Bird_2019_Catoosa.pdf

2019-2020 AVIAN SURVEY REPORT

For the Catoosa Volunteer Training Site (VTS-C) within Catoosa County, Georgia

ES Project No.: 11482 Date: 07/31/2020

Tennessee Army National Guard Environmental Office Attn: Ms. Courtney Rogers 3041 Sidco Drive Nashville, Tennessee 37204-1502

Prepared for: Tennessee Army National Guard Ms. Courtney Rogers 3041 Sidco Drive Nashville, Tennessee 37204-1502

2019-2020 Avian Survey Report – VTS-Catoosa Final Report Document Date: 07/31/2020 ES Project No.: 11482 TNARNG Contract No: 59744

Authorization for Release

The analyses, opinions, and conclusions in this document are based entirely on EnviroScience’s unbiased, professional judgment. EnviroScience’s compensation is not in any way contingent on any action or event resulting from this study.

The undersigned attest, to the best of their knowledge, that this document and the information contained herein is accurate and conforms to EnviroScience’s internal Quality Assurance standards.

Brian Slaby Biologist

Ann Gilmore Senior Ecologist, Technical Reviewer

Kristen Schmidt Editorial Reviewer

2019-2020 Avian Survey Report – VTS-Catoosa Tennessee Army National Guard i

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...........................................................................................................III

1.0 INTRODUCTION

2.0 PREVIOUS SURVEYS

3.0 METHODS

3.1 Point Count Surveys

3.2 Transect Surveys

3.3 Nocturnal Broadcast Surveys

3.4 Area Searches

4.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

4.1 Point Count Survey Results

4.2 Transect Survey Results

4.3 Nocturnal Broadcast Survey Results

4.4 Area Searches and Incidental Results

4.5 Species of Interest Results

4.6 Special Habitats

5.0 RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Recommendations for Future Surveys

5.2 Recommendations for Habitat Management

6.0 REFERENCES

List of Tables Table 3.1 Point Count Survey Locations

Table 3.2 Transect Survey Locations

Table 3.3 Nocturnal Survey Locations

Table 4.1 Most Abundant Species During Spring Migration Surveys at VTS-Catoosa

Table 4.2 Most Abundant Species During Summer Breeding Surveys at VTS-Catoosa

Table 4.3 Most Abundant Species During Fall Migration Surveys at VTS-Catoosa

Table 4.4 Most Abundant Species During Winter Surveys at VTS-Catoosa

Table 4.5 Additional Bird Species Detected During Transect Surveys

Table 4.6 Bird Species Detected Only During Area Searches or Incidentally

Table 4.7 Possible Avian Species of Interest at VTS-C

Table 4.8 Summary of Avian Species of Interest Observed at VTS-C (2019-2020) ii

List of Appendices Appendix A: Figures

Appendix B: Photographs

Appendix C: Comprehensive List of Bird Species at VTS-C During the 2019-2020 Surveys

Appendix D: Summary of Point Count Survey Results

Appendix E: Review of Potential Rare, Threatened, or Endangered Species iii

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

EnviroScience, Inc. conducted avian surveys for the Tennessee Army National Guard at the Catoosa Volunteer Training Site in 2019 and 2020. Survey results will be used to inform the Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan for the site and allow for effective management and compliance with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

The objectives of the survey were to document the avian community onsite throughout the year;

identify any avian species considered rare, threatened, or endangered or any other species of interest; identify any special habitats located onsite; and recommend management actions to support species and habitats of interest. Survey methods consisted of point count surveys, nocturnal broadcast surveys, transect surveys, and qualitative area searches. Surveys were conducted in the spring, summer, and fall of 2019 and the winter of 2020.

A total of 119 species were identified during the 2019-2020 surveys at the Catoosa Volunteer Training Site. Of this total, it was determined that 17 species were confirmed breeders, 26 species were probable breeders, 47 species were possible breeders, and 29 species were transient. No federal or state-listed endangered or threatened species were observed during the 2019-2020 survey period. Nine species designated as Birds of Conservation Concern by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (2008), were observed. Additionally, six special habitats were identified at the Catoosa Volunteer Training Site.

It is recommended that future survey efforts place a greater emphasis on point count surveys, as they are a quantitative survey method that is easy to replicate. Overall, species richness was lower than in previous surveys, which has been attributed to several factors, including range-wide population decline of certain species, low detectability of previously observed species, and timing of surveys in conjunction with species’ use of the site. If capturing species use data for the 22 species previously observed in the 2008 and 2012 surveys, multiple site visits during migratory seasons are recommended to capture early and late migrants as well as visitor species

Recommendations for habitat management include limiting fragmentation to large forest tracts, maintaining grassland and woodland habitats with a 2-3 year burning or mowing schedule that eliminates or minimizes impacts during the nesting season, and conserving wetlands, streams, ponds, and other special habitats. Additionally, we recommend invasive species management using herbicide to control small carpetgrass (Arthraxon hispidus) within the central wet meadow (Special Habitat 1) and Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense) within the riparian habitat along Tiger Creek (including Special Habitat 2) and Broom Branch.

1.0 INTRODUCTION

EnviroScience, Inc. was contracted by the Tennessee Army National Guard (TNARNG) on August 1, 2018, to conduct biological surveys for birds on the Catoosa Volunteer Training Site (VTS-C). The work conducted was performed under contract number 59744, which extends until July 31, 2020.

The Tennessee Army National Guard, as an agent of the National Guard Bureau (NGB), is responsible for the prudent management of natural resources on all its properties. The largest of these properties, the volunteer training sites (VTS), are managed in accordance with the Sikes Act and the Sikes Act Improvement Amendments, through Integrated Natural Resources Management Plans (INRMP) which guide all activities that may impact natural resources onsite. Up to date baseline information on flora, fauna, and abiotic characteristics of the training site is essential to informed natural resources management.

Birds are very mobile, and as such their populations can change substantially in a short period of time. In order to ensure accurate information for effective management and compliance with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, planning level surveys (PLS) for birds should be conducted at five-year intervals. The most recent bird survey on the TNARNG training sites was conducted in 2013.

For this reason, the TNARNG requires a PLS of the avian species which utilize the Catoosa training site for all or part of the year. Of the particular concern are neotropical migrants, migratory community, or populations changed from previous survey, which may call for special management (TNARNG, 2018).

VTS-C is approximately 1,628 acres and is located within Catoosa County, Georgia. The property is primarily forested, with a diverse mosaic of forest, woodland, scrub-shrub, grassland, and wetland habitats within the center of the property. Tiger Creek and Broom Branch are the two largest perennial streams that flow through the property. The surrounding land use is a mosaic of forest and rural agricultural properties. Site Maps are included in Appendix A; site photographs are included in Appendix B.

This report presents the methods, results, discussion, and recommendations of avian surveys conducted by EnviroScience at VTS-C. Surveys were conducted in April, June, and October 2019 and February 2020. The objectives of the survey effort were to:

1. Determine which bird species utilize VTS-C throughout the year, including the breeding season, winter, and spring and fall migration.

2. Identify any species considered rare, threatened, or endangered by federal or state governments.

3. Identify special avian habitats onsite.

4. Recommend management actions to support species or habitats of interest.

Survey methods consisted of conducting point count surveys, nocturnal surveys, area searches, and transect surveys. A detailed description of survey methods is provided in Section 3.0.

2.0 PREVIOUS SURVEYS

Biological surveys for birds were conducted at VTS-C in 2007-2008 (AMEC, 2008) and 2012 (URS, 2013). A total of 134 bird species were identified during the 2007-2008 surveys (AMEC, 2008). Evidence of breeding activity was documented for 87 of these species. Seven species documented at VTS-C in 2007-2008 had a state conservation status of “vulnerable,” “imperiled,” or “critically imperiled,” and no federally or state-listed species were observed.

A total of 130 bird species were identified during the 2012 surveys (URS, 2013). Of these, 99 species are classified as neotropical migrants. Twelve of the observed species had a state conservation status of “vulnerable,” “imperiled,” or “critically imperiled.” The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) lists seven of these species as Birds of Conservation Concern in the Appalachian Mountains physiographic province (USFWS, 2008) where VTS-C is located.

Due to the varying methodologies used between survey years, comparison between survey years is difficult. In the 2007-2008 surveys, five-minute point counts were conducted in May (spring) and June (summer) only, and the remaining survey effort was focused on collecting qualitative data via transect surveys and area searches (including nocturnal searches). Although it is difficult to statistically compare qualitative data, surveys that collect qualitative data are useful for meeting project objectives (i.e., targeting specific habitats/species, capturing diversity across the site, etc.).

In 2012, the surveyors performed ten-minute point counts during the winter, spring migration, and summer breeding season at the same locations as the 2007 surveys. Qualitative transect surveys and area searches were conducted in spring, summer, and fall, with additional concentrated searches targeting rare, threatened, and endangered (RTE) species. Nocturnal counts along walking and driving routes were also employed in spring and summer, with owl vocalization broadcasts. Statistical comparisons between the two surveys and with the 2019-2020 data are not possible because the 2007-2008 transect surveys and area searches were not timed and/or did not cover a specific distance/area, and the 2012 point count surveys were of longer duration than the 2007 point counts without being broken into shorter intervals.

3.0 METHODS

The sections below outline the methodology used for the 2019-2020 avian surveys for VTS-C.

These methods were developed to capture avian diversity, estimate relative abundance, and to allow for statistical comparison with past and future surveys. All sampling utilized visual and auditory methods to identify birds to species and was therefore non-destructive. Species identification was performed by EnviroScience personnel trained in bird identification.

Similar to previous surveys, the information collected during all survey methods informed determinations of breeding status onsite. The following terminology will be used for breeding status determination (for further review see Nicholson, 1997):

• Possible Breeding (PB): Species observed in breeding habitat during the breeding season.

• Probable Breeding (PRB): Pair observed in suitable breeding habitat during the breeding season or territorial male singing at the same site for two weeks or chasing the same species.

• Confirmed Breeding (CB): Adult carrying food for young, dependent recently fledged or downy young, or nest with young seen or heard.

• Transient (T): Non-breeding species most likely to be found at the site during migration.

• Visitor (V): Species observed onsite but are unlikely to be breeding on the property.

3.1 POINT COUNT SURVEYS

Avian point counts are the most widely used quantitative methodology for recording bird populations (Ralph, 1995). Point count data can be used to estimate relative abundance with a standardized methodology such that data can be compared among sampling locations and over time (Ralph et al., 1995; Hamel et al., 1996). Twenty-six point count locations were previously established at least 250 meters apart from each other at VTS-C (AMEC, 2008; URS, 2013).

These point count locations were utilized for the 2019-2020 surveys and are depicted in Figure 2 (Appendix A); coordinates for each of these point count locations are included in Table 3.1.

Although the established point counts along roads could result in a bias toward edge habitat, surveying the established point count locations allows for some level of comparison of the avian community utilizing VTS-C over time. Such data can inform how land management practices (i.e., changes to land use cover at a specific location) affect a particular bird community. Furthermore, because the roads at VTS-C are infrequently traveled, and consist primarily of narrow, gravel roads without mowed edges where they cut through forest, edge effects are generally minimal.

The point count surveys followed widely accepted protocols (Ralph et al., 1993) and were conducted in the morning hours during peak bird activity. Point count surveys were generally conducted from within a half-hour before sunrise to about five hours after sunrise, or until bird activity significantly dropped off. This range was adjusted in summer and winter at the discretion of the surveyors. In the summer, point counts were terminated early if bird activity diminished significantly due to high ambient temperatures. Similarly, winter point count surveys commenced later in the morning as bird activity was observed to be slower in the early morning when it was colder, and tended to pick up later in the morning through the early afternoon as ambient temperatures increased. Point count surveys were conducted during optimal weather conditions, which include little wind (0-3 on the Beaufort scale) with little to no precipitation or heavy fog, and seasonally average temperatures. Surveys were terminated, and conducted later, if noise from wind or rain appeared to cause a loss of observations greater than 10 percent (Ralph et al., 1995).

Wind, cloud cover, temperature, and the presence of any precipitation or other sources of noise (i.e., road noise) were recorded at each point count.

Point count surveys were conducted for ten minutes at each point count location. The survey period was divided into three intervals: 0-3 minutes, 3-5 minutes, and 5-10 minutes. These intervals allow for the greatest amount of comparison with past and future surveys, as the most common point count survey lengths are three-minute, five-minute, and ten-minute surveys (Ralph et al., 1995). Previous surveys employed five-minute point counts in 2007-2008 (AMEC, 2008) and ten-minute point counts in 2012 (URS, 2013).

Upon arrival at the point count location, observers allowed for a two-minute cool-down period to record relevant location and environmental information and allow the birds to acclimate to the observer’s presence. During the survey, all species heard and/or seen by the observer were recorded within the time interval when they were first detected. Any applicable detection types were recorded, including songs, calls, visual detections, aural detections (non-vocal sounds such as wing whirs or drumming), and flyovers. Distances from the point location were estimated by placing the bird into one of four range bands: 0-25 meters, 25-50 meters, 50-100 meters, and greater than 100 meters. If a bird moved to a different range band between survey intervals, the new location was recorded on the same line of the data sheet in the later interval. The number of individuals for each species, the sex and age (if they could be determined), and any behavioral notes (i.e., nest building, agitation, food carrying, fledged young) were also recorded.

Table 3.1 Point Count Survey Locations

TA* Survey Route

Point Count

Location Latitude Longitude Habitat

C-10 1 1 34.948041 -85.047419 Forest C-10 1 2 34.945712 -85.047859 Forest C-10 1 3 34.942586 -85.050132 Forest

C-4/C-9 1 4 34.940880 -85.052407 Forest/open woodland C-4/C-7 1 5 34.939944 -85.055040 Forest/open woodland C-4/C-7 1 6 34.938084 -85.056253 Successional forest/open woodland C-4/C-7 1 7 34.935464 -85.058374 Open woodland/open field

C-4/C-5/C-7 1 8 34.933574 -85.060477 Open field C-4/C-5 1 9 34.930703 -85.062437 Forest/open woodland/open field C-2/C-5 1 10 34.928779 -85.064867 Forest/open field C-2/C-5 1 11 34.928425 -85.067641 Forest/successional forest/wetland

C-2 1 12 34.926478 -85.067098 Forest C-2 1 13 34.924059 -85.064853 Forest C-2 1 14 34.920422 -85.064907 Forest (partially riparian) C-2 1 15 34.918083 -85.065277 Forest (partially wetland and riparian) C-2 1 16 34.913652 -85.067428 Forest (partially riparian)

C-1/C-2 1 17 34.911807 -85.067119 Forest/open field C-1 1 18 34.908347 -85.066051 Forest/open field

C-10 2 1 34.940339 -85.048438 Forest C-10 2 2 34.938272 -85.049487 Forest

C-4/C-10 2 3 34.936240 -85.051399 Forest C-4 2 4 34.933846 -85.052477 Forest

C-3/C-4 2 5 34.931419 -85.053090 Forest (riparian) C-3 2 6 34.929702 -85.055864 Forest C-3 2 7 34.927166 -85.056226 Forest C-3 2 8 34.924652 -85.056696 Forest

*TA = Training Areas; correspond to mapped training areas provided by TNARNG GIS and included in site mapping.

All training areas within a 100-meter radius of the point count location are listed.

3.2 TRANSECT SURVEYS

Transects were established to capture avian activity within broader habitat types (i.e., forest, grassland, etc.) at VTS-C. Transect locations from the previous surveys were unknown;

therefore, new transects were established, and start/stop locations were recorded with GPS (sub-meter accuracy). Transects were placed within areas of VTS-C that were not adequately covered by existing point count locations and were located at least 250 meters from any point count locations to avoid double counting individual birds. Transect locations are described in Table 3.2 below and depicted in Figure 2, Appendix A.

Similar to the point count protocol, transect surveys were conducted between a half-hour before sunrise to about five hours after sunrise, or until bird activity significantly dropped off. Each transect was approximately 250 meters long, and observers walked each transect for 25 minutes at a consistent pace from one end to the other. Observers recorded all birds seen and heard within 100 meters on each side of the transect. Any applicable detection types were recorded, including songs, calls, visual detections, aural detections (non-vocal sounds such as wing whirs or drumming), and flyovers. The number of individuals for each species, the sex and age (if they could be determined), and any behavioral notes (i.e., nest building, agitation, food carrying, fledged young) were also recorded.

Table 3.2 Transect Survey Locations TA Transect Endpoint Latitude Longitude Habitat

C-9/C-10 1 start 34.948032 -85.049294 Forest (riparian) stop 34.949759 -85.048577

C-7/C-9 2 start 34.943003 -85.053284 Forest stop 34.944799 -85.054101

C-7 3 start 34.942101 -85.056637 Forest (successional) stop 34.94326 -85.054915

C-5 4 start 34.935561 -85.066408 Forest/open woodland stop 34.936576 -85.064488

C-4/C-7 5 start 34.937385 -85.056853 Forest (successional) stop 34.939193 -85.056648

C-3/C-4 6 start 34.929958 -85.061577 Emergent wetland/open field stop 34.931212 -85.060118

C-3 7 start 34.925957 -85.058010 Forest stop 34.923872 -85.058143

C-2/C-5 8 start 34.927780 -85.070463 Forest stop 34.928141 -85.068324

C-3 9 start 34.918872 -85.060118 Forest stop 34.917044 -85.059980

C-2 10 start 34.919850 -85.064459 Forest (riparian) stop 34.917940 -85.064140

C-1 11 start 34.909016 -85.068207 Forest (wetland)/open field stop 34.907216 -85.067953

3.3 NOCTURNAL BROADCAST SURVEYS

Surveys for nocturnal species such as owls (Strigiformes spp.), American woodcocks (Scolopax minor), and nightjars (e.g., eastern whip-poor-will [Caprimulgus vociferus], common nighthawk [Chordeiles minor], and Chuck-will’s-widow [Antrostomus carolinensis]) were conducted between dusk (a half-hour after sunset) and midnight. Nocturnal surveys included a broadcast component to survey for owls. Broadcast surveys (i.e., call-playback) are one of the most commonly used techniques to survey owls (Takats et al., 2001). Since owls use vocalizations to communicate and defend territories, broadcast surveys of owl recordings can elicit vocal responses from many owl species (Mosher and Fuller, 1996). Call-playback methods can be used to determine the presence of an owl species, residency status (i.e., transient, unpaired owl, resident, etc.), and breeding status (Haustleitner, 2006).

Owls are most vocal and easier to locate during the breeding season, which extends from the onset of courtship in late winter/early spring through juvenile dispersal in fall (Haustleitner, 2006).

The optimal timing of surveys for VTS-C is between late January through June (Nicholson, 1997;

Sibley, 2000). EnviroScience biologists conducted nocturnal surveys in April and June 2019 and in February 2020 at VTS-C. Fall surveys did not include owl playback surveys. Eight of the eleven nocturnal survey locations correspond with locations from the point count surveys, while the remaining three were established in new locations within suitable habitat. Broadcast survey locations were located at least 500 meters from each other to reduce replication during data collection, with the exception of Nocturnal (NOC) point 11. This point was established in the field during surveys, and once mapped, is approximately 367 meters from NOC-5 and 403 meters from NOC-6. Nocturnal survey locations are described in Table 3.3 and depicted in Figure 2, Appendix A.

Nocturnal surveys were conducted in optimal weather conditions, which include little wind (0-3 on the Beaufort scale) with no precipitation or heavy fog, and seasonally average temperatures.

Surveys were conducted for ten minutes, with the first two minutes consisting of a silent listening period. All bird species detected during the silent listening period were recorded, including an estimated distance from the survey location and the number of individuals. The remaining eight minutes of the survey consisted of alternating periods of broadcasting owl vocalizations for one minute, followed by silent listening for one minute. Vocalizations were broadcast through vehicle speakers; therefore, all nocturnal survey locations are accessible by vehicle. The general progression of owl calls was as follows: Eastern Screech-Owl (Megascops asio) were played first followed by a one minute silent listening period, Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) were played second followed by a one minute silent listening period, then Barred Owl (Strix varia) were played third followed by a one minute silent listening period. One of these three vocalizations was then repeated in the ninth minute of the survey, chosen at the discretion of observers and depending on owl response during the previous playbacks. Call broadcasts were adjusted in some circumstances to prevent stress or predation. For example, Eastern Screech-Owl calls were not broadcast if Great Horned Owls or Barred Owls were detected near the survey location, since the larger owls will prey on Eastern Screech-Owls if they were called in by the playback. In addition, during the nesting period, if owls responded to broadcast vocalizations and could still be heard at the next survey location, calls for that species were not broadcast again to minimize stress on the birds during nesting. All responses by owls to the broadcast vocalizations were recorded, as well as any behavioral observations, number of individuals, and distances from the survey location.

Table 3.3 Nocturnal Survey Locations

TA Survey Location

Associated Point Count Latitude Longitude Habitat

C-10 1 Route 1, PC-2 34.945712 -85.047859 Forest C-4/C-7 2 Route 1, PC-5 34.939944 -85.055040 Forest/open woodland C-4/C-7 3 Route 1, PC-7 34.935464 -85.058374 Open woodland/open field

C-2/C-5 4 Route 1, PC-11 34.928425 -85.067641 Forest/successional forest/wetland

C-2 5 Route 1, PC-13 34.924059 -85.064853 Forest

C-2 6 Route 1, PC-15 34.918083 -85.065277 Forest (partially wetland and riparian)

C-10 7 Route 2, PC-2 34.938272 -85.049487 Forest C-4 8 Route 2, PC-4 34.933846 -85.052477 Forest C-3 9 N/A 34.923201 -85.057253 Forest C-3/

Cantonment 10 N/A 34.913562 -85.061220 Forest (wetland/riparian)

C-2/C-3 11 N/A 34.921159 -85.062976 forest (partially riparian)

3.4 AREA SEARCHES

Area searches in all habitat types were conducted throughout VTS-C at the discretion of EnviroScience biologists. The purpose of the area searches was to target any areas that required further survey effort beyond the quantitative surveys. These searches included areas that were not covered by any point count or transect locations, areas of special habitat, areas likely to provide habitat for RTE species and other species of interest, and areas of heightened bird activity, particularly during migration. As these area searches were not quantitative surveys, they were conducted throughout the day, including past the typical five hours after sunrise when point counts are terminated. Thus, targeted area searching was often conducted when bird activity was decreased; however, surveys were generally terminated around noon during spring and summer surveys when bird activity had diminished. These surveys were not intended to be comprehensive; therefore, data on more common species were not always recorded during area searches. The intent of area searching was to provide a snapshot of the bird community utilizing a particular habitat type and to allow for more time to search for RTE species, migrants, secretive species, and other species of interest that are less likely to be observed during the quantitative surveys. Call playback was utilized at the discretion of observers to confirm the presence of lesser-known and/or confusing species, if observed. During the summer surveys, the area searches were largely focused on observing nests and other evidence of breeding activity.

Incidental observations while traveling between points and otherwise traversing the site were also recorded.

4.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

A total of 119 species were identified during the 2019-2020 surveys at VTS-C. Of this total, it was determined that 17 species were confirmed breeders, 26 species were probable breeders, 47 species were possible breeders, and 29 species were transient.

Of the 119 species identified during the 2019-2020 surveys at VTS-C, 93 species were observed during point count surveys (approximately 78% of species observed onsite). Two additional species were observed during nocturnal surveys, and two additional species were observed during transect surveys. Finally, 22 species were observed during qualitative area searches or incidentally without being detected in any of the quantitative surveys. A comprehensive list of all species observed at VTS-C during the 2019-2020 surveys is located in Appendix C. The sections below summarize the results of the quantitative and qualitative surveys conducted at VTS-C.

A total of 22 species previously recorded at VTS-C were not captured during the 2019-2020 surveys, which included 11 species from the 2007 surveys and 11 species from the 2012 surveys.

Of the 22 species not observed during the 2019-2020 survey effort, approximately half were previously considered migratory at VTS-C. Several of the previously-documented species our field staff expected to find but did not detect in 2019-2020 include: solitary sandpiper (Tringa solitaria), broad-winged hawk (Buteo platypterus), chestnut-sided warbler (Setophaga pensylvanica), American kestrel (Falco sparverius), and orchard oriole (Icterus spurius). Of these, only the broad-winged hawk has been increasing across its range; all other species have been experiencing annual declines in population numbers range-wide.

We attribute the lack of data for the previously-detected species to changes in regional population numbers, the timing of migration, or random chance due to the limited time on site. Additionally, several species with inherently low detectability and previously low numbers of observations were not detected in 2019-2020 despite considerable effort spent in suitable habitat searching for these species. These species included American bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus), grasshopper sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum), and Henslow’s sparrow (Ammodramus hemslowii). Of these three species, population numbers of American bitterns and Henslow’s sparrows are generally decreasing across their range.

In general, we attribute the missing species data to extraneous factors, and not a result of land management practices over the course of the past 13 years. These non-detections are likely a result of one or a combination of the following factors: timing of site visits, seasonal weather conditions determining migration patterns of certain species, climate change conditions that could be causing differences in migratory patterns of species, population dynamics, and generally low population numbers of the previously-detected species migrating through the site. Site visits were planned to capture the peak of migration and breeding activity at VTS-C while accommodating the site’s training schedule and project budget. Future surveys should increase survey effort and or time onsite, over the course of the migratory season, to capture both early and late migrants when possible.

4.1 POINT COUNT SURVEY RESULTS

A full summary of the point count survey results (including nocturnal survey results) is included in Appendix D. This summary lists the breeding status for each species observed, as well as the number of individuals detected across the site during each season. Details of the most abundant species at VTS-C by season are also summarized in the tables below. Species numbers presented in the tables below reflect point count data given that this survey method was the most standardized.

Due to the migratory nature of most bird species, abundance data are presented by season because bird community composition varies seasonally. In addition to intrinsic differences in detectability between species, detectability for most species varies between seasons as well. In general, detectability is high during the breeding season when birds are vocalizing to attract mates and defend territories, and because foraging activity is elevated when adults are caring for young.

Conversely, birds are typically less active during the winter months, and thus the number of individuals observed is typically lower. The composition of the bird community can vary greatly during the spring and fall migrations depending on the timing of the surveys and whether favorable weather conditions are present. Furthermore, splitting abundance up by season reduces the likelihood that an individual will be counted multiple times throughout the year and provides a better estimate for the total number of individuals, particularly of year-round residents.

Table 4.1 Most Abundant Species During Spring Migration Surveys at VTS-Catoosa Rank Common Name Scientific Name No. of

Individuals Breeding

Status 1 Tufted Titmouse Baeolophus bicolor 60 CB 2 Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus 51 CB 3 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Polioptila caerulea 47 CB 4 Blue Jay* Cyanocitta cristata 41 PRB 5 Northern Cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis 39 CB 6 American Crow* Corvus brachyrhynchos 32 PRB 7 Red-bellied Woodpecker Melanerpes carolinus 30 PRB 8 Carolina Chickadee Poecile carolinensis 29 PRB

9** Brown-headed Cowbird Molothrus ater 23 CB 10 Carolina Wren Thryothorus ludovicianus 22 CB

*Number of individuals possibly inflated due to high detectability at long distances.

**One flock of 25 Double-Crested Cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) was observed in the spring. Since this was a flyover observation, and this species was not observed utilizing onsite habitat, it was not included among the most abundant species rankings.

Table 4.2 Most Abundant Species During Summer Breeding Surveys at VTS-Catoosa Rank Common Name Scientific Name No. of

Individuals Breeding

Status 1 Tufted Titmouse Baeolophus bicolor 64 CB 2 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Polioptila caerulea 57 CB 3 American Crow* Corvus brachyrhynchos 50 PRB 4 Northern Cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis 43 CB 5 Carolina Chickadee Poecile carolinensis 42 PRB 6 Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus 39 CB

Carolina Wren Thryothorus ludovicianus

CB

Yellow-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus americanus CB

Indigo Bunting Passerina cyanea

CB

Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura CB Red-bellied Woodpecker Melanerpes carolinus PRB

Brown-headed Cowbird Molothrus ater

CB

Downy Woodpecker Dryobates pubescens PRB 10 Blue Jay* Cyanocitta cristata 19 PRB

*Number of individuals possibly inflated due to high detectability at long distances.

Table 4.3 Most Abundant Species During Fall Migration Surveys at VTS-Catoosa Rank Common Name Scientific Name No. of

Individuals Breeding

Status

American Crow* Corvus brachyrhynchos

PRB

Blue Jay* Cyanocitta cristata PRB 2 Carolina Wren Thryothorus ludovicianus 42 CB 3 Carolina Chickadee Poecile carolinensis 39 PRB

Red-bellied Woodpecker Melanerpes carolinus

PRB

Tufted Titmouse Baeolophus bicolor CB 5 American Robin Turdus migratorius 30 PB 6 Downy Woodpecker Dryobates pubescens 23 PRB 7 Northern Cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis 18 CB 8 Eastern Bluebird Sialia sialis 17 PB 9 Northern Flicker Colaptes auratus 15 PB

10 White-breasted Nuthatch Sitta carolinensis 13 PRB *Number of individuals possibly inflated due to high detectability at long distances.

Table 4.4 Most Abundant Species During Winter Surveys at VTS-Catoosa Rank Common Name Scientific Name No. of

Individuals Breeding

Status 1 American Crow* Corvus brachyrhunchos 88 PRB 2 Carolina Chickadee Poecile carolinensis 48 PRB 3 Tufted Titmouse Baeolophus bicolor 40 CB 4 Pine Warbler Setophaga pinus 39 CB 5 Carolina Wren Thryothorus ludovicianus 38 CB 6 Northern Cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis 31 CB 7 Blue Jay* Cyanocitta cristata 25 PRB 8 Downy Woodpecker Dryobates pubescens 24 PRB 9 Yellow-rumped Warbler Setophaga coronata 18 T

10** Eastern Bluebird Sialia sialis 15 PB *Number of individuals possibly inflated due to high detectability at long distances.

**One flock of 15 Sandhill Cranes (Antigone canadensis) was observed in the winter. Since this was a flyover observation, and this species was not observed utilizing onsite habitat, it was not included among the most abundant species rankings.

A few trends are worth noting with regard to the most abundant species observed at VTS-C. Six species occur within the top ten most abundant species in each season during the survey period.

These species include Tufted Titmouse, Northern Cardinal, Carolina Chickadee, Carolina Wren, Blue Jay, and American Crow. Red-bellied Woodpecker occurs within the top ten most abundant species in all seasons except winter, where it was the eleventh most abundant species. These seven species are all year-round residents and are generally very vocal, and therefore likely have a very high detectability. The numbers of individual American Crows and, to a lesser degree, Blue Jays could be artificially inflated compared with many other species due to their high detectability and loud calls that can be heard well beyond 100 meters. Individuals of these species were likely counted at multiple point count locations to a greater degree than other more secretive species. This detectability bias was particularly evident during the fall when these species are highly active and vocal. None of the top ten most abundant species in any season are listed by the USFWS as Birds of Conservation Concern for the Appalachian Mountains Region (2008; see Section 4.2 below). However, the Kentucky Warbler and the Wood Thrush, both listed as species of conservation concern by USFWS, were the twelfth and thirteenth most abundant species, respectively, during the spring surveys at VTS-C. During the fall surveys, the Wood Thrush was the eleventh most abundant species at VTS-C.

4.2 TRANSECT SURVEY RESULTS

Two bird species were detected during transect surveys that were not detected during point count surveys. Details of these species are summarized in Table 4.5.

Table 4.5 Additional Bird Species Detected During Transect Surveys Common Name Scientific Name Transect

No.

No. During

Spring No. During Summer

Breeding Status

Sedge Wren Cistothorus platensis 6 1 0 T Tennessee Warbler Leiothlypis peregrina 4 1 0 T

Both of the species listed in Table 4.5 were determined to be transient at VTS-C due to their low numbers and occurrence only during spring migration. The Sedge Wren was observed along Transect 6, which was specifically placed within the emergent portion of the wetland located in the center of VTS-C (Special Habitat 1, see Section 4.6 below). This habitat is unique to the site and was, therefore, also targeted heavily during area searches. Sedge Wrens were not observed at any other time during the 2019-2020 surveys. The Tennessee Warbler was observed along Transect 4, which is located within open woodland habitat on Sand Mountain (Special Habitat 6, see Section 4.6 below). Additionally, Tennessee Warblers were observed during the fall surveys at the same location and within Special Habitat 1 (Section 4.6). This species could be expected within any habitats attractive to neotropical migrants during the spring and fall migration seasons.

4.3 NOCTURNAL BROADCAST SURVEY RESULTS

The nocturnal broadcast surveys are modified point count surveys, and as such, the results are summarized along with the point count survey data in Appendix D. Two species detected during the nocturnal surveys were not detected during point count surveys: Chuck-will’s-widow and Eastern Screech-Owl. Other species detected during both nocturnal surveys and point count surveys include Eastern Whip-poor-will, Barred Owl, and Great Horned Owl. Nocturnal surveys likely underestimate abundance of Eastern Whip-poor-will and Chuck-will’s-widow relative to diurnal species due to the lower number of nocturnal point count locations as compared with diurnal point count locations. However, the lower number of nocturnal survey locations was necessitated by the large territories of resident owl species. Even with the nocturnal points spaced as widely as they were, individual owls would occasionally respond to call/playback at multiple nocturnal survey locations within the same night (particularly Barred Owls). When this occurred during the surveys, it was noted to avoid double-counting individuals and overestimating owl abundance onsite.

4.4 AREA SEARCHES AND INCIDENTAL RESULTS

Twenty-two species were observed during area searches or incidentally without being observed during the quantitative surveys. These species are summarized in Table 4.6.

Table 4.6 Bird Species Detected Only During Area Searches or Incidentally Common Name Scientific Name Breeding Status

American Redstart Setophaga ruticilla T Bank Swallow Riparia riparia PB Blue-headed Vireo Vireo solitarius T Blue Grosbeak Passerina caerulea PB Brown Creeper Certhia americana T Blue-winged Warbler Vermivora cyanoptera T Golden-crowned Kinglet Regulus satrapa T Green Heron Butorides virescens PB Hermit Thrush Catharus guttatus T House Finch Haemorhous mexicanus PB House Sparrow Passer domesticus PB House Wren Troglodytes aedon PRB Mallard Anas platyrhynchos T Northern Harrier Circus hudsonius T Purple Martin Progne subis PB Red-breasted Nuthatch Sitta canadensis T Savannah Sparrow Passerculus sandwichensis T Swainson’s Thrush Catharus ustulatus T Tree Swallow Tachycineta bicolor PB White-crowned Sparrow Zonotrichia leucophrys T Wilson’s Snipe Gallinago delicata T Yellow Warbler Setophaga petechia PB

Thirteen of the species listed in Table 4.6 were determined to be transient at VTS-C and were observed in low numbers during the migration or overwintering. The Bank Swallow, Tree Swallow, and Yellow Warbler were determined to be possible breeders at VTS-C, and the low numbers of these species observed during the 2019-2020 surveys may be due to the site’s proximity to the edge of their known ranges. The House Finch and House Sparrow were observed within or near the cantonment area, as these species are more commonly found in human-influenced landscapes and are more tolerant of developed habitat. No quantitative survey locations were established within the cantonment area, and minimal effort was spent searching there due to the low number and commonality of bird species utilizing this habitat. Despite the small number of House Wrens detected during the 2019-2020 surveys, this species was classified as a probable breeding species at VTS-C because at least one pair was observed singing within suitable habitat. The remaining species listed in Table 4.6, Blue Grosbeak, Green Heron, and Purple Martin, were classified as possibly breeding, and low numbers of these species were observed onsite.

4.5 SPECIES OF INTEREST RESULTS

Information regarding federally and state listed species that could occur within the site or a five-mile radius was requested from the USFWS Georgia Regional Field Office and Georgia Department of Natural Resources – Wildlife Resources Division in October 2018. This information is included in Appendix E. Species that are also considered Birds of Conservation Concern (BCC) whose range includes the USFWS Appalachian Mountains Region (USFWS, 2008) and/or were identified in the Information for Planning and Consultation (IPaC) review (USFWS, 2018) were also considered as species of interest. Table 4.7 provides a list of possible avian species of interest, including RTE species, that may be utilizing VTS-C during some part of the year.

Table 4.7 Possible Avian Species of Interest at VTS-C Species Status Habitat Updated Status

Red-cockaded Woodpecker (Picoides borealis)

Federally Endangered, State Endangered

Mature open pine forests

Unlikely transient; suitable habitat not present onsite

Wood Stork (Mycteria americana)

Federally Threatened, State “rare”

Brackish wetlands, cypress swamps

Unlikely transient; suitable habitat not present onsite

Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus)

Federally Threatened, range-wide

Shorelines with sand, gravel, or cobble beaches or mudflats

Unlikely transient; suitable habitat not present onsite

Eastern Black Rail (Laterallus jamaicensis jamaicensis)

Proposed Federally Threatened

Emergent wetlands and marshes

Unlikely transient; Special Habitat 1 provides potential habitat

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

Federally protected, BCC

Large lakes and surrounding habitats

Likely visitor, present regionally, nesting habitat not present onsite

Eastern Whip-poor-will (Antrostomus vociferous) BCC, historical record Open forests

Likely breeding; observed onsite and designated as probable breeding

Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) BCC, historical record

Forest edges and disturbed areas with dead/dying trees

Likely breeding; observed onsite and designated as possibly breeding

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) BCC, historical record Forests

Likely overwintering; observed onsite and designated as transient

Species Status Habitat Updated Status

Sedge Wren (Cistothorus platensis) BCC, historical record

Wet meadows, marshes, and hayfields

Possible transient; observed onsite during spring migration and designated as transient

Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina) BCC, historical record Forests

Likely breeding; observed onsite and designated as probable breeding

Cerulean Warbler (Setophaga cerulea) BCC, historical record Forest interiors Possible transient, unlikely breeding; not observed onsite

Prairie Warbler (Dendroica discolor) BCC

Scrub-shrub, regenerating forests, and open fields

Likely breeding; observed onsite and designated as probable breeding

Blue-winged Warbler (Vermivora cyanoptera) BCC, historical record

Scrub-shrub, forest edges, and open woodlands

Likely transient and possible breeding; observed onsite and designated as transient

Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) BCC

Thick scrub-shrub or regenerating forests and shrubby wetlands.

Possible transient, unlikely breeding; not observed onsite

Canada Warbler (Cardellina canadensis) BCC

Mixed deciduous and coniferous forests with shrubby understory

Possible transient, unlikely breeding; not observed onsite

Worm-eating Warbler (Helmitheros vermiorum) BCC, historical record

Mature forest, often with patches of dense understory and on slopes

Likely breeding; observed onsite and designated as possible breeding

Swainson’s Warbler (Limnothlypis swainsonii) BCC, historical record

Moist woodlands and mature bottomland forest

Possible breeding; not observed onsite in 2019-2020

Louisiana Waterthrush (Parkesia motacilla) BCC, historical record

Clear perennial streams in mature forest

Likely breeding; observed onsite and designated as probable breeding

Kentucky Warbler (Geothlypis formosa) BCC, historical record Forests

Likely breeding; observed onsite and designated as probable breeding

Henslow’s Sparrow (Centronyx henslowii) BCC, historical record

Grasslands, prairies, and wet meadows

Possible transient; not observed onsite during 2019-2020 surveys.

Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) BCC

Open grasslands, prairies, and meadows

Possible transient; not observed onsite during 2019-2020 surveys.

Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus) BCC

Swamps, wet forests and woodlands, pond edges

Possible overwintering; not observed onsite during 2019- 2020 surveys.

*Status adjusted from ‘Likelihood’ in Study Plan per 2019-2020 survey results.

No federally-listed or state-listed endangered or threatened species were observed during the 2019-2020 survey period. Ten Birds of Conservation Concern were observed. Information on the species of interest from the current survey data (2019-2020) is summarized in Table 4.8.

Observation locations from 2019-2020 are depicted in Figure 3 (Appendix A).

Table 4.8 Summary of Avian Species of Interest Observed at VTS-C (2019-2020) Common

Name Scientific

Name State/Federal Designation Breeding Status Location

Eastern Whip-poor-will

Antrostomus vociferous BCC, historical record PRB

Survey Route 1 PC-2 (NOC-1), 5 (NOC-2), 9, and 13 (NOC-5);

Survey Route 2 PC-2 (NOC-7) and 4 (NOC-8)

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus BCC, historical record PB

Survey Route 2 PC-4 and 6;

Transect 3; Special Habitat 4 (Fire Tower Ridge), Special Habitat 6

(Sand Mountain Woodland);

riparian forest northwest of Route

1 PC-3.

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius BCC, historical record T

Survey Route 1 PC-6, 11, 12, and 17; Survey Route 2 PC-8; Special

Habitat 6 (Sand Mountain Woodland); southern slope of

Sand Mountain

Sedge Wren Cistothorus platensis BCC, historical record T Transect 6

Wood Thrush Hylocichla mustelina BCC, historical record PRB

Survey Route 1 PC-1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 11, 12, and 16; Survey Route 2

PC-1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, and 8;

Transects 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, and 10;

Special Habitat 2 (Tiger Creek Riparian Area and Wetlands);

forest habitat south of the northern gate, along the southern slope of Sand Mountain, along the

Sand Mountain ridge top, and within the riparian forest along

Broom Branch

Prairie Warbler

Dendroica discolor BCC PRB

Survey Route 1 PC-5, 6, 7, 8, and 9; Transects 3, 4, 5, and 6;

Special Habitat 1 (Central

Wetland) and Special Habitat 5 (Prairie and Open Woodland)

Blue-winged Warbler

Vermivora cyanoptera BCC, historical record T Special Habitat 6 (Sand Mountain

Woodland)

Worm-eating Warbler

Helmitheros vermiorum BCC, historical record PB

Survey Route 1 PC-4; Survey Route 2 PC-7; Transect 7;

forested slope east of Special Habitat 2

Louisiana Waterthrush

Parkesia motacilla BCC, historical record PRB

Survey Route 1 PC-4; Transects 1, 8, and 10; Special Habitat 1

(Central Wetland), Special Habitat 2 (Tiger Creek Riparian Area and Wetlands), and Special Habitat 3

(Wetland and Successional Forest)

Kentucky Warbler

Geothlypis formosa BCC, historical record PRB

Survey Route 1 PC-1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, and 18;

Survey Route 2 PC-1, 4, 5, and 8;

Transects 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 10;

Special Habitat 1 (Central Wetland), Special Habitat 2 (Tiger

Creek Riparian Area and Wetlands); forest along the southeastern slope and on the ridge top of Sand Mountain.

Eastern Whip-poor-will: Eastern Whip-poor-wills were observed during point count surveys in the spring and fall, and during nocturnal surveys in the spring and summer. This species was determined to be a probable breeder at VTS-C since individuals were singing consistently at Nocturnal Survey Points 1, 7, and 8 on different dates during the breeding season. No nests or nesting activity was observed during area searches; however, this species is secretive and creates discrete nests on the forest floor that are camouflaged easily.

Red-headed Woodpecker: Red-headed woodpeckers were observed in the spring, summer, and fall at VTS-C, particularly within Special Habitats 4 (Fire Tower Ridge) and 6 (Sand Mountain Woodland); see Section 4.6 below for details on these Special Habitats. Individuals were also observed at Route 2, Point Count Location 4, and within the riparian forest along Broom Branch.

The locations where this species was observed onsite are characterized by the presence of ample standing dead or dying trees and gaps within the forest canopy. Red-headed woodpeckers were determined to be possible breeders at VTS-C.

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker: Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers were relatively common at VTS-C during the winter months, including six individuals observed during winter point count surveys. This species breeds further north in the Great Lakes region, the boreal forest, and at higher elevations within the Appalachian Mountains. VTS-C is within the overwintering range of this species, and it was classified as transient (non-breeding) onsite.

Sedge Wren: One Sedge Wren was observed…