Yosemite Slough Bird Survey 2012-2013 · The Yosemite Slough Phase One restoration was divided into...

Yosemite Slough Bird Survey 2012-2013

Funded by a Together Green grant under contract with Literacy for Environmental Justice

Golden Gate Audubon Society June, 2013

Golden Gate Audubon Society Yosemite Slough Watershed Bird Census Report June, 2013 2012-2013

2

2012-2013 Bird Census Report Submitted to:

Literacy for Environmental Justice 909 Florida Street San Francisco, CA 94110-2819 www.lejyouth.org

Prepared by: Golden Gate Audubon Society

2530 San Pablo Avenue, Suite G Berkeley, CA 94702 www.goldengateaudubon.org

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This publication and our work as a member of the Yosemite Slough Watershed Restoration Project have been funded through a partnership with Literacy for Environmental Justice, with the generous support of Together Green, which is sponsoring this bird census of the Yosemite Slough Environmental Justice Watershed. The Yosemite Slough Watershed Restoration Project began in 2003 as a collaborative of ARC Ecology, the Alliance for a Clean Waterfront, the Bayview Hunters Point Community Advocates, Clean Water Fund of San Francisco, Golden Gate Audubon Society, Literacy for Environmental Justice, and the University of San Francisco. To find out more about our project or how you can get involved please contact Literacy for Environmental Justice or Golden Gate Audubon Society at our address below:

Literacy for Environmental Justice 909 Florida Street San Francisco, CA 94110-2819 415-282-6840 www.lejyouth.org

Golden Gate Audubon Society 2530 San Pablo Avenue, Suite G Berkeley, CA 94702 510-843-2222 www.goldengateaudubon.org


3

TABLE OF CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGMENT .........................................................................i INTRODUCTION...................................................................................1 STUDY AREA ......................................................................................1 MATERIALS AND METHODS..............................................................6 EQUIPMENT ........................................................................................6 TRAINING ............................................................................................6 SURVEY PERIOD ................................................................................7 FIELD SURVEYS..................................................................................7 BIRDS ...................................................................................................7 DATA MANAGEMENT..........................................................................7 QUALITY CONTROL.............................................................................7 RESULTS...............................................................................................7 HABITATS.............................................................................................7 SPECIES DIVERSITY............................................................................8 MAXIMUM ABUNDANCE......................................................................8 MEAN ABUNDANCE.............................................................................8 TIDAL STAGE........................................................................................9 RELATIVE ABUNDANCE......................................................................9 UNUSUAL OBSERVATIONS ................................................................9 RECOMMENDATIONS.........................................................................10 CONCLUSIONS ...................................................................................11 PROJECT STAFF ................................................................................12 GOLDEN GATE AUDUBON SOCIETY................................................12 LITERACY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE....................................12 APPENDICES A: MAPS B: TABLES C: FIGURES BIBLIOGRAPHY


4

INTRODUCTION This report is a follow up the to 2003-2004 Yosemite Slough Wildlife Census Report by LSA and Associates. The 2003-2004 report provided a baseline for this report. The 2003-2004 survey had a larger study area, more frequent surveys, covered mammals, reptiles, amphibians and butterflies and had a larger team to conduct the census and report. This 2012-2013 bird census report is restricted to bird species only. The current report is based on ten surveys conducted between 10/19/2012 and 5/30/2013. This report is important to capture the restoration that is currently underway at Candlestick State Recreation Area and specifically at the Yosemite Slough. Comparison 2003-2004 2012-2013 Areas Surveyed 10 6 Surveys Collected 29 10 Survey Team Size 39 15 Species Counted:

Birds Yes Yes Mammals Yes No

Reptiles Yes No Amphibians Yes No

Butterflies Yes No

STUDY AREA

The study area is at Candlestick State Recreation Area latitude 37.71591 longitude -122.378. The survey covered the primary restoration areas of the Yosemite Slough Phase 1 (in progress) and the proposed restoration area on the south side of the slough. This includes what is now referred to as "Upland 2" from the 2004 census from Yosemite Slough south to Carroll Avenue. See project map.

A Search Area Survey Protocol was used dividing the area into habitat types. The Yosemite Slough Restoration Phase 1 Area was divided into three separate areas: Upland, New Marsh Restoration, and Yosemite Slough. The Yosemite Slough includes the tidal mudflat at the western end which becomes exposed at low tide.

The former "Rock Garden" area includes the seasonal pond and recently re-vegetated (native) area was desirable to include as a comparison with sub-areas of the 2004 census.


5

The surveys utilized protocols of a formal Search Area survey plan and educational requirements. This meant that the team needed to limit and separate the areas to be completed by surveyors from those that were survey and educational.

The area south of the former "Rock Garden" was not practical to include due to time constraints.

The South Basin search area was included using the same map as the 2004 census which included the immediate shores and all identifiable birds were counted.

The above high tide vegetated area at the far west end of Yosemite Slough where there is evidence of homeless camps was not surveyed.

The actual avian inventory of tidal areas was greatly impacted by tides occurring at the time of the survey. Given the time frame of the surveys as well as other constraints including organizational schedules we believe that this "balanced out" by the end of the survey. There were surveys at varying tide stages. The Search Area plan: Area 1 The former "Rock Garden" area is framed by Candlestick Point south to the dilapidated concrete kayak launch on the east side and the eastern boundary of the large "Parking Lot" as shown on 2004 Study Area Boundary map. There is a "levee" that extends across the south side of this area and in line with the southern boundary of the parking lot. The seasonal pond and adjacent LEJ native plant restoration area is included. This area was surveyed only by Survey Team Wildlife Technicians. Area 2 South Basin – This was outlined in the 2004 Study Area Boundary map including the shoreline. A scope is required to survey this area. All identifiable birds on the water or shore were counted. This area was surveyed only by Survey Team Wildlife Technicians. Area 3 Upland 2 - Described on the 2004 Study Area Boundary map but slightly expanded to include existing State Parks facility area and up to Carroll Ave. This site included the vegetated area on the south side of the Yosemite Slough. All of this area will be the subject of a proposed future restoration project. See attached Map for a detail of this area. This area was surveyed only by Survey Team Wildlife Technicians. The remaining areas were completed with Area Search leaders incorporating LEJ staff and volunteers in the educational elements of the project. Survey leaders connected with educational participants at the Yosemite Slough Phase One restoration site (Griffith & Thomas Ave. Gate) for the remainder of the survey. This portion of the survey divided the territory into three separate Search Areas based on distinct habitat types as well as obvious fence boundaries. Each Search Area required a separate Area Search form. Each of these areas are small in size relative to Areas 1 through 3. Areas 4 through 6 provided sufficient time to discuss the observations with all participants. While this is a more casual approach than is typical for Search Area surveys, the positive results included accurate census data


6

and education of the local community regarding the goals and methods of habitat restoration for wildlife. The Yosemite Slough Phase One restoration was divided into the following three areas: Area 4 Yosemite Slough Upland - The area is located above (north of) the wildlife fencing surrounding the new marsh restoration and up to the restoration boundary fencing on the west, north and east (U.S. Navy property) side of the project. This area was seeded just prior to the start of the census. Area 5 New Marsh Restoration - All of the area within the wildlife fencing including the "bird island" but not the open water of the Yosemite Slough. Area 6 Yosemite Slough - All of the open water of the Yosemite Slough plus the immediate shoreline & mudflat area (when exposed) up to the mean high tide zone.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Equipment A spotting scope and binoculars were used to conduct the bird census. The spotting scope was used for the open water areas of the survey. LEJ Youth were provided with a copy of the field guide to 100 Birds of Heron’s Head as a study tool. E-bird was a tool that was used to capture the bird census data. Training Golden Gate Audubon Society conducted classroom and field training with the LEJ Staff and Youth at the Heron’s Head Park Eco Center in San Francisco, CA on October 12 and 19, 2012. Additional trainings were held at the project site. Survey Period The survey period was October, 2012 to May, 2013. The surveys were conducted on Saturday mornings between 8:00am and 1:00pm. The dates the surveys were conducted were as follows:

October 19, 2012 October 27, 2012 November 3, 2012 December 22, 2012 January 26, 2013 February 23, 2013 March 23, 2013 April 27, 2013 May 25, 2013 May 30, 2013


7

FIELD SURVEYS Habitat types were identified in the 2003-2004 Wildlife Survey of Yosemite Slough. Only six of the ten areas were covered in the 2012-2013 surveys and this report. The field surveys were conducted generally on the third Saturday of the month from 9:00am until 1:00pm. In areas 1-3 the surveys were conducted by one Wildlife Technician alone or with one or two volunteers. The Wildlife Technician coordinated with the LEJ Staff and LEJ Youth to conduct the bird survey of areas 4-6. In each survey area the upland or shoreline birds were documented visually or audibly. The land birds of the upland areas were identified to species. The water birds of the shoreline areas were also identified to species where feasible. Some species were recorded by genera when the species could not be determined (ex: Clark’s/Western Grebe, and gull sp.). The environmental conditions of temperature, cloud cover, wind speed and direction and tidal stage were recorded on the data sheets. Behaviors recorded included foraging, flocking, copulation, displaying, pair, material carrying, and food carrying, nesting, and fledging. The time limits for the census did not allow for significant observation of behavior or a breeding bird census.

Birds

Birds were identified visually or by call or song (auditory). Survey areas 1-3 were covered in 30 minutes per area. Survey areas 4-6 were covered in 1.5 hour total (30 minutes/area) which included an environmental education component. LEJ Youth, LEJ Staff and the GGAS Wildlife Technicians discussed the birds present, behavior, feeding, migration, reproduction, restoration, threats and other related topics. Data Management Data from the 10 surveys was entered into ebird for analysis. The data was entered using the internet at www.ebird.org. The LEJ Staff and LEJ Youth learned about ebird at the October, 2012 training sessions. The data structure was built upon previous GGAS bird census projects in Alameda County, CA and the 2003-2004 Yosemite Slough Report. Quality Control GGAS Wildlife Technicians trained the LEJ Youth in the bird census protocols methods and data collection. The Wildlife Technicians involved in the census are highly proficient as birders and made the final decision as to which species and how many were detected. The accuracy of the data could not be verified by outside groups or other volunteers due to the limited resources and timeframe.

RESULTS HABITATS

The map depicts the habitats present. 1) Urban – Area 3 portion that includes State Park maintenance facility 2) Non-native Grasslands – Area 1 Rock Garden, Area 3 (Upland 2 between Yosemite

Slough and State Park maintenance facility) 3) Salt Marsh – Area 4 and Area 5 Yosemite Slough and Restoration Area 4) Open Water – Area 2 – South Basin 5) Rocky shoreline – Area 1 shoreline portion, Area 2 (South Basin) shoreline portion


8

SPECIES DIVERSITY

During the 2012-2013 survey, the teams observed and identified 80 species of birds. Some species could not be confirmed and were listed as to appropriate genera: Greater/Lesser Scaup, Clarks/Western Grebe, Dowitcher shorebirds and Gull sp. The species observed can be found in the Species Diversity table. In the 2003-2004 survey 118 species of birds were identified. As noted the 2003-2004 survey had more surveys, a larger area, and larger team. The restoration area is also undergoing a restoration and as noted in the survey, one area was recently hydro-seeded. Bird species not recorded in the 2012-2013 bird survey included:

Gulls: Mew Gull and Herring Gull. Shorebirds: Solitary Sandpiper, Wandering Tattler, Ruddy Turnstone, Sanderling, and

Red-necked Phalarope Waterfowl: Canvasback and White-winged Scoter, Other Waterbirds: Red-breasted Merganser, Red-necked Grebe, Brandt’s Cormorant,

Pelagic Cormorant, Red-Throated Loon, Common Loon, and Belted Kingfisher Landbirds: Vaux’s Swift, Rufus Hummingbird, Downy Woodpecker, Ash Throated

Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Bank Swallow, Northern Rough Winged Swallow, White Breasted Nuthatch, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, American Pipit, Orange Crowned Warbler, Wilson’s Warbler, Western Tanager, Chipping Sparrow, Lincoln’s Sparrow, Fox Sparrow. Brewer’s Sparrow, Lesser Goldfinch and American Goldfinch.

Raptors: White-tailed Kite, Cooper’s Hawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, American Kestrel, and Merlin

Bird species observed in 2012-2013 but not observed in the 2003-2004 report included:

Landbirds: White-throated Swift, House Wren, Eurasian Collared Dove Raptors: Peregrine Falcon

MAXIMUM ABUNDANCE

The maximum number of birds observed on a single date was on December 22, 2012 when 1199 individual birds were counted.

MEAN ABUNDANCE The average mean abundance was calculated for the 10 surveys. The most abundant species in this survey was the Ruddy Duck (17.1%). This is consistent with the finding of the 2003-2004 bird survey. In this survey the Ruddy Duck was seen primarily at the South Basin then smaller numbers from the Yosemite Slough Upland and Yosemite Slough. The waterbirds with a high mean abundance included Greater Scaup (11.15%) and Scaup Species (10.5%) followed by Canada Goose (6.2%). Other waterbirds with high mean abundance were Brown Pelican at 2.6% and Western Grebe 2.15%.


9

The raptor with the highest mean abundance is the Red-tailed Hawk (0.225%). The other raptor species Turkey Vulture, Northern Harrier and Peregrine Falcon were all equivalent mean abundance at 0.1% The Least Sandpiper was the highest mean abundant species of the shorebirds at 24.66% followed by Western Sandpiper (12.5%) then Dunlin (6.8%). The gull with the highest mean abundance was the Western Gull at 5.66%. This finding differs from the 2003-2004 survey where California Gull was the highest species recorded. Amongst the landbird guild, the House Finch (7.96%) was closely followed by Bushtit (7.7%) as the highest mean abundance species.

TIDAL STAGE The tidal stage impacts the presence or absence of shorebirds along Yosemite Slough. The surveys were scheduled for a date when LEJ Youth would be available to meet with the Wildlife Technicians at the Yosemite Slough Restoration site. Due to the limited number of surveys being conducted the surveys were not conducted at the optimum time to record the presence or absence of bird species. Tidal stage (high, low, incoming or outgoing) was documented on some of the bird surveys.

RELATIVE ABUNDANCE The water bird species with the highest abundance was Scaup and Ruddy Duck. The 2003-2004 study indicated the species with the highest abundance was Ruddy Duck. The 2003-2004 study included open water in the San Francisco Bay. The “open water” during the 2012-2013 study data collection was only at Area 2 (South Basin). Shorebirds were in large numbers in Yosemite Slough the same as in the 2003-2004 study. The land bird in the upland showed large numbers of House Finches.

UNUSUAL OBSERVATIONS The Clark’s Grebe, Black Turnstone, Whimbrel, and Western Sandpiper are shorebirds which were recorded during the surveys which have been listed on the 2007 Audubon Watchlist.1 The Black Oystercatcher was also on the 2002 Audubon Watchlist and was observed in several surveys. Black Oystercatcher pair bonding behavior was detected but actual nesting was not – it appeared likely Black Oystercatchers again nested on Double Rock in Yosemite Slough. The Black Oystercatcher, Long Billed Curlew, and Western Sandpiper are identified as Pacific Flyway priority bird species of conservation efforts by National Audubon. 2 The White-Throated Swift is on the Audubon Watchlist and was recorded during the survey. Greater Scaup was documented and is one of Audubon’s common birds in decline.3

1 http://birds.audubon.org/sites/default/files/documents/watchlist2007_printable_list_populations.pdf 2 http://conservation.audubon.org/priority-birds 3 http://birds.audubon.org/species-by-program/cbid


10

RECOMMENDATIONS The primary goal of this survey was to document the bird species in the area being restored and the adjacent areas. These recommendations are based upon the 2003-2004 Report and the 2012-2013 Report.

Expansion of the salt marsh habitat at Yosemite Slough will likely increase the habitat for shorebirds.

Disturbance and refuse in the Yosemite Slough and shoreline habitats should be discouraged. These areas provide loafing and foraging habitat for a variety and large quantities of water bird and shorebird species.

The land areas where there was a dominance of coastal scrub and seed plants (Area 1 and 3) had the highest concentration of landbirds. Native plants that provide food, rest and shelter would improve this habitat for native birds.

The parking lots are used as nesting habitat by Killdeer and roosting habitat by gulls. The bush edges of the parking lots are used by a variety of land birds. Some of the broken light fixtures are used as nesting for non-native European Starlings and should be removed or repaired.

The seasonal pond in the Rock Garden area provides a unique freshwater habitat within the park. This area could be improved by replacing the non-native weeds with native plants that provide food, shelter and nesting habitat for a variety of species.

Brush piles and rock piles provide habitat for birds within the study area. Illegal dumping and activities are a problem for humans and wildlife in this park.

Copper cable stripping and manhole cover theft makes a dangerous situation for people and birds. A boat was left abandon in the restoration area and illegal construction waste and household trash were dumped in the parking lot. These problems were reported to local agencies during this survey.

Illegally dumping cats are a threat to birds especially ground nesting birds. Feral cats were observed during the study.

Native vegetation for the San Francisco Bay Shoreline would improve the habitat for wintering and nesting birds at this park.


11

CONCLUSIONS

The Yosemite Slough study area provides important habitat for a large variety of breeding, migrating and over wintering bird species. Once the salt marsh plants have become established especially in Area 5 (New Marsh restoration) this area will add significantly to the acreage of salt marsh habitat in the City of San Francisco. Salt Marsh habitat, one of the most biologically productive habitat types in existence, has been largely extirpated from the City since the late 1800’s. This exciting restoration site will become a key stepping stone site for many threatened bird species such as the California Clapper Rail. The unique location of the slough at the edge of the City and the San Francisco Bay provides a great resource to the residents and visitors to this park. Yosemite Slough and the adjacent parts of Candlestick State Recreation Area provide foraging and roosting and nesting habitat to water birds, shorebirds and land birds. The habitat restoration underway at Yosemite Slough will improve the habitat value to birds and other wildlife. The habitat restoration underway provides opportunities for the community to appreciate and value the local environment.


12

PROJECT TEAM Golden Gate Audubon Society

Michael Lynes, Executive Director Eddie Bartley, Survey Team Wildlife Technician and Trainer Mike Perlmutter, Survey Team Wildlife Technician and Trainer Noreen Weeden, Project Manager Paul Meadow, Volunteer

Literacy for Environmental Justice

Anthony Khalil, Youth Program Manager Patrick Marley Rump, Acting Executive Director Margarita Hernandez, LEJ Youth Jose Jimenez, LEJ Youth Renika Jones, LEJ Youth Esmeralda Mancilla, LEJ Youth Christina Vargas, Park Steward Tom Phillips, Park Steward Ben Francisco, Volunteer May Francisco, Volunteer Matthew Switzer, Volunteer

UC Berkeley Service Learning Team

Sherrie Stone Nancy Valdivia Hannah Weddle


13

MAPS Google map of the area


14


15


16

TABLES Table 1 Species

Common Name Scientific Name Canada Goose Branta canadensis Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope American Wigeon Anas americana Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Canvasback Aythya valisineria Greater Scaup Aythya marila Greater/Lesser Scaup Aythya marila/affinis

Surf Scoter Melanitta perspicillata Bufflehead Bucephala albeola Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis Horned Grebe Podiceps auritus Eared Grebe Podiceps nigricollis Western Grebe Aechmophorus occidentalis Clark's Grebe Aechmophorus clarkii Western/Clark's Grebe Aechmophorus occidentalis/clarkii Double-crested Cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis Great Egret Ardea alba Snowy Egret Egretta thula Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura Northern Harrier Circus cyaneus Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis American Coot Fulica americana Black-bellied Plover Pluvialis squatarola Semipalmated Plover Charadrius semipalmatus Killdeer Charadrius vociferus Black Oystercatcher Haematopus bachmani American Avocet Recurvirostra americana Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularius Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca Willet Tringa semipalmata Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus Long-billed Curlew Numenius americanus Black Turnstone Arenaria melanocephala Western Sandpiper Calidris mauri Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla Dunlin Calidris alpina Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis Western Gull Larus occidentalis California Gull Larus californicus Glaucous-winged Gull Larus glaucescens


17

Table 1 Species continued Common Name Scientific Name gull sp. Larinae sp. Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia Forster's Tern Sterna forsteri Elegant Tern Thalasseus elegans Rock Pigeon Columba livia Eurasian Collared-Dove Streptopelia decaocto Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura White-throated Swift Aeronautes saxatalis Anna's Hummingbird Calypte anna Northern Flicker Colaptes auratus Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus Black Phoebe Sayornis nigricans Say's Phoebe Sayornis saya Western Scrub-Jay Aphelocoma californica American Crow Corvus brachyrhynchos Common Raven Corvus corax Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Bushtit Psaltriparus minimus House Wren Troglodytes aedon Ruby-crowned Kinglet Regulus calendula Hermit Thrush Catharus guttatus American Robin Turdus migratorius Northern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos European Starling Sturnus vulgaris Orange-crowned Warbler Oreothlypis celata Yellow Warbler Setophaga petechia Yellow-rumped Warbler Setophaga coronata California Towhee Melozone crissalis Savannah Sparrow Passerculus sandwichensis Fox Sparrow Passerella iliaca Lincoln's Sparrow Melospiza lincolnii White-throated Sparrow Zonotrichia albicollis White-crowned Sparrow Zonotrichia leucophrys Golden-crowned Sparrow Zonotrichia atricapilla Dark-eyed Junco Junco hyemalis Red-winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus Western Meadowlark Sturnella neglecta Brown-headed Cowbird Molothrus ater House Finch Haemorhous mexicanus House Sparrow Passer domesticus


18

Species by Guild Comparison

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

2003 2004 2012-2013

Guild

Qua

ntity

by

Yea

r

Birds Gulls and Terns Shorebirds Waterfowl Other Waterbirds Landbirds Raptors and Owls

Table 2 Species Diversity by Year and Taxonomic Guild

Taxonomic Group or Guild 2003 2004 2012-2013

Birds 118 83 80

Gulls and Terns 9 6 7

Shorebirds 21 16 14

Waterfowl 12 8 11

Other Waterbirds 19 15 8

Landbirds 49 32 33

Raptors and Owls 8 6 4


19

Yosemite Slough Study Area 2012-2013

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

Gulls and Terns Shorebirds Waterfowl Other Waterbirds Landbirds Raptors and Owls

Taxonomic Guild

Qua

ntity

Series1


20

Table 2 - Mean Abundance Common Name Scientific Name Rock South Upland YS New Yosemite Waterbirds Garden Basin 2 Upland Marsh Slough Average Canada Goose Branta canadensis 0.8 5.2 0.2 6.2 Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope 0.1 0.1 American Wigeon Anas americana 1.7 3 2.35 Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 0.2 0.2 Canvasback Aythya valisineria 0.1 0.1 Greater Scaup Aythya marila 22 0.3 11.15 Greater/Lesser Scaup Aythya marila/affinis 2.7 17.4 10.05 Surf Scoter Melanitta perspicillata 2.4 2.4 Bufflehead Bucephala albeola 0.5 12.5 1 0.2 2.8 3.4 Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula 0.7 0.1 0.3 0.1 0.3 Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis 49.8 0.2 1.3 17.1 Other Waterbirds Horned Grebe Podiceps auritus 1.2 0.2 0.7 Eared Grebe Podiceps nigricollis 0.1 0.2 0.15 Western Grebe Aechmophorus occidentalis 0.1 4.2 2.15 Clark's Grebe Aechmophorus clarkii 1.7 1.9 1.8 Western/Clark's Grebe Aechmophorus occidentalis/clarkii 1.3 1.3 Double-crested Cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus 2.6 2.6 Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis 0.8 0.7 0.1 0.533333 Great Egret Ardea alba 0.3 0.3 Snowy Egret Egretta thula 0.7 0.1 0.4 0.4 Raptors Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura 0.1 0.1 Northern Harrier Circus cyaneus 0.1 0.1 0.1 Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.225 Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus 0.1 0.1


21

Table 3- Mean Abundance continued

Common Name Scientific Name Rock South Upland YS New Yosemite Waterbirds Garden Basin 2 Upland Marsh Slough Average Shorebirds American Coot Fulica americana 0.3 0.3 Black-bellied Plover Pluvialis squatarola 0.2 2.1 3.1 0.6 1.5 Semipalmated Plover Charadrius semipalmatus 7.4 2.3 4.85 Killdeer Charadrius vociferus 0.9 0.3 0.3 0.9 0.5 0.6 0.583333 Black Oystercatcher Haematopus bachmani 0.2 1.4 0.3 0.633333 American Avocet Recurvirostra americana 0.2 0.2 2.7 1.9 1.25 Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularius 0.1 1.2 0.3 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.366667 Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca 0.3 0.7 0.6 0.6 2.5 0.94 Willet Tringa semipalmata 3.2 1.4 5.3 5 3.725 Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus 1.7 0.1 1.6 0.4 0.95 Long-billed Curlew Numenius americanus 0.1 0.1 0.1 Black Turnstone Arenaria melanocephala 0.9 0.4 0.65 Western Sandpiper Calidris mauri 8 17 12.5 Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla 0.2 8.8 2.2 26.3 85.8 24.66 Dunlin Calidris alpina 12 5.8 2.8 6.866667 Gulls and Terns Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis 0.6 0.6 Western Gull Larus occidentalis 1.6 25.9 0.3 0.2 0.3 5.66 California Gull Larus californicus 0.1 8.2 0.1 2.8 Glaucous-winged Gull Larus glaucescens 0.2 0.2 gull sp. Larinae sp. 0.8 5.7 3.25 Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia 0.1 0.1 Forster's Tern Sterna forsteri 0.1 0.1 Elegant Tern Thalasseus elegans 0.3 0.3


22

Table 3 – Mean Abundance continued

Common Name Scientific Name Rock South Upland YS New Yosemite Waterbirds Garden Basin 2 Upland Marsh Slough Average Landbirds Rock Pigeon Columba livia 0.4 0.5 0.4 0.433333 Eurasian Collared-Dove Streptopelia decaocto 0.2 0.2 Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura 0.1 0.1 5.8 2 White-throated Swift Aeronautes saxatalis 0.1 0.1 Anna's Hummingbird Calypte anna 3.3 0.8 1.5 0.3 1.475 Northern Flicker Colaptes auratus 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.133333 Black Phoebe Sayornis nigricans 0.8 0.1 0.45 Say's Phoebe Sayornis saya 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.166667 Western Scrub-Jay Aphelocoma californica 0.3 0.9 0.6 American Crow Corvus brachyrhynchos 0.5 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 Common Raven Corvus corax 1.6 0.2 0.7 3.1 0.6 1.24 Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica 0.5 0.1 0.1 0.233333 Bushtit Psaltriparus minimus 18 2.5 2.8 7.766667 House Wren Troglodytes aedon 0.2 0.2 Ruby-crowned Kinglet Regulus calendula 0.2 0.7 0.45 Hermit Thrush Catharus guttatus 0.6 0.6 American Robin Turdus migratorius 0.2 0.2 Northern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos 0.9 0.5 0.8 0.1 0.575 European Starling Sturnus vulgaris 16.2 0.6 1.2 . 6 Orange-crowned Warbler Oreothlypis celata 0.1 0.1 Yellow Warbler Setophaga petechia 0.6 0.2 0.4 Yellow-rumped Warbler Setophaga coronata 3.5 2.5 0.1 0.1 1.55 California Towhee Melozone crissalis 2.8 0.6 2.1 0.5 1.5 Savannah Sparrow Passerculus sandwichensis 2.3 0.1 0.2 0.866667 Fox Sparrow Passerella iliaca 0.1 0.1 Lincoln's Sparrow Melospiza lincolnii 0.1 0.1 White-crowned Sparrow Zonotrichia leucophrys 15.4 4.1 1.5 0.1 5.275 Golden-crowned Sparrow Zonotrichia atricapilla 11.2 0.6 0.9 4.233333 Dark-eyed Junco Junco hyemalis 0.1 0.1 Red-winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus 3.2 2.4 0.9 2.166667 Western Meadowlark Sturnella neglecta 4.4 1.5 1.4 2.4 0.2 1.98 Brown-headed Cowbird Molothrus ater 0.2 0.2 House Finch Haemorhous mexicanus 31.1 4.7 7.1 1.7 2.6 0.6 7.966667 House Sparrow Passer domesticus 1.8 0.2 1


23

Table 4 - Maximum number of individuals observed Common Name Scientific Name Maximum number of individuals

Waterbirds Observed

Canada Goose Branta canadensis 52

Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope 1

American Wigeon Anas americana 5

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 2

Canvasback Aythya valisineria 1

Greater Scaup Aythya marila 114

Greater/Lesser Scaup Aythya marila/affinis 160

Surf Scoter Melanitta perspicillata 9

Bufflehead Bucephala albeola 50

Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula 4

Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis 160

Other Waterbirds

Horned Grebe Podiceps auritus 6

Eared Grebe Podiceps nigricollis 2

Western Grebe Aechmophorus occidentalis 17

Clark's Grebe Aechmophorus clarkii 9

Western/Clark's Grebe Aechmophorus occidentalis/clarkii 6

Double-crested Cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus 19

Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis 4

Great Egret Ardea alba 2

Snowy Egret Egretta thula 4


24

Table 4 - Maximum number of individuals observed – continued

Common Name Scientific Name Maximum number of individuals

Raptors Observed

Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura 1

Northern Harrier Circus cyaneus 1

Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis 2

Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus 1

Shorebirds

American Coot Fulica americana 3

Black-bellied Plover Pluvialis squatarola 23

Semipalmated Plover Charadrius semipalmatus 45

Killdeer Charadrius vociferus 12

Black Oystercatcher Haematopus bachmani 4

American Avocet Recurvirostra americana 17

Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularius 7

Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca 12

Willet Tringa semipalmata 55

Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus 11

Long-billed Curlew Numenius americanus 1

Black Turnstone Arenaria melanocephala 11

Western Sandpiper Calidris mauri 170

Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla 396

Dunlin Calidris alpina 120


25



Gulls and Terns observed

Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis 5

Western Gull Larus occidentalis 123

California Gull Larus californicus 68

Glaucous-winged Gull Larus glaucescens 1

gull sp. Larinae sp. 55

Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia 1

Forster's Tern Sterna forsteri 1

Elegant Tern Thalasseus elegans 3

Landbirds

Rock Pigeon Columba livia 5

Eurasian Collared-Dove Streptopelia decaocto 2

Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura 58

White-throated Swift Aeronautes saxatalis 1

Anna's Hummingbird Calypte anna 13

Northern Flicker Colaptes auratus 1

Black Phoebe Sayornis nigricans 4

Say's Phoebe Sayornis saya 2

Western Scrub-Jay Aphelocoma californica 2

American Crow Corvus brachyrhynchos 3

Common Raven Corvus corax 16

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica 6

Bushtit Psaltriparus minimus 38


26



Landbirds- continued Observed

House Wren Troglodytes aedon 2

Ruby-crowned Kinglet Regulus calendula 5

Hermit Thrush Catharus guttatus 4

American Robin Turdus migratorius 1

Northern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos 7

European Starling Sturnus vulgaris 120

Orange-crowned Warbler Oreothlypis celata 1

Yellow Warbler Setophaga petechia 6

Yellow-rumped Warbler Setophaga coronata 28

California Towhee Melozone crissalis 11

Savannah Sparrow Passerculus sandwichensis 20

Fox Sparrow Passerella iliaca 1

Lincoln's Sparrow Melospiza lincolnii 1

White-crowned Sparrow Zonotrichia leucophrys 104

Golden-crowned Sparrow Zonotrichia atricapilla 44

Dark-eyed Junco Junco hyemalis 1

Red-winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus 44

Western Meadowlark Sturnella neglecta 26

Brown-headed Cowbird Molothrus ater 1

House Finch Haemorhous mexicanus 127

House Sparrow Passer domesticus 11


27

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Gregory S. Butcher, Daniel K. Niven, Arvind O. Panjabi, David N. Pashley and Kenneth V. Rosenberg. 2008. National Audubon Society 2007 Watchlist http://birds.audubon.org/2007-audubon-watchlist

Gregory S. Butcher and Daniel K. Niven, National Audubon Society, 2007. National Audubon Society Common Birds in Decline http://birds.audubon.org/sites/default/files/documents/report_0.pdf

LEF Foundation, Golden Gate Audubon Society, Nature Trip, Port of San Francisco, 2007. 100 Birds of Heron’s Head

LSA Associates Inc, July 2004. 2003-2004 Final Report Yosemite Slough Watershed Wildlife Survey.

National Audubon Society 2002. Audubon Watchlist 2002: An early warning system for bird conservation. http://audubon2.org/watchlist/viewWatchlist.jsp

“San Francisco” Google Earth. Longitude -122.378 latitude 37.71591, October 1, 2012.

Sullivan, B.L., C.L. Wood, M.J. Iliff, R.E. Bonney, D. Fink, and S. Kelling. 2009. eBird: a citizen-based bird observation network in the biological sciences. Biological Conservation 142: 2282-2292.

Date post:	06-Jul-2020
Category:	Documents
Upload:	others
View:	1 times
Download:	0 times

Yosemite Slough Bird Survey 2012-2013 · The Yosemite Slough Phase One restoration was divided into...

Documents