Shorebird usage of a reclaimed wetland on the Central Great Plains.

Abstract

Throughout North America, shorebird numbers have declined within the last several years. The loss of habitat is one of the major reasons for this decline. Habitat loss is not only occurring at northern breeding grounds and southern wintering grounds, but also along the migration route. Shorebirds may migrate thousands of kilometers between southern wintering grounds and northern breeding grounds. Along their migration route, shorebirds must stop periodically to replenish fat reserves. Loss or degradation of these stopover sites poses a serious threat to shorebird populations. Kansas lies within the central flyway, which is one of the four major flyways through North America. Although Kansas has lost a large amount of its wetlands, there are two wetlands in the central part of the state that are used extensively by migrating shorebirds (Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge). Additional wetland areas are needed and the McPherson Valley Wetlands, also located in central Kansas, could be one such area. The area was recently purchased by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. As shorebird use of the area is relatively unknown, the purpose of my study was to determine if shorebirds use the area. Data were collected between April 1993 and October 1994. Shorebirds did use the wetland and the usage appeared to be related to water levels. The water levels differed greatly between 1993 and 1994, as did shorebird numbers. Shorebirds did not appear to use all three sample sites proportionately. In addition, shorebird use seemed to be positively correlated with percent bare ground.