1. 1 Mcdonough Plz, West Haven, CT 06516
Abstract
“Phragmites australis, or common reed, is a wetland plant species found in every U.S state,”(Blossey). “Phragmites invasion alters the structure and function of diverse marsh ecosystems by changing species composition, nutrient cycles and hydrological regimes.” There are different techniques to treat phragmites. It is most common to use herbicides named glyphosate and imaszapyr. The herbicides help control the phragmites in addition to treating it, however and species such as plants, amphibians, and most importantly birds have been forced to relocate or adapt to the new environment. The most common birds affected by the phragmites invasion are the American black duck, seaside sparrow, and various common birds know in marshes. In West Haven and Milford, there is a large amount of phragmites in the marshes. Researchers are investigating whether the treatment is improving the environment. The three locations are Oyster River, Cove River, and Old field Creek. The research will mainly be conducted in Cove River.In order to confirm the environment has improved, the species that once inhabited the marsh must return. By monitoring the return of various species during months and seasons to pass, one can conclude if the treatment of phragmites is improving or decreasing the amount of species to return.
The Impact of the Eradication of Phragmites on the Return of Native Bird Species
Erika Moya
1 Mcdonough Plz, West Haven, CT 06516
Conclusion
To conclude, the amount of bird species can neither be increased nor decreased. The research requires an extensive amount of more time and better equipment. However, it was proven that the marsh containing pragmites treatment is more suitable for different bird species than the common birds before treatment. Crows created a living environment for their species and managed to maintain population. A different species of birds (Wood Thrushes) also favored the environment. For future studies, one may consider tagging the birds to receive a better estimate of the populations of the various bird species. By using the tagging method, researchers can accurately calculate and graph bird population.
Results
On the first day of research, the speed of flight of the birds was underestimated. Capturing the birds on camera was a challenge. Therefore photos and videos were captured. There were a couple of nests in the area (example shown on the right on October 13, 2013). Due to the difficulty of capturing photos of birds, one may conclude a species of a bird by the wing expansion, shape, and size of beak. A hawk was sighted and research was performed to conclude that it was an Immature Cooper’s hawk. A few days later, there were sightings of Mallards and American black ducks swimming in the marsh water.
During november, the hawk was not spotted again. There were more black birds around the area and wood thrushes. On the next visit, studies were held at night to investigate the amount of species for obvious reasons of birds always returning back to their nests. Considering how dark it was, there were numerous darker birds and large amounts of chirping to prove the large amount of birds in the area. Photos could not be captured in order to not disturb the bird population and again the darkness.
On January 20, 2014, there were five more nests in the area that were visible. (example shown at the right). There were a few sightings of black birds and many crows. It appeared that some of the nests belonged to crows.
Photos captured October 13, 2013
References
Cornell. “All about Birds.” birds.com/guide/coopers_hawk
Audubon. “Important bird areas” ct.auubon.org/important birds-area-11
Blossey, Bernd. “Invasive Plants.”Phragmites:Common Reed on-line. Avaible
Photos captured on January 20, 2014
Acknowledgements
Kevin Dickson, AP Biology Teacher and Scientist
Luis Moya and Martha Guerra, parents
AP Biology class of 2014
Materials and Methods
There was no equipment to successfully tag the birds located in this region. However, the research was conducted by simply capturing photos during seasons and detecting the different bird species living in the environment.
Example of the American black duck
(Google Images)
Example of Immature Cooper’s hawk
(Google Images)
Example of Mallards
(Google Images)
Example of Wood Thrush
(Google Images)