Wetland Management Strategies that Maximize Marsh Bird Use in the Midwest: Annual Performance Report Period: 1 July 2016 – 30 June 2017

Bradshaw, Therin M.; Hagy, Heath M.; Yetter, Aaron P.; Blake-Bradshaw, Abigail; Gilbert, Andrew D.

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Description

Title

Wetland Management Strategies that Maximize Marsh Bird Use in the Midwest: Annual Performance Report Period: 1 July 2016 – 30 June 2017

Author(s)

• Bradshaw, Therin M.
• Hagy, Heath M.
• Yetter, Aaron P.
• Blake-Bradshaw, Abigail
• Gilbert, Andrew D.

Issue Date

2017-09-28

Keyword(s)

• Marsh birds
• wetland
• Least Bittern
• Yellow Rail
• Black Rail
• King Rail
• Virginia Rail
• Sora
• Common Gallinule
• American Bittern
• American Coot
• Pied-billed Grebe

Geographic Coverage

Illinois

Abstract

We determined marsh bird use across a wide range of wetland types (e.g., emergent, non-vegetated, riparian), hydrologic regimes (e.g., temporary, seasonal, semi-permanent), management practices (e.g., active, passive, unmanaged), and past disturbance regimes (e.g., natural and restored, impounded and unimpounded) in Illinois during late spring and early summer in 2015–2017. Our objectives were to 1) compare marsh bird use of restored and natural wetlands, 2) determine characteristics of wetlands and the surrounding landscape that influence marsh bird use of restored and natural wetlands, 3) compare marsh bird use of wetland impoundments managed for waterfowl across a continuum of management intensities and strategies to predict how these actions can increase use by both waterfowl and marsh birds. Additionally, we surveyed marsh birds using the standard protocols on wetlands concurrently surveyed within the Illinois Critical Trends Assessment Program (CTAP) for comparison of methodologies. We will provide marsh bird and other wetland-associated bird data to the Midwest Avian Data Center and the Avian Knowledge Network (AKN) and other conservation partners.Our data will be used as a basis for establishment of multi-group management strategies for marsh birds in the Midwest. These data will be especially useful as the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) finalizes their Wetlands Campaign and Conservation Strategy as part of the Illinois Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Plan and Strategy (i.e., wildlife action plan; ICWCPS). Moreover, our research addresses several priorities outlined in the Midwest bird monitoring framework outlined by Koch et al. (2010), including furthering understanding of the ecology and conservation priorities for migrating birds, evaluating effectiveness of conservation actions such as wetland restoration, and increasing access to bird data relative to landscape characteristics for use in conservation planning.

Publisher

Illinois Natural History Survey

Series/Report Name or Number

Technical Report INHS 2017 (30)

Type of Resource

text

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http://hdl.handle.net/2142/98082

Sponsor(s)/Grant Number(s)

Unites States Fish and Wildlife Service Contract Number: F14AP00485

Copyright and License Information

This document is a product of the Illinois Natural History Survey, and has been selected and made available by the Illinois Natural History Survey and the University Library, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. It is intended solely for noncommercial research and educational use, and proper attribution is requested.

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