DABBLING DUCK-HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS DURING WINTER IN COASTAL SOUTH-CAROLINA

During winters of 1985-88, we conducted fixed-wing aerial surveys of r andomly selected 200-x 400-m plots along the coast of South Carolina t o evaluate relative use of managed coastal impoundments and unimpounde d tidal wetlands by 7 species of wintering dabbling ducks. In general, occurrence of dabbling ducks in managed coastal wetland impoundments was greater (P < 0.005) than expected, and occurrence in unmanaged tid al wetlands was less (P < 0.005) than expected for all species except American black ducks (Anas rubripes). Macrohabitat variables varied in frequency of association, direction and degree of influence, and year ly occurrence as correlates with dabbling duck abundance, but several consistent patterns emerged. Most species-abundance indices exhibited a frequent positive association with macrohabitat variables descriptiv e of managed wetland impoundments. We discuss possible explanations fo r observed dabbling duck-habitat associations and implications for mai ntaining intensively managed coastal impoundments to support regional waterfowl populations, particularly in highly altered coastal landscap es.