Summer habitat use by waterbirds and waterfowl at a biosolids facility
Date
2006-08
Authors
Rosson-Singleton, Stephanie
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Abstract
Wetlands are disappearing at an alarming rate because of agricultural practices
and urban and suburban sprawl. Constructed wetlands may counter this loss and are an
important resource for the conservation of birds. My study addressed waterbird use of
constructed wetlands at a biosolids facility during the summer. I conducted 10-minute
observations of foraging, resting, conflict and movement behavior that occurred in 3
different ponds consisting of 1) marsh, 2) shallow mudflat, and 3) open deep water
(without vegetation) to determine behavior and habitat use by waterbirds. The null
hypothesis for the study was equal use of pond habitat. Waterbirds and waterfowl used
pond habitats disproportionately and the null hypothesis was therefore rejected. The
marsh pond habitat had the greatest occupancy with 1769 birds seen during the study, highest Simpson’s Index (2.12) and species richness (27 species). Waterbirds and
waterfowl used the marsh pond mostly for foraging. Waterbirds and waterfowl used the
deep water pond water habitat mostly for movement, and the mudflat pond mostly for
resting. Different guild of birds used habitats differently. Atmospheric conditions did not
influence waterbird activities. Biosolid facilities provide important habitat for the
conservation of waterbirds and waterfowl. Future studies should examine habitat
variability within and between seasons for a more comprehensive look at species and
habitat use for the entire year. Future studies should also examine the effect of water
fluctuations on waterbirds, size requirements, and site fidelity for constructed wetlands.
Description
Keywords
Water birds, Waterfowl, Sewage lagoons
Citation
Rosson-Singleton, S. (2006). <i>Summer habitat use by waterbirds and waterfowl at a biosolids facility</i> (Unpublished thesis). Texas State University-San Marcos, San Marcos, Texas.