Vermont BCR 13

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A Plan for Monitoring Shorebirds During the Non-breeding Season inBird Monitoring Region Vermont BCR 13

Version 1

2008

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Table of Contents

Introduction ....................................................................................................................................3

Methods ...........................................................................................................................................5

Results - Shorebirds .......................................................................................................................7

Site Descriptions - Vermont ...........................................................................................................8

References .....................................................................................................................................15

Figures and Tables

Figure 1. Conceptual framework for integrated bird monitoring............................................3

Figure 2. Shorebird Planning and Bird Conservation Regions in Canada and the United

States...............................................................................................................................................4

Figure 3. PRISM sites in BCR 13, 14, 30, 27, and 31...............................................................5

Table 1. Focal shorebird species for BCR 13. The list includes Tier A (general occurrence

and high concern) and B (local occurrence and/ or lower concern) system. The list was

expanded to include all species that received either high or medium ratings of concern in

the American or Canadian Shorebird Plans................................................................................7

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Introduction

The bird conservation initiatives - waterbirds, waterfowl, shorebirds and landbirds - are

cooperating to design a comprehensive integrated bird monitoring (IBM) program for Canadaand the United States. The conceptual framework for IBM (Fig. 1) includes strong emphasis on

detecting species at risk and helping to protect them. These broad goals are achieved by

estimating population trends and defining requirements for viable populations. These objectives

in turn are accomplished by population modeling based on population levels, demographic ratesand habitat information. Population trends are estimated by surveying breeding populations

whenever possible, and by surveying the species for which this is not feasible at other times of

year. Surveys of all species are made throughout the year to help identify and monitor use ofsuitable habitat.

Figure 1. Conceptual framework for integrated bird monitoring.

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Most surveys in upland habitats are designed at a large spatial scale (e.g., southern

Canada and the United States) and do not require detailed information at the local level. Surveysof wetland habitats, in contrast, must be carefully designed to insure that the habitat is well

covered, and different methods may be needed in different environments. A series of regional

assessments is thus being prepared to help design the wetland surveys. Regions were formed byintersecting a Bird Conservation Region (BCR) map with a Province and State map, deleting

small polygons and smoothing the borders (Fig. 2). The resulting Bird Monitoring Regions can

be used to scale up results to either BCRs or Provinces and States.

Figure 2. Shorebird Planning and Bird Conservation Regions in Canada and the United States.

Adapted from: USFWS-U.S. Shorebird Plan and CWS-Canadian Shorebird Conservation Plan

The regional assessments summarize current information about wetland bird distribution,abundance, habitat relationships and timing of use within the Region and identify information

needed to design reliable monitoring programs. These needed pilot studies are then prioritized

by people concerned with monitoring birds in the region and a plan is developed to carry out thework. Carrying out the pilot studies is expected to take 1-3 years. Long-term surveys will then be

implemented. Additional details are provided in Managers Monitoring Manual available at

http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/monmanual/techniques/shorebirdsnonbreedingsites.htm. More

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information on regional progress can be found at the U.S. Shorebird Plans Regional

Conservation Plan website (http://www.fws.gov/shorebirdplan/RegionalShorebird.htm).

Methods

Focal wetland species of shorebirds were first identified. The initial list included all

wetland species of shorebirds that are common or abundant at any time of year within theRegion, according to Brian Harrington, based largely upon data from the International Shorebird

Surveys (ISS) and the US Shorebird Conservation Upper Mississippi Valley/Great Lakes(BCR13) Regional Plan. Sites in which any of the focal species are common or abundant at any timeof year were then identified using a list prepared for this project and supplemented by

information provided by birding guides, ornithologists and birders knowledgeable of the Region.

Most sites were single areas, such as a National Wildlife Refuge or Audubon Important BirdArea, but dispersed sites, such as lakes >10 ha, could also be identified.

Figure 3. PRISM sites in BCR 13, 14, 30, 27, and 31.

The International Shorebird Survey (ISS) provided species numbers for some of the

identified sites. The ISS is a volunteer based survey initiated in 1974 by Brian Harrington.

Volunteers select their survey sites and are given guidelines on census frequency and datacollection for spring and fall migration. The ISS guidelines ask volunteers to survey once every

10 days from April 1st to June 10th for spring migration, and once every 10 days from July 11th

to October 31st for fall migration. ISS records provided the maximum counts recorded forspecies where the identified site is also an ISS site.

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Survey methods for sites include appropriate tide levels for surveys, if that information is

available. Tide levels for surveys are based on the advice of biologists and birders withknowledge about the sites. Due to the different geography of the sites, different tide levels

are recommended to concentrate the birds for a survey. While high tide at one site may bring in

birds that are spread out over an expansive area at low tide, high tide at another site maycompletely cover the habitat or food resources and scatter the birds elsewhere. Therefore,

different tide levels may be recommended for different sites.

Additional site information may also include information about visibility. Excellent/good

visibility simply means that the birds can be seen without obstruction clearly enough to identify

to species, either by physically getting close enough or with a good scope or binoculars.

Maps showing land ownership, roads and wetlands were prepared for the region. Maps of

each site were also prepared and information useful in designing surveys for the focal species

was presented. The survey objective was assumed to be estimating the average number of birds

of each focal species present within the site during a specified interval. Up to three types ofhabitat were described for each focal species: Type 1 habitat, outlined in purple on the maps,

included regularly-used areas that should be sampled using a well-defined sampling plan. Type 2habitat, which was outlined in red, included areas used sparingly by the focal species. Type 2

habitat is not surveyed as often or with rigorously defined methods, but is surveyed less formally

every few years to document continued low use by the focal species. Type 3 habitat receives

virtually no use by the focal species during the study period and is not surveyed as part of themonitoring program. Requests, however, are circulated for any records of the focal species

occurring in substantial numbers in these areas.

A description of each site was prepared with the following headings:

Boundaries and ownershipFocal species using the site and timing of use

Location of type 1 and 2 habitat within the site

Access to the type 1 and 2 habitat and visibility of the birdsPast and current surveys

Potential survey methods

Description

Selection biasMeasurement error and bias

Needed pilot studies

We assume for any survey that the study area and study period (within years) have been

defined. The goal of the survey was assumed to be estimating the trend, across several years, in

the average number of birds present during the study period. Bias means a long-term trend in theratio (number recorded)/(average number present). Selection bias ensues when some portion of

Type 1 habitat has zero chance of being surveyed, usually due to access problems, and there is a

long-term trend in the proportion of birds using the non-sampled portion. Exclusion of some

Type 1 habitat does not necessarily cause selection bias because trends in the sampled areas

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might be the same as trends in the non-sampled areas. Anytime some portion of Type 1 habitat

could not be included in the sampled areas, the potential for selection bias and ways to reduce it

were discussed. Measurement error means not detecting all birds present in the surveyed area atthe time of the survey. Measurement bias is a long term trend in the proportion of birds present at

the time of the survey that are detected on the survey. Measurement error does not necessarily

cause measurement bias because the proportion of birds detected might not change through time.Anytime measurement error was probable, its magnitude and probable stability through time

were discussed along with ways to reduce the proportion of birds missed on the surveys.

Results - Shorebirds

Table 1. Focal shorebird species for BCR 13. The list includes Tier A (general occurrence and

high concern) and B (local occurrence and/ or lower concern) system. The list was expanded to

include all species that received either high or medium ratings of concern in the American orCanadian Shorebird Plans.

Tier Breeders Migrants

A

B

Piping Plover*

American Woodcock

Upland Sandpiper

Wilsons Phalarope

Whimbrel*

American Golden-Plover

Hudsonian Godwit*

Marbled Godwit*Buff-breasted Sandpiper

Sanderling

Solitary SandpiperShort-billed Dowitcher

Red Knot*

Black-bellied Plover

Dunlin

Semipalmated SandpiperGreater Yellowlegs

Lesser Yellowlegs

Least Sandpiper

* indicates species that are extirpated as breeders (Piping Plover) or that overfly the

BCR, and are noted rarely as they stop only occasionally to rest. Little directmanagement activity other than some basic habitat protection can be undertaken for these

species.

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Site Descriptions - Vermont

Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area

Description: Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area is located just east of Lake Champlain.

This slow-moving, dammed creek runs roughly northward from Bridport to just north of Panton,where it joins Otter Creek. The 2,858 acre area is made up of seven actively managed

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impoundments which are surrounded by upland habitat composed of active and inactive farm

fields, and oak-hickory forests. Over 200 species of birds are known to the area. The WMA is

owned by the State and is managed by the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department.

Flooded areas are designed to benefit waterfowl; draw-downs are recognized as benefiting

migrating shorebirds however, and occur regularly but not annually. Beginning in mid-spring,Vermont Fish and Wildlife begins lowering water levels by approximately six inches per month.

In addition, the overall water levels are dependent on rainfall. Some mudflats and shallow water

areas are held until late summer.

Shorebird use of the area is dependent on water levels and amount of exposed mudflats, which

are highly variable and vary from year to year. TheFarrell, Stone Dam andBrilyea sites are

known for shorebirds when water levels are ideal, along with the wet margins of artificial pondsalong the south side of Route 17 just east of Dead Creek at the goose viewing area.

Twenty-seven species of shorebirds have been observed at Dead Creek WMA, according to ISS

and area birder observations. The maximum count of birds observed between 1997-2006

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is:AGPL(140), KILL (136), LESA (494), LEYE (185), SESA ( 598), and PESA (80).

Access: Access is restricted in the waterfowl refuge portion of the WMA, however hunting and

fishing are allowed in other well-marked areas. Generally, the WMA is not gated and is open to

the public at all times. Access to the Refuge Headquarters is via Highway 17 near Addison.

Smaller-scale maps are included below the following text:

Stone Dam Access: From Addison, drive north on Route 22A for approximately four miles. Turnleft onto West Road and follow it for approximately two miles to Stone Dam.

Farrell Access: From Panton, drive south 2.6 miles first along Jersey Street and then ontoGoodrich Corners Road when the main road veers right. Farrell Access will be on the left and

passes through farm fields. Drive this road to the end. If Stone Dam is drawn down, check the

mud flats to the north and walk approximately a half mile south to check mud flats there.

Brilyea Access: From the intersection of Route 22A and Route 17,drive west on Route 17 for 2.3

miles to the Brilyea Access Road on the left (immediately past the bridge over Dead Creek).

Drive nearly one mile and park in the parking lot on the right. During a drawdown, shorebirdsmay be seen in the large dammed impoundment there (West Branch). Also, walk about 1 mile

along a grassy access road southwest from the parking lot (through a metal gate). Large numbers

of shorebirds have been observed in this area.

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Stone Dam and Farrell Access and Site:

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Brilyea Access and Site:

Survey Method: Ground surveys conducted as early in the day as possible (peregrines andmerlins are known to disperse the birds). The survey will take between a half day and a full day,

and may involve about 5 miles of walking if Brilyea is drawn down. Brilyea and Stone Dam, the

two principle impoundments, are generally not drawn down at the same time. It may be easiest to

have more than one person surveying the site at any one time.

Caution: Stone Dam Access area is sometimes used for target practice and as a local hangout.

Cars have been vandalized so it may be best to start the survey early in the day at this location.

Selection Bias: There are some inaccessible areas that are used by the birds when the water

levels are quite low but this would be less of a concern than potential movement (see

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Measurement Error). It has been estimated that no more than 20% of the birds present would be

inaccessible.

Measurement error: For an experienced birder, most of the birds could be detected. Local

birders emphasize that the site chould be surveyed carefully with particular attention given to

birds roosting or feeding amongst the vegetation and shrub roots.

Birds moving around from one site to another within the area and coming and going mid-survey

may also be a source of measurement error. Most of the Dead Creek sites are not within sight ofone another and when water levels are low it would probably take a good portion of the day to

cover all sites. This is a site where simultaneous observations by multiple observers would help

to reduce this potential movement error.

Measurement bias: When the water level is high, few birds are attracted and there are few birds

weaving through the vegetation. When the water is low, many birds are attracted and although

many are obvious, some are inevitably amongst the vegetation. It has been suggested that while

the overall number of birds in vegetation is greater when the water is lower, the percentage ofbirds in vegetation might be similar for most water levels.

The timing of water level drops can influence vegetation growth (e.g. an abrupt drop might leave

nice bare mud flats but a slow drawdown might promote vegetation growth which in turn would

influence detection). This might be a difficult factor to quantify and might require some sort of

consideration (notation by observer) for each survey. However this is not expected to have adramatic influence on the survey if the survey is conducted carefully.

Pilot Studies: Detectability studies required.

Local Contacts: Ted Murin, area birder

Bill Crenshaw, Vermont Fish and Wildlife (Essex District)

Additional Resources:

Vermont Fish and Wildlife, Dead Creek WMA Background and maphttp://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/library/maps/Wildlife%20Management%20Areas/Essex%20D

istrict/Dead%20Creek%20WMA.pdf

1Unpublished records provided by Ted Murin and Richard Lavallee, area birders; and BillCrenshaw, Vermont Fish and Wildlife (personal communication).

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Missisquoi NWR

Description:

Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge is located on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain near theCanadian border. This 6,642-acre refuge was established in 1943 and includes most of the

Missisquoi River delta where it flows into Missisquoi Bay. Lands are managed to provide and

protect habitat for migratory birds, to preserve the natural diversity and abundance of plants andanimals, to provide nesting structures for a variety of wildlife, and to control exotic species.

The refuge consists of quiet waters and wetlands which attract large flocks of migratory birds.According to Richard Lavellee, a local birder, migrating shorebirds may appear in small numbers

along wetland edges, wet fields, or on the banks of the Missisquoi River in normal or high water

years. The Champlain Valley is an important shorebird migration corridor but birds will only use

the Refuge if the conditions are right for shorebirds (e.g. low water levels).

Only four shorebirds are considered common to Missisquoi NWR: KILL, AMWO, COSN, and

GRYE. Considered occasional are BBPL, SEPL, LEYE, SOSA, SAND, SESA, LESA, WRSA,PESA, and DUNL. Considered rare are HUGO, RUTU, STSA and SBDO.

Unusually low water levels occurred on Lake Champlain in 2001, and fall shorebird surveys

were carried out at the mouths of Dead Creek and Rock River, as well as on the MissisquoiRiver, including West Branch (west of Metcalf Island) and Middle Branch (Shad Island). The

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maximum number of birds observed during this period are: AGPL (4), BBPL (81), COSN (41),

DOWI sp. (250), DUNL (1352), GRYE (82), KILL (33), LESA (70), LEYE (30), PESA (110),

SESA (35), and WRSA (53).

Access: Most of the refuge is accessible only by boat. Public boat ramps on the refuge are

located at Louies Landing and Macs Bend. Visitors are advised to consult the general refugeleaflet for the boat ramp access and trail locations.

Donaldson Point in West Swanton is immediately adjacent to the west boundary of MissisquoiNWR. It is located on private land on the western edge of the mouth of Charcoal Creek, and is

accessible on foot.

Survey Method: Donaldson Point can be accessed on foot with permission from the land owner.The refuge itself would be surveyed in boat.

Selection Bias: *

Measurement error:*Measurement bias: *

Pilot Studies:

Local Contacts: Dick Lavallee, local birder.

Additional Resources:

Official Refuge Brochure with Map:

http://library.fws.gov/refuges/Missisquoi05.pdf

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References

Canadian Wildlife Service. Canadian Shorebird Conservation Plan. Accessed August 2008.http://www.cws-scf.ec.gc.ca/mbc-com/default.asp?lang=en&n=D1610AB7 .

U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. U.S. Shorebird Plan. Accessed August 2008.http://www.fws.gov/shorebirdplan/RegionalShorebird/RegionsMap.asp

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