MICHIGAN MARSH BIRD SURVEY PROTOCOL

Transcription

1 MICHIGAN MARSH BIRD SURVEY PROTOCOL For More Information Contact: Michael J. Monfils Michigan Natural Features Inventory Michigan State University Extension P.O. Box Lansing, MI March 11, 2010

2 Copyright 2010 Michigan State University Board of Trustees. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, or family status. Cover photograph credits: upper left King Rail, Michael Sanders; upper right Saginaw Bay coastal wetland, Michael Monfils; lower left observer conducting marsh bird survey, Michael Sanders; and lower right Black Tern incubating nest, Michael Monfils.

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION...1 METHODS...1 Site Selection...1 Timing of Surveys...2 Suitable Weather Conditions...3 Target Species...3 Field Survey Protocol...4 FILLING OUT FORMS...5 Bird Data...5 Habitat Information...8 Volunteer Effort...9 EQUIPMENT...9 Equipment Provided to Observers...9 Other Recommended Equipment...10 END OF SEASON TASKS...10 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES...10 THANK YOU...11 Marsh Bird Survey Forms...Appendix A Example Bird and Habitat Data Forms... Appendix B

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5 INTRODUCTION The amount of emergent wetland habitat in North America has decreased sharply during the past century and consequently populations of many marsh-dependent birds such as rails, bitterns, and grebes appear to be declining. Some species, including King Rail, Yellow Rail, American Bittern and others, are of particular concern and have received special status through various federal and state agencies. Many marsh birds consume a variety of aquatic invertebrates and may be susceptible to environmental contaminants. Their habitats are also vulnerable to invasions by non-native species (e.g., common reed [Phragmites australis], reed canary grass [Phalaris arundinacea]). Hence, marsh birds can serve as indicator species for assessing wetland ecosystem quality and evaluating the success of wetland conservation activities. Due to the secretive nature, low detectability, and difficult-to-access habitats of many marsh bird species, we lack adequate data from existing monitoring programs to determine their status and estimate population trends. Better monitoring data are needed to improve conservation planning and to assess the success of conservation actions (e.g., restoration, management). Numerous agencies and organizations have cooperated over the past decade to fill this data gap in an effort to inform conservation decision-making and management for these species. In 2009, members of the Michigan Bird Conservation Initiative (MiBCI) began working with other State, regional, and National partners to develop a marsh bird survey in Michigan. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) provided funding for a three-year effort to implement the National Marsh Bird Monitoring Program in Michigan beginning in Our goals are to 1) evaluate population trends for marsh bird species, 2) improve our understanding of marsh bird distribution and abundance, and 3) inform conservation decision-making at multiple geographic scales. Michigan s survey will provide data for an ongoing National pilot program that includes similar efforts in Wisconsin, Idaho, Kentucky, New York, and Florida. This pilot program is providing an opportunity to evaluate the sample design and methods of the National program, before it is expanded to a nationwide survey. We plan to continue this survey annually to allow long-term monitoring of marsh birds at the State, regional, and national levels. METHODS Site Selection Survey points were randomly selected within wetlands using a national framework developed by the USFWS that incorporates National Wetlands Inventory and other land cover data. Sites known to support certain species or wetland types deemed to most likely harbor priority marsh birds were not specifically targeted. While fewer marsh birds may be detected and fewer points surveyed using this randomized framework, these data will most accurately reflect the true status and trends of Michigan s marsh bird populations. Points occur in clusters of approximately 5-10 points, which is roughly the number of points that can be surveyed in a single outing using this protocol. Adjacent survey points will be no closer than 400 m and some may be over a kilometer from their nearest neighbor. Most points can be surveyed on foot, but some will require boat or canoe access. Surveys will be conducted on both public and private lands, and the survey coordinator will assist volunteers in obtaining landowner 1

6 permission. Do not conduct surveys on private lands without confirmation from the survey coordinator that the landowner has provided written permission. We will provide surveyors GPS coordinates, maps, and aerial photos to assist them in locating their survey points. We highly recommended that all surveyors visit their survey points prior to actually conducting surveys. You may find it helpful to mark your survey points with flagging tape prior to conducting the surveys. Each observer will survey approximately 5-10 predetermined wetland points separated by at least 400 meters. Timing of Surveys Time of Year: Peak marsh bird calling activity occurs during the courtship and egg-laying period in spring and early summer, so we will conduct all surveys in May and June. The survey window will differ slightly for northern versus southern Michigan (Figure 1). In southern Michigan, surveys will be conducted between May 1 and June 15, while northern Michigan surveys will be done between May 15 and June 30. Ideally, a complete round of annual surveys will consist of 3 visits to each point. Research suggests that at least 3 surveys are needed to confirm the presence/absence of some species with 90% certainty. However, if an observer can only conduct 2 surveys in a season, this is acceptable and the data will still have value. Volunteers will conduct a survey during each of 3 survey windows that vary slightly depending on geographic location within the State. In southern Michigan (Figure 1), surveys should be completed during the following periods: May 1-14, May 15-31, and June Northern Michigan surveys will begin later and should be conducted during these 3 periods: May 15-31, June 1-14, and June Follow these guidelines as closely possible, but if you must modify the schedule slightly, doing so is better than not conducting a survey at all. Conduct 1 survey during each of 3 survey periods (3 surveys total at each point). Southern Michigan Periods: May 1-14, May 15-31, and June Northern Michigan Periods: May 15-31, June 1-14, and June Time of Day: Surveys may be done in either the morning or evening; however, once a time period is selected for a site (cluster of points), the time period cannot be changed. Marsh birds are typically most vocal in the 2 hours surrounding sunrise and sunset. Morning surveys begin 30 minutes before sunrise (at first light) and should be completed by 3 hours after sunrise (e.g., hr if sunrise at 0530 hr). Evening surveys begin 2 hours before sunset and must be completed by 30 min after sunset (i.e., by dark remember your headlamp or flashlight). Observers conducting field work in the evening should start their survey at a time that has them finishing the last point when it is becoming too dark to see their data form. You can look up local sunrise/sunset times at Conduct each survey in the morning between 30 minutes before to 3 hours after sunrise OR in the evening between 2 hours before to 30 minutes after sunset. 2

7 Suitable Weather Conditions Surveys should not be conducted when wind speed is >20 km/hr (12 mph) or during periods of sustained rain or heavy fog. Participants should postpone surveys if they believe conditions are affecting bird calling activity or their ability to detect marsh birds. If wind speed increases above 20 km/hr or sustained rain begins during the survey, participants should stop the survey and repeat the entire survey route another day (i.e., do not just go back and survey the remaining points on the route). These constraints will require that you be flexible with your survey schedule and watch weather forecasts closely. NORTH-SOUTH BOUNDARY Conduct surveys only when winds are less than 20 km/hr (12 mph) and there is no steady rain or heavy fog. Figure 1. Map showing the boundary used to separate southern and northern Michigan marsh bird surveys. The survey dates and species included in broadcasts differ slightly between the two regions. Target Species Only the primary and secondary species listed below should be recorded on data sheets (Table 1). While it may be tempting to record all species heard at a given survey point, doing so may cause you to overlook target species, which will negatively affect survey results. Many other species you will encounter (e.g., Red-winged Blackbird) are adequately monitored by existing surveys. Please do not spend your time counting non-target species. Table 1. Primary and secondary species to be documented during Michigan marsh bird surveys. Four-letter codes that can be used in data forms are provided, and an * indicates species for which broadcasts will be played. Primary species Code Secondary species Code Yellow Rail* YERA Black Tern BLTE Sora* SORA Forster s Tern FOTE Virginia Rail* VIRA Marsh Wren MAWR King Rail* KIRA Sedge Wren SEWR Least Bittern* LEBI Swamp Sparrow SWSP American Bittern* AMBI Le Conte s Sparrow LCSP American Coot AMCO Yellow-headed Blackbird YHBL Common Moorhen COMO Sandhill Crane SACR Pied-billed Grebe PBGR Wilson s Snipe WISN Record only primary and secondary target species on your data sheets. Do not spend time counting other species. 3

8 Field Survey Protocol Each survey lasts for 10 min and consists of two parts: an initial 5-min passive listening period, and a subsequent 5-min broadcast period consisting of 5 1-min segments of calls for secretive species. One-min broadcast segments consist of 30 sec of pre-recorded vocalizations and 30 sec of silence. In southern Michigan, the broadcast sequence consists of calls of Least Bittern, Sora, Virginia Rail, King Rail, and American Bittern, while in northern Michigan we will broadcast calls of Least Bittern, Yellow Rail, Sora, Virginia Rail, and American Bittern. Calls are broadcasted using an MP3 player and portable speaker set. It is important that you DO NOT use other equipment for broadcasts, no matter how much louder other systems may be, as this will affect standardization of the survey. Additionally, you should only use the provided call sequences and not play other audio files. We are using equipment and audio files that achieve the required sound pressure of db at 1 m from the speaker when broadcasted, so altering the equipment/audio files may prevent broadcasts from meeting this requirement. The broadcast player should be placed upright on the ground or on the bow of the boat. If the ground is wet or inundated, you should place the speaker on an object as close to the ground as possible (e.g., float cushion, muskrat house). Point the speaker toward the center of the wetland and DO NOT change its position during the survey. Speakers should be pointed in the same direction for all replicate surveys. In situations where the center of the wetland is not obvious, observers should record the general compass direction (e.g., N, NW, WSW, etc.) in which they pointed the speaker and use the same orientation in subsequent surveys. Observers should stand 2 m to one side of the speaker, because standing closer could reduce your ability to hear marsh birds. All surveys should be conducted by a single observer. If more than one individual is present, only the primary observer should collect data. Additional observers wishing to conduct simultaneous surveys should record data on separate data sheets as if conducting entirely independent surveys. All surveys are unlimited-radius point counts in which all target species detected at a survey point are recorded regardless of their distance from the point. All surveys are single-observer, unlimited-radius point counts. Each point is surveyed for 10 min consisting of a 5-min passive listening period followed by 1-min call broadcast segments for 5 target species. Place the broadcast speakers on or near the ground and point toward the center of the wetland. Primary Species: Each individual bird detected of a primary species will be entered on a separate line of the data form. Observers should record every 1-min segment during which the individual is detected (i.e., during any of the 1-min passive or call-broadcast segments). Do not record the number of times a bird responded during each segment; simply record if the individual was detected during each 1-min segment. These data are important in determining whether broadcasts are effective at eliciting additional responses and if broadcasts should be used in future surveys. By recording whether an individual responds during each 1-min segment, we can also estimate detection probabilities for primary species using capture-recapture models. Estimates of detection probability are essential to determining how well the survey data measure population sizes/trends. Observers must decide whether each vocalization heard at a survey point is a new individual for that point or an individual that was observed previously. Some points could have so many marsh birds calling that observers find it impossible to record each 1- min segment during which every individual bird is detected. For example, an observer may 4

9 see/hear >20 American Coots at one survey point. In these situations, simply write down an estimate of the total number of individuals detected for that species during the entire survey on one line of the data sheet (e.g., write 23 AMCO on one line). Every individual of a primary species is recorded on one line of the data form (i.e., one individual bird per row). If a species is too abundant to track individuals separately, then writing the total number observed during the survey is acceptable. Observers need to estimate the distance from the survey point to each individual of a primary species to the nearest 5 m. Estimate the distance when a bird is first detected, because it may move closer after hearing broadcasted calls. Recording the distance to each individual will allow us to use distance sampling to better estimate bird densities. Estimating the distance to birds can be difficult, especially when they are only heard. We encourage you to practice estimating distances using objects of known distance or with the assistance of rangefinders and GPS units. You can also hang flagging at known distances (e.g., 25 m, 50 m) near your survey points. Estimate the distance to each individual of a primary species to the nearest 5 m when the bird is FIRST observed. Secondary Species: All observations of a secondary species at a point should be combined into one row of the data form. You only need to record the total number observed in each of three distance categories ( 50 m, > m, and >100 m), which is based on the distance when each bird is FIRST detected. Unlike primary species, you DO NOT need to mark every minute that a secondary species is detected, but we ask you to mark the FIRST (and ONLY the first) 1-min segment in which you detect that species. You do not need to track individuals of secondary species separately. Include all individuals together on one row of the data form and record the total number of birds observed within three distance categories: 50 m, > m, and >100 m. Surveyors DO NOT need to record detections during all 1-min segments, but should note the 1- min segment in which you FIRST detect the secondary species. FILLING OUT FORMS You can download the forms used for this survey via the Michigan Marsh Bird Survey webpage ( for later printing, or you can obtain a supply of forms by contacting the survey coordinator. We also provided copies of blank forms in Appendix A. Bird Data Below are details on how to fill out each part of the bird survey form. Note that we provided codes and descriptions for several data fields at the bottom of the data sheet to help you complete the form without the need to reference these instructions. We also supplied a completed form in Appendix B as an example of how data sheets should be filled out. Date: Indicate the date of the survey. Use separate data sheets for different dates. 5

10 Site # and Name: Write the number and name assigned by the survey coordinator for your survey site. This information will be provided with your maps and other materials. Survey #: Circle the appropriate survey period (first, second, or third) for the season. Observer: Provide the name of the individual conducting the survey. Point #: List the survey point number as assigned by the survey coordinator (e.g., X-0043). Start Time: Please record the start time at each point using military time (e.g., 5:00 AM = 0500 hr; 5:00 PM = 1700 hr). Temperature: Use a thermometer to determine the temperature (in F) at each survey point. Cloud (%): Estimate % of the sky covered by clouds (0% = clear, 100% = overcast). Precipitation: Using the codes on the data form, record the precipitation level as none, light rain, rain, heavy rain, light snow, snow, heavy snow, or fog. Remember that surveys should not be conducted during periods of steady precipitation or heavy fog. Wind Speed: Categorize wind speed using the Beaufort scale (Table 2). Table 2. Beaufort scale description for use when ranking the wind speed at each point. Beaufort Wind Speed Number Wind Speed Indicators mph km/hr 0 Smoke rises vertically <1 <2 1 Wind direction shown by smoke drift Wind felt on face; leaves rustle Leaves & small twigs in constant motion; light flag extended Raises dust and loose paper; small branches are moved Small trees with leaves sway; crested wavelets on inland waters Noise: Rank the background noise at each point using the following codes: 0 = no background noise during all or most of the survey; 1 = faint background noise during at least half of the survey; 2 = moderate background noise (probably cannot hear some birds beyond 100 m during >30 sec of the survey); 3 = loud background noise (probably cannot hear some birds beyond 50 m during >30 sec of the survey); and 4 = intense background noise (probably cannot hear some birds beyond 25 m during >30 sec of the survey). Species: Record the full name of the species or the four-letter code provided in Table 1. Responded During: Put a 1 in each column (i.e., 1-min segment) in which that individual is detected by vocalization and put an S in each column in which the individual is seen (including flyovers). If the individual is both heard and seen, put a 1S in that column. For example, if a single Virginia Rail calls during minute 2 and then again in response to broadcasts during minute 9, then in the row used for that individual a 1 should be recorded in the columns 1-2 MIN and VIRA. If a new individual of the same or different species is also detected, record that 6

11 observation on a separate row. If you observe a primary species before or after the 10-min survey period, or while walking between points, please record that observation in the Outside Survey column (with a 1 or S ) and add any pertinant notes in the comments section. Call Types: For primary species, record the call type(s) you heard. This information can help us learn more about breeding chronology, observer bias, and detection probability. To make recording this information easier, we provided numerical codes to the most common call types on the data forms. If you hear a call different from those on the form, describe it in the comments sections. Brief descriptions of the common calls and their possible functions are provided below. American Bittern: pump-er-lunk (mate attraction, territorial), chu-peep (given during copulation ceremony), kok-kok-kok (given when flushed) American Coot: burr-up (perturbation), hic-up (perturbation), honk (social interactions) Common Moorhen: wipeout (territorial/advertising), keep (communication between pairs), giddy-up (territorial/advertising) King Rail: clatter (mate communication), kek-kek-kek (mate attraction), kek-hurrah (grunt, territorial), kek-burr (territorial), squawk (alarm) Least Bittern: coo-coo (mate attraction), kak-kak-kak (mate communication, when feeding young, alarm), ank or ert (given when flushed, alarm) Pied-billed Grebe: owhoop (courtship, pair communication territorial), hyena (greeting) Sora: whinny (territorial, mate communication), per-weep (mate attraction), keep (alarm) Virginia Rail: grunt (mate communication), tick-it (mate attraction), kicker (solicitation), squawk (sharp call, territorial dispute, alarm call) Wilson s Snipe: tuk-tuk-tuk (harsh call usually given from ground), winnowing hu-hu-hu (hollow sound given during flight display), rasping scaipe (given when flushed) Yellow Rail: click-click (primary call, mate attraction), descending cackle (pair maintenance), wheeze (hostility) Distance: For primary species, estimate the distance to the bird when it was FIRST detected (round to the nearest 5 m). If the bird is located more than 200 meters from the survey point, simply write >200 in this column. Distance Aide: Use the codes on the data form to record any aides you used to estimate the distance to the bird (e.g., rangefinder, aerial photographs, flagging placed at known distance). Direction: Mark a slash on the circle to indicate the direction you heard the individual bird. This column is optional and only for your personal use to help keep track of individuals when several of a single species are detected at a survey point. Detected Previously: Indicate whether you detected the individual previously at another point by placing a Y (yes) or N (no) in the column. If you observed the bird previously, record the point number where the previous observation occurred in the comments section. Secondary Species: Enter the total number of individuals you observed of a secondary species by distance category ( 50 m, > m, and >100 m) into the columns provided. 7

12 Comments: Provide any information that you think is relevant, such as: 1) total number of individuals for species that could not be tracked individually; 2) notation of a bird detected outside of the wetland being surveyed (e.g., American Bittern heard in a different wetland); 3) detection of a target marsh bird while walking between points; 4) point number at which a bird was detected previously; and 5) notation of a bird that only flew over the point. Note: The number of lines filled out on the data sheet will differ among survey points and will depend on the total number of marsh birds detected at a point. If no marsh birds are detected at a survey point, record the point number, starting time, weather data, and background noise level, and then write No birds in the comments column. This will help you keep track of what survey point you are on and which ones you have completed. Habitat Information (OPTIONAL) Although recording habitat data is currently optional, we strongly encourage those observers that are comfortable assessing habitat variables to please do so. If you do not feel that you can accurately collect this information, please leave the form blank, because no data is better than erroneous data in this case. However, at a minimum, we ask that you complete the % Wetland and % Cover of Major Wetland Categories sections. Record the habitat data for each survey point on the habitat information form. These data will help scientists understand species-habitat relationships, make management/conservation decisions, and explain changes in marsh bird populations. Because our priority is to complete bird surveys at all points, please assess the habitat at a time outside of your morning or evening bird survey window. Record habitat information during each visit to your points, if possible, as habitat may change as the season progresses. All habitat data should pertain to the area within a 100-m radius of the survey point. Below are details on how to fill out each part of the habitat information form. We also provided a completed form in Appendix B as an example of how habitat data should be recorded. Do not collect habitat data during the morning/evening survey window at the expense of not finishing all bird surveys completing the bird surveys at all points is the priority. Date: Indicate the date of the habitat evaluation. Use separate data sheets for different dates. Site # and Name: Write the number and name assigned by the survey coordinator for your survey site. This information will be provided with your maps and other materials. Survey #: Circle the appropriate survey period (first, second, or third) for the season. Observer: Provide the name of the individual evaluating the habitat. Point #: List the survey point number as assigned by the survey coordinator (e.g., X-0043 ). % Wetland: Record the percent of the area within 100 m of the point that is wetland. % Cover of Major Wetland Categories: Record the percent of the area within 100 m of the point made up by each of the seven wetland categories. 8

13 Dominant Emergent Plant Taxa: Record the three most dominant emergent plant taxa within 100 m of the point and the percent of the area made up by each taxa (e.g., 60% cattails). The three dominants may not add up to 100%. For example, the total will be less than 100% if there is open water or upland near the point. Conversely, the total could be greater than 100% if there are two or more layers of vegetation, such as pockets of common reed (Phragmites australis) growing above sedges (e.g., 85% sedges and 20% common reed). Vegetation Density: Rank the overall density of the vegetation within 100 m of the survey point using the following four categories: 0 none (no vegetation present); 1 sparse (water easily visible through bases of widely scattered stems); 2 moderate (anything falling between sparse and rank); or 3 rank (water not visible through bases of stems; at water level and you cannot easily push your hand through the stems). Vegetation Height: Estimate the average height of the dominant vegetation and record it as being in one of the following four categories: 0 1 m, 1 3 m, 3 6 m, or > 6 m. Water Depth: Measure the water depth to the nearest centimeter using a meter stick. You can also measure water depth with a wooden dowel/plastic pipe by using a marker to graduate it in centimeters. These crude measuring devices also make handy walking sticks! Litter Depth: If there is dead vegetation laying on the water or ground surface, measure the depth of this litter (from water/ground surface to the top of litter layer) to the nearest centimeter. Comments: Record any pertinent notes about the habitat at the survey point (e.g., recent disturbance or management actions, changes in water levels, general description, etc.). Volunteer Effort We ask that volunteers keep track of the miles traveled and hours spent working on the Michigan Marsh Bird Survey using the volunteer effort form (Appendix A). This is important as we can use donated volunteer time and mileage as match toward grants used to support this program. Please record the type of activity (e.g., scouting, surveying, habitat data collection) in the Purpose of Effort column and be sure to include your time spent traveling to and from the survey sites. These forms should be returned with your data sheets at the end of the season. EQUIPMENT Equipment Provided to Observers Survey coordinators will provide volunteers the following items: Survey site maps/aerial photographs MP3 player with audio files Portable speaker system Extra batteries Survey protocol (this document) Data forms (i.e., bird, habitat, and volunteer effort) 9

14 Other Recommended Equipment Making sure you are prepared is a vital first step of field work. In addition to the above items, we have provided a list below of additional things you should have before starting surveys. Waterproof footwear: depending on the weather and point location, knee-high rubber boots, hip waders, or chest waders may be needed. GPS receiver: not required but extremely helpful in navigating to survey points. You can also load your point locations prior to beginning field work. Compass: GPS units break and batteries wear out you should always have a compass. Cell phone (fully charged): for safety purposes (e.g., if you become injured or lost). Flagging tape: to mark your point locations and/or known distances. Binoculars. Rangefinder: laser rangefinders are optional, but are very helpful when estimating distances to marsh birds. Rain gear: often needed for both rainy days and dew-laden mornings. Flashlight/headlamp: may be needed to get into or out of your survey area in the dark. Thermometer: necessary to record the temperature at each point. Watch/clock: needed to record start times and stay within designated survey window. Clipboard and pencils. Food and water. Insect repellant. Field vest/backpack: to hold all your gear. Float cushion: used to hold broadcast equipment when surveying in standing water. END OF SEASON TASKS Once you complete your final survey, please mail your data and volunteer effort forms to: Michael Monfils, Michigan Natural Features Inventory, MSU Extension, P.O. Box 30444, Lansing, MI To allow the survey coordinators time to review and enter the survey data, we ask that you send in your forms by July 31. Contact Michael Monfils (monfilsm@msu.edu, ) for directions on what to do with your MP3 player and speakers. Please do not assume that you should keep the equipment until next year. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Please visit the Michigan Marsh Bird Survey webpage ( to obtain the survey protocol, data forms, and audio files, get updates about the program and upcoming workshops, and find links to more information on marsh birds. 10

15 For more information on the marsh bird and habitat monitoring protocols described herein, please see the following documents (also available as PDFs on the Michigan Marsh Bird Survey website): Conway, C. J Standardized North American Marsh Bird Monitoring Protocols, version Wildlife Research Report # U.S. Geological Survey, Arizona Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Tucson, AZ. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Habitat monitoring protocol for marsh bird surveys, draft version 1.1. If you have questions, suggestions, or comments about this survey, please contact: Michael Monfils, Michigan Natural Features Inventory, MSU Extension, , THANK YOU We cannot thank you enough for your participation in the Michigan Marsh Bird Survey. Without your efforts, surveys such as this simply would not be possible. This pilot program marks an important effort that will help pave the way for future marsh bird monitoring, management, and conservation in Michigan and beyond. Thank you for your patience, hard work, and for being part of this exciting program. Several individuals, agencies, and organizations were integral to starting and implementing this program. We thank the following individuals for their assistance: Karen Cleveland (Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment), Tom Funke (Michigan Audubon Society), Katie Koch (USFWS), Sarah Redding (Kalamazoo Nature Center), Mark Seamans (USFWS), and Richard Wolinski (Michigan Department of Transportation). Special thanks to Ryan Brady (Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources) for his advice and allowing our use of the Wisconsin Marsh Bird Survey Instructions, which supplied much of the text used this document. The USFWS provided funding to initiate this survey through the Upper Midwest Migratory Bird Conservation Program and the Upper Mississippi River and Great Lakes Region Joint Venture. MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. 11

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17 APPENDIX A Marsh Bird Survey Forms

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19 MICHIGAN MARSH BIRD SURVEY SOUTHERN MICHIGAN Page of SURVEY OBSERVER SITE # & NAME DATE (mm/dd/yy) RESPONDED DURING SEC. SPP. COMMENTS <100m m 50m DETECTED PREVIOUSLY DIRECTION DISTANCE AIDE DISTANCE (meters) CALL TYPE(S) OUTSIDE SURVEY AMBI KIRA VIRA SORA LEBI 4-5 MIN 3-4 MIN 2-3 MIN 1-2 MIN 0-1 MIN SPECIES NOISE WIND (Beaufort) PRECIP CLOUD (%) TEMP (F) START TIME (military) POINT # CALL TYPE CODES FOR PRIMARY SPECIES COMO 1: wipe-out; 2: keep; 3: giddy-up PBGR 1: owhoop; 2: hyena YERA 1: click-click; 2: cackle; 3: wheeze AMBI 1: pump-er-lunk; 2: chu-peep; 3: kok KIRA 1: clatter; 2: kek; 3: kek-hurrah; 4: kek-burr; 5: squawk SORA 1: whinny; 2: per-weep; 3: keep WISN 1: tuk-tuk-tuk; 2: winnow; 3: rasp AMCO 1: burr-up; 2: hic-up; 3: honk LEBI 1: coo; 2: kak; 3: ert; 4: ank-ank VIRA 1: grunt; 2: tick-it; 3: kicker; 4: squawk; 5: kikik SECONDARY SPECIES Black Tern (BLTE), Forster s Tern (FOTE), Marsh Wren (MAWR), Sedge Wren (SEWR), Swamp Sparrow (SWSP), LeConte s Sparrow (LCSP), Yellow-headed Blackbird (YHBL), Sandhill Crane (SACR) PRECIPITATION 0: none; 1: light rain; 2: rain; 3: heavy rain; 4: light snow; 5: snow, 6: heavy snow, 7: fog DISTANCE AIDE CODES 0: none; 1: range finder; 2: aerial photo; 3: surveyor flags tied to vegetation BEAUFORT SCALE 0: smoke rises vertically (<1 mph); 1: wind direction shown by smoke drift (1-3 mph); 2: wind felt on face, leaves rustle (4-7 mph); 3: leaves/small twigs in constant motion and light flag extended (8-12 mph); 4: raises dust and loose paper, small branches are moved (13-18 mph); 5: small trees with leaves sway, crested wavelets on inland waters (19-24 mph) BACKGROUND NOISE 0: no noise; 1: faint noise; 2: moderate noise (cannot hear some birds beyond 100m); 3: loud noise (cannot hear some birds beyond 50m); 4: intense noise (cannot hear some birds beyond 25m)

20 MICHIGAN MARSH BIRD SURVEY NORTHERN MICHIGAN Page of SURVEY OBSERVER SITE # & NAME DATE (mm/dd/yy) RESPONDED DURING SEC. SPP. COMMENTS <100m m 50m DETECTED PREVIOUSLY DIRECTION DISTANCE AIDE DISTANCE (meters) CALL TYPE(S) OUTSIDE SURVEY AMBI VIRA SORA YERA LEBI 4-5 MIN 3-4 MIN 2-3 MIN 1-2 MIN 0-1 MIN SPECIES NOISE WIND (Beaufort) PRECIP CLOUD (%) TEMP (F) START TIME (military) POINT # CALL TYPE CODES FOR PRIMARY SPECIES COMO 1: wipe-out; 2: keep; 3: giddy-up PBGR 1: owhoop; 2: hyena YERA 1: click-click; 2: cackle; 3: wheeze AMBI 1: pump-er-lunk; 2: chu-peep; 3: kok KIRA 1: clatter; 2: kek; 3: kek-hurrah; 4: kek-burr; 5: squawk SORA 1: whinny; 2: per-weep; 3: keep WISN 1: tuk-tuk-tuk; 2: winnow; 3: rasp AMCO 1: burr-up; 2: hic-up; 3: honk LEBI 1: coo; 2: kak; 3: ert; 4: ank-ank VIRA 1: grunt; 2: tick-it; 3: kicker; 4: squawk; 5: kikik SECONDARY SPECIES Black Tern (BLTE), Forster s Tern (FOTE), Marsh Wren (MAWR), Sedge Wren (SEWR), Swamp Sparrow (SWSP), LeConte s Sparrow (LCSP), Yellow-headed Blackbird (YHBL), Sandhill Crane (SACR) PRECIPITATION 0: none; 1: light rain; 2: rain; 3: heavy rain; 4: light snow; 5: snow, 6: heavy snow, 7: fog DISTANCE AIDE CODES 0: none; 1: range finder; 2: aerial photo; 3: surveyor flags tied to vegetation BEAUFORT SCALE 0: smoke rises vertically (<1 mph); 1: wind direction shown by smoke drift (1-3 mph); 2: wind felt on face, leaves rustle (4-7 mph); 3: leaves/small twigs in constant motion and light flag extended (8-12 mph); 4: raises dust and loose paper, small branches are moved (13-18 mph); 5: small trees with leaves sway, crested wavelets on inland waters (19-24 mph) BACKGROUND NOISE 0: no noise; 1: faint noise; 2: moderate noise (cannot hear some birds beyond 100m); 3: loud noise (cannot hear some birds beyond 50m); 4: intense noise (cannot hear some birds beyond 25m)

21 DATE (mm/dd/yy) MICHIGAN MARSH BIRD SURVEY HABITAT INFORMATION *Characterize the habitat for an area within a 100-m radius circle from the survey point. SITE # & NAME SURVEY OBSERVER % COVER OF MAJOR WETLAND CATEGORIES DOMINANT EMERGENT PLANT TAXA POINT # % WETLAND EMERGENTS OPEN WATER/ AQUATIC VEG EXPOSED MUD EXPOSED SAND EXPOSED ROCK TREES SHRUBS MOST DOMINANT % SECOND DOMINANT % THIRD DOMINANT % VEGETATION DENSITY VEGETATION HEIGHT (m) WATER DEPTH (cm) LITTER DEPTH (cm) COMMENTS DOMINANT EMERGENT PLANT TAXA CODES 4 Grasses (other than reed canary grass) 8 Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) 12 Smartweed (Polygonum spp.) 1 Cattails (Typha spp.) 5 Sedges (Carex spp.) 9 Swamp loosestrife (Decodon verticillatus) 13 Burreed (Sparganium spp.) 2 Common reed (Phragmites australis) 6 Rushes (Juncus spp.) 10 Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata) 14 Wild rice (Zizania spp.) 3 Reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) 7 Bulrushes (Schoenoplectus/Scirpus spp.) 11 Arrowhead (Sagittaria spp.) 15 Other (list and describe in comments) VEGETATION DENSITY 0 none 1 sparse 2 moderate 3 rank VEGETATION HEIGHT 0-1 m 1-3 m 3-6 m > 6 m

22 Bird Survey Volunteer Effort Form Volunteer name: County/counties where surveys conducted: Name of route/site surveyed: IN-KIND EFFORT Date Mileage Hours Purpose of Effort CERTIFICATION I certify that the above is correct to the best of my knowledge. Signature: Date:

23 APPENDIX B Example Bird and Habitat Data Forms

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