HOURS OF OPERATION
Monday thru Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m.
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.
Calendar of EventsView all
- Kayak Cruising on the Creek10/02/2020 @ 10:00 am-12:30 pmNudge around the endless nooks and crannies of Otter Point Creek and the upper Bush River with an adults only group. Choose one trip or all three to track the changes on the water through the fall season of migration and leaf color.
- Day's Cove - Kayak Exploration10/03/2020 @ 9:30 am-12:30 pmExplore the waters of the Gunpowder Falls while searching for eagles above, beavers below, and the changing foliage all around! This is an approximately 4 mile round trip paddle; recommended for experienced kayakers. *Meet at Mariner Point Park
- Spooky Batty Fun10/03/2020 @ 2:30 pm-4:00 pmAre bats spooky or cool? Decide for yourself. Discover fun facts, play a bat communication game, and make a batty craft for Halloween.
- Nature Playgroup 110/05/2020 @ 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: Foxes, Leaves, Squirrels, and Spiders
- Nature Playgroup 210/05/2020 @ 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: Foxes, Leaves, Squirrels, and Spiders
What's Happening
