Columbia Wetland Waterbird Survey Final Report

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The final report for the 2015-2019 Columbia Wetlands Waterbird Survey (CWWS) is now available. The CWWS incorporated the efforts of more than 230 volunteer citizen-scientists. Over the duration of the hugely successful project, the CWWS documented 163 bird species that utilize habitat in the Columbia Wetlands, with 30 at-risk bird species. Single day bird counts determined that American coot, American wigeon, and mallard are the most common bird species in the wetlands during spring and fall bird migration. Aerial surveys documented that the Columbia Wetlands provides significant habitat to swans, and an osprey inventory determined that there are at least 60 osprey nests in the valley; 43 nests (71.7% of the total count) were observed to have some level of osprey activity in 2019. Three areas in the wetlands were determined to be important resting and feeding areas during migration as evidenced by the consistent high bird concentrations present at those locations. With the reported trend of decreasing global bird populations, this paper amongst other recommendations, suggests protecting these high valued habitat areas by designating them as refuges or Migratory Bird Sanctuaries.  The Important Bird and Biodiversity Area nomination will be made mid-January. To read the complete report, click here: 

CWWS 2015_2019 Final Report_Jan 2 2020