Phenological monitoring guide for Valle de Oro National ......4 Phenological monitoring guide for...
30
Phenological monitoring guide for Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge A designated monitoring site of USA-NPN’s Nature’s Notebook Program USA-NPN FWS Series 2016-002
Transcript of Phenological monitoring guide for Valle de Oro National ......4 Phenological monitoring guide for...
Phenological monitoring guide for
Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge
A designated monitoring site of
USA-NPN’s Nature’s Notebook Program
USA-NPN FWS Series 2016-002
2 Phenological monitoring guide for Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge
Suggested citation: USA-NPN National Coordinating Office. 2016. Phenological
monitoring guide for Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge. USA-NPN FWS Series
2016-002. Available online at www.usanpn.org/fws. 33 pp.
Content compiled by Jessica Allen
Cover photo: Jessica Allen
USA National Phenology Network
Phenological monitoring guide for Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge
3 Phenological monitoring guide for Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge
Table of Contents
I. Introduction……………………………………………………………...…4
II. Points of Contact………………………………………………………..…5
III. Species Monitored………………………………………………………...6
IV. Monitoring Locations and Maps………………………………………....8
V. Frequency of Monitoring and Estimated Time Investment…………..11
VI. Data Sheets and Data Entry………………………………………….…12
VII. Resources…………………………………………………………….…..13
VIII. Calendars of phenophase onset & duration for focal taxa………......16
IX. Suggestions for Interpretative Programs for the Public……………...30
4 Phenological monitoring guide for Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge
Introduction
Phenology is the study of the timing of seasonal biological events such as the flowering
and fruiting of plants; the annual emergence of insect pollinators and pests; and the
migration of birds and mammals.
Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge, (www.fws.gov/refuge/valle_de_oro) established in
September 2012, is the first urban wildlife refuge in the Southwest. Community outreach
and ecological restoration are both central objectives of the refuge. Valle de Oro has been
selected as a pilot for phenology monitoring using Nature's Notebook, the USA National
Phenology Network’s (USA-NPN) plant and animal phenology observation program.
Phenology monitoring will be used to:
● Track the ecological condition of plants and animals and their response to
environmental and climatic change.
● Engage a variety of groups around the Albuquerque area. The Refuge is part of the
Rio Grande Phenology Trail, a collaboration encouraging people to engage in
active, outdoor education, and ask and answer local science, management and
climate questions. Learn more at www.usanpn.org/nn/RioGrandePhenologyTrail.
Data products from this pilot refuge will include:
(1) Baseline information (species richness, count of individuals) on a suite a focal bird
species in different ecosystems. (2) Baseline information on timing of phenological
events in native Rio Grande cottonwood and invasive Siberian elm. (3) Information on
how species richness, number of individuals, and the timing of phenological events
changes in response to management activities (e.g.restoration) and climate change.
The material in this monitoring guide is meant to serve as a reference for phenology
monitoring participants who are observing animals and plants at Valle de Oro National
Wildlife Refuge (VdO) through Nature’s Notebook. It identifies and describes all of the
VdO and USA-NPN resources that observers will need to start monitoring animals and
plants at VdO (e.g., Nature’s Notebook datasheets, VdO monitoring sites and locations,
and VdO species profiles). For more information about the USA-NPN monitoring
protocols, visit the Nature’s Notebook “Learn How to Observe” webpage
(www.usanpn.org/nn/guidelines). To learn more about phenology, visit the VdO
(www.usanpn.org/fws/VdO) and USA-NPN websites (www.usanpn.org), where you can download
newsletters, project briefs, presentations, and more (www.usanpn.org/cpp/resources).
5 Phenological monitoring guide for Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge
Points of Contact:
Erin Posthumus
USA-NPN Outreach Coordinator and US Fish & Wildlife Service Liaison
(520) 621-1670
Jennifer Owen-White
Valle de Oro Refuge Manager
505-248-6667 office
Ariel Elliott
Valle de Oro Biologist
1-(931)-809-0372
Jessica Allen
Rio Grande Phenology Trail Coordinator
Kristin Proctor
Local Phenology Leader, Valle de Oro NWR
Kathy Ferris
Volunteer, Valle de Oro NWR (Master Naturalist)
Laurel Ladwig
Volunteer, Valle de Oro NWR (Master Naturalist)
6 Phenological monitoring guide for Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge
Species Monitored
There are currently eighteen species targeted for phenological monitoring at Valle de Oro
National Wildlife Refuge:
Birds:
American crow (www.usanpn.org/nn/Corvus_brachyrhynchos)
American kestrel (www.usanpn.org/nn/Falco_sparverius)
American robin (www.usanpn.org/nn/Turdus_migratorius)
Barn Swallow (www.usanpn.org/nn/Hirundo_rustica)
Bobolink (www.usanpn.org/nn/Dolichonyx_oryzivorus)
Canada goose (www.usanpn.org/nn/Branta_canadensis)
Cliff Swallow (www.usanpn.org/nn/Petrochelidon_pyrrhonota)
Cooper's hawk (www.usanpn.org/nn/Accipiter_cooperii)
Curve-billed Thrasher (www.usanpn.org/nn/Toxostoma_curvirostre)
Great Blue heron (www.usanpn.org/nn/Ardea_herodias)
Sandhill Crane (www.usanpn.org/nn/Ardea_herodias)
Say's Phoebe (www.usanpn.org/nn/Sayornis_saya)
Swainson's hawk (www.usanpn.org/nn/Buteo_swainsoni)
Western Bluebird (www.usanpn.org/nn/Sialia_mexicana)
Mammals:
Coyote (www.usanpn.org/nn/Canis_latrans)
Gunnison’s Prairie Dog (www.usanpn.org/nn/Cynomys_gunnisoni)
Trees:
eastern cottonwood (www.usanpn.org/nn/Populus_deltoides)
Siberian elm (www.usanpn.org/nn/Ulmus_pumila)
Species and phenophase identification resources:
Field Guide to the Birds of Valle de Oro (docs.google.com/presentation/d/1eF5-
Rsnim_er6GTIaGrSH)
Species Profile for Eastern Cottonwood Populus deltoides
(www.usanpn.org/fws/sites/www.usanpn.org.fws/files/u5022/Eastern%20Cottonwood%20species%20prof
ile_NN%20template%20June%202016.pdf)
Species Profile for Siberian Elm Ulmus pumila
(www.usanpn.org/fws/sites/www.usanpn.org.fws/files/u5022/Si)
7 Phenological monitoring guide for Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge
Monitoring Locations and Maps
The monitoring sites at Valle de Oro (VdO) have been strategically selected for
management purposes to compare the “east agricultural fields” and “west pre-wetlands”
areas of the refuge, as well as the phenophases of native cottonwoods compared to the
potentially invasive siberian elm. This will allow Refuge staff to make comparisons of
these two sides of the Refuge before and after restoration work transitions the Refuge into
Bosque and wetlands on the western half of the Refuge, and grasslands and agricultural
demonstration areas on the eastern half of the Refuge.
The Observation Visit
A single monitoring visit includes a driving transect to look for focal bird species, and a
visit to two separate sites to make observations on two species of trees. The entire visit
should take no more than 2 hours.
Driving transects for focal birds
To complete the driving transects, we recommend enlisting one person to drive, and one
to observe focal species. Transects should be driven at a speed no faster than 15 miles per
hour. The observer should watch out the window, using binoculars when needed, for the
target species and behaviors. Calls may also be counted, even when birds are not
observed. When considering individuals of a certain species, only those on Valle de Oro
property itself should be recorded.
The observer should be careful to consider only those species present within the specific
transect that they are driving. For instance, if the road from which the observer is
monitoring lies between the east and west transects, and the objective of the observer is to
monitor the west driving transect, he or she will only count target species which are
observed through the window looking out onto the western half of the refuge, ignoring
those present on the eastern half of the refuge. This distinction becomes apparent when
8 Phenological monitoring guide for Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge
submitting data. In the case of birds, individuals observed in the airspace above the
transect should be recorded.
Optionally, observers can complete two walking transects to look for the bird species on
the list of focal species. In this case, the observer should walk along the road indicated on
the map below, first heading west and observing focal species in the field to the north,
and then turn to walk east, observing species in the field to the south. This should be done
for both the east and west walking transects as indicated on the map below. The observer
should use binoculars and/or a scope as needed. When considering individuals of a
certain species, only those on Valle de Oro property itself should be recorded. The
observer should be careful to consider only those species present within the specific
transect that they are walking. In the case of birds, individuals observed in the airspace
above the transect should be recorded.
9 Phenological monitoring guide for Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge
Native and invasive trees:
Observers visit two different sites to observe trees, Cottonwood #1 and Cottonwood #2
(see first map). Each site has one native Rio Grande cottonwood and one invasive
Siberian Elm that have been flagged and have Nature’s Notebook tags. During each visit,
observers document which phenophases are visible on each of the trees.
10 Phenological monitoring guide for Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge
(Pictured above, clockwise from top left: Cottonwood #1; Cottonwood #2; Elm #1; Elm #3; Photos:
Jessica Allen)
11 Phenological monitoring guide for Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge
Frequency of Monitoring and Estimated Time Investment
Ideally, plants should be monitored at least once weekly to accurately detect changes in
the onset and duration of phenophases. More frequent monitoring will maximize the
ability to detect and to measure phenological change, although some monitoring sites
may be established primarily for interpretive purposes and monitored less frequently.
This is especially important to capture the onset of breaking leaf buds, flowering and
fruiting between February and April, and colored leaves between August and September.
Although data entry via the online Nature’s Notebook interface is not time-sensitive,
uploading observations at least 4 times a year will minimize a back-log of data entry.
Entering data more frequently (e.g., after each monitoring event or at the end of every
week), however, is helpful in preventing confusion or correcting observation errors on the
datasheets, since observers may remember the monitoring events well enough to correct
errors during data-entry.
Use of the Nature’s Notebook mobile apps will ensure that the data are entered directly
into the database, without the need for paper datasheets.
The estimated time to make a single site visit is 2 hours. This allows for direct entry of
observations via the mobile apps; if paper datasheets are used, more time will be required
to upload observations via the online interface.
It is best to have well-trained observers monitoring a site. Novices tend to interpret
phenophase abundances or “quantities” differently, and if there are many observers with
little experience recording abundance estimates, percentages and quantities may be
estimated inconsistently on the datasheets. New volunteers should make their initial visits
with experienced volunteers to calibrate on how to correctly identify phenophases (see
the Points of Contact for more information).
12 Phenological monitoring guide for Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge
Data Sheets and Data Entry
Each observer should register an account in Nature’s Notebook (www.usanpn.org/nn/become-
observer), and join the Valle de Oro group found under the Partner Group hierarchy
(USFWS -> Region 2). Datasheets for all monitored Valle de Oro species can be
downloaded from a registered observer’s “Observation Deck” (mynpn.usanpn.org/npnapps/) on
the Nature’s Notebook website, or from the Valle de Oro landing page
(www.usanpn.org/fws/VdO) on the USFWS Phenology Network website.
A simplified 2-page datasheet for birds is also available on the Valle de Oro landing
page. Experienced volunteers recommend using this 2 page datasheet to tally
observations of birds and bird behaviors, and then entering these totals into the app at the
end of each transect.
Learn how to navigate your Observation Deck (www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkDFiwWZWBo)
Instead of paper datasheets, data can also be entered using the mobile app.
(www.usanpn.org/nn/mobile-apps)
Mobile App Tip Sheet for Android and iPhone. (www.usanpn.org/node/22250)
See this Youtube playlist for helpful how-to videos:
(www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlnHLGw8kUFY0KWtU0cA7I-HXgZC7glfS)
13 Phenological monitoring guide for Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge
Resources
How to set up a Nature's Notebook account is a video which provides step-by-step
instructions to establish an account with Nature’s Notebook.
(www.youtube.com/watch?v=_L_L7iyZ038&list=PLlnHLGw8kUFY0KWtU0cA7I-HXgZC7glfS)
The How-to-Observe Handbook Is a valuable reference, intended for use in the field.
(www.usanpn.org/files/shared/files/How_to_Observe_Field_Handbook_7-28-10.pdf)
Phenology and Nature's Shifting Rhythms Is a video which provides a background on the
importance of tracking phenology.
(www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNs3XpRmRfI&feature=youtu.be&list=FLGdJAL9pFQ8eCbD_fjhQsuw)
The Rio Grande Phenology Trail page provides information on the history and partners of
the Rio Grande Phenology Trail. (www.usanpn.org/nn/RioGrandePhenologyTrail)
Nature's Notebook at Valle de Oro. This link provides specific information on the
collaboration between Valle de Oro NWR and USA-NPN. (www.usanpn.org/fws/VdO)
The RGPT Facebook Page is meant to serve as a place for partners and volunteers of the
Rio Grande Phenology Trail to share ideas and updates, and engage in discussions which
will increase skills and knowledge. (www.facebook.com/RGPTrail/)
14 Phenological monitoring guide for Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge
Calendars of phenophase onset & duration for focal taxa
Use the calendars below as a guideline to know when to start looking for particular
phenophases. Note that the calendars only show data from 2014 and 2015, and may
include year-to-year variability that is not indicative of an “average” year. These
calendars should be used as a guideline only, and phenophases should be searched for
several weeks before their reporting times from past years.
In 2014 and 2015, we observed the emergence of breaking leaf buds and increasing leaf
size on Rio Grande Cottonwood (Populus deltoides ssp. wislizeni) trees in mid-late April
to early May. Flower buds and open flowers were observed early to mid April. Colored
leaves were observed late August. Falling leaves were observed late September in 2014,
and late October in 2015.
15 Phenological monitoring guide for Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge
Eastern Cottonwood All Phenophases 2014
Eastern Cottonwood All Phenophases 2015
16 Phenological monitoring guide for Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge
In 2014 and 2015, we observed the emergence of breaking leaf buds and increasing leaf
size on Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila) trees in late March to early April. Flower buds and
open flowers were observed early February in 2015. Colored leaves were observed early
to mid September. Falling leaves were observed mid October in 2014, and mid
September in 2015.
Siberian Elm All Phenophases 2014
17 Phenological monitoring guide for Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge
Siberian Elm All Phenophases 2015
18 Phenological monitoring guide for Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge
American Crows were observed February through mid-March and Mid-October through
December in 2014, and intermittently year-round in 2015.
American Crow Active Individuals & Nest Building 2014 & 2015
19 Phenological monitoring guide for Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge
American Kestrels were observed year-round in 2014 and 2015.
American Kestrel Active Individuals & Nest Building 2014 & 2015
20 Phenological monitoring guide for Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge
American Robins are year-round residents in this area. American Robins were observed
early March through late May in 2015.
American Robin Active Individuals & Nest Building 2014 & 2015
21 Phenological monitoring guide for Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge
Barn Swallows are summer residents in this area. Barn Swallows were observed mid-
January through mid-October in 2014 and mid-April through mid-October in 2015.
Barn Swallow Active Individuals & Nest Building 2014 & 2015
22 Phenological monitoring guide for Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge
Canada Geese are considered winter residents in this area. Canada Geese were observed
year-round in 2014 and 2015 with the exception of the months of June through August.
Canada Goose Active Individuals & Nest Building 2014 & 2015
23 Phenological monitoring guide for Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge
Cliff Swallows are considered summer residents in this area. Cliff Swallows were
observed intermittently mid-January to mid November in 2014, and early April to early
August in 2015. Nest building was observed mid June and early July in 2014 and early
April through early June in 2015.
Cliff Swallow Active Individuals & Nest Building 2014 & 2015
24 Phenological monitoring guide for Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge
Cooper’s Hawks are considered year-round residents in this area. Cooper’s Hawks were
observed late February, early March, and late August in 2014, and mid-April, September,
and October in 2015.
Cooper’s Hawk Active Individuals & Nest Building 2014 & 2015
25 Phenological monitoring guide for Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge
Great Blue Herons are considered year-round residents in this area. Great Blue Herons
were observed late July to late September 2015.
Great Blue Heron Active Individuals & Nest Building 2014 & 2015
26 Phenological monitoring guide for Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge
Sandhill Cranes migrate through this area. Sandhill Cranes were observed mid-October
through early March 2014, and mid-September through early May 2015.
Sandhill Crane Active Individuals & Nest Building 2014 & 2015
27 Phenological monitoring guide for Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge
Say’s Phoebes are considered summer residents in this area. Say’s Phoebes were
observed year-round in 2014 and 2015.
Say’s Phoebe Active Individuals & Nest Building 2014 & 2015
28 Phenological monitoring guide for Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge
Swainson’s Hawks are considered summer residents in this area. Swainson’s Hawks were
observed early February to mid-November 2014, and early May through late September
2015.
Swainson’s Hawk Active Individuals & Nest Building 2014 & 2015
29 Phenological monitoring guide for Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge
Western Bluebirds are considered year-round residents in this area. Western Bluebirds
were observed late February and mid-August in 2014.
Western Bluebird Active Individuals & Nest Building 2014 & 2015
We also observed Bobolinks and Curve-billed Thrashers in 2014 and 2015. No sightings
were recorded for either species during that time.
Coyote and Gunnison’s Prairie Dog were added to our list of monitored species in the
spring of 2016.
30 Phenological monitoring guide for Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge
Suggestions for Interpretive Programs for the Public
We have developed a variety of resources for both new and existing Nature’s Notebook
observers. The Volunteer Orientation Packet
(drive.google.com/open?id=0B1q8xR_k8tV8NkNpTldJWEUtRVk) includes: Workshop agenda;
workbook; instructions for station set-up; materials for activities; and templates for
advertisement fliers. This packet is available to all local phenology leaders who wish to
host their own workshop.
Other resources include:
Nature’s Notebook in the Classroom: a handout describing how teachers can involve their
classrooms in phenology activities at Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge.
(www.usanpn.org/fws/sites/www.usanpn.org.fws/files/u5022/Nature%27s%20Notebook%20in%20the%20classroo
m_Valle%20de%20Oro%20NWR.pdf)
Nature’s Notebook for Master Naturalists: information describing how to incorporate
Nature’s Notebook into a Master Naturalist course. Also includes a job description for
Master Naturalists to use monitoring through Nature’s Notebook as their service project.
(www.usanpn.org/mn)
