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Monitoring Birds in Wisconsin

Monitoring Birds in Wisconsin. An update on new surveys and how to get involved. Ryan Brady and Andy Paulios (WI-DNR) October 25, 2008. Where we are. Where we want to be (Objective). WBCI Approach to Bird Monitoring. Monitoring is integral to “strategic conservation”

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Monitoring Birds in Wisconsin

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  1. Monitoring Birds in Wisconsin An update on new surveys and how to get involved Ryan Brady and Andy Paulios (WI-DNR) October 25, 2008

  2. Where we are Where we want to be (Objective) WBCI Approach to Bird Monitoring • Monitoring is integral to “strategic conservation” • Strategic conservation – a structured way of thinking about what we do and why we do it • Monitoring programs should address explicit questions aimed at improving conservation efforts for birds of concern

  3. Priority Species • Population Objectives • Synthesis of science (models) Build the scientific foundation for Management Program Accomplishments Net progress toward Population objectives Biological Planning Assumption-based Research Outcome-based Monitoring Conservation Design Spatially-Explicit Models Habitat Objectives Program Priority Areas Population Impacts The Basic Framework is an Iterative, 5-Element Adaptive Process Conservation Delivery

  4. WBCI Approach to Bird Monitoring • Monitoring is integral to “strategic conservation” • Strategic conservation – a structured way of thinking about what we do and why we do it • Monitoring programs should address explicit questions aimed at improving conservation efforts for birds of concern • Monitoring should be conducted in coordinated fashion across the biological range of a species or group of species • Aligned objectives, standardized protocols, central databases etc. • Statewide Coordinated Bird Monitoring Plan • Bird monitoring has benefitted from, and is dependent on, contributions from non-professionals • Data generated by volunteers is used for conservation • Communicating results • WBCI training opportunities

  5. Coordination in Action Early WBCI monitoring efforts have focused on filling gaps in statewide surveillance monitoring efforts = Identifying species at risk Priority Monitoring Gaps

  6. Western Great Lakes Owl Monitoring Program • Owls are poorly monitored – nocturnal, secretive, etc. • Surveys initiated in 2005 in cooperation with HRBO • Objectives: • Status • Distribution • Trends

  7. Owl Monitoring - Methods • Randomly-selected roadside survey routes statewide • Surveyed once after dark from April 1-15 • 10 stops per route, each 1 mile apart • 5 minutes per stop • No playback / broadcast • Record owls and basic weather data • Certified observers

  8. Owl Monitoring – 2008 Results 84 of 92 routes run by 65+ volunteers

  9. Eastern Screech Owl

  10. Mean # owls per route in WI

  11. How to Get Involved • For more details, see: www.hawkridge.org/research/springowl.html • Contact Ryan Brady at 715.685.2933 or ryan.brady@wisconsin.gov

  12. Nightjar Survey • Anecdotal evidence suggests declines • BBS data is incomplete but also suggests significant nationwide declines (-2.1% per year for Whip-poor-wills) • Atlas data from second Atlas efforts suggest systematic declines • Wisconsin Species of Greatest Conservation Need

  13. Nightjar Survey • Started here in WI in 2007 • Joint effort between NE CBM and SE PIF • Goals = assess distribution, status, trends of CONI and WHIP • Data will also be used for region-wide modeling efforts to assess conservation areas for species

  14. Nightjar Survey - Methods • Very similar to owls • Sign up for pre-established roadside route in your area • 10 stops per route, 6 minutes per stop • Passively listen and record nightjars (and owls) • Routes are run once in late May and June NEAR TIME OF FULL MOON (e.g. June 11-26)

  15. Nightjar Survey – 2008 Results • 71 of 92 routes run • 45+ volunteers • Total birds: • WHIP…..172 • CONI……9 • BDOW….36 • GHOW….12 • LEOW…..1

  16. Distribution of Whip-poor-wills • Many WHIPs: • NW Sands • NE Sands • Central Sand Plains • Northern Highland (lower) • Some WHIPs: • Central Sand Hills • Western Coulee & Ridges • Forest Transition • North Central Forest • Superior Coastal Plain • Few to none: • All the rest

  17. What you can do! • Participate in the survey • Enter your nocturnal forays into eBird • Enter historical observations into eBird

  18. SECRETIVE MARSHBIRDS

  19. Survey Objectives • Estimate population trends for marshbirds • Inform habitat management decisions • Provide status data for harvested species

  20. ConwayProtocol • May/June • Morning or evening • 2-3 surveys per year • PLAYBACK • 5 minutes passive, then 1 minute per broadcast species • Record target species

  21. Marshbirds – 2008 Prelim Results • Hybrid model – 3 field techs + ~30 birders and biologists • Training workshop at Horicon Marsh • ~325 points surveyed over ~55 routes statewide • Most common: Sora, Virginia Rail, Amer Bittern • Several King and Yellow Rails detected • Data also collected on secondary target species

  22. Volunteers Needed !!!

  23. Ryan Brady, ryan.brady@wisconsin.gov, 715-685-2933

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