Birds point to habitat health at the Jenner Headlands

Birds are an incredibly diverse and varied class of animals, inhabiting ecosystems across the globe. Many species of birds have evolved over long expanses of time to occupy a particular habitat and, since they are highly mobile, they can show a relatively quick response to changes in their preferred habitat. These qualities — along with the fact that they are easily recognizable by sight and sound — make them an ideal organism to use as an indicator of habitat health. But what makes a healthy habitat? It depends, of course, on which species of bird you ask, or more appropriately, which ornithologist.

Ornithologists associated with the Partners in Flight program have identified numerous species of birds with specific preferences to habitat structure and composition that serve as ideal indicators of habitat health. These species were chosen to capture the variation present within each habitat type. For example, the Western meadow lark is a grassland generalist able to occupy a wide range of grassland types, while the grasshopper sparrow is a specialist, preferring bunchgrass-dominated grasslands. Similarly, the pileated woodpecker has specific habitat requirements within coniferous forests. It prefers dense coniferous forests with an abundance of standing live, dead or dying trees, and snags. All of these species are found on the Jenner Headlands, and their presence provides us with insight into the structure and quality of these particular habitats.

Last year, volunteers from the local Madrone Audubon Society conducted monthly bird surveys on the Jenner Headlands.  These surveys provided us with a wealth of knowledge about bird species diversity. This year, our cadre of dedicated volunteers has begun conducting habitat-specific bird surveys, focusing their efforts on coastal prairie grasslands and coniferous forests. In coordination with these activities, SLT is partnering with PRBO Conservation Science to conduct point-count surveys in grazed and un-grazed grasslands to determine species composition and bird abundance in both grassland types. This data will help us better understand the relationships between vegetation structure and bird abundance, and will, in turn, help guide reliable and informed management decisions on the Jenner Headlands.

Besides helping us manage for habitat health on our preserves, birds can also serve a larger purpose. Researchers are now looking at bird population dynamics over large, regional scales to identify trends that may signify major shifts in bird species caused by climate change. Keen observation of bird populations can provide insight to our changing world, serving as barometers of habitat health and, in turn, the health of our planet.

From Brook Edwards, SLT’s Jenner Headlands project manager.