Poster Session 3, 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM: Room 163 [C26]

Marsh Birds as a Measure of Wetland Ecosystem Health and Success of Management Actions

Presenter: Elize M. Budziak

Faculty Sponsor: Forrest J. Bowlick

School: UMass Amherst

Research Area: Environmental Science and Sustainability

ABSTRACT

Wetland ecosystems play a critical role in the environment by sequestering carbon and nutrients, providing flood abatement, and preserving critical wildlife habitats. However, wetlands have faced catastrophic degradation and losses in the previous decades. Many marsh-obligate species have been particularly impacted by wetland degradation. Due to their high trophic level, birds are very sensitive to changes in the environment and lower trophic levels. Subsequently, they can act as indicators of the health of an entire ecosystem. In this study, we focused on how the abundance and distribution of marsh-obligate American Bittern (Botarus lentiginosus), Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps), Sora (Porzana carolina), and Virginia Rail (Rallus limicola) changed across the wetlands of the Baring Division of Moosehorn National Wildlife, ME. We collected data on the presence of these marsh birds since 1999 as part of long-term monitoring efforts to manage wetlands. We looked specifically at four focal years (1999, 2006, 2016, 2024) and linked marsh bird abundance and distribution to wetland habitat features, including vegetation density, interspersion, water level, amount of surface water, and land cover. Our results indicate a progressive restriction of marsh bird distribution to the northern portion of the refuge and highlight key areas in the southern portion for more rigorous continued monitoring. We also identified which factors most influence marsh bird abundance and how overall wetland ecosystem health has changed over time. This knowledge allows for informed management actions which may include vegetation management, water level manipulation, and changes in land use near sensitive and productive marshes.

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