The Center for Conservation Biology at the College of William and Mary has
recently completed winter bird surveys (2 December 2006 though 4 March 2007) on
the seaside marshes of Northampton and Accomack counties. Many bird species
that utilize high marsh habitat have experienced population declines within
recent history. One of the primary causes of these population declines is
habitat loss. While direct human influence (development) is a leading cause of
marsh habitat loss, factors such as sea level rise and invasive exotic species
also alter available habitat. Surveys of wintering birds were conducted to
examine the influence of Common Reed (Phragmites australis) expansion on the
diversity, density, and distribution of marsh dependent birds.
The primary species of concern within these marshes are Saltmarsh and Nelson's
Sharp-tailed Sparrows. A total of 166 detections were made of Sharp-tailed
Sparrows during the three months of surveys. While 166 detections may seem low
for three months of surveys, the secretive nature of this species limits the
effective survey distance off of transects to 5-10 meters. Other species of
note recorded on transects during the surveys include; 45 Sedge Wrens, 34
Wilson's snipe, 20 Seaside Sparrows, 13 Marsh Wrens, 5 Ipswich Sparrows, and a
single Western Kingbird.
In an effort to determine species composition and site fidelity, mist-netting
was conducted to capture and band Sharp-tailed Sparrows. A total of 84
Sharp-tailed Sparrows were captured and banded, comprised of 37 Nelson's, 46
Saltmarsh Sharp-tails and one Sharp-tailed Sparrow that was unidentifiable to
species. Other incidental catches of note included; 10 seaside sparrows, 3
sedge wrens, a single Ipswich Sparrow, and a single Yellow Rail.
Funding for this study was provided by The Virginia Department of Environmental
Quality, Coastal Zone Program and The Center for Conservation Biology.
Barton J. Paxton
Center for Conservation Biology
College of William and Mary
Williamsburg, VA 23187
Phone (757) 221-1639
FAX (757) 221-1650
bjpaxt@xxxxxx
www.ccb-wm.org
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