Implementing Conservation Plans for Avian Species of Concern: Submitted to Audubon Minnesota

Abstract

Audubon Minnesota is interested in establishing benchmark survey locations throughout Minnesota to guide restoration and enhance activities within designated Important Bird Areas (IBAs) for three species of conservation concern: common tern, black tern, and yellow rail. Data collected during the 2009–2013 Minnesota Breeding Bird Atlas (MNBBA) project (Pfannmuller et al. 2017) were used to identify potential and confirmed breeding locations for black tern and common tern in the state. These data were then aligned with IBA boundaries and previously established survey locations from Audubon’s statewide marshbird monitoring program. Using this information, survey locations were identified within selected IBAs to document presence and abundance of tern species during the 2020 breeding season. Collectively, survey results can be used as a first step by Audubon Minnesota to formalize high-priority benchmark survey locations for long-term monitoring of these species in IBAs throughout the state.