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

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DIY Snow Globes12/15/2018 @ 11:00 am-12:00 pmShake up the winter season with a homemade snow globe! Start with a dash of winter figurines, add a spoonful of snowflakes, mix together with liquid, and shake!
Holiday Wreath Making Workshop12/15/2018 @ 2:00 pm-4:00 pmCraft a festive wreath to deck your halls! We provide refreshments, fresh greens, 12”wreath frames, and know how. You bring creativity!
Quartz Crystal Jewelry12/16/2018 @ 1:00 pm-2:00 pmDesign and create a bracelet, necklace or earrings with quartz crystals. Perfect for holiday gift giving, or keep it for yourself! All supplies provided.
Tails and Tots12/16/2018 @ 3:00 pm-4:00 pmStory time with a natural twist. Come listen to some stories, learn new songs, and move like the animals.
Plankton Monitoring Studies12/19/2018 @ 10:00 am-12:00 pmOur plankton citizen science project is a great opportunity for science-minded individuals to contribute to monitoring and research at the Center. Help is needed with collection, identification, and analysis of plankton samples. Interested individuals should contact the Center for introductory training.