Effects of SurfaceEffects of SurfaceWater Depletion & Water Depletion &

Groundwater Withdrawal Groundwater Withdrawal on Arizona’s Riparian Bird on Arizona’s Riparian Bird

CommunitiesCommunities

Chris Kirkpatrick & Courtney J. ConwayChris Kirkpatrick & Courtney J. Conway School of Natural Resources School of Natural Resources

University of ArizonaUniversity of Arizona

Outline of PresentationOutline of Presentation

Overview of objectives and methods of Overview of objectives and methods of long-term research project initiated in 2006long-term research project initiated in 2006

Preliminary results from first field season Preliminary results from first field season (data from Rincon Creek and Cienega (data from Rincon Creek and Cienega Creek study sites only)Creek study sites only)

Arizona’s Riparian WoodlandsArizona’s Riparian Woodlands

Cover <1% of the State’s landmass Cover <1% of the State’s landmass

Support >50% of breeding bird species, Support >50% of breeding bird species, including birds of conservation concern:including birds of conservation concern:

Southwestern Willow FlycatcherSouthwestern Willow Flycatcher

Western Yellow-billed CuckooWestern Yellow-billed Cuckoo

Riparian Bird SpeciesRiparian Bird Species

Summer TanagerSummer Tanager

Yellow WarblerYellow Warbler

Abert’s TowheeAbert’s Towhee

Riparian Bird SpeciesRiparian Bird Species

Gray HawkGray Hawk

Yellow-breasted ChatYellow-breasted Chat

Bell’s VireoBell’s Vireo

Threats to Riparian WoodlandsThreats to Riparian Woodlands

Reduction in groundwater levels considered to Reduction in groundwater levels considered to be one of the greatest threats to low-elevation be one of the greatest threats to low-elevation riparian woodlands in Arizonariparian woodlands in Arizona

loss of riparian vegetationloss of riparian vegetation

loss of surface waterloss of surface waterriparian riparian

birdsbirds

??loss of groundwaterloss of groundwater

??

Study ObjectivesStudy Objectives

Understand connections between groundwater, Understand connections between groundwater, surface water, and the health of riparian bird surface water, and the health of riparian bird communities in Arizonacommunities in Arizona

Examine underlying ecological processes (e.g., Examine underlying ecological processes (e.g., availability of food resources) that may influence availability of food resources) that may influence these connections these connections

Study ObjectivesStudy Objectives

Develop a model to predict how abundance, Develop a model to predict how abundance, diversity, and breeding success of riparian birds diversity, and breeding success of riparian birds will be affected by future changes in ground and will be affected by future changes in ground and surface water levelssurface water levels

Study Area in Study Area in Southeastern Southeastern

ArizonaArizona

1) Arivaca Creek1) Arivaca Creek

2) Santa Cruz River2) Santa Cruz River

3) Brown Creek3) Brown Creek

4) Upper Hot Springs Creek4) Upper Hot Springs Creek

5) Lower Hot Springs Creek5) Lower Hot Springs Creek

6) Aravaipa Creek6) Aravaipa Creek

7) San Pedro River (Hunter Wash)7) San Pedro River (Hunter Wash)

8) San Pedro River ( Gray Hawk)8) San Pedro River ( Gray Hawk)

9) Cienega Creek (Pima Co.)9) Cienega Creek (Pima Co.)

10) Rincon Creek10) Rincon Creek

11) Posta Quemada Creek11) Posta Quemada Creek

12) Beuhman Creek12) Beuhman Creek

13) Upper Sabino Creek13) Upper Sabino Creek

14) Lower Sabino Creek14) Lower Sabino Creek

15) Cienega Creek (BLM)15) Cienega Creek (BLM)

16) San Pedro River (Fairbanks)16) San Pedro River (Fairbanks)

17) San Pedro River (Boquillas)17) San Pedro River (Boquillas)

17 Replicate Riparian Study Sites17 Replicate Riparian Study Sites

1) Arivaca Creek1) Arivaca Creek

2) Santa Cruz River2) Santa Cruz River

3) Brown Creek3) Brown Creek

4) Upper Hot Springs Creek4) Upper Hot Springs Creek

5) Lower Hot Springs Creek5) Lower Hot Springs Creek

6) Aravaipa Creek6) Aravaipa Creek

7) San Pedro River (Hunter Wash)7) San Pedro River (Hunter Wash)

8) San Pedro River ( Gray Hawk)8) San Pedro River ( Gray Hawk)

9) 9) Cienega Creek (Pima Co.)Cienega Creek (Pima Co.)

10) 10) Rincon CreekRincon Creek

11) Posta Quemada Creek11) Posta Quemada Creek

12) Beuhman Creek12) Beuhman Creek

13) Upper Sabino Creek13) Upper Sabino Creek

14) Lower Sabino Creek14) Lower Sabino Creek

15) Cienega Creek (BLM)15) Cienega Creek (BLM)

16) San Pedro River (Fairbanks)16) San Pedro River (Fairbanks)

17) San Pedro River (Boquillas)17) San Pedro River (Boquillas)

17 Replicate Riparian Study Sites17 Replicate Riparian Study Sites

Range of Conditions Across SitesRange of Conditions Across Sites

Perennial Surface Water

Healthy Vegetation

Intermittent Surface Water

Healthy Vegetation

No Surface Water

Dead & Dormant Vegetation

Arivaca CreekArivaca Creek Rincon CreekRincon CreekCienega CreekCienega Creek

Hypotheses to be TestedHypotheses to be Tested

Sites with more surface water and healthier, more Sites with more surface water and healthier, more extensive riparian vegetation will have:extensive riparian vegetation will have:

1) Greater abundance and diversity of birds1) Greater abundance and diversity of birds

2) Increased food resources (e.g., insects) 2) Increased food resources (e.g., insects)

3) Lower levels of nest predation3) Lower levels of nest predation

4) Higher growth rates for nestlings4) Higher growth rates for nestlings

5) Greater reproductive success5) Greater reproductive success

6) Higher annual return rates of adults6) Higher annual return rates of adults

Methods - Bird SurveysMethods - Bird Surveys

Estimating bird Estimating bird abundance and abundance and diversity during diversity during breeding season. breeding season.

5 replicate bird 5 replicate bird surveys from April to surveys from April to June at each study June at each study site site

A. Walther/VIREOA. Walther/VIREO

Black PhoebeBlack Phoebe

Methods - Nest MonitoringMethods - Nest Monitoring

Estimating reproductive Estimating reproductive success, rates of nest success, rates of nest predation, clutch size, predation, clutch size, and nestling growth and nestling growth ratesrates

Monitor nests of all Monitor nests of all riparian bird species riparian bird species every 2 days from April every 2 days from April to July at 4 study sites to July at 4 study sites Yellow-breasted Chat nestYellow-breasted Chat nest

Methods - Bird BandingMethods - Bird Banding

Estimate annual return Estimate annual return rates of a sub-set of rates of a sub-set of adult birds adult birds

Trap and color-band Trap and color-band birds (re-sights in birds (re-sights in subsequent years)subsequent years)

Methods - Food ResourcesMethods - Food Resources

Estimating insect Estimating insect abundance, diversity, abundance, diversity, and biomassand biomass

Sticky traps hung from Sticky traps hung from trees at 6 study sites to trees at 6 study sites to sample aerial insectssample aerial insects

1.55 m Nylon line

Binder clip4 m board

2.5 m board

1 m board

1.5 m Nylon loop at top of trap

Double woven figure eight knots at every corner

2 m Nylon line anchors

1.5 m between the centers of each board

1.55 m Nylon line

Binder clip4 m board

2.5 m board

1 m board

1.5 m Nylon loop at top of trap

Double woven figure eight knots at every corner

2 m Nylon line anchors

1.5 m between the centers of each board

Methods - Surface Water & VegetationMethods - Surface Water & Vegetation

Estimating volume of Estimating volume of surface water at each surface water at each site every 3 weeks site every 3 weeks during breeding seasonduring breeding season

Estimating volume of Estimating volume of riparian vegetation using riparian vegetation using point-line-intercept point-line-intercept methodmethod

Preliminary ResultsPreliminary Results

Comparison of data collected at Rincon Creek Comparison of data collected at Rincon Creek and Cienega Creek in 2006 and Cienega Creek in 2006

Comparison of data collected at Rincon Creek in Comparison of data collected at Rincon Creek in 2006 with data collected at Rincon Creek during 2006 with data collected at Rincon Creek during a previous study in 2004 (Powell 2004).a previous study in 2004 (Powell 2004).

Bird Surveys (Cienega vs. Rincon)Bird Surveys (Cienega vs. Rincon)

Total of 67 species detected at Cienega Creek Total of 67 species detected at Cienega Creek vs. 59 species detected at Rincon Creekvs. 59 species detected at Rincon Creek

Average of 14 more birds detected per survey Average of 14 more birds detected per survey point at Cienega Creek vs. Rincon Creekpoint at Cienega Creek vs. Rincon Creek

   Mean # BirdsMean # Birds

SpeciesSpeciesCienegaCienega RinconRincon Mean Mean

Diff.Diff.SE SE Diff.Diff. tt PP

More Abundant at Rincon CreekMore Abundant at Rincon Creek

Mourning doveMourning dove 0.270.27 1.601.60 -1.33-1.33 0.290.29 -4.57-4.57 0.0010.001

Gila woodpeckerGila woodpecker 1.071.07 2.202.20 -1.13-1.13 0.370.37 -3.09-3.09 0.0050.005

Ladder-backed woodpeckerLadder-backed woodpecker 0.470.47 1.201.20 -0.73-0.73 0.290.29 -2.56-2.56 0.0180.018

Northern flickerNorthern flicker 0.000.00 0.400.40 -0.40-0.40 0.160.16 -2.45-2.45 0.0370.037

Lucy’s warblerLucy’s warbler 2.332.33 3.503.50 -1.17-1.17 0.560.56 -2.07-2.07 0.0500.050

Rufous-winged sparrowRufous-winged sparrow 0.130.13 1.001.00 -0.87-0.87 0.270.27 -3.17-3.17 0.0090.009

More Abundant at Cienega CreekMore Abundant at Cienega Creek

Black phoebeBlack phoebe 0.600.60 0.000.00 0.600.60 0.160.16 3.673.67 0.0030.003

Northern beardless-tyrannuletNorthern beardless-tyrannulet 0.730.73 0.000.00 0.730.73 0.250.25 2.952.95 0.0100.010

Bell’s vireoBell’s vireo 1.671.67 0.300.30 1.371.37 0.310.31 4.384.38 <0.001<0.001

Bewick’s wrenBewick’s wren 2.672.67 1.401.40 1.271.27 0.410.41 3.083.08 0.0060.006

PhainopeplaPhainopepla 0.930.93 0.000.00 0.930.93 0.270.27 3.503.50 0.0040.004

Yellow-breasted chatYellow-breasted chat 1.471.47 0.000.00 1.471.47 0.360.36 4.044.04 0.0010.001

Yellow warblerYellow warbler 2.672.67 0.100.10 2.572.57 0.350.35 7.387.38 <0.001<0.001

Summer tanagerSummer tanager 2.072.07 0.600.60 1.471.47 0.370.37 3.923.92 0.0010.001

# Nests (Cienega vs. Rincon)# Nests (Cienega vs. Rincon)

SpeciesSpecies CienegaCienega RinconRincon

More Nests at Rincon CreekMore Nests at Rincon Creek

Mourning DoveMourning Dove 22 55

Brown-crested FlycatcherBrown-crested Flycatcher 11 66

Gila WoodpeckerGila Woodpecker 11 55

Lucy's warblerLucy's warbler 44 1313

More Nests at Cienega CreekMore Nests at Cienega Creek

Bell’s VireoBell’s Vireo 2626 11

Yellow WarblerYellow Warbler 33 00

Yellow-breasted ChatYellow-breasted Chat 1313 00

VerdinVerdin 2525 1010

TotalTotal 160160 9090

Relative Abundance of Large Relative Abundance of Large (>4 mm) Insects (Cienega vs. Rincon)(>4 mm) Insects (Cienega vs. Rincon)

Mean # insectsMean # insects

OrderOrder CienegaCienega RinconRinconMean Mean Diff.Diff.

SE SE Diff.Diff. tt PP

More Abundant at Cienega CreekMore Abundant at Cienega Creek

ColeopteraColeoptera 1.81.8 1.01.0 0.870.87 0.350.35 2.502.50 0.0160.016

DipteraDiptera 5.45.4 2.02.0 3.433.43 1.171.17 2.922.92 0.0050.005

HemipteraHemiptera 0.20.2 0.00.0 0.180.18 0.100.10 1.721.72 0.0960.096

HomopteraHomoptera 0.70.7 0.30.3 0.460.46 0.210.21 2.222.22 0.0320.032

TotalTotal 8.88.8 3.73.7 5.095.09 1.391.39 3.653.65 0.0010.001

Tree Die-off at Rincon Creek & Tree Die-off at Rincon Creek & Reduction in Surface Water (2004-2006)Reduction in Surface Water (2004-2006)

Reductions in Abundance (2004-2006)Reductions in Abundance (2004-2006)

2004: Yellow Warblers 2004: Yellow Warblers common (common (at leastat least 5-6 5-6 pairs present throughout pairs present throughout breeding season) breeding season)

2006: Yellow Warblers 2006: Yellow Warblers rare (only 1 bird detected rare (only 1 bird detected during a single survey) during a single survey)

B. Henry/VIREOB. Henry/VIREO

Reductions in Breeding (2004-2006)Reductions in Breeding (2004-2006)

< < 2004: 9 Bell’s Vireos 2004: 9 Bell’s Vireos nests found along Rincon nests found along Rincon CreekCreek

2004: Breeding of Bell’s 2004: Breeding of Bell’s Vireos confirmed again at Vireos confirmed again at Rincon CreekRincon Creek

2006: Single, failed nest 2006: Single, failed nest attempt by Bell’s Vireosattempt by Bell’s Vireos S & S Rucker/VIREOS & S Rucker/VIREO

Reductions in Habitat?Reductions in Habitat?

ConclusionsConclusions

Does situation at Rincon Creek represent future Does situation at Rincon Creek represent future for other riparian areas in Arizona?for other riparian areas in Arizona?

Are the apparent changes due to reductions in Are the apparent changes due to reductions in surface water, the decline in health of riparian surface water, the decline in health of riparian vegetation, or some combination of both?vegetation, or some combination of both?

Future analyses of our data will help to answer Future analyses of our data will help to answer these questions.these questions.

Thanks to:Thanks to:

Field Assistants:Field Assistants: Moez Ali, James Barr, Gavin Bieber, Moez Ali, James Barr, Gavin Bieber, Kylan Frye, Zach Holderby, Dominic LaRoche, Patrick Kylan Frye, Zach Holderby, Dominic LaRoche, Patrick Rainbolt, Eli Rose, Nicholle Stephens, and Sarah Taos.Rainbolt, Eli Rose, Nicholle Stephens, and Sarah Taos.

Project Support:Project Support: Sheridan Stone (DOD), Sally Gall, Mary Sheridan Stone (DOD), Sally Gall, Mary Hunnicutt, Kathie Senter (BANWR), Bill Childress, Mark Hunnicutt, Kathie Senter (BANWR), Bill Childress, Mark Lambert, Patrick O’Neil, Keith Hughes, Jeff Simms, Mark Lambert, Patrick O’Neil, Keith Hughes, Jeff Simms, Mark Fredlake (BLM), Brian Powell (UA), Bob Rogers, Susan Fredlake (BLM), Brian Powell (UA), Bob Rogers, Susan Crask, Rob Marshall, Mark Haverstitch (TNC), Kerry Crask, Rob Marshall, Mark Haverstitch (TNC), Kerry Baldwin, Martie Meirhauser, Don Carter, Staffan Shorr Baldwin, Martie Meirhauser, Don Carter, Staffan Shorr (Pima Co.), Don Swann, Ann Rasor, Natasha Kline, Matt (Pima Co.), Don Swann, Ann Rasor, Natasha Kline, Matt Daniels (NPS), Josh Taiz, Jim Sutton (CNF), and Daniels (NPS), Josh Taiz, Jim Sutton (CNF), and Douglas Kooi.Douglas Kooi.

Funding & Logistical Support Provided by:Funding & Logistical Support Provided by: