North American Marsh Bird Survey

The amount of emergent wetland habitat in North America has declined sharply during the past century. Populations of many marsh birds that are dependent on emergent wetlands appear to be declining. For many reasons, numerous federal agencies are cooperating to monitor marsh bird populations in North America to estimate population trends. Continued monitoring will also allow resource managers to evaluate whether management actions or activities adversely impact wetland ecosystems. Any management action that alters water levels, alters salinity, reduces mudflat/open-water areas, alters invertebrate communities, or reduces the amount of emergent plant cover within marsh habitats could potentially affect habitat quality for marsh birds. The survey protocol used for the Marsh Bird Survey at Otter Point Creek is a standardized survey methodology intended for use on National Wildlife Refuges and other protected areas across North America. (See website at ag.arizona.edu for a .pdf version of the complete survey protocol).

Objectives of Program

This survey protocol is intended to provide guidance to individuals planning to survey secretive marsh birds to reach different objectives.

Document presence or distribution of marsh birds within a defined area
Estimate or compare density of secretive marsh birds among management units, wetlands or regions
Estimate population trend for marsh birds at local or regional scale
Evaluate effects of management actions on secretive marsh birds
Document habitat types or wetland conditions that influence abundance or occupancy of marsh birds

The following are a list of the marsh bird species in the calling survey at Otter Point Creek.

American Bittern (AMBI) Botaurus lentiginosus
King Rail (KIRA) Rallus elegans
Least Bittern (LEBI) Ixobrychus exilis
Sora Rail (SORA) Porzana carolina
Virginia Rail (VIRA) Rallus limicola

Updates

12/2009 - After two seasons of surveys we've heard or seen several birds. In 2008, a Least Bittern and a King Rail were heard and one Least Bittern was seen flying out of the brush! In 2009, a Virginia Rail and a King Rail were heard. The areas around stations 6, 8, 9, and 10 seem to be the hot spots.

Station Map

Below is a map showing the monitoring stations.

Monitoring Stations

More Information

Calendar of EventsView all

Halloween Hike and Campfire10/19/2019 @ 6:00 pm-9:30 pmSpend a spooky evening at the park hiking through the woods to discover the creatures of Halloween. Meet these real "scary" critters up close and listen to their tales spun by Halloween characters. After the hike, enjoy roasted marshmallows down by our cozy campfire. Pre-register for 1/2 hour time slots to begin hike. Allow 1 hour for hike and campfire. Payment at door - Only $7/person!!
Pumpkin Chunkin' Hike10/20/2019 @ 10:00 am-11:30 amHead out on the Discovery Trail to examine the jack-o-lanterns left from the Halloween Hike. Look closely to see what critters have taken up residence. Then, let the biodegradable pumpkin chunkin' begin!
Meet a Critter10/20/2019 @ 12:30 pm-1:30 pmCheck out one of our live critters up close while discovering what makes that animal special.
Nature Playgroup10/21/2019 @ 9:30 am-10:30 amLittle ones and their parents play and learn in the natural world. Stories, songs, simple crafts and discovery outings will highlight each day's theme. Topics: spiders, migration, leaves, bats, deer, seeds Mondays, September 30, October 7, 14, 21, 28, November 4
Nature Tots10/21/2019 @ 11:00 am-12:00 pmLittle ones and their parents play and learn in the natural world. Stories, songs, simple crafts and discovery outings will highlight each day's theme. Topics: spiders, migration, leaves, bats, deer, seeds Mondays, September 30, October 7, 14, 21, 28, November 4