By Carly Radgowski, Thalia Sabit, Evan Kupsky

Faculty Mentor: Andrew Dolby

Abstract

The Rappahannock River serves as a habitat for many animal species. It is essential for migratory fish, such as Hickory Shad, and various piscivorous birds use the rapids to catch them, including Great Blue Herons, Double-crested Cormorants, and Osprey. Monitoring birds’ usage of the river is informative to understanding its function. Great Blue Herons, in particular, are dependent upon the Rappahannock River for nesting success in the nearby Crow’s Nest rookery. No one has monitored herons on the river under different conditions, such as turbidity, temperature, and water level in spring. The objective of this research project is to determine correlations between Great Blue Heron occurrence and fishing success in the rapids and different river conditions. Data are still being collected and preliminary results will be presented.