Ecological Distribution and Crude Density of Breeding Birds on Prairie Wetlands

The influence of local- and landscape-level factors on wetland breeding birds in the Prairie Pothole Region of North and South Dakota

“…For seven of the nine focal species in this study, abundances differed among wetland classes; for example, the Blue-winged Teal was less abundant on temporary wetlands than all other wetland classes and was significantly more abundant on seasonal than on semipermanent wetlands; Stewart and Kantrud (1973) and Kantrud and Stewart (1977) found similar results in North Dakota. In contrast, the American Coot was less abundant on alkali and temporary wetlands than on permanent, semipermanent, and seasonal wetlands, a result that also was shared by Kantrud and Stewart (1984). These contrasting results among species emphasize the ecological value of having a diversity of wetland classes in this region, including those that are generally smaller and shallower (that is, temporary and seasonal wetlands) and thus are most vulnerable to drainage (Niemuth and others, 2010).…”

“…and regional bird identification (aural and visual). We surveyed breeding birds from early May to early July in each year, which coincides with the peak breeding season of wetland breeding birds in the Prairie Pothole Region (Stewart and Kantrud, 1972;Stewart, 1975;Kantrud and Stewart, 1984;Igl and Johnson, 1997). Breeding birds were surveyed between one-half hour before sunrise and the midday lull in bird activity in wetlands, which varies from day to day but usually occurs in the early afternoon in this region (about 1400 Central Standard Time).…”

Effects of management practices on wetland birds: Virginia rail

“…The long-term protection of wetlands can be achieved through conservation easements and purchases of wetland basins (Holliman 1977, VanRees-Siewert 1993, Conway and Eddleman 1994, VanRees-Siewert and Dinsmore 1996, Weller 1999, Dault 2001. The ideal management strategy for waterbirds is to maintain wetland complexes and large wetlands or lakes (Kantrud and Stewart 1984, Brown and Dinsmore 1986, Fredrickson and Reid 1986, Daub 1993, Conway and Eddleman 1994, Weller 1999, Dault 2001, Naugle et al 2001. Because of variation in water levels over seasons or years, wetland complexes are more likely to have at least some wetlands in a water and plant regime favorable to a particular species, thus ensuring diverse species' representation in a geographical area Marshall 1954, Weller 1999).…”

“…Kantrud and Stewart (1984) suggested that occasional burning or grazing is required to maintain wetland vegetation in the best condition for many avian species, including rail species. When these management practices are conducted in a timely and well-planned manner, they can decrease the extent of monotypic stands of emergent vegetation and create openings in the vegetation, which can potentially increase biological productivity within shallow-water zones.…”

“…Wetlands with dense stands of emergent vegetation that impede rail movement should be burned, disced, mowed, or plowed to set back succession and, if within a managed impoundment, should be reflooded to stimulate production of invertebrates (Johnson 1984, Kantrud and Stewart 1984, Conway and Eddleman 1994. To reduce woody invasion and stimulate the growth of robust annuals used by migrating rails, disc dry wetlands and then reflood with shallow (<15 cm deep) water Reid 1986, Conway andEddleman 1994).…”