2008 Annual Monitoring Report (pdf 10.9MB) - Bolsa Chica ...
2008 Annual Monitoring Report (pdf 10.9MB) - Bolsa Chica ...
2008 Annual Monitoring Report (pdf 10.9MB) - Bolsa Chica ...
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<strong>Bolsa</strong> <strong>Chica</strong> Lowlands Restoration <strong>Monitoring</strong><br />
<strong>2008</strong> <strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong><br />
but includes more diverse habitats in a more balanced distribution. The Huntington Beach Wetlands<br />
are located roughly five miles to the south of <strong>Bolsa</strong> <strong>Chica</strong> and have been monitored for the past 2 years<br />
in anticipation of the restoration of tidal influence to Brookhurst and Magnolia Marshes, part of the<br />
overall wetland complex. From January 2007 to January 2009 a total of 115 bird species were<br />
documented in quarterly saturation surveys of Brookhurst, Magnolia, and Talbert Marshes. These<br />
marshes contain similar expanses of non-tidal pickleweed marsh. Surveys conducted following<br />
restoration of tidal influence to Brookhurst Marsh in 2009 and Magnolia Marsh in 2010 will provide<br />
better comparisons for <strong>Bolsa</strong> <strong>Chica</strong>.<br />
Recommendations<br />
• Continue modified avian monitoring schedule, expanding the monthly Year 5 monitoring called for<br />
in the <strong>Monitoring</strong> Plan to instead conduct the surveys every other month, distributed over a period<br />
of two years (monitoring Years 5 and 6).<br />
Light-footed Clapper Rail <strong>Monitoring</strong><br />
Surveys for the light-footed clapper rail (Rallus longirostris levipes) will not be initiated until suitable<br />
cordgrass habitat has developed to an extent and quality to attract clapper rails. The status of the<br />
cordgrass transplants was detailed in the vegetation section of this report.<br />
Belding’s Savannah Sparrow <strong>Monitoring</strong><br />
Methodology<br />
Two complete surveys for the state endangered Belding's Savannah<br />
sparrow were performed in <strong>2008</strong>. The number of surveys was<br />
increased from one survey in 2007 to two in <strong>2008</strong> in order to improve<br />
the reliability of the number of territories recorded. The results of both<br />
<strong>2008</strong> surveys will be reported. The first survey was conducted on<br />
April 21 and 22, <strong>2008</strong> and the second on May 12 and 13, <strong>2008</strong>. At this<br />
time the sparrows were well into their breeding season and therefore<br />
displaying territorial and breeding behavior. All areas with potentially<br />
suitable breeding habitat for the Belding's Savannah sparrow<br />
(pickleweed-dominated salt marsh) were surveyed. The site was<br />
surveyed on foot by qualified biologists using binoculars and spotting<br />
scopes. Surveys were performed between 0530 hours and 1100 hours,<br />
but generally ended by about 0930. Weather conditions including air<br />
temperature, cloud cover, precipitation, and approximate wind speed<br />
were recorded regularly throughout the survey.<br />
Photo: Laura Gorman<br />
Belding’s Savannah sparrow.<br />
In 2007 the survey program included a calibration training period with Dick Zembal prior to<br />
conducting the surveys so that data collected would be consistent between individuals and in<br />
comparison to past surveys conducted at the site and throughout the state (Zembal et al, 2006). This<br />
method gives a rapid estimate of the number of territories and their locations. The same team<br />
conducted the surveys in <strong>2008</strong> to minimize further surveyor bias. Surveys will continue to be<br />
conducted annually in the future to document changes over time and space.<br />
The site was surveyed over the two-day period by assigning each surveyor a series of zones. Each<br />
zone was surveyed only once per survey; two days were needed to cover all of the zones. The surveys<br />
would have been discontinued for the day if wind, visibility, rain, or other factors were deemed to be<br />
Merkel & Associates, Inc. 87