Open Space Advisory Board Agenda and Packet 2017 08 09

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Table 3. Warembourg Open Space 2017 Avian Survey Results. Transect or Point Species Number Activity Western Meadowlark Sturnella neglecta 1 Flew from the west side of the transect to the west beyond 150 meters. 5. Conclusions & Recommendations Sixty-three individuals representing twenty avian species (all Open Space properties combined) were detected at three Open Space properties surveyed in 2017. In areas where there was greater plant diversity (in composition and structure) more detections occurred. In general, none of the surveyed areas had much avian diversity. The Red -winged Blackbird was the dominant species observed and its presence is maintained by the ponds and wetland features found on or near the Open Space properties. It is recommended that surveys be conducted in mid-May to mid-June in future years when breeding activity is higher. The dense stands of smooth brome are likely limiting the functionality of these areas for avian nesting and foraging. Smooth brome (a non-native introduced species that is aggressive and can be invasive) is good for soil stabilization, aesthetics, can be used for livestock grazing/haying, and does will along the Front Range. For these reasons it is a commonly seeded species. Smooth brome however has a tendency to grow into very thick mats, too thick to nest in and too thick for young chicks to move around. Grazing or mechanical break-up of these areas could help to break down and lessen the thick mat — opening it up for other ground nesting species including Savannah and Vesper Sparrows and Western Meadowlarks. Species abundance is the number of individuals detected; species richness is the number of species detected. The Shannon -Weaver diversity index number measures the order (or disorder) within a community. The diversity index combines two quantifiable measures: the species richness (number of species within the community) and species equitability (a measure of how similar the abundances of different species are). A diversity index value near zero would indicate that a community is not diverse in its species composition; a higher value would indicate greater diversity. Detections at the three properties were very low and only transect No. 2 at Coyote Run (COY02) had enough detections to perform a diversity index calculation. The calculated diversity as COY02 is 2.231, suggesting a fair amount of diversity and a healthy community. The three Open Space areas are important habitat islands for those species which use them. While moving between transects other species were either seen or heard, the complete avian species list is provided in Appendix B. Several times during the survey voles (Microtus sps.) were seen moving through the grass/brush at all properties. Coyote Run Open Space had the most wildlife observations. A very large and mature mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) buck was observed slinking into the pond/wetland from the west and one large bull snake (Pituophis catenifer say) was seen between the point count station and transect COY01. Coyotes (Canis latrans) were very vocal before sunrise on the morning of the 22nd 11 18