Bird Monitoring in the Muir Woods National Monument: Summary of Results from 1997 - 1999 and Suggested Long-Term Monitoring Plan
Gardali T and Geupel GR. 2000. Bird Monitoring in the Muir Woods National Monument: Summary of Results from 1997 - 1999 and Suggested Long-Term Monitoring Plan. Stinson Beach, CA
The Point Reyes Bird Observatory together with the Golden Gate National Recreation Area conducted a bird inventory and monitoring study from 1997 – 1999 in the Muir Woods National Monument, Marin County, California. Muir Woods and environs are the last contiguous stand of old-growth coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) and Douglas fir (Pseudotseuga menziessi) in Marin County. Baseline data on bird occurrence and abundance were documented during the course of the study. Fully 55 species were encountered. The Pacific-slope Flycatcher (Empidonax difficilis), a species of conservation priority, was the most common species encountered. Of special interest was documenting the breeding occupancy status of the Federally Endangered Marbled Murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus). No Marbled Murrelets were detected over the course of the study and probably did not breed in Muir Woods during the study. A repeatable long-term monitoring plan was established in order to facilitate future monitoring efforts. We recommend the continued use of point counts to monitor landbirds and two methods, shore-based surveys and radar, to monitor Marbled Murrelets.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Gardali, Thomas; Geupel, Geoffrey
- Date of Issue
- 2000-05
- Units
- MUWO
- Keywords
- Absence (Biodiversity), Animal Studies, Birds, Muir Woods, Observations, Presence (Biodiversity)