METHODS

1. RESULTS 29Volunteers; 8 Staff80sites surveyed 8Counties # Sites w/Males: 3-Marinette 1-Douglas 2-Adams 1-Bayfield # Males: 23 #Females:≥12 (Adams, Bayfield, Marin.) # Sites w/probable males: 1-Jackson # Nests: 16 (Adams only) # Fledged: 7-12 chicks at least Fig. 3. Habitat Assessment. Graph shows percentage of sites that have suitable habitat for survey again next year. Third Annual Census of the Endangered Kirtland’s Warbler in WisconsinKim Grveles, WI Dept. of Natural Resources Partners: Wisconsin Audubon Council, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Photo by R. Royse Fig. 1. Un-banded male Kirtland’s Warbler found in Marinette County by volunteer Jack Swelstad on May 25. Bird was banded on 6/7 and tracked thereafter by nest monitor, Paul Schilke. A female was associated with this second-year male but no nest was found. ABSTRACT A federally endangered bird, the Kirtland’s Warbler (Dendroica kirtlandii), has successfully nested in Wisconsin for at least three consecutive years beginning in 2007. Continued range expansion across the upper Great Lakes is critical for the long-term survival of this species. In order to ensure that breeding in Wisconsin continues in the future, nests must be closely monitored and controlled for parasites (cowbirds). Therefore, discovery of Kirtland’s Warbler breeding sites through an annual survey is imperative for appropriate management to be implemented. This project has established an annual Kirtland’s Warbler volunteer census in Wisconsin which is an extension of the existing census in Michigan and Canada. Potential breeding sites were documented and a state population estimate was reported to the Recovery Team. Fig. 2. Map of Survey Areas. Survey sites were located in Douglas, Bayfield, Washburn, Vilas, Oneida, Marinette, Jackson, and Adams Counties based on distribution of jack pine cover type and sandy outwash land type associations. METHODS Sites determined to have suitable habitat in previous surveys were visited again in 2010. New sites were chosen using remote sensing and the WDNR WHISFIRS database. Because all but 3 volunteers had attended survey trainings in 2008-2009, survey orientations were not held in 2010. Survey packets were sent by mail and sites were assigned based on volunteers’ preferences for location and time commitment. This year, survey period was extended to 15 May–15 June in order to increase chances of finding birds during active singing periods in May. Volunteers walked sites stopping every 250 m to listen for singing males for 1-3 minutes. Use of playback recording following the passive listening period was optional. No. of singing males, males observed not singing, and females were recorded along with associated bird species list. Habitat details were also recorded. Locations with Kirtland’s Warblers present were further investigated by agency staff for confirmation of male presence and for nesting evidence. When possible, males were captured and banded.