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Item Breeding Bird Monitoring in Great Lakes National Forests : 1991-2003(University of Minnesota Duluth, 2003) Lind, Jim; Danz, Nicholas P; Hanowski, JoAnn M; Niemi, Gerald JA total of 132, 134, and 169 stands (1,271 survey points) were surveyed for breeding birds in the Chequamegon, Chippewa, and Superior National Forests, respectively in 2003. Annual surveys have been conducted since 1991 in the Chippewa and Superior National Forests, and since 1992 in the Chequamegon National Forest. Breeding bird surveys in the St. Croix region of Minnesota have been conducted since 1992 on 170 stands (170 points). • We examined trends in relative abundance for 68 bird species in at least one of the four study areas. Fifty-five species in the Chequamegon NF, 52 in the Chippewa NF, 44 in the Superior NF, and 41 in the St. Croix region were tested for population trends. Thirty-six species were also tested for regional trends by combining data from the three national forests. • A total of 192 species/study area trends were calculated (not including regional trends), 98 (51%) of which were significant (P < 0.05). Twenty-five species increased significantly (P < 0.05) in at least one study area and 31 species decreased. • Seven species had significant increasing regional trends and 14 had decreasing trends. Six species had highly significant (P < 0.01) increasing trends in multiple study areas, and nine species had highly significant decreasing trends in multiple study areas. • The percentage of increasing species in each study area ranged from 13% in the Chequamegon NF, to 29% in the St. Croix study area. The percentage of decreasing species ranged from 25% in the Chequamegon NF study area, to 35% in the Chippewa NF. • There were 12 instances where a species wasn’t increasing in a particular study area in 2002 results but is increasing in 2003, and ten instances where a species showed a significant increase in 2002, and isn?t in 2003. Conversely, there were 19 instances where a species wasn’t decreasing in 2002 but is decreasing in 2003, and one instance where a species showed a decrease in 2002 but isn’t in 2003. • Short-distance migrants showed highly significant declines in all study areas. Long-distance migrants showed mixed results, including declines in the Chequamegon and Superior NF’s,an increase in the St. Croix study area,and a stable trend in the Chippewa NF. Permanent residents increased on all study areas except the Chequamegon NF, where they were stable. • Ground nesting birds showed highly significant declines in all study areas, with shrub and sub-canopy nesters increasing in all study areas. Canopy and cavity nesters showed mostly stable trends. Of the five vegetation-type preference guilds tested, lowland coniferous forest birds, deciduous, and mixed forest bird species showed widespread declines on our study areas, and upland coniferous species increased on all study areas except the Chequamegon NF. The early-successional guild showed an increase in the Chippewa NF and declines in the Superior NF and the regional analysis. • Evidence from recent regional studies have demonstrated greater nest predation rates on ground nests near forest/clearcut edges, as well as a significant increase in the creation of forest edges in recent years. Landscape fragmentation and nest predation may be having negative effects on declining ground-nesters such as the Winter Wren, Hermit Thrush, Black-and-white Warbler, Ovenbird, and White- throated Sparrow. • Of the 1445 survey sites in all four study areas, 13.4% have been at least partially harvested since the beginning of monitoring, which is about 1% a year. This harvest rate is comparable to the 4.8% change from mature forest to early- successional types on federally managed forest lands in northeastern Minnesota between 1990 and 1995 (i.e. -1% annual change). • Many of the declining trends that we have detected have been consistent across the years and are not likely due to annual variation. One of the main goals of this monitoring program is to identify species of conservation concern, and species such as the Eastern Wood-Pewee, Winter Wren, Hermit Thrush, Mourning Warbler, Ovenbird, and White-throated Sparrow probably need special management consideration by agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service and state Department of Natural Resources. Although most of these are common species, several are currently well below their estimated RNV values and they may not remain common if their declining trends continue.Item Breeding bird monitoring in Great Lakes National Forests: 1991-1998(University of Minnesota Duluth, 1999) Hanowski, JoAnn M; Niemi, Gerald J; Hawrot, Rita Y; Lima, Ann RA total of 133, 162, and 128 stands (1,269 census points) were surveyed in the Chippewa, Superior and Chequamegon National Forests, respectively. Surveys have been completed for 8 years in the Chippewa and Superior and for 7 years in the Chequamegon. One-hundred seventy census points were surveyed in East Central Minnesota over the past 7 years and 211 census points in Southeast Minnesota over the past 4 years. A total of 74 species were abundant enough in at least one region to test for trends in annual abundance. Fifty species in the Chippewa National Forest, 45 species in the Superior National Forest, 50 species in the Chequamegon National Forest, 32 species in East Central Minnesota, and 38 species in Southeast Minnesota were tested. The average number of species and individuals observed/stand or point in four of five study regions were at an all time high in 1998. In contrast, the lowest number of species and the second lowest numbers of individuals were observed in Southeast Minnesota in 1998 than in the previous three years. A In the Southeast Minnesota region 57% of the species tested showed a significant trend in abundance. In the other four regions, 84 to 98% of the species tested exhibited a significant trend in abundance. Almost 30% of the species in Southeast Minnesota showed significant linear decreasing trends from 1995 through 1998 and an additional 19% had negative overall trends. Ten percent of the species in Southeast Minnesota had increasing abundance trends. In contrast, in the other four regions more than 63% (63 to 74%) of the species have increased in abundance from 1991 (or 1992) to 1998. The percent of the species that have declined in the other regions ranged from 25% in the Superior National Forest to 12% in the Chippewa National Forest. A total of 38 species showed significant decreases (linear or other) in at least one region. Of these, 22 species (59%) also increased significantly in another region. Fifteen species decreased in one or more regions without indicating increases in other regions. Ten species declined in one region and six species, the Downy Woodpecker, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Gray Catbird, Canada Warbler, Indigo Bunting and American Goldfinch declined in two regions. About 64% (7 of 11) of the permanent residents tested showed a significant decrease in one region. The proportion of short distant migrants that declined was about 40% (9 of 22) of the total number tested and about 55% (22 of 40) of the long distant migrants tested decreased in abundance in one region. When species were categorized by nest location, the largest proportion of species decreasing were cavity and canopy nesting species. The proportion (all about 50%) of species declining within general habitat groups was almost equal across open, young forest, and forest habitat groups. The spring of 1998 was affected by the El Nino weather pattern and was warmer than average in all regions. Precipitation was lower in April than normal, but wetter than normal in the other spring months. June in all regions was cooler and wetter than normal. The warm spring in the Great Lake’s area affected: 1) timing of permanent resident breeding which was earlier than normal, and 2) timing of short distance migrant arrival which was also earlier than normal. Arrival times of long distance migrants were not affected by local weather patterns. We speculate that breeding of long distance migrants was also somewhat earlier in 1998. This is supported by the observations of more than the average number of fledglings during our late-June and early July survey dates. It is also likely that more double brooding occurred in 1998 due to the favorable weather conditions, although we have no data to support this hypothesis. Another potential reason for an increase in numbers of individuals in 1998 is also related to the warm spring weather and the theory of heterospecific attraction. Our data support this hypothesis: number of breeding migrants over the eight years of monitoring was highly correlated (r=0.701 and p< 0.001) with the number of foliage and bark gleaning insectivorous permanent residents. Specifically, in years where we observed the greatest numbers of Black-capped Chickadees, Red- and White-breasted Nuthatches and Blue Jays we also recorded the largest number of migrant individuals. Four of the six species that decreased in abundance in more than one region (Gray Catbird, Canada Warbler, Indigo Bunting and American Goldfinch) are associated with early successional, edge, or shrub habitat. Of the other two species that declined, the Downy Woodpecker occurs predominantly in mature deciduous forests and the Golden-crowned Kinglet is most abundant in mature lowland conifer habitat. It is difficult to determine the exact cause of these species declines. However, more detailed studies may be required for these species if declines continue.Item Breeding bird monitoring in Great Lakes National Forests: 1991-1999(University of Minnesota Duluth, 2000) Lind, Jim; Danz, Nicholas P; Jones, Malcolm T; Hanowski, JoAnn M; Niemi, Gerald JA total of 135, 168, and 133 stands (1,268 survey points) were surveyed for breeding birds in the Chippewa, Superior, and Chequamegon National Forests, respectively. Surveys have been completed for nine years in the Chippewa and Superior, and for eight years in the Chequamegon NF. Breeding bird surveys in the St. Croix region of Minnesota have been conducted over the last eight years at 171 points. Surveys in Southeast Minnesota have been conducted over the last five years at 211 points. We were able to examine trends in abundance for 79 bird species in at least one of the five study areas. Fifty-two species in the Chequamegon NF, 48 species in the Superior NF, 53 species in the Chippewa NF, 33 species in the St. Croix region, and 35 species in Southeast Minnesota were tested. Sixteen species showed a significant increase in at least one of the five study areas, and 13 species showed a significant decrease. Of the 16 increasing species, the American Robin, Yellow-rumped Warbler, and American Redstart showed significant increases in more than one study area. Of the 13 decreasing species, six declined significantly in more than one study area. The Eastern Wood-Pewee, Black-and-white Warbler, Ovenbird, Mourning Warbler, and Brown-headed Cowbird declined in two study areas and the White-throated Sparrow declined in three study areas.Item Breeding bird monitoring in Great Lakes National Forests: 1991-2000(University of Minnesota Duluth, 2001) Lind, Jim; Danz, Nicholas P; Jones, Malcolm T; Hanowski, JoAnn M; Niemi, Gerald J• A total of 135, 168, and 133 stands (1,268 survey points) were surveyed for breeding birds in the Chippewa, Superior, and Chequamegon National Forests, respectively. Surveys have been completed for ten years in the Chippewa and Superior, and for nine years in the Chequamegon NF.• Breeding bird surveys in the St. Croix region of Minnesota have been conducted over the last nine years at 171 points. Surveys in southeast Minnesota have been conducted over the last six years at 211 points.• We were able to examine trends in abundance for 72 bird species in at least one of the five study areas. Fifty species in the Chequamegon NF, 40 species in the Superior NF, 47 species in the Chippewa NF, 36 species in the St. Croix region, and 36 species in Southeast Minnesota were tested.• Twenty-nine species showed a significant increase (P < 0.05) in at least one of the five study areas, and 23 species showed a significant decrease. The Least Flycatcher showed significant increases (P < 0.01) in two study areas and the American Robin increased in three study areas. The Eastern Wood-Pewee, Black-and-white Warbler, and Brown-headed Cowbird showed significant declines (P < 0.01) n two study areas and the Common Yellowthroat and White-throated Sparrow declined in three study areas.• Nine (18%) of the species tested in the Chequamegon NF had increasing trends and nine (18%) had decreasing trends. In the Chippewa NF, 12 (26%) of the species tested increased significantly and 10 (21%) decreased. Seven (18%) of the species tested in the Superior NF had significant increasing trends, and seven (18%) had decreasing trends. In the St. Croix study area, six (17%) of the species tested increased significantly, and seven (19%) decreased. In the Southeast, ten (28%) species increased significantly and three (8%) decreased.• The regional analysis of the three National Forests combined revealed five species (14%) with significant increases; Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Least Flycatcher, Redbreasted Nuthatch, American Robin, and American Redstart. Six species (17%) had significant decreases: Eastern Wood-Pewee, Ovenbird, Canada Warbler, Scarlet Tanager,Song Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow.• Over 70% of the decreasing species nest on the ground, which is significantly more than would be expected. Ground-nesting species that declined in multiple study areas, such as the White-throated Sparrow, Common Yellowthroat, Black-and-white Warbler, and Ovenbird, warrant closer attention in the future.• Neither increasing nor decreasing species showed a relationship with any particular migration strategy, although no permanent residents declined significantly.• The abundance of many species varied over the survey period but did not show significant increases or decreases. A common thread among many species was a decline in abundance between 1994 and 1996, with an increase from 1996 to 1998. The reason for this pattern is unclear, but it may be related to winter and spring weather.Item Breeding bird monitoring in Great Lakes National Forests: 1991-2001(University of Minnesota Duluth, 2001) Lind, Jim; Danz, Nicholas P; Jones, Malcolm T; Hanowski, JoAnn M; Niemi, Gerald J• A total of 135, 168, and 133 stands (1,268 survey points) were surveyed for breeding birds in the Chippewa, Superior, and Chequamegon National Forests, respectively. Eleven years of surveys have been completed in the Chippewa and Superior NF, and ten years in the Chequamegon NF. • Breeding bird surveys in the St. Croix region of Minnesota have been conducted over the past ten years at 171 points. Surveys in southeast Minnesota have been conducted over the past seven years at 211 points. • We were able to examine trends in abundance for 77 bird species in at least one of the five study areas. Fifty species in the Chequamegon NF, 49 species in the Chippewa NF, 41 species in the Superior NF, 39 species in the St. Croix region, and 40 species in Southeast Minnesota were tested for population trends. Thirty- five species were also tested for a regional trend (three national forests combined). • Twenty-six species increased significantly (P > 0.05) in at least one study area and 32 species decreased. Two species had highly significant (P < 0.01) increasing trends in multiple study areas, and seven species had highly significant decreasing trends in multiple study areas. Four species had significant increasing regional trends and 11 had decreasing trends. • The most convincing increasing trends were those of the Red-breasted Nuthatch and American Redstart regionally and in the Chippewa NF, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckcer and Yellow-bellied Flycatcher in the Chequamegon NF, the Chestnutsided Warbler in the Chippewa NF, the Northern Parula in the Superior NF, and the Least Flycatcher in the St. Croix region. Eight other species had highly significant trends in southeastern Minnesota, albeit with a shorter time span than the northern sites. • The most convincing decreasing trends are those of the Eastern Wood-Pewee, Winter Wren, Ovenbird, Scarlet Tanager, and Song Sparrow regionally, the Eastern Wood-Pewee in the Chequamegon and Superior NF, the Winter Wren in the Chequamegon NF, the Song Sparrow in the Chippewa NF, the Hermit Thrush in the Chequamegon and Chippewa NF, and the Black-and-white Warbler in the Chequamegon NF, Superior NF and St. Croix region. The Brown-headed Cowbird decreased in southeastern Minnesota during the six years of monitoring there. • The percentage of increasing species in each study area ranged from 13% in St. Croix, MN study area to 28% in Southeast MN. The percentage of decreasing species ranged from 20% in Southeast MN to 31% in the Chippewa NF. Over half the species in each study area had a non-significant trend (P > 0.05). • There are 17 instances where a species showed a significant increase in a particular study area in results from 2000, with no increase noted in 2001, and 11 instances where a species was not increasing in 2000 and is increasing in 2001. Conversely, there are five instances where a decreasing species in a particular study area from 2000 is no longer showing a significant decrease, and 25 instances where a species was not decreasing in 2000 and is decreasing in 2001. • Ten of the 35 species that were tested for a regional trend had similar trends on Breeding Bird Survey routes. One species had an increasing regional trend and an increasing BBS trend, three species had decreasing trends on both, and six species had non-significant trends on both. • When compared to all species tested, ground nesters were more prevalent among decreasing species (33% vs. 48%) and less prevalent among increasing species (33% vs. 19%), however the differences were not statistically significant (P = 0.069). Evidence from other regional studies have demonstrated greater nest predation rates on ground nests near forest edges, as well as a significant increase in the creation of forest edges in recent years. Landscape fragmentation and nest predation may be having negative effects on declining ground-nesters such as the Winter Wren, Hermit Thrush, Black-and-white Warbler, Ovenbird, and Song Sparrow. • Averaged over all study areas, 10.6% of the points have been harvested since the beginning of monitoring, which is about 1% a year. This is comparable to the 4.8% change from mature forest to early-successional types on federally managed forest lands in northeastern Minnesota between 1990 and 1995.Item Breeding bird monitoring in Great Lakes National Forests: 1991-2006(University of Minnesota Duluth, 2007) Etterson, Matthew; Danz, Nicholas P; Lind, Jim; Hanowski, JoAnn M; Niemi, Gerald J• A total of 132, 133, and 164 stands (1,254 survey points) were surveyed for breeding birds in the Chequamegon, Chippewa, and Superior National Forests (NF), respectively in 2006. Annual surveys have been conducted since 1991 in the Chippewa and Superior NF, and since 1992 in the Chequamegon NF. • Comprehensive surveys of vegetation structure were carried out on 93, 74, and 63 points in the Chequamegon, Chippewa, and Superior NFs, respectively, on over 50 observer-days of sampling. Monitoring personnel on the Chippewa and Superior NFs provided excellent assistance in the coordination and completion of this effort. • Trends in relative abundance were calculated for 72 bird species, including 57 species in the Chequamegon NF, 57 in the Chippewa NF, and 49 in the Superior NF. Thirty-nine species were also tested for a pooled trend by combining data from the three national forests. • A total of 163 species/national forest trends were calculated in 2006 (not including pooled trends), 68 (42%) of which were significant (P ≤ 0.05). Twenty three species increased significantly (P ≤ 0.05) in at least one national forest and 24 species decreased. Eleven species had significant increasing pooled trends and 11 had decreasing trends. Of the 158 species/national forest trends calculated in 2005, 19 (12%) changed in 2006. • The percent of increasing species on each national forest ranged from 9% in the Chequamegon NF, to 25% in the Chippewa NF. The percent of decreasing species ranged from 20% in the Superior NF, to 28% in the Chequamegon NF. • The short-distance migrant guild showed highly significant declines on all national forests. Long-distance migrants also declined on all national forests. Permanent residents increased on the Chippewa and Superior NF and in the pooled NFs, but were stable on the Chequamegon NF. • The ground nesting guild showed highly significant declines on all national forests. Shrub/sub-canopy nesters increased on Chippewa NF, but were stable in Chequamegon and Superior NFs. Canopy nesters increased in Chquamegon NF and cavity-nesters increased in Chippwa and Superior NFs. All nesting guilds showed significant trends in the pooled NFs with increases in shrub/subcanopy-nesters and cavity-nesters and decreases in ground- and canopy-nesters. • The deciduous and mixed forest bird guilds declined on the Chequamegon and Superior NFs and the pooled NFs. The lowland coniferous forest bird guild declined on the Chippewa NF and the pooled NFs. The early-successional bird guild increased on the Chippewa NF and the upland coniferous bird guild increased on the Chippewa and Superior NFs as well as in the pooled NFs. • Evidence from previous regional studies have demonstrated greater nest predation rates on ground nests near forest/clearcut edges, as well as a significant increase in the creation of forest edges in recent years. Increasing amounts of forest edge and nest predation may be having negative effects on declining ground-nesters such as the Winter Wren, Veery, Hermit Thrush, Ovenbird, and White-throated Sparrow. • Of the 1274 survey sites on the three national forests, 15.5% have been at least partially harvested since the beginning of monitoring, which is about 1% a year. This harvest rate is comparable to the documented 4.8% change from mature forest to early-successional types on federally managed forest lands in northeastern Minnesota between 1990 and 1995 (i.e., ~1% annual change). Thus, it appears that management activities on our sample sites are representative of the national forests as a whole, and that the trends we are documenting are probably occurring across the regional landscape. • Many of the declining trends that we have detected appear to be consistent across years instead of being due to a few years with very low or high abundance. One of the main goals of this monitoring program is to identify potential declines of forest bird species, especially for species of conservation concern such as the Eastern Wood-Pewee, Winter Wren, Hermit Thrush, Ovenbird, and White-throated Sparrow. The declines observed over the past years for common species such as the Ovenbird and White-throated Sparrow are a continuing concern and special management consideration should be given to these species.Item Breeding Bird Monitoring in Western Great Lakes National Forests: 1991-2008(University of Minnesota Duluth, 2009) Niemi, Gerald J; Danz, Nicholas P; Peterson, Anna; Linne-Dolan, Paul; Etterson, MatthewA total of 425 existing stands were surveyed for breeding birds including 131, 126, and 168 stands (1,298 survey points) in the Chequamegon, Chippewa, and Superior National Forests (NFs), respectively in 2008.Item Breeding Birds of the Cornish Hardwood Management Area: Aitkin County, Minnesota 1998-1999(University of Minnesota Duluth, 1999) Hanowski, JoAnn MBreeding bird surveys were conducted for the second consecutive year in the Cornish Hardwood management area (CHMA), located in northeast Aitkin County. The objectives of this project are to: 1) establish a long-term breeding bird monitoring program in the CHMA to detect annual changes in species abundances, 2) determine whether bird community composition and species abundances are affected by uneven-aged management, and 3) compare the bird community in the CHMA with other northern hardwood stands in northern Minnesota. This report provides a summary of bird surveys completed in June of 1999 and also compares 1998 and 1999 survey results. Please refer to the 1998 report for more detail on methods and rationale for this study. Twenty-six individual stands that were greater than 40 acres were selected for monitoring. Eight stands were harvested within the past 10 years (managed), eight stands are in the management area, but have not been recently managed (unmanaged), and ten sites were located in Savannah Portage State Park. One breeding bird survey was conducted at each point with an unlimited radius 10 minute count point count in Junes of 1998 and 1999. A total of 25 bird species were observed in 26 stands (52 points) in 1998 and 32 species were counted in 1999. Over both years, a total of 37 species have been observed in this area. On average, we observed about 22 individuals and 7 to 8 species in each stand (total of two point counts) in 1998 and a slightly higher number, about 25 individuals and 8 species in 1999. Results of a two-way analysis of variance for the bird community variables indicated that more (P < 0.001) total individuals were observed in 1999 than in 1998. In addition, we found a significant difference in number of species observed in stands with different management history. Here, unmanaged stands had fewer species (P < 0.01) than the managed or reference stands. Not one of the 8 species tested with two-way analysis of variance indicated a significant difference (P < 0.05) in abundance among management types or year. We found a significant interaction for year and treatment for the Scarlet Tanager. This test result indicated that the species abundance pattern on unmanaged sites was not consistent between 1998 and 1999. For example, more Scarlet Tanagers were observed on unmanaged sites in 1998 than in the other two management groups, but in 1999, this management type had the fewest number of individuals of this species. A cluster analysis with bird species showed that bird community composition was not different among management types or between years. Occurrence of uncommon species on individual sites was most likely the reason why some sites differed in their relative cluster position (or composition of cluster) between the two years. A species that was absent in northern hardwood stands in this region in 1998 but present in 1999 was the Black-throated Blue Warbler. This species is rarely found in northern hardwoods in north central Minnesota but occurs in selected northern hardwood stands in northeast Minnesota, primarily in the Lake Superior highlands. A recently completed study on the Black-throated Blue Warbler in northeast Minnesota applied in managing in 1999 will provide quantitative habitat information for this species that could be the CHMA for this hardwood dependent species.Item Breeding Birds of the Cornish Hardwood Management Area: Aitkin County, Minnesota 1998-2000(University of Minnesota Duluth, 2000) Hanowski, JoAnn MBreeding bird surveys were conducted for the third consecutive year in the Cornish Hardwood management area (CHMA), located in northeast Aitkin County. The objectives of this project are to: 1) establish a long-term breeding bird monitoring program in the CHMA to detect annual changes in species abundances, 2) determine whether bird community composition and species abundances are affected by uneven-aged management, and 3) compare the bird community in the CHMA with other northern hardwood stands in northern Minnesota. This report provides a summary of bird surveys completed in June of 2000 and also compares 1998, 1999 and 2000 survey results.Item Conservation Assessment for Bay-breasted Warbler (Dendroica castanea)(University of Minnesota Duluth, 2003) Mayasich, Joseph M; Niemi, Gerald JThis is a draft conservation assessment designed to provide a synopsis of the life history, ecology, and management and conservation concerns of the Bay-breasted Warbler (Dendroica castanea). The primary focus of this conservation assessment is on information relevant to Region 9 of the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service. The Bay-breasted Warbler is a neotropical migrant that inhabits boreal coniferous forests in a broad band, primarily, across central and eastern Canada. It breeds in northern spruce-fir forests, feeding and nesting in the dense foliage of these conifers. It winters in Panama and northern South America. Males and females are fairly large relative to other members of the genus Dendroica, being 13 to 14 cm long and weighing about 13 g. Bay-breasted Warbler numbers have been reported to dramatically increase and decrease in synchrony with outbreaks and declines of the spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana), a key food item. Its North American breeding distribution is closely correlated with that of spruce and fir in the boreal forest. The greatest threat to the breeding range of the Bay-breasted Warbler is the reduction in the area of old-growth spruce and fir of the boreal forest. Both nesting habitat and food supply (spruce budworm) are at risk when reductions or alterations of these forest areas occurs. Spraying insecticides to control spruce budworm can have direct toxic affect on this Warbler (inhibition of brain acetylcholinesterase activity). Winter habitat degradation and loss is also a threat, as commercial and residential development activity continues to reduce the forested habitats in the tropics. No specific or dedicated management activities have been attempted for the Bay-breasted Warbler in Region 9. If management activities are developed and implemented, they should address ecological sustainability. No past or current conservation activities in Region 9 are known to be relevant to the Bay-breasted Warbler. However, the adoption of an ecosystemcentered forest management perspective within Region 9 would likely help conserve inconspicuous boreal birds such as the Bay-breasted Warbler. No surveying, monitoring or research specific to the Bay-breasted Warbler has occurred or is occurring within the national forests of Region 9, although some generalized bird monitoring is occurring. Modifications to a point-count survey protocol could improve the monitoring of Bay-breasted Warblers in national forests. Considering the limited extent of its habitat within these forests, its migratory behavior and inconspicuous nature, declines in the abundance of Bay-breasted Warblers in Region 9 forests could easily be overlooked.Item Development of Habitat Models and Habitat Maps for Breeding Bird Species In the Agassiz Lowlands Subsection, Minnesota, USA(University of Minnesota Duluth, 2015) Bednar, Joshua D; Zlonis, Edmund J; Panci, Hannah; Moen, Ronald; Niemi, Gerald JWe report results of a two-‐year effort in 2013 and 2014 to sample breeding bird species in the extensive lowland coniferous forests in the Agassiz Lowland Ecological Subsection (ALS) of northwestern Minnesota. The effort is a part of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) forest planning process to identify forested areas of conservation concern to selected forest bird species potentially affected by logging activity. The general objectives were to: 1) identify lowland coniferous forest stands that encompassed a gradient of age classes, productivity as measured by site index, and forest patch sizes, 2) sample breeding bird populations within each of the selected stands in 2013 and 2014, 3) identify habitat and landscape characteristics associated with selected breeding bird species within these forest stand types, 4) develop habitat models for bird species of conservation concern and those potentially affected by logging activity, 5) apply the habitat models to state-‐owned land to map the potential distribution of individual species or combinations of species in the ALS, and 6) provide recommendations on forest management that could be beneficial for conservation of breeding birds within the ALS.Item Encampment Forest: Breeding Bird Species Composition – 2014-2015(University of Minnesota Duluth, 2016) Niemi, Gerald J; Condon, Elizabeth; Bracey, Annie; Zlonis, Edmund J; Schutte, SaraDuring the summers of 2014 and 2015, we completed point count surveys for breeding birds along transects within a selected portion of the Encampment Forest during the breeding season (June) and the post-breeding season (late July-early August). The main objectives of these surveys were to determine the species composition of breeding birds within this old-growth forest area and identify the habitats and landscape characteristics associated with these species. During the breeding season a combined total of 66 species were observed within the 644 acre area that was sampled in 2014 and 2015. These included four species that flew over while sampling (Common Loon, Canada Geese, Turkey Vulture, and Ring-billed Gull). As expected, detectability decreased during the post-breeding period where we observed about 20 fewer species (44 species in both 2014 and 2015) and an average of about 500 fewer individuals with the same effort.Item Summary of Breeding Bird Trends in the Chippewa and Superior National Forests of Minnesota: 1995-2012(University of Minnesota Duluth, 2012) Niemi, Gerald J; Grinde, Alexis R; Bednar, Joshua D; Zlonis, Edmund JThe breeding bird communities of the western Great Lakes region have among the richest diversity of breeding bird species in North America (Green 1995, Howe et al. 1997, Rich et al. 2004). The importance of this diversity and past concerns with potential declines of some species has led to a strong interest in monitoring forest bird populations in the region. The relatively heavily forested landscapes of northern Minnesota and Wisconsin are considered to be population 'sources' for many forest bird species and may be supplementing population 'sinks' in the agricultural landscapes of the lower Midwest (Robinson et al. 1995, Temple and Flaspohler 1998). Analysis of population trends is used as an 'early-warning system' of potential problems in a species population and serves as a measure of the ecological condition of the environment (Niemi and McDonald 2004a). Recently, a draft of a general technical report on a summary of the twenty-plus year data that have been gathered in the Chequamegon, Chippewa, Nicolet, and Superior NFs from the late 1980s through 2011 has been completed (Niemi et al. 2013). This report is due for publication during the spring of 2013. It summarizes a substantial amount of information that has been gathered on population trends, habitat relationships, bird community assemblages, factors potentially affecting population trends, management recommendations for bird species of concern, and a brief review of potential invasive species affecting bird species. Large-scale population monitoring programs such as the U.S. Geological Survey’s Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) provide important information on trends at a continental scale. However, limited coverage in some areas can make it difficult to use BBS data to characterize population trends at smaller geographic scales (Peterjohn et al. 1995). Continental trends also have the potential to mask regional population trends (Holmes and Sherry 1988), thus there is a need for regional monitoring programs that can provide more localized information (Howe et al. 1997). In response to the need for regional population data, a long-term forest breeding bird monitoring program was established in 1991 in the Chippewa and Superior NFs. The Forest Service is mandated to monitor certain management indicator species (Manley et al. 1993), and our monitoring program expands beyond indicator species to include all forest songbird species that we can adequately sample. Currently, approximately 314 stands (942 points) within the two NFs are surveyed during the breeding season (June 1 to July 10). The primary objective of this report is to update U.S. Forest Service personnel on results of the forest bird monitoring program. Here we focus on relative abundance trends of individual species during the period from 1995-2012 (18 years) and summarize the most important recent results.Item Summary of Breeding Bird Trends in the Chippewa and Superior National Forests of Minnesota: 1995-2013(University of Minnesota Duluth, 2013) Zlonis, Edmund J; Grinde, Alexis R; Bednar, Joshua D; Niemi, Gerald JThe breeding bird communities of the western Great Lakes region have among the richest diversity of breeding bird species in North America (Green 1995, Howe et al. 1997, Rich et al. 2004). The importance of this diversity and past concerns with potential declines of some species has led to a strong interest in monitoring forest bird populations in the region. The relatively heavily forested landscapes of northern Minnesota and Wisconsin are considered to be population 'sources' for many forest bird species and may be supplementing population 'sinks' in the agricultural landscapes of the lower Midwest (Robinson et al. 1995, Temple and Flaspohler 1998). Analysis of population trends is used as an 'early-warning system' of potential problems in a species population and serves as a measure of the ecological condition of the environment (Niemi and McDonald 2004a). 2013 Annual Report – Forest Bird Monitoring 2 Recently, a draft of a general technical report on a summary of the twenty-plus year data that have been gathered in the Chequamegon, Chippewa, Nicolet, and Superior NFs from the late 1980s through 2011 has been completed (Niemi et al. 2013). This report has gone through several iterations of peer-review and is currently in press. It summarizes a substantial amount of information that has been gathered on population trends, habitat relationships, bird community assemblages, factors potentially affecting population trends, management recommendations for bird species of concern, and a brief review of potential invasive species affecting bird species. Large-scale population monitoring programs such as the U.S. Geological Survey’s Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) provide important information on trends at a continental scale. However, limited coverage in some areas can make it difficult to use BBS data to characterize population trends at smaller geographic scales (Peterjohn et al. 1995). Continental trends also have the potential to mask regional population trends (Holmes and Sherry 1988), thus there is a need for regional monitoring programs that can provide more localized information (Howe et al. 1997). In response to the need for regional population data, a long-term forest breeding bird monitoring program was established in 1991 in the Chippewa and Superior NFs. The Forest Service is mandated to monitor certain management indicator species (Manley et al. 1993), and our monitoring program expands beyond indicator species to include all forest songbird species that we can adequately sample. Although recent changes to the USFS Planning Rule are in the process of being implemented (USDA Forest Service 2012), we are confident that this program is an effective way of monitoring the characteristics and conditions of an important component of the ecological communities present in these NFs. Currently, more than 300 stands (> 900 points) within the two NFs are surveyed during the breeding season (June 1 to July 10). The primary objective of this report is to update U.S. Forest Service personnel on results of the forest bird monitoring program. Here we focus on relative abundance trends of individual species during the period from 1995-2013 (19 years) and summarize the most important recent results.Item Summary of Breeding Bird Trends in the Chippewa and Superior National Forests of Minnesota: 1995-2014(University of Minnesota Duluth, 2014) Zlonis, Edmund J; Grinde, Alexis R; Condon, Elizabeth; Panci, Hannah; Li, Yang; Regal, Ronald R; Niemi, Gerald JA total of 329 existing forest stands were surveyed for breeding birds including 135 and 194 stands (953 survey points) in the Chippewa and Superior National Forests (NFs), respectively in 2014.Item Summary of Breeding Bird Trends in the Chippewa and Superior National Forests of Minnesota: 1995-2015(University of Minnesota Duluth, 2015) Zlonis, Edmund J; Grinde, Alexis R; Bednar, Joshua D; Niemi, Gerald JItem Wildlife species: responses to forest harvesting and management in riparian stands and landscapes(University of Minnesota Duluth, 2001) Hanowski, JoAnn M; Danz, Nicholas P; Lind, Jim; Niemi, Gerald J; Wolter, Peter T.Breeding birds were surveyed in five watersheds in northern Minnesota for four years. In three watersheds (Knife, Pokegama, Cloquet) 12, 6 to I 0 acre plots were established. In two watersheds (Knife, Gooseberry) one large(> 40 acre) plot was established. Plots were established to assess breeding bird response to harvest type and J:iarvest method in riparian forests. Treatments in the Pokegama watershed included removal of basal area to 25-35 ft within 100 ft of either side of the stream with two different harvest methods (grapple skidding and cut-to-length systems). Uplands adjacent to riparian buffers were clearcut and three total (no harvest) plots were maintained in the watershed as well as three uncut riparian control plots. Before harvest data were collected in 1997, harvest was completed in the fall of 1997, and after harvest data collected in 1998, 1999 and 2000. Treatments in the Knife watershed ranged from clearcut in the riparian area to 25-35 ft residual basal area within 100 feet on one side of the stream. Uplands adjacent to riparian buffers were clearcut and three total (no harvest) plots were maintained in the watershed as well as three uncut riparian control plots. Harvests were not completed on all sites because of poor winter harvest conditions in 1997, 1998 and 1999. Breeding bird data have been collected in all years and will be collected in 200 I if all sites are harvested within this time frame. Treatments on sites in the Cloquet watershed were designed to examine bird response to harvest in the riparian area by leaving residual basal area ( 40 ft2) in either a scattered or clumped pattern. Uplands adjacent to riparian buffers were clearcut and three total (no harvest) plots were maintained in the watershed as well as three uncut riparian control plots. Harvests were not completed on all sites because of poor winter harvest conditions in 1997, 1998 and 1999. Breeding bird data have been collected in all years and will be collected in 2001 if all sites are harvested within this time frame. Bird surveys were also completed on two large sites in Lake County. One site, the Gooseberry was harvested, but the Knife River site was not. No statistical analyses were completed on these data and no additional studies are planned. In addition to breeding bird surveys, two additional tasks were completed and results were presented in the previous biennial report (Louisiana Waterthrush and riparian landscape statistics for the forested regions of Minnesota. No new information is presented in this report on those tasks.