CLNP Avian Survey Report 003
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Transcript of CLNP Avian Survey Report 003
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Prepared by Laura Gooch 6 August 2015
Background
In 2000, the National Audubon Society designated Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve(CLNP), also known as Dike 14, as an Important Bird Area because the area provides essential
habitat for migratory, breeding, and wintering birds. CLNP is an 88-acre peninsula on the south
shore of Lake Erie that was originally formed by the Corps of Engineers’ disposal of dredge
spoils between 1976 and 1999. The area is located at the intersection of four migratory bird
routes: Lake Erie, the Lake Erie shoreline, the Cuyahoga River Valley, and the Doan Brook
Valley. Over time, its diverse habitats have sustained 280 species of birds, 41 species of
butterflies, and many mammals.
In 2012 the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority (lease holder and manager for the
property) changed the area’s name from Dike 14 to Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve and
opened CLNP to the public. In 2014, Western Cuyahoga Audubon Society, Kirtland Bird Club,
and the Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland adopted CLNP as a site for on-going monitoring
of bird activity and initiated this Avian Survey Project. The project received funding through a
grant from the Grange Insurance Audubon Center’s IBA Small Grants Program.
This progress report describes work on the project between April 1 and July 31, 2015.
Summary of Work to Date
The Avian Survey Project has progressed according to the timeline proposed in the grant
application to the IBA Small Grants Program. Survey frequency has been very good during the
spring and summer, with 2 or more surveys in every week but one (one survey that week) and 3
or even 4 surveys in most weeks. A total of 45 surveys were performed between April 1 and July
31, of which 38 were complete surveys. Three of the 7 incomplete surveys were cut short due to
weather, and 5 of the seven surveyed more than half the points. There are now three surveyors
who perform weekly surveys most weeks, and about 8 others who fill in when the regular
surveyors are unavailable.
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Twenty-one volunteers participated in at least one survey during this reporting period, of whom
13 have participated in more than one survey during the project to date.
All data (except for one day, for which data are pending) have been initially entered by the
volunteer surveyors, compiled in a central database, and uploaded into Cornell Lab of
Ornithology’s ebird database. Data summaries have also been posted on in a Google docs
worksheet (see https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1vc-
chWRU_Ld5lrMxKzQm7ZvdmjnE_HnSKRYZiAQdNn4/edit?usp=sharing).
Summary of Data
Detailed summaries of the species observed during the Avian Survey Project from 1 April 2015
through 31 July 2015 are attached. Surveys have documented 169 species of birds at the site
since the survey’s inception. In addition to the attached detailed tables, the two tables below
summarize the most frequently observed species for two time periods: 1) all surveys to date, and2) 1 April – 31 July 2015.
Results of All Surveys to Date (Table 1)
Table 1 summarizes the most commonly observed species during all surveys to date. The table
presents frequency of observance in three ways: 1) the percentage of points at which a species
was counted (left column); 2) the percentage of overall surveys during which the species was
counted at one or more points (middle column); and 3) the average number of individuals
counted per survey (right column). It should be noted that the data are preliminary and have not
been adjusted for species detectability or other factors, so that vocal or visually obvious species
may be over represented.
Over the full 13 months of observations, Red-winged Blackbirds have been reported at the most
points, followed by Songs Sparrows, American Robins, Yellow Warblers, and American
Goldfinches (see Table 1, left column). The list of most commonly reported species changes
somewhat when the number of surveys during which the species was reported is considered,
rather than the number of points at which it was observed (see Table 1, middle column1). By this
measure, Northern Cardinal is the most commonly observed, followed by American Goldfinch,
American Robin, Song Sparrow, and Downy Woodpecker. These are all non-migratory (or
partially migratory) species that may be regularly present but in smaller numbers.
The average number of individuals of each species recorded per survey provides an assessmentof the species that are most numerous (see Table 1, right column). By this measure, Red-winged
Blackbirds are most common, followed by American Robins, Chimney Swifts (feeding over the
area), Yellow Warblers, and Song Sparrows.
1 Percent of Surveys Reported is based on checklist data. Percent of Points Reported and Individuals
Counted/Survey are based on point count data.
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Results Spring through Midsummer 2015: 1 April-31 July (Table 2)
Results from the spring through midsummer of 2015 give a good reflection of species breeding
at CLNP. As can been seen from Table 2, migratory species are strongly represented in the
spring and summer data. Red-winged Blackbird, Song Sparrow, Yellow Warbler, American
Robin, Willow Flycatcher, and Warbling Vireo top the list of species observed at the most
points. American Robin, Red-winged Blackbird, and Song Sparrow were all observed at some
point during every survey. Northern Cardinal, American Goldfinch, Eastern Towhee and
Northern Flicker were also observed at some point during many of the surveys. These species are
present in relatively small numbers, but are regularly observed. The most numerous species
observed are similar for all surveys and the spring/summer data.
Species of Particular Interest
With the exception of Red-headed Woodpecker, all of the five species of special interest have
been observed at CLNP. Singing Wood Thrush were observed consistently in the interior of the
site (primarily Points 5 and 14) between late May and mid July and there appears to have been
one or two pairs breeding there. Chimney Swifts fed over the area in significant numbers,
beginning in early May. The area does not include suitable swift breeding habitat, but may
nonetheless be serving as an important feeding area. Magnolia Warbler has been an occasional
visitor during spring and fall migration, as has Yellow-bellied Sapsucker.
54% 95% 73
47% 88% 22
45% 86% 18
37% 86% 16
25% 84% 16
24% 76% 14
24% 68% 10
20% 63% 8
19% 62% 6
19% 60% 6
17% 57% 5
13% 56% 5
13% 56% 4
13% 54% 3
13% 53% 3
.
.
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Other Notable Species and Observations
Surveyors have been pleased to note the number and variety of species that are either confirmed
or probable breeders at CLNP. In addition to the numerous breeding birds mentioned above, the
following species were among those noted with some regularity during the breeding season
(taxonomic order): Wild Turkey (hen and 7 poults), Yellow-billed Cuckoo (52% of surveys mid
June-31 July), Black-billed Cuckoo (40% of surveys early June-31 July), Great Crested
Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird (observed with nesting material), Warbling Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo,
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Brown Thrasher, Northern Mockingbird, Wood Thrush, Common
Yellowthroat, American Redstart, Eastern Towhee, Indigo Bunting, Orchard Oriole, and
Baltimore Oriole. This is not a complete list of birds breeding at CLNP.
Eastern Meadowlark were present in moderate numbers during migration, as were a variety of
sparrow species. The lack of breeding sparrows other than Song Sparrow has perhaps been theonly disappointment of the surveys to date.
Future Activities
Surveys will continue at the rate of at least one per week, and regular reporting will continue.
Feedback will be provided to regular surveyors, comparing species and numbers reported by
different surveyors. This information will be presented in a way that allows each individual to
94% 100% 114
74% 100% 34
70% 100% 32
69% 98% 24
36% 93% 21
31% 93% 13
30% 91% 13
29% 84% 11
29% 84% 9
27% 82% 9
23% 80% 7
21% 78% 7
20% 76% 7
20% 73% 7
18% 73% 6
.
.
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evaluate his or her own observations without knowing which observations were made by any
other individual. Although no detailed analysis of differences among observers has yet been
made, a preliminary review indicates that there is very good agreement among surveyors.
The Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority is in the process of renewing the submerged
land lease for the site, which will expire in 2016. The proposed 50-year lease renewal will
designate CLNP as a nature preserve. In addition, the Port Authority has commissioned a land
restoration plan for CLNP, focusing primarily on the control of invasive species. The proposed
plan envisions phased treatment of invasive species at CLNP over a number of years (5-10
years), with some accompanying seeding and planting of native species. Treatments will be
timed in late summer (August) in an effort to minimize the impact on breeding birds and fall
migrants and will involve only one section of CLNP per treatment. The Port Authority has
contracted for a first treatment in August 2015.
Avian Survey Project Timeline
A detailed timeline of Avian Survey Project activities to date is as follows:
• March 2014 – Partner organizations began to recruit volunteers interested in conducting
surveys.
• May 2014 – Kirtland Bird Club member Laura Gooch agreed to coordinate the surveys.
• 31 May 2014 – Black Swamp Bird Observatory research director Mark Shieldcastle
conducted an orientation and training session for interested volunteers (25 participants).
•
July 2014 – A document outlining monitoring protocols, guidelines, and other materials forthe survey (attached) was developed and distributed to interested volunteers.
• 2 July 2014 – Laura Gooch, Julie West, and Gary Neuman placed 17 metal stakes marking
the point count locations.
• 4 July 2014 – Julie West and Gary Neuman conducted the first systematic survey.
• 14 July 2014 – The survey protocol document was distributed.
• 20 July 2014 – A training survey is conducted, attended by three volunteers.
• 27 July 2014 – A training survey is conducted, attended by three volunteers.
• 16 July 2014 – Systematic surveys began.
•
29 August 2014 – Five stakes damaged by mowing were replaced.• 16 March 2015 – Points 4, 5, and 6 were moved to improve coverage of some parts of the
site. Revised point count protocols including formal partial surveys were distributed.
• 22 March 2015 – Volunteer training survey held, attended by four volunteers.
• 5 April 2015 – Volunteer training survey held, attended by eight volunteers.
• 31 July 2015 – Surveys continue
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Acknowledgements
Special thanks are due to: Dick Hoffman and Ken Vinciquerra, who are conducting weekly
surveys and to Brian Bonhomme, Claire Johnson, Anna Julnes, Karen and Rich Kassouf, LizMcQuaid, and Marty Reynard, who have stepped up to perform surveys and help out in other
ways when needed.
Attachments
• CLNP/Dike 14 – Avian Survey: Checklist 4/1-7/31/15
• CLNP/Dike 14 – Avian Survey: Count Summary 4/1-7/31/15
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2 %
2 %
1 %
6 %
2 9 %
8 8 %
2 %
2 3 %
8 6 %
1 8 %
2 %
1 0 %
4 0 %
1 %
5 4 %
2 %
2 2 %
6 %
1 0 %
1 %
6 2 %
1 %
5 %
3 %
2 %
5 0 %
2 5 %
1 %
1 %
2 %
'
2 8 %
5 %
2 5 %
4 9 %
9 %
7 1 %
2 %
1 %
1 %
3 %
2 6 %
4 1 %
2 %
5 6 %
4 2 %
1 %
2 %
4 4 %
1 7 %
6 %
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1 %
6 %
5 2 %
'
1 3 %
2 7 %
6 4 %
8 4 %
1 %
5 %
3 5 %
4 %
1 4 %
1 %
5 6 %
2 5 %
4 9 %
1 2 %
'
1 %
7 %
9 %
1 %
5 7 %
2 %
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6 3 %
1 0 %
2 %
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4 %
1 %
5 %
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8 1 %
8 %
1 %
2 8 %
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2 3 %
4 7 %
2 7 %
1 3 %
4 %
1 %
'
7 %
8 %
7 2 %
1 %
3 %
6 0 %
2 %
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8 %
9 5 %
6 8 %
1 %
2 7 %
1 %
3 2 %
2 %
2 %
1 %
1 %
1 9 %
8 %
1 0 %
3 %
3 %
6 %
1 %
2 %
1 %
3 %
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2 4 %
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2 %
1 %
3 %
1 6 %
7 6 %
8 8 %
1 %
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1 0 %
1 5 %
2 4 %
6 %
2 %
4 %
1 %
1 %
8 6 %
5 %
'
9 %
1 0 %
3 %
1 5 %
9 %
1 %
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3 1 %
1 0 %
1 %
3 %
5 %
1 1 %
1 0 %
2 %
1 0 %
6 %
3 6 %
2 4 %
7 %
7 %
5 %
2 %
5 %
1 %
4 8 %
2 6 %
1 3 %
2 3 %
3 %
4 1 %
'
1 %
'
4 %
1 1 %
5 %
2 2 %
5 3 %
1 %
3 %
1 3 %
1 4 %
*
: 7
/ 4 / 1 4 4
/ 1 / 1 5
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2 %
2 %
1 %
6 %
2 9 %
8 8 %
2 %
2 3 %
8 6 %
1 8 %
2 %
1 0 %
4 0 %
1 %
5 4 %
2 %
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6 %
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1 %
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1 %
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1 %
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'
2 8 %
5 %
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7 1 %
2 %
1 %
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3 %
2 6 %
4 1 %
2 %
5 6 %
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1 %
2 %
4 4 %
1 7 %
6 %
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1 %
6 %
5 2 %
'
1 3 %
2 7 %
6 4 %
8 4 %
1 %
5 %
3 5 %
4 %
1 4 %
1 %
5 6 %
2 5 %
4 9 %
1 2 %
'
1 %
7 %
9 %
1 %
5 7 %
2 %
1 4 %
6 3 %
1 0 %
2 %
1 %
4 %
1 %
5 %
1 5 %
8 1 %
8 %
1 %
2 8 %
5 0 %
2 3 %
4 7 %
2 7 %
1 3 %
4 %
1 %
'
7 %
8 %
7 2 %
1 %
3 %
6 0 %
2 %
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8 %
9 5 %
6 8 %
1 %
2 7 %
1 %
3 2 %
2 %
2 %
1 %
1 %
1 9 %
8 %
1 0 %
3 %
3 %
6 %
1 %
2 %
1 %
3 %
1 4 %
2 4 %
2 6 %
1 %
3 9 %
2 %
1 %
3 %
1 6 %
7 6 %
8 8 %
1 %
3 %
1 0 %
1 5 %
2 4 %
6 %
2 %
4 %
1 %
1 %
8 6 %
5 %
'
9 %
1 0 %
3 %
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1 %