Effects of wetland excavation on avian communities in eastern Washington

摘要: Despite having an arid climate, the Columbia River Basin of eastern Washington is one most important areas for breeding, migrating, and wintering wetland birds in Pacific Northwest. Extensive farmland irrigation near O’Sullivan Reservoir other has raised water tables, resulting closed canopies emergent vegetation what are now permanent, shallow wetlands. During 1994–95, we found that avian communities on vegetation-filled wetlands excavated to create open had greater mean densities dabbling diving ducks (Anatidae), shorebirds, American coots (Fulica americana), terns (Sterna spp.) than untreated control Densities yellow-headed blackbirds (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus) were wetlands, while red-winged (Agelaius phoeniceus), Sora (Porzana carolina), Virginia rails (Rallus limicola) unaltered sites. marsh wrens (Cistothorus palustris) passerines similar among Zooplankton biomass was altered generally older excavations. We suggest managers may design constructed basins improve population management diverse bird species by creating appropriate mix habitats at landscape level.