Breeding bird monitoring in Great Lakes National Forests: 1991-1999

Abstract

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 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.