American Bittern. Photo: Glenn Hemberger/Audubon Photography Awards
Audubon Great Lakes prioritizes coastal wetland restoration and conservation actions that benefit focal, breeding marsh bird species. Most of these species have declining population trends and are listed as endangered, threatened or species of concern in at least one of the eight Great Lakes states. In addition, these species represent a variety of taxonomic families, as well as marsh habitat structure and area requirements. Many of these species prefer to breed and forage in hemi-marsh, a habitat type characterized by an even mix of emergent vegetation and open water, while others prefer denser or more open marsh. Since marsh birds are sensitive to pollution, invasive species and hydrological impairments, we can use the presence and relative abundance of focal species as a barometer for coastal wetland health across the Great Lakes.
Focal Species for Marsh Bird Survey:
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