2002 Monitoring Reports

Section II. Bird Survey

Introduction

Bird surveys conducted over many years help researchers monitor trends in bird populations. These intensive, long-term studies lend insight about different species' behavior and their preferred habitats. Changes in the environment, either natural or human induced may be reflected in changes of population or species numbers.

Surveys are conducted during various times of the year, depending on the focus of the research. Spring and fall surveys are used to record the various migratory species that use an area as a stopover site on their journey to breeding or wintering grounds. Surveys conducted in the winter are used to monitor the resident species during the non-breeding season. Breeding bird surveys are conducted during the summer months, during the height of the breeding season. In this region, the optimum sampling period is during the month of June. The optimum time of sampling is during the early morning hours, between 4:00 and 9:00 am, a period when the birds are most active.

Survey Methods

In the past, ten permanent stations were selected to survey during the breeding periods and non-breeding periods of the year. This year Station 11 was added at Bridge 2 to track several nesting species seen there (Figure 1). Except for Station 11, the stations are approximately 900 feet apart, within the Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve between the railroad grade (now Rail Road) on the north and the Indiana Toll Road on the south. Seven of the eleven stations (1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10 and 11) are located in wooded portions of the corridor. The stations were selected (1) to avoid overlap in potential territories and thus avoid censusing the same birds more than once and (2) to allow sampling at each of the various habitat types present within the corridor. All individuals seen and/or heard at a station within a 5-minute sampling period were recorded, except for the survey in 1997, when 10-minute intervals per station were used. In addition to surveys done at the sampling stations, reconnaissance surveys throughout the preserve were performed on May 10 to 11, August 8, October 26, December 8, December 27, December 28 and December 29, 2002.

Station Descriptions

Surveys at each fixed sampling station were conducted on June 22 and August 6, 2002. Previously, surveys at each sampling station were done on August 4, 1997; June 21,1998; June 27, 1999; August 3, 2000; and June 10, June 16 and August 15, 2001. The average temperature ranged between 70 and 80 degrees on June 22, 2002, and between 68 and 73 degrees on August 6, 2002. The range of time, average temperature, weather, number of minutes spent at each station, and the number of birds and species found each year are detailed in Table 1 and illustrated in Figure 13 under Results and Discussion. Descriptions of sampling stations and the bird species recorded at each station are presented in Appendices 18-19.

Date	Time	Avg. Temp.	Weather	Min. per Station	# Birds (# species), per Sampling Event
8/4/97	6:00-10:40 am	N/A	N/A	10 min.	98 (29)
6/21/98	5:10-8:15 am	75° F	Winds calm, sky clear/partly cloudy	5 min.	194 (36)
6/27/99	6:00-8:30 am	75 ° F	Winds calm, sky partly cloudy/overcast	5 min.	264 (38)
8/3/00	7:30-9:40 am	72 ° F	Winds moderate, sky mostly sunny	5 min.	162 (37)
6/10/01	7:57-10:30 am	75-80º F	Winds light, sky mostly clear	5 min.	115 (23)
6/16/01	5:35-8:15 am	70-75º F	Winds light, sky mostly clear	5 min.	151 (26)
8/15/01	6:10-8:30 am	70-75º F	Winds light, sky mostly clear	5 min.	218 (32)
6/22/02	6:00-9:00 am	70-80º F	Winds light, sky mostly clear	5 min.	197 (35)
8/6/02	7:30-10:30 am	68-73º F	Winds light, sky clear	5 min.	114 (28)

Table 1 . Amount of time spent, weather conditions, and number of birds found at each
sampling station during the 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2002 bird sampling events.

 

Station 1

Station 1 is the southern-most station, located at the edge of a mature beach-maple forest on a steep ridge adjacent to the floodplain on the north side of Coffee Creek. This station includes species from both the forest and adjacent old-field. Some exotic species removal has occurred at the forest edge this year. On June 22, 2002, 21 individuals of 13 species were observed or heard at this station. On August 6, 2002, two species and 13 individuals were observed.

 

Station 2

Station 2 is located in a floodplain east of a bend in the creek. Vegetation in this open, wooded area includes tulip tree and walnut trees with an understory of wild ginger, beggar's ticks, violets, wild onion, and rue anemone. On June 22, 2002, a total of 10 species and 20 individuals were observed.

 

Station 3

 

Station 3 is adjacent to the east side of the creek at the location of the gas pipeline crossing. An approximately 200 foot wide area at the pipeline crossing that was previously cleared of all woody vegetation has resprouted with woody volunteers and is developing into an early successional woodland. Both north and south of the pipeline crossing is wooded. On June 22, 2002, 15 species and 30 individuals were observed. On August 6, 2002, five species and five individuals were observed.

 

Station 4

Station 4 is in a wooded area on the east side of the creek north of the pipeline near an old meander of Coffee Creek. Vegetation includes maple, basswood, and beech trees, with an understory of wild geranium, false solomon seal, trillium, mayapple and blue cohosh. On June 22, 2002, 12 species and 20 individuals were observed. On August 6, 2002, three species and 13 individuals were seen.

 

Station 5

Station 5 is in a clearing in the floodplain on the east side of the creek. Vegetation includes cottonwood, elm, and willow trees. The understory is vegetated with jewelweed, blackberry, ragweed, bidens, smartweed, and goldenrod. On June 22, 2002, eight species and 10 individuals were noted. On August 6, 2002, six species and 12 individuals were seen.

Station 6

Station 6 is next to the "Tuning Fork" and "Trellis Overlook" on the west side of the western-most bend of Coffee Creek. The creek banks are vegetated with various trees and shrubs and planted herbaceous species. Old-field species and early pioneer woody species dominated the area in 1997, prior to prairie planting and included ash, black walnut, grape, poison ivy and smooth brome. Presently, native grasses and sedges dominate this area. On June 22, 2002, 11 species and 17 individuals were observed. On August 6, 2002, seven species and 18 individuals were observed.

 

Station 7

Station 7 is located in an open field on the west side of Coffee Creek adjacent to Phillip's Pond, which is currently surrounded by some cattails and emergent vegetation. In 1997, previous to the hydraulic dredging, this pond was a cattail marsh, filled in with sediment over the years. The surrounding fields, which were previously old-fields, were seeded to prairie in 1998. A small grove of trees, including hickory and oak, border the south and east side of this pond. On June 22, 2002, eight species and 22 individuals were observed. On August 6, 2002, 12 species and 48 individuals were observed.

 

Station 8

Station 8 is located adjacent to a walnut grove in an old field on the west side of Coffee Creek. Two old barns were near this station, until 2000, when one barn was razed due to its condition. On June 22, 2002, eight species and 19 individuals were observed, including a fly-over by a Ring-billed Gull ( Larus delawarensis ). On August 6, 2002, 10 species and 15 individuals were observed.

 

Station 9

Station 9 is located on the east side of Coffee Creek, north of County Road 1050 North, at the forest edge. The understory includes nettles, ragweed, and bidens. On June 22, 2002, two species and two individuals were observed, including a fly-over by a Ring-billed Gull.

 

Station 10

Station 10 is located on the east side of Coffee Creek, at the northern property boundary. This area is vegetated with early successional species, due to recent construction disturbance. Access along the abandoned railroad grade has been constructed via an extension of County Road 125 East, which is now called Rail Rd. On June 22, 2002, six species and 21 individuals were observed, including fly-overs by two Ring-billed Gulls and 15 Common Grackles ( Quiscalus quiscala ).

 

Station 11

Station 11 is located at Bridge 2 on the south side of the pavilion meadow. American elm dominates this floodplain woods. Herbaceous vegetation includes many native sedges and grasses. Dogwood shrubs and yankee blackberry thickets are also present along the creek bank. On June 22, 2002, 12 species and 16 individuals were observed. Directly north of the bridge on a low hanging branch, a Baltimore Oriole ( Icterus galbula ) nest with both parents actively feeding was observed. A Warbling Vireo ( Vireo gilvus ) was constantly observed at this spot. An Eastern Phoebe ( Sayornis phoebe ) was observed catching a dragonfly and flying under the bridge with it, leading to the belief that there may be a nest under the bridge, which was confirmed later in the day.

Results and Discussion

In 2002, 43 species of birds were recorded at fixed sampling stations (Figure 14). Between 1997 and 2002, 67 species of birds have been recorded at fixed sampling stations, not including the flyover species. Including all fly-over species and species found during reconnaissance visits, 89 species have been found at the Preserve between 1997 and 2002. Thirty-three species were recorded between stations or during reconnaissance surveys in 2002 that were not observed within the sampling stations (see the "Reconnaissance Surveys" portion of Appendix 18). These species included Yellow-rumped Warbler ( Dendroica coronata ), Blackburnian Warbler ( Dendroica fusca ), Palm Warbler ( Dendroica palmarum ), Chestnut-sided Warbler ( Dendroica pensylvanica ), Blackpoll Warbler ( Dendroica striata ), American Woodcock ( Scolopax minor ), and Nashville Warbler ( Vermivora ruficapilla ), which were all observed during spring migration. Appendix 18 identifies the species and number of individuals found during each site visit in 2002. A summary of all six years is presented in Appendix 19.

Figure 13 depicts the number of species recorded during the site visits in 2002. Figure 14 shows the total number of species observed in each year during the surveys from 1997 to 2002.

Figure 13 . The number of species per station and the total species per site visit found at the Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve for the 2002 sampling dates. The dates listed are only those when sampling occurred at fixed stations. Station 11 was established during the first visit this year.

Figure 14: The total number of species observed per year at the
Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve for the 1997-2002 sampling dates.

 

The totals listed are only for those dates when sampling occurred at fixed stations in 2002 and includes species found at Station 11, set up in 2002.

After six years of bird surveys, the observed avian diversity of 67 species at fixed sampling stations is still somewhat below what we might expect for a site the size of the Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve. If the reconnaissance visits are included, a total of 89 species recorded is closer to the value that would be expected. Many of these species found this year that were not found in the past were encountered during the spring migration reconnaissance visit. More complete surveys at fixed sampling stations during spring and fall migration will likely encounter additional species that could be added to the site list.

The majority of the bird species observed within the corridor are common inhabitants of wooded edges. Examples of these birds include Red-bellied Woodpecker ( Melanerpes carolinus ), Northern Flicker ( Colaptes auratus ), Blue Jay ( Cyanocitta cristata ), Tufted Titmouse ( Parus bicolor ), Black-capped Chickadee ( Parus atricapillus ), White-breasted Nuthatch ( Sitta carolinensis ), American Robin ( Turdis migratorius ), Gray Catbird ( Dumetella carolinensis ), Red-eyed Vireo ( Vireo olivaceus ), Indigo Bunting ( Passerina cyanea ), and Eastern Towhee ( Pipilo erythrophthalmus ). Birds observed which prefer open grassland habitat with little tree or shrub cover include Killdeer ( Charadrius vociferous ), Northern Bobwhite ( Colinus virginianus ), and Eastern Meadowlark ( Sturnella magna ). A third distinctive habitat type present within the corridor is the aquatic habitat associated with the creek and wetland communities. Birds observed in this habitat include Mallard ( Anas platyr ), Yellow Warbler ( Dendroica petechia ), Common Yellow-throat ( Geothlypis trichas ), Red-winged Blackbird ( Agelaius phoeniceus ), and American Woodcock.

There are several species of note that have been found on the site in the past. Grasshopper Sparrow ( Ammodramus savannarum ), Marsh Wren ( Cistothorus palustris ), and Dickcissel ( Spiza americana ) are good additions to the breeding bird list. However, these three species were not found on the site in 2002. Furthermore, Northern Harrier ( Circus cyaneus ) and Purple Martin ( Progne subis ), found on the site in 2002, are uncommon species in the area. With sufficient management, it may be possible to entice Purple Martin into establishing a breeding colony at Coffee Creek.

The Dickcissel is a grassland species, which is listed as a yellow species on the National Audubon Society Watch List. The Watch List identifies bird species at conservation risk before they require federal regulation, and therefore, excludes species already federally listed as Threatened or Endangered. Species classified as yellow are said to be declining and of national conservation concern. With the decline of available prairie habitats throughout the Midwest, many of the grassland species have experienced a decrease in their populations. Because of its absence from the site in 2002, careful attention should be taken to note the presence or absence of Dickcissel on the site in the future. Hopefully, its absence from the site in 2002 is not an indication of future trends. Other grassland birds found on the site throughout the monitoring period, which are important to note include Savanna Sparrow ( Passerculus sandwichensis ), Northern Bobwhite, Grasshopper Sparrow ( Ammodramus savannarum ) and Eastern Meadowlark.

During one reconnaissance survey in May 2002 an American Woodcock was found in the shrubby portion of the larger wetland area southeast of Bridge 2. American Woodcock is listed as a yellow species on the National Audubon Society Watch List. It is believed that a decrease in the rate of early secondary succession, as well as the draining of swampy areas and bottomland hardwood forest have led to the decrease and degradation of American Woodcock habitat.

 

Conservation Considerations

The data from the 2002, 2001 and 2000 surveys provides a possible indication of a decline in the population of Marsh Wren ( Cistothorus palustris ). The reason for this decline cannot be confirmed, but may be partially due to the change in the pond habitat and an increase in human activity around the periphery. However, based on the data from 2002, it appears that Barn Swallow ( Hirundo rustica ) numbers (which we were concerned about declining after the 2001 monitoring season) are rebounding. Contined careful attention should be taken to note the presence or absence of these species in the future.

In addition to species that were encountered during the survey, Appendix 20 lists conservation species with a reasonable chance of using the Preserve during some time of the year.

Section II. Conclusions and Recommendations

 

The Coffee Creek corridor and adjacent land provides a variety of habitat for breeding birds, including mesic woodland, forested riverine, prairie, and wetland habitats. A total of 67 bird species have been recorded at one of the eleven sampling stations between 1997 and 2002. Including reconnaissance visits, 89 species of birds have been recorded between 1997 and 2002. Of the 67 species recorded, two are listed in Indiana as State Endangered, one is listed in Indiana as State Special Concern, and three are listed as yellow species on the Audubon Watchlist. These six species account for 9% of the total species diversity. An additional yellow species on the Audubon Watchlist was observed during a reconnaissance survey.

Thirty-three species were recorded between stations or during reconnaissance surveys in 2002 that were not observed within the sampling stations, including Yellow-rumped Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Palm Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler, American Woodcock, and Nashville Warbler.

This year's bird survey efforts at fixed sampling stations included a visit in late June and again in mid-summer. Eight other reconnaissance surveys to add species to the overall list were conducted throughout the year. Two of the reconnaissance visits (May 10 and May 11) coincided with spring migration, where 16 new species including American Woodcock and many species of warblers were added to the overall list. Another new species was added in a late October survey. The abundance of new species added during peak migration is not surprising, and both spring and fall migration sampling should occur in the future in order to understand the complete potential use of the corridor, which is likely much greater that what is currently represented.

In addition, continued attention should be given during future breeding seasons to ascertain whether Marsh Wren, an Indiana State Endangered bird species, still nests in the area and whether Dickcissel, a species on the Audubon WatchList, is still present in the area.