2007 Annual Monitoring Report (pdf 16MB) - Bolsa Chica Lowlands ...

Bolsa Chica Lowlands Restoration Monitoring2007 Annual ReportSome survey result differences between the Zembal and M&A team could also have arisen from adifference in survey biologists. Without a written protocol it is not possible to have completeconsistency with prior surveys, however by reviewing survey methodology with Mr. Zembal in thefield prior to the survey, it is hoped that survey technique variability was minimized. The presentsurvey team will maintain the above-described methodology for all future surveys.Considerable movement by the birds between zones was noted, particularly with birds leaving toforage on the riprap and mudflat of the FTB, resulting in missed territories. Due to these observationsof great variability, the surveys conducted during Year 2 (prior to the final publication of this report)were conducted twice within the season. Although many individuals were mapped on the sameterritories between surveys, a large number of territories were only observed on one survey or theother, and there were 25% more territories on one date than the other. These results will be detailed inthe next annual report, but a mentioned to illustrate the limitations of the survey methodology, whichcaptures a snapshot in time and only a rough estimate of territories.To address temporal variability in movement and behavior, and to more accurately assess the numberof breeding territories within the site, it is recommended that the survey be conducted at least twiceduring each breeding season.RecommendationsIncrease Belding’s Savannah sparrow survey intensity to a minimum of two events per breedingseason.Merkel & Associates, Inc. 51