The Chesapeake Bay watershed lies within the Atlantic Flyway and provides habitat for both migratory and domestic water birds. The populations of some water birds have decreased due to loss of habitat, changes in feeding habitats, and over harvesting. Both the CBP and Department of Interior are developing conservation measures to protect this valuable resource and need information on the factors affecting the populations of water birds. The USGS is providing science through:

• Investigating the loss of habitat function causing degradation of the health of bird populations in the watershed and near-shore estuary environments;
• Providing forecasts of potential land-use changes on habitat to help identify critical stream corridors and near-shore environments; and
• Participating in development of environmental indicators and integrated assessments to improve understanding and management of bird populations