Fifth Annual Survey of the Endangered Kirtland’s Warbler in

Wisconsin Kim Grveles, WI Dept. of Natural Resources Partners: Natural Resources Foundation of WI, U.S. Fish and

Wildlife Service

METHODSSites determined to have suitable habitat in previous surveys were visited again in 2012. New sites were chosen using remote sensing and the WDNR WHISFIRS database. Survey training packets were sent by mail and sites were assigned based on volunteers’ preferences for location and time commitment. Survey period extended from 15 May to 15 June in order to increase chances of finding birds during active singing periods in May. Volunteers walked sites stopping every 250 m to listen for singing males for 1-3 minutes. Use of playback recording following the passive listening period was optional. No. of singing males, males observed not singing, and females were recorded along with associated bird species list. Habitat details were also recorded. Locations with Kirtland’s Warblers present were further investigated by agency staff for confirmation of male presence and for

nesting evidence. When possible, males were captured and banded. A digital video recorder was aimed at one nest and recording was constant from 22-29 Jun after eggs had hatched.

continues in the future, nests must be closely monitored and controlled for parasites (cowbirds). Therefore, discovery of Kirtland’s Warbler breeding sites through an annual survey is imperative for appropriate management to be implemented. This project has established an annual Kirtland’s Warbler volunteer survey and census in Wisconsin which is an extension of the existing census in Michigan and Canada. Potential breeding sites were documented, a state population estimate was reported to the Recovery Team, and digital video technology was employed to monitor an active nest.

ABSTRACTA federally endangered bird, the

Kirtland’s Warbler (Dendroica kirtlandii), has successfully nested in Wisconsin for at least five consecutive years beginning in 2007. Continued range expansion across the upper Great Lakes is critical for the long-term survival of this species. In order to ensure that breeding in Wisconsin

Fig. 1. Map of Survey Areas. Survey sites were located in Washburn, Douglas, Bayfield, Vilas, Marinette, Jackson, and Adams Counties based on distribution of jack pine cover type and sandy outwash land type associations.

Fig. 2. Nest monitor, Emily Lind, prepares to install a digital video camera and mount within 5 feet of a Kirtland’s Warbler nest containing newly hatched young. Volunteers will transcribe recordings in fall 2012 and our findings will be submitted for publication in the Passenger Pigeon in winter 2013.

Table 1. Wisconsin Singing Males Recorded 2007-2012. Note: 2007 results are from Adams Co. only; 2008-2012 results are from statewide census conducted 6-15 June annually.

RESULTS25 Volunteers 8 Staff 71 sites surveyed 7 CountiesDistribution of males (Census): 19-Adams, 3-Marinette, 1-Douglas # Males (WI Census Total): 23 # Males (2012 Total WI): 24#Females: ≥10 (Adams only)# Nest Attempts: 14 (Adams only) # Successful Nests: 4# Fledged (Estimated): 8-13 chicks

Photo by R. Royse

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

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Male

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Year