BLITZES,

SLAMS

& SMACKDOWNS!or

How property-wide bird surveys can contribute to improved management & recognition of critical bird habitat on state lands

Yoyi Steele, Important Bird Areas Coordinator

Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative

The IBA Program identifies and strives to maintain critical habitats for birds at

all stages of their lifecycles

IBA Criteria1. Endangered or

threatened species

2. High conservation priority species

3. Assemblages of birds associated with rare or representative habitat types

4. Significant concentrations of birds

IBAs as a focus for property-based monitoring:

4 examples from Wisconsin

Richard Bong State Recreation Area

Wauzeka Wildlife Area

Governor Dodge State Park

Greater Lake Koshkonong

BONG BIRD BLITZ

• First property-wide survey of a state property

• IBA recognition: June 4, 2005

• Much better picture of relative abundance and distribution of birds on property

• Species list of breeding birds

• Prioritize burns around known concentrations of grassland birds

• Plan additional habitat improvements (clearing, mowing) after 5th year of survey

• More interest from birders

SPIN-OFFS.....

Scuppernong Slam

Chiwaukee Cheesehead Challenge

Lower Kickapoo-Millville

Rapid Assessment Program (RAP)

Wauzeka Smackdown

June 2, 2004

IBA Recognition: May 13, 2005

2005 Smackdown

2006 Smackdown

Are you ready to

Smackdown??

Governor Dodge State Park

Dodgeville Roundup

June 2, 2005

Riveredge Bird Club

Greater Lake Koshkonong

Migration & breeding bird surveys:

April-June, 2005

Wisconsin’s 43rd IBA

September 16, 2006

• Straightforward objective

• Good communication w/ property managers

• Effective recruitment

• Clear, simple methods

• Accessible habitats

• Good organization & coordination

IBA Needs:•Horicon Marsh

•Kickapoo Reserve

•Point Beach

•Necedah

•Crex & Fish Lake

•Mead, BV/L, Olson

•Kettle Moraine

•Menominee Forest

Gaps??•Lower Wolf

bottoms

•Turtle Valley

•Brillion/Killsnake

•Upper St. Croix

others...?

Thank you