Solano · Web view2005/04/17 · common raven (Corvus corax) Flyover Brewer’s blackbird (Euphagus cyanocephalus) Flyover Site Photos: Active nest 1: Red-tailed hawk nest tree

Nesting Bird Survey, Putah Creek May 4th, 2017Kayla Henry and Nicolle E. Herr, Water Resource Interns, Solano County Water Agency

IntroductionA nesting bird survey was conducted along the South portion of Putah Creek northeast of the Pickerel property to determine potential risks posed to nesting birds during the removal of downed trees/major debris.

MethodsThe nesting bird survey was conducted by Kayla Henry and Nicolle E. Herr on May 4, 2017 from 8:30am-11:45am. A transect was walked along the creek and every 25 meters a 10 minute observation period was allotted at a fixed location. Activity was further investigated as needed between stops. All avian species observed were recorded. Best breeding evidence was recorded according to the behavior codes detailed on ebird.com. If breeding was confirmed photos were taken to record the locations of active nests.

ResultsAn active red-tailed hawk nest was found in the center of the project area with two nestlings. Two active tree swallows nests were found in a tree cavity and a nest box within the project area. An active northern flicker nest was found in a snag and western scrub jays were observed building a nest in the project area. The table below details all of the avian species observed with the best breeding evidence noted.


The temperature increased from 75 degrees F at 8:30 am, to 84 degrees F at 11:45 am.

Putah Creek

Species observed Behavior codes- Breeding Confirmed, Probable or Possible

Notes

red-tailed hawk (Buteo lineatus)

Nest with young (Confirmed)

Nest near the top of a cottonwood tree, two nestlings visible. Young are estimated to be between 2-4 weeks old.

Estimated fledge date of May 25th.

tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor)

On nest (Confirmed) Pair occupying a nest box. No young visible, likely incubating eggs. Estimated fledge date of June 10th.

Pair occupying a tree cavity and feeding young.Estimated fledge date May 19th.

northern flicker (Colaptes auratus)

Occupied nest (Confirmed) Parent observed entering a leaving the same nest cavity and exhibiting territorial behavior. No eggs or young visible, but adult was likely incubating.

Estimated fledge date June 17th.

western scrub jay (Aphelocoma californica)

Nest building (Confirmed) A pair was observed adding material to a nest.

Estimated fledge date June 19th.

European starling (Sturnus vulgaris)

Carrying food to nest (Confirmed)

No buffers necessary.


killdeer (Charadrius vociferus)

Pair in appropriate habitat (Probable)

California quail (Callipepla californica)

Pair in suitable habitat (Probable)

Several pairs seen throughout project area, but no other indicators of nesting behavior.

Western bluebird (Sialia mexicana)


Several pairs seen throughout the project area, but no other indicators of nesting behavior.

cliff swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota)

In appropriate habitat (Probable)

A group was observed foraging near the creek bank. Trees with possible nest cavities nearby. Likely a breeding colony.

oak titmouse (Baeolophus inornatus)


Nuttall's woodpecker (Picoides nuttallii)

In appropriate habitat (Probable)

northern rough-winged swallow (Stelgidopteryx serripennis)

In appropriate habitat (Possible)

brown-headed cowbird (Molothrus ater)

Pair in appropriate habitat (Probable)

mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)


white-breasted nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)


ash-throated flycatcher (Myiarchus cinerascens)

Singing male (Possible)

western kingbird (Tyrannus verticalis)

In suitable habitat (Possible)


song sparrow (Melospiza melodia)


mourning dove (Zenaida macroura)


acorn woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus)

In suitable habitat (Possible)

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)


barn swallow (Hirundo rustica)


Bewick’s wren (Thryomanes bewickii)


American Robin (Turdus migratorius)


house wren (Troglodytes aedon)

Singing male (Possible) Some nest building activity. Wren’s build “dummy nests” at beginning of breeding season- not suitable activity for breeding confirmation.

American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)


Foraging

great blue heron (Ardea herodias)

Flyover

cedar waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum)

N/A On migration.

American Goldfinch (Carduelis tristis)


Foraging on the ground, a pair and others

common raven (Corvus corax)

Flyover

Brewer’s blackbird Flyover


(Euphagus cyanocephalus)

Site Photos:

Active nest 1: Red-tailed hawk nest tree. Image is centered on the nest.

Close up of red-tailed hawk nest with two nestlings visible.


Active nest 2: tree swallow occupying a nest box on the southeast edge of the project area.

Active nest 3: tree swallow nest in a cavity overhanging the tail near the southeast edge of the project area.


Active nest 4: northern flicker nest cavity at northeast end of project area.

Active Nest 4: scrub jay nest located approximately 140 ft southeast of the red-tailed hawk nest.

RecommendationsA buffer of 300 feet should be implemented around the active red-tailed hawk nest. A follow up survey should be conducted on May 25th to determine if the young have fledged. The following nests are also in the vicinity of the project area; two tree swallow, one northern flicker and one western scrub jay. The western scrub jay nest requires a buffer of 75 feet while the northern flicker and tree swallow nests need 50 feet. It does not appear that work will need to occur closer than 75 feet to any of these nests. Should


work need to be done closer to these areas, follow up surveys for these nests can also be conducted as needed.

References

1. Primary Nesting Season Dates. Farm Service Agency, USDA. https://www.fsa.usda.gov/Internet/FSA_File/052708_nestingdates.pdf Accessed April 30th, 2017.

2. Best Management Practises (BMP’s) for Wildland Stewardship: Protecting Wildlife When Using Herbicides for Invasive Plant Management. California Invasive Plant Council and Pesticide Research Institute. http://www.cal-ipc.org/ip/management/BMPs/BMPHerbicide.pdf Accessed April 30th, 2017.

3. Breeding Codes and Behavior Codes http://help.ebird.org/customer/portal/articles/1006850-breeding-codes-behavior-codes Accessed May 4th, 2017.

Documents

Solano · Web view2005/04/17 · common raven (Corvus corax) Flyover Brewer’s blackbird (Euphagus cyanocephalus) Flyover Site Photos: Active nest 1: Red-tailed hawk nest tree