Annual Patterns of Waterfowl Diversity and Abundance at Suburban Ponds and Lakes on Long Island, New York: Impact of Winter Freeze
Brook Lauro, Department of Computer Science, Mathematics and Science, College of Professional Studies
Abstract
Results are presented for a study of waterfowl diversity and abundance at 16 suburban ponds and lakes on Long Island, New York. A characteristic bell shaped curve occurred for both seasons where overall peak diversity and abundance occurred during mid February in the 2000/2001 season and mid January in the 2001/2002 season. There was a positive correlation between pond/lake size and diversity, as well as abundance. Significantly fewer waterfowl were present during the winter of 2000/2001 compared to 2001/2002. This was related to significantly lower temperatures and significantly greater ice cover in 2000/2001 compared to 2001/2002. The discussion considers the importance of winter temperature and ice cover to waterfowl abundance in a suburban environment.