eagle was removed from the endangered/threatened list. Today they are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.
The Virginia nest locations, projects, data, satellite tracking, and banding of Bald Eagles can be viewed at The Center for Conservation Biology web site https://ccbbirds.org
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge News
Recovering the last turtle nest of the season
On November 6, the biology crew excavated their final loggerhead sea turtle nest of the season. This was the eleventh nest and it was laid on August 28. Storms in early September caused the ocean to wash over the nest at only three weeks of incubation. The Refuge staff left the nest to incubate for 70 days before excavating. Upon excavation they found that 29 cm of sand had accumulated and Refuge interns had to use team work to retrieve the eggs. The total nest contained 128 eggs; however, none of them made it past early development. This is common for late nests.
Habitat management: prescribed burn in B-pool impoundment
On November 10, fire crews from Great Dismal Swamp NWR and Alligator River NWR joined forces at Back Bay NWR to eradicate stands of invasive Phragmites. Weather and personnel issues interrupted the prescribed burn for nearly 4 years. With the help of wind and dry grass Fish and Wildlife Service experts achieved a mosaic burn through the impoundment that knocked back Phragmites and other perennials that restricted beneficial plant growth and had choked up waterfowl habitat. Marsh birds and waterfowl alike were enjoying the newly burned zone by the next day!
Photo and report by: Lauren Mowbray; head fires running across B-pool lit by marsh master crews.
Dune Trail
Except for some delays, resulting from increased materials demand due to COVID-19, the dune trail boardwalk replacement is nearly completed.
The original trail was constructed in 1978/79 by the Young Adult Conservation Corps. By 1992 the rough environment took its toll and a group of long-time Refuge volunteers namely “The Crew” redesigned and rebuilt the entire structure. The boardwalk contractor was very impressed by the construction quality of the boardwalk, especially when hearing “The Crew” volunteer Reese Lukei explain how their team humped in every post. 28 years is an impressive lifecycle, especially on the hostile Refuge dunes.
Thank You
The Society is disheartened by the impacts of COVID-19 on its initiatives, especially involving volunteers; nevertheless, we are optimistic that projects will continue as medical and contagion protections evolve. In the mean-time Refuge visitation has exploded. Even recreational patrons can’t help being influenced by the stunning beauty and appreciation of and connection to the BBNWR natural environment. It is because of this interest the Society will continue to plan projects within pandemic restrictions that meet our mission. Projects do however require financial resources. While we will continue seeking partners and grants, most support comes from member donations. We hope you consider making a contribution in the concluding 2020 tax season. Regardless, we appreciate your interest and hope you continue a close connection to Back Bay through the Society’s free membership.
With sincere gratitude, thank you for supporting the Refuge and Society!
https://backbaynwrsociety.org/
www.facebook.com/backbaynwrsociety
Society Vision Statement: A sustainable Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge that is responsive to diverse native wildlife and habitat maintained in a healthy ecosystem as a contributing link in the migration chain of the Atlantic Flyway
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