Wildlife Activities
Research and Monitoring - Marsh Bird Habitat Monitoring
Marsh Bird Habitat Monitoring
A 2-year study was initiated in 2008 to better determine habitat preferences of the three covered marsh bird species, Yuma clapper rail, California black rail, and least bittern. Hydrology and vegetation will be monitored to correlate conditions with marsh bird use of the area.
This study is being conducted on Imperial National Wildlife Refuge in Field 16 and Field 18. Field 18 was prepared (cleared and contoured) for restoration in 2008 and planted with wetland vegetation during the summer. Field 16 is adjacent to Field 18 and already contains wetland and riparian vegetation, and covered marsh bird species are present there. Information collected in Field 16 and data from Field 18 as it develops into marsh and riparian habitat will be used to adaptively manage marsh habitat in the future. Vegetation, hydrologic regime and the presence of marsh birds will be monitored over the two years to determine correlations and aid in the development of future marsh habitat.
For additional information on this project, please refer to Work Task C24: Avian Species Habitat Requirements (PDF). Find Technical Reports for this Work Task here.
Updated November 26, 2012