Lower Oak Creek Important Bird Area Avian Conservation Plan
Audubon Arizona and Tucson Audubon Society Arizona Important Bird Area’s Program
Prepared By: Audubon Arizona Tice Supplee, Director of Bird Conservation August 31, 2006
Audubon Arizona - 0 - Lower Oak Creek Important Bird Area Avian Conservation Plan Lower Oak Creek Important Bird Area Avian Conservation Plan
August 31, 2006
Acknowledgements
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the Natural Resources Conservation Service, with matching funds from Arizona Game and Fish Department, Arizona Audubon Council, and the Ford Foundation, funded this Lower Oak Creek Important Bird Area Avian Conservation Plan, in a grant to Tucson Audubon Society and Audubon Arizona, Arizona Important Bird Areas Program. Arizona State Parks at Red Rock, Page Springs Fish Hatchery and the Harper and McCain families and Northern Arizona Audubon Society members additionally supported this effort. We thank the many individuals and organizations and Audubon members for their essential support of our conservation efforts for Arizona Important Bird Areas.
We thank all staff at Audubon Arizona and the National Audubon Society Science Office for their contributions in support of this document and grant management.
Photographic credits: Scott Wilbor.
Audubon Arizona - 1 - Lower Oak Creek Important Bird Area Avian Conservation Plan May 31, 2006
LOWER OAK CREEK IMPORTANT BIRD AREA AVIAN CONSERVATION PLAN
Table of Contents: Page
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 3 IBA Vision Statement 3 Managing Entities 3 Page Springs Fish Hatchery Red Rock State Park Coconino National Forest-Red Rock Ranger District Hidden Valley Ranch Key Findings 3 Conservation Recommendations 3 Guidance Documents 4
INTRODUCTION 5 Plan Framework 6 Biological Need 6
LOWER OAK CREEK SITE DESCRIPTION 6 Location 6 State/Federal Congressional Districts 7 Plant Communities 7 Land and Water Uses 8 Human History and Current Uses 8 Protected Areas 10 Lower Oak Creek Important Bird Area Partners 10
AVIAN ELEMENTS 10 Site IBA Criteria 10 Ornithological Summary Birds of Conservation Priority 10 Arizona Wildlife Conservation Action Plan Species Arizona Partners in Flight Bird Conservation Plan Focal Species Avian Guild Groups 11
OTHER ELEMENTS OF HIGH CONSERVATION CONCERN 15 Page Springs amber snail Native Fish
MAJOR STRESSES, SOURCES OF STRESSES, AND THREAT LEVELS 15
Audubon Arizona - 1 - Lower Oak Creek Important Bird Area Avian Conservation Plan AVIAN CONSERVATION IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 19 Achieved Conservation Actions 19 Management Recommendations 19 Measures of Success 20
APPENDIX A. NATURAL HISTORY and MANAGEMENT INFORMATION FOR IBA FOCAL SPECIES
APPENDIX B. IBA SPECIES OF SPECIAL CONSERVATION STATUS LISTS
APPENDIX C. AUDUBON IBA CRITERIA
APPENDIX D. SUMMARY TABLE STRESSES and THREATS
APPENDIX F. HIDDEN VALLEY UPLAND RESTORATION REPORT
APPENDIX G. LITERATURE
APPENDIX H. MAPS
Audubon Arizona - 2 - Lower Oak Creek Important Bird Area Avian Conservation Plan EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Vision Connecting people to nature by engaging them in the protection and stewardship of Important Bird Areas in Arizona that are part of a global network for the conservation of the world's birds and other biodiversity.
Managing Entities: Page Springs Fish Hatchery (Arizona Game and Fish) 82 Acres The Page Springs Fish Hatchery is located in the southern portion of the IBA five miles north of Cornville. The facility is approximately 82 acres in size and is located on both banks of Oak Creek. The guidance document for the management of the wildlife viewing components in partnership with Northern Arizona Audubon Society is the Page Springs Wildlife Viewing Area Management Plan. An annual work plan for activities developed jointly by the Arizona Game and Fish and Northern Arizona Audubon is an element of this plan.
Red Rock State Park (Arizona State Parks) 286 Acres Managed as a nature preserve and environmental education center, Red Rock State Park emphasizes visitor experiences that are light on the land. A comprehensive resources inventory and assessment report has been prepared for the park by the Resources Management Section of Arizona State Parks. Specific implementation strategies are outlined in this document. The Important Bird Area status of the park is acknowledged and the significance of the park for migratory bird stop over and breeding Common Black Hawk, Wood Duck and Common Merganser.
Red Rock Ranger District (Coconino National Forest) Approximately half of the Important Bird Area is managed by the Red Rock Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest as grazing lands. The Coconino National Forest has a completed Terrestrial Ecosystem Survey that contains predictions and limitations of soil and vegetation behavior for selected land uses. It also highlights hazards or capabilities inherent in the soil and the impact of selected uses on the environment. These mapped ecosystems include various combinations of soils, miscellaneous areas, and vegetation communities.
Hidden Valley Ranch (Private Ownership) 30 Acres Private lands owned by the Harper and McCain families that are located at mid-point in the IBA are participating landowners. The ranch compound has numerous residential buildings manicured lawns, gardens and orchards.
Key findings: Four major stresses to the Lower Oak Creek riparian system and associated upland habitats are identified: 1) Altered surface water flow regimes at a landscape context; 2) Reduced acres of riparian vegetation; 3) Altered successional stages in the riparian community; 4) Altered species diversity. One lower level stressor was identified: 5) Alteration of the fire regime.
Conservation Recommendations: Allow natural flood flows
Audubon Arizona - 3 - Lower Oak Creek Important Bird Area Avian Conservation Plan Support riparian habitat and key water rights designations to protective status through acquisition, exchange, easements and local ordinance Support sustainable water use and water discharge standards that maintain water quantity and quality in Oak Creek. Eradicate non-native invasive plants and animals Avoid facility and pasture development within 100 yards of the riparian floodplain to minimize cowbird intrusion into riparian habitat used by nesting native birds Plant native willow, cottonwood and other understory vegetation Re-design water delivery ditch systems to enhance riparian and wetlands values where practicable Implementation of best management practices on agricultural and ranchettes properties through partnership with local conservation resource agencies and educational institutions Maintain and expand the Watchable Wildlife opportunities in the IBA Conduct long-term avian monitoring at selected sites
Guidance Documents: Red Rock State Park Resource Inventory and Assessment, Arizona State Parks, 2004 Page Springs Wildlife Viewing Area Management Plan, Arizona Game and Fish Department, 2005 City of Sedona Strategic Plan February 24, 2004 Revision NABCI Partners in Flight North American Landbird Conservation Plan Arizona Partners in Flight Bird Conservation Plan Arizona Game and Fish Department Comprehensive Wildlife Action Plan, March 2006
Audubon Arizona - 4 - Lower Oak Creek Important Bird Area Avian Conservation Plan LOWER OAK CREEK IMPORTANT BIRD AREA AVIAN CONSERVATION PLAN
INTRODUCTION Oak Creek is a tributary to the Verde River located in north central Arizona. Oak Creek begins as a fissure on the Mogollon Rim and flows south through a riparian wooded canyon linking the Colorado Plateau to the upper Sonoran desert. The upper reaches are a popular destination for summer vacationers and visitors to Arizona. Oak Creek emerges from the steep canyon walls among the red ramparts of Sedona - just a mile or two upstream of Red Rock State Park. The town of Sedona is a thriving community of artists and small businesses, known world wide for the breathtaking views of red rock formations. Oak Creek meanders through the town of Sedona and Village of Oak Creek, thence flowing through Red Rock State Park. The northern boundary of the park is the beginning of the Lower Oak Creek Important Bird Area (IBA). The identified IBA is the river corridor of Oak Creek, extending upslope to approximately the rim level on either side (3800 to 4200 feet, with some exceptions to include major outlying escarpments) and small portions of tributaries to this reach of Oak Creek, extending from Red Rock State Park south to just south of Page Springs Fish Hatchery. Most of the surrounding land is U.S. Forest Service, Coconino National Forest, interspersed with a few small private in- holdings in the riparian zone.
Oak Creek flows year round and floods periodically during spring and monsoon seasons. The riparian corridor of Oak Creek is in a natural condition and has experienced scouring and loss of mature trees during recent high flood flows in the winter of 2005. The system is dynamic and new willow, cottonwood and sycamore trees are sprouting along the gravel bar strands created by the floods. Biotic communities are dominated by Fremont Cottonwood (Populus fremontii), Sycamore (Plantanus wrightii), Velvet Ash (Fraxinus velutina), Arizona Alder (Alnus oblongifolia) in the riparian zones, and Velvet Mesquite (Prosopis velutina) Netleaf Hackberry (Celtis reticulate) and Barberry (Berberis fremontii) in the regenerating bosque habitats.
The Northern Arizona Audubon Society (NAAS) has been a partner and helped in the stewardship of Lower Oak Creek since the 1980’s. Members of NAAS have brought to the attention of the managing agencies the need to protect and manage the riparian habitat resources. The NAAS has been instrumental in efforts to promote public awareness and appreciation of this beautiful area and the values that are there for birds.
Audubon’s Important Bird Areas (IBA) Program, led by Audubon Arizona and the Tucson Audubon Society in Arizona, identified Lower Oak Creek as an Important Bird Area in 2004. The Avian Conservation Plan will complement the planning documents already prepared and in implementation by the Arizona Game and Fish Department, Arizona State Parks and the Coconino National Forest. The plan is intended to offer suggestions and guidance to private landowners within and adjacent to this IBA. Audubon Arizona, the state office of the National
1Riparian refers to vegetation, habitats, and ecosystems associated with bodies of water (rivers, streams, springs, lakes) or are dependent on the existence of perennial, intermittent, or ephemeral surface or subsurface water drainage (Arizona Riparian Council 1994 no. 1).
Audubon Arizona - 5 - Lower Oak Creek Important Bird Area Avian Conservation Plan Audubon Society, operates as a non-profit organization dedicated To further the protection of birds, other wildlife and their habitats through science, education, advocacy and conservation, for the benefit of humanity and the earth’s biological diversity.
Plan Framework: This avian conservation plan is meant to compliment existing planning efforts that are well underway by the partners within the IBA. Elements from The Nature Conservancy’s Five-S Framework (Greg Low, 2003) were used as a partial basis for this plan.
Systems: Identify the Systems—the species and ecological processes—that will constitute the Conservation Targets that will be the focus for conservation planning and measuring conservation success. Stresses: Identify types of destruction or degradation impacting species and ecological processes. Sources of Stress: Identify the causes or agents of this destruction or degradation. Threats are a combination of sources of stress (e.g. water loss and other factors) and the actual stress it causes to a system (habitat loss due to tree die-off). Strategies: Identify broad action paths necessary to abate critical threats and enhance the viability of Conservation Targets, including how to: 1) Eliminate the source of the stress, and 2) Directly eliminate stress and enhance viability of targets. Success measures: Measure of the long-term abatement of critical threats and sustained maintenance or enhancement of biodiversity health. Given the size of our conservation planning area and the geographically variable geo-hydrologic influences on biotic elements, we did not develop success measures within this Plan, but instead provide a Implementation Plan (Appendix A) that can be used as measure of full conservation potential of the Santa Cruz River riparian corridor with which the success of this Plan can be measured. Otherwise, goal specific measures for population size, reproductive performance, of habitat quality of biotic targets were beyond the scope of this Plan.
Biological Need: Riparian and wetland habitats in Arizona have decreased by over 85% from the pre- settlement period. Remaining examples of riparian vegetative communities are extremely valuable as sites of biological diversity and for human enjoyment. Arizona riparian communities support a disproportionately high percentage of bird species both in numbers and densities than other Arizona habitats. Threats to these habitats are high and potential for recovery and management is also high. Oak Creek is identified as a Significant Riparian Area in the Arizona Breeding Bird Atlas (Corman and Gervais-Wise, 2005).
LOWER OAK CREEK SITE DESCRIPTION Location: The Lower Oak Creek Important Bird Area is located at the northern extent of Bird Conservation Region 34, the Sierra Madre Occidental as described by the North American Bird Conservation Initiative (NABCI) and is within the Southwest Biome. The Arizona Partners in Flight Bird Conservation Plan places the IBA within the Mogollon Rim physiographic area, typified by steep escarpments with a south facing exposure incised by deep canyons with Audubon Arizona - 6 - Lower Oak Creek Important Bird Area Avian Conservation Plan perennial water. Oak Creek is one of the major streams flowing north to south and originating on the Coconino Plateau and flowing into the Verde River. The largest nearby communities are Sedona to the north and Cottonwood to the south and west. The settlement of Page Springs is nestled within the IBA, which is wholly within Yavapai County.
State / Federal Congressional Districts: State Legislative District 1 Congressional District 1
Figure #1: Lower Oak Creek IBA Aerial View from Google Earth Plant Communities: There are four major plant communities identified in the IBA (1) Juniper -Pinyon Pine Woodland, (2) Chaparral, (3) Upper Sonoran Desert Grassland, and (4) Riparian Woodland. Plant communities or associations are typically dependent on or affected by such factors as geographical location, soil types, precipitation rates, angle and direction of slopes, elevations, microclimates and successional considerations, and thus it is not uncommon to find a particular plant or grouping of plants growing outside what would be thought of as its customary habitat if some of the above factors are advantageous to that growth. Audubon Arizona - 7 - Lower Oak Creek Important Bird Area Avian Conservation Plan Juniper-Pinyon Pine Woodland. Generally found above 5000 foot elevation, this community is the dominant upland habitat in the northern portion of the IBA. Large One-seeded juniper (Juniperus monosperma) and Alligator juniper (Juniperus depeana) are interspersed along the riparian corridor of Oak Creek. Pinyon pine (Pinus edulis) is interspersed throughout at lower densities. Chaparral. Chaparral habitat is present on the uplands of the IBA (30%). The dry rocky slopes above 3,500 feet elevation are characterized as a chaparral-type plant community. Here grasses are mixed with succulent plants, including Agave century plants and prickly pear cactus. Tree-like mesquite (Prosopsis velutina) and catclaw acacia (Acacia greggii) shrubs are dominant in some areas. There are scattered stands of larger shrubs, including crucifixion thorn (Canotia holocantha), manzanita (Arctostaphylos spp.), barberry (Berberis sp.) mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus sp.), shrub live oak (Quercus turbinella) and buckbrush (Ceonothus spp.). Dense shrub thickets grow in pockets along the rolling dry rocky slopes and smaller drainage washes. The shrubs and small trees are drought-tolerant, tough and woody; they are typically 6'-12' or so high, and have deep roots for collecting moisture. Upper Sonoran Desert Grassland. The desert grassland plant community is generally located above 4,000 feet elevation. The grasses are generally a mix of grama grasses (Bouteloua spp), three-awn (Aristida spp.) and lovegrasses (Eragrostis sp.) interspersed with prickly pear cactus (Opuntia spp), mesquite (Prosopsis velutina), catclaw acacia (Acacia greggii), crucifixion thorn and many smaller shrubs. Riparian Woodland. The riparian plant communities along the major washes and Oak Creek at approximately 3,300 foot elevation are characterized by a wider range of plant types, including Fremont cottonwood (Populus fremontii), Goodding willow (Salix gooddingii), Arizona sycamore (Platanus wrightii) and Velvet mesquite (Prosopsis velutina) woodlands or bosques. A greater concentration of plant and wildlife of all kinds is typically found within the riparian zone due to the availability of water. Emergent vegetation composed of sedges (Carex and Cyperus spp.), bulrush (Juncus spp.), and Broadleaf cattail (Typha latifola) occur along drainage ditches and shallow backwaters. Land use is light consisting of scattered private homes, recreation (horseback riding, hunting), cattle grazing, water management, a vineyard, and a fish hatchery.
Land and Water Uses: Human History and Current Uses Ancient Sinagua ruins are found throughout this region that has a long and rich history of human habitation based upon an agricultural economy. More modern farming settlement of Lower Oak Creek burgeoned over 100 years ago in support of the nearby mining camps and towns. The perennial water supply and the climate offered ideal conditions for fruit and vegetable farming. Irrigation ditches and the claiming of surface water rights for these small farms established the area as a pastoral farming community. Many of these farms are in operation today. Others have become private retreats, travel trailer parks and resorts or Bed
Audubon Arizona - 8 - Lower Oak Creek Important Bird Area Avian Conservation Plan and Breakfast inns catering to visitors to the region. A growing number of farms have been converted to vineyards as a wine grape industry has developed along Oak Creek. Page Springs is the only community within the IBA and was settled in 1894. Over 100 springs feed into Oak Creek and provide the water supply for the state fish hatchery and the numerous vineyards and small farms in the area. Page Springs is a self-described tranquil rural community that prides itself in being a stop-over for over 500 species of migratory birds. Page Springs Fish Hatchery and Red Rock State Park anchor the south and north ends of this IBA.
A small sand and gravel mining operation is located on the downstream end of Hidden Valley and is the only industrial activity currently occurring along this section of Oak Creek. The proximity to Sedona and Cottonwood combined with the favourable climate of the area has resulted in a trend towards development of higher density housing projects on available private lands. The majority of the land within the IBA boundaries is owned by the U.S. Forest Service and managed under multiple use guidelines that emphasize wildlife habitats, outdoor recreation and livestock grazing.
Recreational Values The red rock country of Sedona attracts large numbers of tourists from around the world to the region. The vineyards are attracting a growing number of visitors to Oak Creek and the community of Page Springs that also describes itself as a birdwatchers paradise. Fishing is popular along Oak Creek near the Page Springs Fish Hatchery. Many of the visitors to the RV parks nearby are anglers. Recreational and Public access to to the USFS lands along this segment of Oak Creek is not actively encouraged and is limited by intervening private properties. Intensive public recreation is managed in the Red Rocks Pass portion of upper and West Oak Creek to the north.
Conservation Education Self-guided watchable wildlife trails were developed on hatchery property adjacent to Oak Creek in partnership with Northern Arizona Audubon Society. These trails provide access to three areas referred to as Page Springs South, Page Springs North and Bubbling Ponds. Parking is available at Page Springs South and Bubbling Ponds. Signs have been erected at both locations informing visitors that the site is an Important Bird Area and providing information about the birds at the site. Page Springs North and the visitor center at the station are open to the public during business hours of the hatchery. There are interpretive materials and displays in the visitor center and brochures for self-guided tours of the hatchery grounds. The guidance document for the management of the wildlife viewing components in partnership with Northern Arizona Audubon Society is the Page Springs Wildlife Viewing Area Management Plan. An annual work plan for activities developed jointly by the Arizona Game and Fish and Northern Arizona Audubon is an important element of this plan.
Red Rock State Park has a visitor fee and offers conservation education programs for student groups and guided birding and natural history walks for the public. The 5-mile family-oriented trail system is well marked and consists of interconnecting loops, which lead to vistas of red rock or the lush greenery of Oak Creek.
Audubon Arizona - 9 - Lower Oak Creek Important Bird Area Avian Conservation Plan Protected Areas Page Springs Cultural Fish Station and Bubbling Ponds Hatchery is protected Arizona Game and Fish Commission land. Red Rock State Park is managed for protection of the natural resources within the park. Lower Oak Creek Important Bird Area Partners: Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona State Parks Department Northern Arizona Audubon Society Hidden Valley Ranch Coconino National Forest Sonoran Joint Venture
AVIAN ELEMENTS Site IBA Criteria: State State Species of Conservation Concern; D1 (confirmed) Rare or unique habitat & associated bird assemblage- Riparian; D3 (confirmed) Landbird Stop-over concentration; D4vii (confirmed) Continental Supports Species of Continental Conservation Concern B1 Landbird Stop-over concentration B4vii (Pending National Audubon Science Committee Review).
Lower Oak Creek supports the broad species diversity that accompanies the convergence of the northern plateau with the rising arid desert lands from the south. This riparian corridor IBA is exceptional in Arizona two respects, 1) it is a migration corridor “hot spot” supporting exceptional landbird diversity and abundance in spring and fall migration, and 2) it is a premier riparian habitat corridor supporting numerous riparian obligate species, many of which are species of conservation concern in Arizona.
Fourteen species of special conservation status [including Federal Threatened and Endangered, Arizona Species of Conservation Concern, Arizona Partners in Flight Priority Species (APIF), Audubon WatchList-Red and Yellow listed, and USFWS Birds of Conservation Concern] use the habitats within this IBA during some part of the year. Cavity nesting species are supported in great abundance due to old growth gallery forest within this IBA, they include: American Kestrel, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Bewick's Wren, Bridled Titmouse, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Violet-green Swallow and Lucy's Warbler. A Common Merganser has a cavity nest in an old growth snag on Red Rock State Park. A total of 174 bird species have been recorded at the Arizona Game and Fish Department property at Page Springs.
Birds of Conservation Priority: There are numerous lists for birds of conservation or management concern. Emphasis in this plan is placed upon those bird species that are obligates to riparian habitats and are riparian habitat focal species for Arizona Partners in Flight.
Audubon Arizona - 10 - Lower Oak Creek Important Bird Area Avian Conservation Plan Breeding Birds Arizona Partners In Flight: Common Black-Hawk (8-10 pairs), Yellow-billed Cuckoo (4-6 pairs). USFWS Birds of Conservation Concern: Yellow Warbler Audubon WatchList-Red listed: Bell's Vireo Audubon WatchList-Yellow listed: Lucy's Warbler and Abert's Towhee Arizona Species of Conservation Concern: Belted Kingfisher Other riparian and wetlands obligates breeding in the IBA include: Common Merganser, Wood Duck, Great Blue Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, White-throated Swift, Vermilion Flycatcher, Summer Tanager, Brown-crested Flycatcher (common breeder), Cassin's Kingbird, Black-throated Gray Warbler, MacGillivray’s Warbler, Virgina’s Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Hooded Oriole, Blue Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting (very rarely) and Song Sparrow (resident ssp. saltonis).
Migrating Birds USFWS Endangered: Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (IBA within designated Critical Habitat) Arizona Partners In Flight: Olive-sided Flycatcher (IUCN-Near Threatened), Lucy's Warbler, MacGillivray's Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Gray Flycatcher Audubon WatchList-Yellow listed: Virginia's Warblers (APIF), Other neotropical migrant species: Hammond's Flycatcher, Dusky Flycatcher, Warbling Vireo, Western Tanager, Nashville, and Wilson's Warbler. All the western swallows are common here in migration. Sixteen species of both ducks and raptors are recorded at Page Springs.
Wintering Birds USFWS Threatened: Bald Eagle Arizona Partners In Flight: Red-naped Sapsucker and Juniper Titmouse Other riparian obligates: Common Yellowthroat.
Three species that are very rare in Arizona, and only found in a few locations statewide, use the Oak Creek riparian corridor, they include the Wood Duck (abundant local nesting population, > 50 pairs estimated), the Osprey (rare nesting and common in migration and winter), and the Common Merganser (rare nesting and common in the winter).
Avian Guilds: In presenting the Avian Guilds listed below, species that have special requirements or are members of more than one guild are denoted with an asterisk (*). Information sources used to compile these lists include research from numerous literature sources (notably Powell et al. 2005, Corman and Gervais 2005). Species indicated in BOLD type have habitat requirements detailed in this plan.
Cottonwood/Willow/Sycamore Avian Guild This avian guild separates into three structural categories; the broadleaf canopy, mid-story, and understory.
The broadleaf canopy is the uppermost continuous stratum of foliage in forest vegetation formed by the crowns of the trees (> 6 m or 20 feet) (Lincoln 1982, Rich 2002). The Avian Guild for the broadleaf canopy includes the following species:
Audubon Arizona - 11 - Lower Oak Creek Important Bird Area Avian Conservation Plan *Common Black-Hawk, Buteogallus anthracinus -nesting habitat only, when associated with streams with available aquatic prey (foraging habitat) *Zone-tailed Hawk, Buteo albonotatus -nesting habitat only, when mountainous terrain, foraging habitat, exists nearby *Wood Duck (Cavity nesting old growth sycamore trees, foraging in slow flowing stream, backwater and marsh habitat). *Common Merganser (Cavity nesting old growth sycamore trees, foraging in flowing stream and deep water habitat). Brown-crested Flycatcher, Myiarchus tyrannulus *Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Coccyzus americanus (foraging habitat-nests in mid story habitat) Yellow Warbler, Dendroica petechia Summer Tanager, Piranga rubra Hooded Oriole, Icterus cucullatus Bullock’s Oriole, Icterus bullockii
The midstory is the sub-canopy of smaller trees (2-6 m or 6.6 to 20 feet) found in riparian areas. The following bird species are members of the midstory Avian Guild: Bell’s Vireo, Vireo bellii (also nests/forages in Mesquite bosque) Vermillion Flycatcher, Pyrocephalus rubinus Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, Empidonax traillii extimus Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Coccyzus americanus (also nests/forages in Mesquite bosque) Black-headed Grosbeak, Pheucticus melanocephalus
The understory consists of shrubs, herbaceous plants, and grasses in the lowest vertical level of a forest system (0-2 m or 0 to 6.6 feet) (Rich 2002). The Avian Guild for understory shrub/forbs includes the following species: Black Phoebe, Sayornis nigricans Abert’s Towhee, Pipilo aberti Bewick’s Wren, Thryomanes bewickii (also nests and forages in Mesquite bosque) Common Yellowthroat, Geothlypis trichas Song Sparrow, Melospiza melodia Indigo Bunting, Passerina cyanea Lazuli Bunting, Passerina amonena- a possible breeder, but yet unconfirmed.
Mesquite Bosque Avian Guild Bosques are mesquite forests that develop on the floodplains and terraces, and typically have a dense canopy, shrub layer, and understory of herbaceous plants and woody vines (Powell et al. 2005, Stromberg 2005 in prep.). Bird species found in the Mesquite Bosque Avian Guild include the following: Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Coccyzus americanus (also nests and forages as part of mid- story avian guild) Bewick’s Wren, Thryomanes bewickii (also nests and forages as part of understory avian guild) Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Picoides scalaris Audubon Arizona - 12 - Lower Oak Creek Important Bird Area Avian Conservation Plan Phainopepla, Phainopepla nitens (uses upland habitats as well) *Bell’s Vireo, Vireo bellii (nesting/foraging habitat) Lucy’s Warbler, Vermivora luciae Yellow-breasted Chat, Icteria virens Blue Grosbeak, Guiraca caerulea
Aquatic Zone Avian Guild The Aquatic Zone is the perennial zone of the creek—including the area at waters edge within the banks—defined here as where plants are adapted for a partially or completely submerged life (Lincoln et al 1982). Stromberg terms this near-water vegetated habitat type as “Riverine marshlands,”(Stromberg 2005 in prep.). Bird species found in the in-stream Aquatic Zone Avian foraging Guild include the following: Great Blue Heron, Ardea herodias (isolated nest colonies in broadleaf canopy habitat) Green Heron, Butorides striatus (mid-story habitat nesting) Common Merganser (Cavity nesting old growth sycamore trees and creek banks, foraging in flowing stream and deep water habitat). Wood Duck (Cavity nesting old growth sycamore trees, foraging in slow flowing stream, backwater and marsh habitat).
Belted Kingfisher, Ceryle alcyon (creek bank nesting).
Table #1: Special Factors for Low Elevation Riparian APIF Priority Species (From Latta, etal.1999, Table 21) Priority Species Special Factors
Common Black-Hawk -prey items: crayfish, frogs, snakes, suckers and other fish
Western Yellow-billed -late spring arrival Cuckoo -eat primarily hairy defoliating or “tent building” caterpillars -need larvae to feed young -very sensitive to human disturbance -fragmented/patchy distribution may hinder colonization of new sites
Southwestern Willow -cowbird parasitism Flycatcher -high nest failure/predation -low overall population size- very fragmented -possible demographics and distribution problems
Lucy’s Warbler -can use exfoliating bark as a “cavity” -early breeding (gone by late July), therefore, productivity may be tied to winter/spring precipitation. -secondary cavity nester -single clutch per year (?) -potential to artificially augment nest sites (?)
Table #2 Low Elevation Riparian APIF Priority Species and Habitat Needs (From Latta, etal.1999,Table 20)
Audubon Arizona - 13 - Lower Oak Creek Important Bird Area Avian Conservation Plan Vegetation Priority Vegetation Structure Abiotic Factors Landscape Species Composition Factors Common -sycamore, cottonwood elevation 305-1830 -late successional Black-Hawk (mature) m (1000-6000 ft) stage -gallery riparian trees -open water/mesic -important to plan (for riparian close to for new/future nesting) nest (for prey gallery forest -prefers groves of trees base) structure; rather -high water quality regeneration and than single trees (prey sensitive to recruitment of pesticides) large -requires perennial trees needed stream -proximity to foraging areas important. Western -primarily -does not -require all Yellow- cottonwood/willow require successional billed Cuckoo (highest occurrence dense stages and understory except for the density) -requires earliest -high “patchiness” mid-high -broader (visually-3 level floodplains dimensional quality) canopy, > 100 m (109 yds) -Vertical/horizontal dense wide quality -vegetation and -can use very linear path strips sizes of > 25 ha -tiered canopy (62 -low gradient ac). topography Southwestern -native to exotic -dense, -almost always -broad(er) Willow -single species to multi- midstory associated with floodplain Flycatcher species and surface -structure appears -box elder, tamarisk, understory water/mesic to be more willow, nearby important than Russian olive, alder -elevation 30-1220 seral m stage (from (100-4000 ft) and sapling 2285-2745 m up, not a seedling (7500-9000 ft) stage). -low gradient
Lucy’s -mesquite, willow, -dense -elevation up to Warbler cottonwood midstory 1980 m (6500 ft) -Secondary cavity (ed. notes, > 90 % nester (may well below) influence distribution)
Audubon Arizona - 14 - Lower Oak Creek Important Bird Area Avian Conservation Plan OTHER ELEMENTS OF HIGH CONSERVATION VALUE Page Springsnail The federally listed endangered Page Springsnail persists almost entirely on the Arizona Game and Fish Department property at Page Springs.
Native fishes Oak Creek supports three species of native fishes, Desert and Sonora Sucker and Roundtail Chub, an AGFD Species of Conservation Concern, are native fish found in Oak Creek. Page Springs Fish Hatchery at Bubbling Ponds is being considered for use as a native fish culture station by the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
MAJOR STRESSES, SOURCES and THREAT LEVELS Most southwestern waterways are at risk of dewatering, and Oak Creek is not an exception. While most of the large scale irrigation extraction from Oak Creek is downstream of the IBA (two irrigation ditches originate from the Page Springs property) the rapid conversion of pasturelands to ranchettes and residential lots watered by new private wells in the riparian zone amplifies both the loss of water and of riparian gallery forest. Associated channelization hampers the flood regime and greatly diminishes recruitment of new cottonwood and willows. The spread of invasive non-native plants is of great concern. Russian olive and tamarisk are preventing natural re-colonization of some riparian areas following flooding. The USFS lands are subject to cattle grazing.
Four major stresses to the Lower Oak Creek riparian system and associated upland habitats are identified: 1) Altered surface water flow regimes at a landscape context; 2) Reduced acres of riparian vegetation; 3) Altered successional stages in the riparian community; 4) Altered species diversity. One lower level stressor was identified: 5) Alteration of the fire regime.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department Comprehensive Wildlife Action Plan released in early 2006 offers actions that should be considered to alleviate the identified stressors. Pertinent excerpts from that plan are presented below.
Stressor #1: Altered river flow regimes and Groundwater depletion and springhead use
- Protect and restore springheads. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing.
Audubon Arizona - 15 - Lower Oak Creek Important Bird Area Avian Conservation Plan Stressor #2: Reduced Acres Riparian Habitat (Habitat fragmentation/barriers) Narrow or diminished riparian habitat along Lower Oak Creek may result in nesting birds ultimately not raising their own young, but instead raising cowbird young. These areas may be functioning, as “population sinks,” where, over time, survival is less than reproductive output, but local populations are maintained through emigration from more productive populations in better habitats elsewhere, creating a downward regional population trend.
- Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Acquire land to protect important habitat and wildlife corridors.
Stressor #3 Altered riparian habitat successional stages (Streambank alteration/channelization) - Work with city and county planners to limit or prevent development in flood plains and areas that impact watershed integrity. - Promote water conservation methods. - Establish or revise laws that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Protect and restore riparian areas.
Stressor #4: Loss of Species Diversity (loss of keystone species) - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Implement recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, and other cooperative agreements for sustaining wildlife resources.. - Renovate aquatic systems to remove undesirable species. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity.
Stressor #5: Unnatural fire regimes - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Reduce the density of undesirable trees and shrubs (selective thinning and eradication of tamarisk) to prevent crown fires and wildfires in riparian areas. - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. - Reduce salt cedar and nonnative grasses to improve recolonization of native vegetation.
Five Threats that contribute to the identified stressors on the Lower Oak Creek system were identified: 1) Invasive and Alien Species; 2) Grazing; 3) Water Diversions; 4) Home Development; 5) Fire. These five threats were further evaluated as to the level of threat they presented to the health of the Lower Oak Creek IBA (high, medium, low). Those threats rating as being the highest are: invasive species (plant and animal) and home development. Grazing and fire rank as being of low threat and water diversions rank as a medium threat to the system.
Audubon Arizona - 16 - Lower Oak Creek Important Bird Area Avian Conservation Plan The Arizona Game and Fish Department Comprehensive Wildlife Action Plan uses the terminology of “stressor” for what is identified as “threats” in this conservation plan. The pertinent guidance for management strategies offered by the Action Plan is presented below with the categories re-labeled as “Threats” for consistency with the format of this plan.
Threat # 1: Invasive species Plants Invasive vegetation is typically introduced through historical purposeful human introduction, non-purposeful human transport, and cattle feces (Belsky et al. 1999). Decline in groundwater can cause drought tolerant invasive plants to dominate native vegetation (Stromberg and Chew 2002). Tamarisk and giant reed (Arundo donax) can dry perennial reaches due to their water consumption (BLM 1998), further reducing habitat quality and availability to native birds and other wildlife. Non-native monotypic vegetation stands reduce native tree species diversity and the diversity of vegetation structures available to birds for foraging and nesting. Diversity of vegetation structure promotes avian species diversity (Holmes et al. 1999).
- Revegetation of disturbed areas with native plants. - Limit extent and level of disturbance that promotes invasion and spread of nuisance plants. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Animals: Aquatic invaders (bull frogs, crayfish, mosquitofish): Compete with native fish, cause fish population declines leading to localized extirpation. Reduced fish populations effects prey availability to fish eating birds, such as herons and kingfishers, and reduces the suitability of the aquatic habitat to support these bird populations.
- Develop guidelines for the elimination of nuisance species and re-establishment of native assemblages. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity - Create barriers between susceptible native species and nonnatives to reduce hybridization, predation, competition, and transmission of diseases, pathogens, and parasites.
Threat #2: Grazing Potential Threat Sources: Livestock associated consumption of vegetation, trampling, and damage of riparian understory, mid-story, and associated floodplain soil disturbance/compaction/erosion (especially of river banks). Key avian species affected are the understory and midstory birds of the Cottonwood/Willow Avian Guild.
- Protect and restore riparian areas. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Develop and implement livestock management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate.
Threat #3: Water diversion - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Promote water conservation methods.
Audubon Arizona - 17 - Lower Oak Creek Important Bird Area Avian Conservation Plan - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values.
Threat # 4: Urban growth - Renovate aquatic systems to remove undesirable species. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Create and maintain habitat improvement features for aquatic species. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Promote urban growth planning initiatives that protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.). - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas.
Appendix D. of this conservation plan summarizes in tabulated format the stressors and threats to the Lower oak Creek IBA and the analysis of the threat levels to the system. The Nature Conservancy landscape scale conservation planning tool was used to derive this table. (G. Low, 2003).
Table #3: Species Selected in the Arizona Wildlife Conservation Action Plan for Conservation Focus and Identified Stressors or Threats. (Excerpted from Arizona Game and Fish Department Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy Action Plan, March, 2006).
Stressor r r r e k d e e k e h w l h c l c i a c t l u t i b r a H s - a a
e c p c k n w h y l a y c s l o s l i F a S l g f F l
e n g d i d B e r l w n Y e e i
p g n o d p l n K i o l a o S i r y a s o
E d - e e n m k t W r - e e e
c s d t p m d l l v g i u e l s o e a e W a C B B C O O R S W P Groundwater depletion Med Med High High Med High High High and springhead use
Water Diversion High Med Med Med Med High
Altered River Flow High Med Med High High High Regime Stream bank Alteration High Med Med Med Med Med Habitat Fragmentation Med Med High High High Unnatural Fire Regime High High High High High High High High Livestock Management High Med High High High High High Audubon Arizona - 18 - Lower Oak Creek Important Bird Area Avian Conservation Plan Grazing by Ungulates Med High High Med Rural Development Med Med High Med Urban Growth High Med Med High High Invasive Plants Med High High Invasive Animals High
Loss of Keystone High Species
AVIAN CONSERVATION IMPLEMENTATION PLAN Achieved Conservation Actions: NAAS and AGFD jointly manage the land not used for fish culture purposes at Page Springs for the benefit and diversity of wildlife. Details of accomplishments can be found in the annual work summary appended to the Page Springs Wildlife Viewing Area Management Plan.
Specific efforts within the IBA include: Restoration of riparian habitat through removal of exotic species and planting of natives. Development of a public-access trail system with educational signage at the Page Springs Fish Hatchery. A pilot partnership between NAAS and private landowners on a 30-acre site within the Lower Oak Creek IBA at Hidden Valley commenced in 2002 with bird surveys, installation of Wood Duck and passerine nest boxes and an upland habitat restoration project. Cottonwood and Gooding Willow plantings have been initiated as part of the joint- management plan at Page Springs Fish Hatchery that is administered by Northern Arizona Audubon Society and AGFD at Page Springs.
Management Recommendations:
Habitat Protection o Partner with private landowners in the Lower Oak Creek watershed to preserve the riparian corridor o Fence sensitive sites from trespass grazing o Support riparian habitat and key water rights designations to protective status through acquisition, exchange, easements and local ordinance
Habitat Restoration o Remove invasive salt cedar, Tree of Heaven and Russian olive o Plant native willow, cottonwood and other understory vegetation o Re-design water delivery ditch systems to enhance riparian and wetlands values where practicable o Produce case analysis reports for the restoration projects at Page Springs Fish Hatchery and Hidden Valley o Develop a native landscape restoration guide for private property owners in the area
Audubon Arizona - 19 - Lower Oak Creek Important Bird Area Avian Conservation Plan Management o Avoid facility and pasture development that attracts brown-headed cowbirds o Adopt best management practices for water conservation and use at IBA properties o Control or eradicate non-native plant species o Implementation of best management practices on agricultural and ranchettes properties through partnership with local conservation resource agencies and educational institutions
Monitoring and Research (Avian) o Conduct long-term avian monitoring at selected sites (Breeding Bird Count, established point counts and transects) o Conduct selective species monitoring in partnership with Arizona Game and Fish Department and US Fish and Wildlife Service (Yellow-billed cuckoo and willow flycatcher inventories) o Assess establishing a bird-banding program in the IBA. o Establish colonial nester monitoring program o Monitor Common Black Hawk nest sites o Determine the efficacy of current land management and restoration guidelines by monitoring avian response to restoration and protection efforts.
Outreach and Education o Maintain the trail and wildlife viewing sites at Page Spring Fish Hatchery o Expand the Watchable Wildlife elements at Page Springs Fish Hatchery o Develop interpretative materials (signage and print) o Promote the Lower Oak Creek Important Bird Area at local events o Inform residents of the area about water use and conservation o Develop a community program to create awareness and personal action about invasive plants and animals
Policy o Encourage adoption of local ordinances (city and county) that protect, restore and enhance the riparian communities and other habitats important to wildlife. o Support protection of open spaces and the Oak Creek riparian corridor o Support sustainable water use and water discharge standards that maintain water quantity and quality in Oak Creek.
Measures of Success:
Habitat Protection o Private landowners adopt conservation assessments o A majority of Oak Creek riparian habitat is fenced from trespass grazing
Habitat Restoration o Removal of invasive salt cedar, Tree of Heaven and Russian olive Audubon Arizona - 20 - Lower Oak Creek Important Bird Area Avian Conservation Plan o Acres restored through planting native willow, cottonwood and other understory vegetation
Management o Deploy management strategies that reduce brown-headed cowbirds at facility and pasture developments o Adoption of best management practices for water conservation and use at IBA properties o Successful control or eradication of non-native plant species o Implementation of best management practices on agricultural and ranchettes properties through partnership with local conservation resource agencies and educational institutions
Monitoring and Research (Avian) o Long-term avian monitoring is established and conducted at selected sites using volunteers and trained personnel o Conduct selective species monitoring in partnership with Arizona Game and Fish Department and US Fish and Wildlife Service (Yellow-billed cuckoo and willow flycatcher inventories) o Assess establishing a bird-banding program in the IBA. o Established colonial nester monitoring program o Monitoring in place for Common Black Hawk nest sites o Report on avian response to restoration and protection efforts.
Outreach and Education o Maintained trail and wildlife viewing sites at Page Spring Fish Hatchery o Expanded Watchable Wildlife elements at Page Springs Fish Hatchery o New and additional interpretative materials (signage and print) o The Lower Oak Creek Important Bird Area is part of local events o Residents of the area are informed about water use and conservation o A community program is in place to create awareness and personal action about invasive plants and animals
Policy o Local ordinances and land use plans incorporate protection of riparian habitats and adjacent uplands open spaces. o Local ordinances and policy include elements that provide good water quality for a healthy riparian and aquatic habitat in Oak Creek.
Audubon Arizona - 21 - Lower Oak Creek Important Bird Area Avian Conservation Plan Appendix A. NATURAL HISTORY and MANAGEMENT INFORMATION FOR LOWER OAK CREEK IBA FOCAL SPECIES
Audubon Arizona - 22 - Lower Oak Creek Important Bird Area Avian Conservation Plan Appendix B. LOWER OAK CREEK IBA SPECIES OF CONSERVATION CONCERN
Species of Special Conservation Status present within the Lower Oak Creek IBA (Page Springs Fish Hatchery, AZ Game and Fish State Lands). Non- Scientific name Common name Resident Breeding breeding Passage Winter Ardea herodias Great Blue Heron no yes no no no Casmerodius albus Great Egret no no yes no no Butorides virescens Green Heron no no yes no no Nycticorax nycticorax Black-crowned Night-Heron no yes no no no Plegadis chihi White-faced Ibis no no yes no no Aix sponsa Wood Duck no yes no no no Mergus merganser Common Merganser yes no no no no Haliaeetus leucocephalus Bald Eagle no no yes no no Circus cyaneus Northern Harrier no no yes no no Buteogallus anthracinus Common Black-Hawk no yes no no no Pandion haliaetus Osprey no no yes no no Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon no no yes no no Coccyzus americanus Yellow-billed Cuckoo no yes no no no Aeronautes saxatalis White-throated Swift no yes no no no Stellula calliope Calliope Hummingbird no no yes no no Selasphorus rufus Rufous Hummingbird no no yes no no Megaceryle alcyon Belted Kingfisher no yes no no no Sphyrapicus nuchalis Red-naped Sapsucker no no yes no no Empidonax wrightii Gray Flycatcher no yes no no no Empidonax occidentalis Cordilleran Flycatcher no yes no no no Spizella breweri Brewer's Sparrow no no yes no no Pipilo aberti Abert's Towhee yes no no no no Vermivora virginiae Virginia's Warbler no yes no no no Vermivora luciae Lucy's Warbler no yes no no no Dendroica petechia Yellow Warbler no yes no no no Black-throated Gray Dendroica nigrescens Warbler no yes no no no Dendroica occidentalis Hermit Warbler no no yes no no Oporornis tolmiei MacGillivray's Warbler no yes no no no Vireo bellii Bell's Vireo no yes no no no Icterus cucullatus Hooded Oriole no yes no no no Carduelis lawrencei Lawrence's Goldfinch no no yes no no
Audubon Arizona - 23 - Lower Oak Creek Important Bird Area Avian Conservation Plan Species of Special Conservation Status present within the Lower Oak Creek IBA (Red Rock State Park). Non- Scientific name Common name Resident Breeding breeding Passage Winter Ardea herodias Great Blue Heron yes yes no no no Butorides virescens Green Heron no ? no no no Nycticorax nycticorax Black-crowned Night-Heron no yes no no no Plegadis chihi White-faced Ibis no no yes yes no Aix sponsa Wood Duck no yes no no no Mergus merganser Common Merganser no no yes yes yes Haliaeetus leucocephalus Bald Eagle no no yes yes yes Circus cyaneus Northern Harrier no no yes yes yes Buteogallus anthracinus Common Black-Hawk no yes no no no Buteo regalis Ferruginous Hawk no no yes yes yes Aquila chrysaetos Golden Eagle no ? no no no Pandion haliaetus Osprey no no yes yes no Falco mexicanus Prairie Falcon no ? no no no Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon no ? no no no Coccyzus americanus Yellow-billed Cuckoo no yes no no no Aeronautes saxatalis White-throated Swift no yes no no no Selasphorus rufus Rufous Hummingbird no no yes yes no Megaceryle alcyon Belted Kingfisher no no yes yes yes Melanerpes lewis Lewis's Woodpecker no no yes yes no Sphyrapicus nuchalis Red-naped Sapsucker yes no no yes no Sphyrapicus thyroideus Williamson's Sapsucker no ? no no no Lanius ludovicianus Loggerhead Shrike no no yes no yes Toxostoma crissale Crissal Thrasher no ? no no no Baeolophus ridgwayi Juniper Titmouse no yes no no no Spizella atrogularis Black-chinned Sparrow no no yes yes no Pipilo aberti Abert's Towhee no yes no no no Vermivora luciae Lucy's Warbler no yes no no no Dendroica petechia Yellow Warbler no yes no no no Dendroica nigrescens Black-throated Gray Warbler no ? no no no Oporornis tolmiei MacGillivray's Warbler no ? no no no Vireo bellii Bell's Vireo no yes no no no Icterus cucullatus Hooded Oriole no yes no no no
Audubon Arizona - 24 - Lower Oak Creek Important Bird Area Avian Conservation Plan Species of Special Conservation Status present within the Lower Oak Creek IBA (Hidden Valley).
Non- Scientific name Common name Resident Breeding breeding Passage Winter Ardea herodias Great Blue Heron yes yes no no no Aix sponsa Wood Duck yes yes no no no Buteogallus anthracinus Common Black-Hawk no yes no no no Coccyzus americanus Yellow-billed Cuckoo no yes no no no Selasphorus rufus Rufous Hummingbird no no yes yes no Megaceryle alcyon Belted Kingfisher yes yes no no no Sphyrapicus nuchalis Red-naped Sapsucker no no yes no yes Myiarchus tyrannulus Brown-crested Flycatcher no yes no no no Tyrannus vociferans Cassin's Kingbird no yes no no no Melospiza melodia Song Sparrow yes yes no no no Pipilo aberti Abert's Towhee yes yes no no no Guiraca caerulea Blue Grosbeak no yes no no no Piranga rubra Summer Tanager no yes no no no Vermivora celata Orange-crowned Warbler no no no yes yes Vermivora virginiae Virginia's Warbler no no yes yes no Vermivora luciae Lucy's Warbler no yes no no no Dendroica petechia Yellow Warbler no yes no no no Icteria virens Yellow-breasted Chat no yes no no no
Audubon Arizona - 25 - Lower Oak Creek Important Bird Area Avian Conservation Plan Appendix C. AUDUBON IBA CRITERIA
“Recognized IBA”status refers to those lands, public or private, for which the landowner/public land manager has agreed to be recognized as an IBA under National Audubon Society’s U.S. IBA Program. Private lands within identified IBAs are not to be considered “Recognized IBA” status lands, without landowner approval. The IBA status is voluntary, non-regulatory, and does not require a landowner to initiate new restrictions, regulations, or land use actions. IBA recognition can be promoted or not promoted, depending on the desire of the landowners, and the management concerns of the site. No species locations will be provided to the public, including birders. The locations of specific birding locations at IBAs is at the discretion of the landowner(s)/land management agency(s), and not part of the IBA Program’s goals. Private lands within “Identified IBAs” will not be delineated on any maps, and are not considered within the IBA Program (i.e., not IBAs), although they are considered to be within the ecological boundaries of the Identified IBA.
Audubon and Bird Life International Criteria Overview The IBA criteria are divided into four categories based on vulnerability and/or responsibility. By definition, Important Bird Areas are sites that support: 1. Threatened species 2. Range-restricted species 3. Biome-restricted species 4. High concentrations of a species
General criteria standards:
The basic data needed to support the nomination of an IBA at the continental or global level is a reliable estimate of the number of birds of a particular species at a site, in a season, in a year.
It is important to have species-specific count data in virtually all cases (with the exception of criterion A4iii). Moreover, for conservation planning purposes we need to know the seasonal importance of a site rather than just the count of birds in a given year.
The conservation value of a site may change significantly over time due to changes in land use, pollution, or landscape-level changes that occur as a consequence of sprawl, for example. Therefore, we intend to monitor the continued value of each IBA to birds on a periodic basis (e.g. every five years) to determine if it continues to qualify as an IBA. For this reason it is important to report the counts of birds in a particular year rather than as an average over a number of years. Moreover, it is important that the identification of an IBA be based on relatively current data:
In order to qualify as an IBA at the continental level, the data in a site nomination must be no more than 10 years old.
Global Criteria Audubon Arizona - 26 - Lower Oak Creek Important Bird Area Avian Conservation Plan A1 - Species of Global Conservation Concern A2 - Assemblage of Restricted-range species A3 - Assemblage of Biome-restricted species A4i - ≥1% biogeographic (N. Am.) population of a waterbird simultaneously; ≥5% over a season A4ii - ≥1% global population of a seabird or terrestrial species simultaneously; ≥5% over a season A4iii - ≥ 20,000 waterbirds/ ≥10,000 seabirds [not currently applied in the U.S.] A4iv - aerial bottleneck where ≥ 5% N.Am. population of a migratory waterbird, or ≥ 5% global population of a migratory seabird or terrestrial species passes during a season
Continental Criteria
B1- Species of Continental Conservation Concern B2- [Not applicable at regional level] B3- Assemblage of individuals/species concentrated in a Bird Conservation Region B4i- ≥ 1% flyway/subspecies population of a waterbird simultaneously; ≥5% over a season B4ii- ≥ 1% biogeographic (N. Am.) population of a seabird or terrestrial species simultaneously; ≥5% over a season B4iv- aerial bottleneck where ≥5% flyway/subspecies population of a migratory waterbird, or ≥5% N. Am. population of a seabird or terrestrial species passes during a season
State Criteria
D1-US State: State Species of Conservation Concern D3-US State: Species in rare/unique habitat D4i-US State: ≥ 1% State population D4ii-US State: waterfowl (State defined) D4iii-US State: wading birds (State defined) D4iv-US State: seabirds/other colonial waterbirds (State defined) D4v-US State: shorebirds (State defined) D4vi-US State: raptors/season (State defined) D4vii- US State: outstanding landbird stopover D5-US State: Research site
Audubon Arizona - 27 - Lower Oak Creek Important Bird Area Avian Conservation Plan Appendix D. Summary Table of Stresses and Threats for Oak Creek IBA Landscape Context: Size: Condition:Altered Threats - Sources of Condition: Condition:Altered Altered Surface Water Reduced Acres of Successional Stress Altered Fire Regime Species Diversity Flow Regimes Riparian Vegetation Stages Riparian Stress Rank medium Medium low medium high 1 Threat Invasive/alien species HIGH Threat to System Rank Common Taxonomy Contribution - - Very High Very High Very High Irreversibility - - High Medium Very High Threat Rank (override) Threat Rank - - Low Medium High 2 Threat Grazing LOW Threat to System Rank Common Taxonomy Contribution High High Low Irreversibility Medium Medium Low Threat Rank (override) Threat Rank - Low - Low Low 3 Threat Water Diversions MEDIUM Threat to System Rank Common Taxonomy Contribution Very High Medium - Medium Irreversibility Medium Medium - Medium Threat Rank (override) Threat Rank Medium Low - Low - 4 Threat Home Development HIGH Threat to System Rank Common Taxonomy Contribution High Medium - Medium Irreversibility Very High Very High - Very High Threat Rank (override) Threat Rank Medium Medium - - High 5 Threat Fire LOW Threat to System Rank Common Taxonomy Contribution Low Very High Low Irreversibility Low Medium Medium Threat Rank Low Low Low
Audubon Arizona - 1 - Lower Oak Creek Important Bird Area Avian Conservation Plan Appendix F. Hidden Valley Upland Habitat Restoration Project Completion Report
The project was initiated as a collaborative effort between the Northern Arizona Audubon Society (NAAS) and the McCain Family Foundation. The work was made possible through a grant from the foundation and the financial contributions and volunteer efforts of NAAS.
Site Description: The approximately 5 acre parcel located in Yavapai County (APN # 407-24-002) bounding Oak Creek and US Forest Lands was improved from abandoned agricultural land. The adjacent USFS lands are juniper (Juniperus depeana) grasslands with an understory of prickly pear cactus (Opuntia engelmanni). The restoration site is a historic homestead with two buildings still standing. Land abuse is severe on the site from years as a homestead with domestic animals with soil compaction and very little vegetation. The flat area is a sandy clay soil that is deep and drains gently southwest towards Oak Creek. The slopes are rocky and have a mix of vegetative cover. Seed of native plants is proximate to the site to further assist recovery once a vegetative community is established. Cattle were fenced from the site prior to project initiation.
Design and Installation: Northern Arizona Audubon Society (NAAS) procured the assistance of local botanical experts in developing the list of upland and xeric riparian plants suitable for the habitat and elevation. NAAS developed the design for irrigation. The property owners, the John McCain and Dr. Oliver Harper families, provided the electrical power and installation of a new pump at an old well site that was still functional.
Installation was accomplished in November of 2004 with the services of Flagstaff Native Plant and Seed, a professional vegetative restoration company hired by NAAS. They provided plants that had been cultivated in the region. A backhoe was used to excavate the holes for the plants and Flagstaff Native Plant and Seed planted the trees, shrubs and grasses and assisted in the installation of the irrigation lines.
Initially three hundred and fifty seven trees, shrubs, agave and yucca were installed in forty- one irrigation zones along eight irrigation lines radiating from the well located in the southwest quarter of the project on the mesa. Plants were placed along the dirt track from the Oak Creek ford crossing up a draw to the mesa where the majority of the restoration project was installed. Additional plants were placed on the slope and top of the hill next to Oak Creek. Additional Plugs of Sideoats Gramma (Bouteloua curtipendula), Purple 3 Awn(Aristida rubens), Palmer’s Pentstemmon, Tobosa grass (Hilaria mutica), Sporobolus contractus, and Bush Muly (Mulenbergia porterii), and seeds that included Colorado 4 O’clock, Palmer’s Pentstemmon, Sideoats Gramma, Purple 3-awn, Globe Mallow, Tobosa grass and Sporobolus contractus were purchased by NAAS and also planted. Basins were excavated around each plant. Saltbush, a hardier and sun tolerant species, was planted on the setting sun side of zones and Barberry or Lycium was planted on the rising sun side of a zone. Trees were planted in the center of a zone and a grass/forb seed mix was scattered in each zone. Grass and forb plugs as well as the seed mix were planted in the irrigation areas
Audubon Arizona - 1 - Lower Oak Creek Important Bird Area Avian Conservation Plan Each zone was established on a watering schedule of once every two weeks for three hours at 4 gallons per hour.
Post-project maintenance: Flagstaff Native Plant and Seed maintained the irrigation system and replaced plants. Costs were billed to NAAS for an amount of $3,440 in additional project costs. Replacement plant species included grass plugs, turbinella oak, New Mexico olive, yucca, mesquite, desert willow, 4 winged saltbush and Agave.
The winter of 2005 was very wet and Oak Creek flooded severely. Line Four on the southwest slope was washed out.
During the spring of 2005 the caretakers for the property installed a PVC irrigation line near the pump for four trees that were planted. Two seedless mulberry and two native ash trees. A picnic table has also been installed near the pump
The summer of 2005 was very dry and drought conditions. The irrigation attracted gophers to the project site. Gopher damage to the irrigation lines and the plants was extensive and an unanticipated problem. An ancillary benefit of the gophers was the extensive digging and burrowing loosened and aerated the previously compacted soils.
Site Inspection April 17, 2006: The site was visited and evaluated by members of NAAS, Tice Supplee of Audubon Arizona, Scott Wilbor and Rod Lancaster of Tucson Audubon. Rod Lancaster is a restoration specialist and assisted in the evaluation of the site.
Although plant mortality has been high, Rod Lancaster said survival rates of 20-60% overall are typical of restoration efforts. The plant survival rate, with replacements, is reasonable given the low level of direct maintenance for the project. The site has clearly benefited from the restoration effort. There is abundant litter on the ground and less exposed bare ground, optimizing the seed bed for native plants in the area. The natural drainage of the site has benefited most of those plants that are along the slope and on the south and east portion of the mesa near the buildings. Gopher damage and plant mortality is most severe near the well and on the north portion of the project.
There is evidence of native grass establishment on the site and the prickly pear and Agave on the mesa appear robust and healthy. Many of the mesquites are replacements, however they appear robust. Surviving plants in the xeric riparian zone appear established and should survive without irrigation. There is a good diversity of plant species on the slope area in the rockier soils. Additional restoration effort is not considered needed on this portion of the project.
Plant mortalities are very high on the mesa sites, particularly around the well and on the north end. Continuation of irrigation is not recommended on these lines. The surviving plants are primarily prickly pear, Agave and mesquite, which are drought hardy and have the best chance of persisting without irrigation.
Lessons Learned:
Audubon Arizona - 2 - Lower Oak Creek Important Bird Area Avian Conservation Plan Things to tell landowner cooperators before the project begins: Restoration projects are typically subject to high mortalities and require vigilant maintenance in the first two to three years. Drought, rodents and unforeseen mechanical problems are typical on such projects. The project will not look like a landscaped area Be sure to involve locally knowledgeable planters such as Flagstaff Native Plant and Seed in the planning process to prevent misunderstandings. For example, none of the desert willow was to be planted up on the hillside –the plans were evidently not clearly understood. Be sure to have a maintenance plan –and define who is responsible for what and have a clear exit strategy!
Rodents: Tucson Audubon Society plant restoration experts say that gophers are a common problem with restoration projects. They are attracted to the water and young plants. Recommended solutions include reducing watering frequency and optimizing water retention at site with larger retention basins around the plants and spreading mulch or non-seeding straw to insulate the plants from heat.
Plant Materials: Use plants and seed sources cultivated in the region where restoration is planned.
Irrigation System Design: Use PVC or heavy gauge plastic pipe with the emitters inserted into the pipe or on a very short spaghetti line. Put drought tolerant plants on separate lines from plants requiring more water.
Time Commitment for irrigation: Restoration projects in Tucson generally irrigate for three years before plants are expected to continue with natural precipitation patterns. The sites in Tucson are more arid than Hidden Valley and sites in Yavapai County. Two years may be a realistic time schedule.
Recommendations: The site is clearly healing and has benefited from the project. Evidence of native plants germinating on the site is very encouraging.
Option A: Turn off the water for all Lines except One and Eight. Construct larger catch basin berms with hand shovels around the down slope side of the zones on these two lines. This work to be done by the property owner. Reduce watering to once monthly through the summer of 2006. Prior to water being turned on the irrigation lines should be inspected for breaks and repaired. Water can probably be permanently turned off when cooler weather arrives in the autumn (October-November). This option will require a commitment to plant replacement and maintenance that would need to be done by the property owner. It will yield a faster recovery of the area most proximate to the picnic table location.
Audubon Arizona - 3 - Lower Oak Creek Important Bird Area Avian Conservation Plan Option B: Turn off the water system except for the exotic trees at the picnic site. Accept additional plant mortalities and allow the site to continue on the positive trajectory of recovery naturally.
Produce a short video about native vegetation restoration efforts that can be shared with potential landowner partners. Ask the Arizona Game and Fish Department if they are interested in the project as a segment for Wildlife Views video show.
Project Costs: McCain Foundation grant - $9,800 McCain and Harper-Families- Cost of the electrical power, well and maintenance of vegetation by FNP&S NAAS- $13,532
Project Volunteer Hours and Participants:
NAAS Volunteers: There were a total 167 volunteer hours on the restoration (which includes an additional 60 hrs. of donated time by FNP&S that were not billed). Summary of plants species originally planted at Hidden Valley restoration site.
Common Name Scientific Name Zones # planted Red Barberry Berberis haematocarpa 3,5,7,8,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,20,21, 60 25,26,27,28,29,30,31,32 New Mexico Olive Foresteria neomexicana5,6,33,34,35,36,37,38,40,41 30 4-winged Saltbush Atriplex canescens 7,9,11,12,20,22,23,24,25,28,32 40 Site Characteristics Zones # Plants % Survival Lines (estimate) Xeric Riparian 38,39,40,41 18 60% Five Mesa -North 16-21, 26-29 78 15% Seven Mesa-Well 15,22,23,25,30,31,32 76 10% Two, Three, Six, Eight Mesa –East 1,2,3,4 10,11,12,13,14 106 40% One And Eight (Near Bldgs) Mesa - South 5,7,8,9,24 46 40% Two and Three Southwest Slope 6, 33-37 33 60% Three and Four Netleaf Hackberry Celtis reticulata 6,35,36,39,41 10 Catclaw Acacia Acacia 1,2,4,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17, 60 18,19,21,23,27,28,30,31,32, Soaptree Yucca Yucca elata 1,2,3,4,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16, 40 17,18,19,20,23,24,28,30,31,32,35,37 Banana Yucca Yucca 1,2,3,4,5,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,15,16,17, 50 18,19,20,23,24,27,32 Desert Willow Chilopsis 26,33,34,39,41 10 Agave Agave 1,2,3,4,10,16,19,22,31,32, 20 Mesquite Prosopsis velutina 8,14,15,24,25,29,30,31 35 Graythorn Condalia lycoides Unknown Unknown Indian Ricegrass Oryzopsis hymenoides Unknown Unknown Sideoats Grama Bouteloua curtipendula Unknown Unknown Purple Three-awn Aristida purpurea Unknown Unknown Penstemon Penstemon spp Unknown Unknown
Audubon Arizona - 4 - Lower Oak Creek Important Bird Area Avian Conservation Plan LINE Zones on Line* # Plants % Survival Plant Species (estimate) One 1,2,3,4,11,12 64 40% Agave, Barberry, Banana and Soaptree Yucca, Catclaw, Saltbush Two 5,7,9,23,32 50 40% Agave, Barberry, Banana and Soaptree Yucca, Catclaw, NM Olive, Saltbush, Three 6,8,24,25,31 45 40% Agave, Barberry, Banana and Soaptree Yucca, Catclaw, Hackberry, Mesquite, NM Olive, Saltbush Four 33,34,35,36,37 29 60% Banana and Soaptree Yucca, Desert Willow, Hackberry, NM Olive Five 41,40,39,38 18 60% Banana Yucca, Desert Willow, Hackberry, NM Olive Six 26,27,28,29,30 40 60% Desert Willow, Barberry, Banana and Soaptree Yucca, Catclaw, Mesquite, Saltbush Seven 17,18,16,19,20,21 47 15% Agave, Barberry, Banana and Soaptree Yucca, Catclaw, Saltbush Eight 10,13,14,15,22 64 40% Agave, Barberry, Banana and Soaptree Yucca, Catclaw, Mesquite, Saltbush * Zones are ordered from end of line in towards pump.
Audubon Arizona - 5 - Lower Oak Creek Important Bird Area Avian Conservation Plan Appendix G. Literature Cited
Arizona Game and Fish Department.2005. Page Springs Wildlife Viewing Area Management Plan.
Arizona Game and Fish Department. March 2006.Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015.
Corman, Troy E. and C. Wise-Gervais.2005. Arizona Breeding Bird Atlas. University of New Mexico Press. 636pp.
Emery, J; C. Eatherly, M. Freisinger, A. McVay, J. Roberts, R. Sejkora, T. Thornburg, R. Toomey, R. Warriner, G, Arbeiter, E. Yount, P. Dennison, D. Wolf. Red Rock State Park Resource Inventory and Assessment; Resources and Management Section, Parks Division, Arizona State Parks. July 2004
Invasive Non-Native Plants That Threaten Wildlands in Arizona, A categorized list developed by the Arizona Wildlands Invasive Plant Working Group, August 2005.
Final Environmental Impact Statement for Integrated Treatment of Noxious or Invasive Weeds. 2005. Coconino, Kaibab, and Prescott National Forests within Coconino, Gila, Mojave, and Yavapai Counties, Arizona. USDA Forest Service Southwestern Region.
Halterman, M. and M. Johnson. 2002. Draft Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo natural history summary and survey methodology. Southern Sierra Research Station, Weldon, CA and Colorado Plateau Field Station, Flagstaff, AZ. 13 p.
Krueper, D.J. 1993. Effects of land use practices on western riparian ecosystems. Pp. 321-330. In: D. Finch and P. Stangel, eds., Status and Management of Neotropical Migratory Birds. Gen Tech. Rep. RM-229. USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Range and Experiment Station, Fort Collins, Colorado. 422 pp.
Latta, M.J., C.J. Beardmore, and T.E. Corman. 1999. Arizona Partners in Flight Bird Conservation Plan. Version 1.0. Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program Technical Report 142. Arizona Game and Fish Department, Phoenix, Arizona
Lofgren, S. et al. 1990. Final report and recommendations of the governor’s riparian habitat task force (Executive Order 89-16, Streams and Riparian Resources). Report submitted to the Honorable Ros Mofford, Governor of the State of Arizona.
Lowther, P.E. 1993. Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater). In The Birds of North America, No. 47 (A. Poole and F. Gill, Eds.). Philadelphia: The Academy of Natural Sciences; Washington, D.C.: The American Ornithologists’ Union.
Poole, A. and F. Gill (eds.). 1992-2002. The birds of North America. Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology and The Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, PA.
Audubon Arizona - 6 - Lower Oak Creek Important Bird Area Avian Conservation Plan Powell, B.F. and R.J. Steidl. 2000. Nesting habitat and reproductive success of southwestern riparian birds. Condor 102:823-831.
Quinn, T. and R. Milner. 2004. Great blue heron (Ardea herodias). In E.M. Larsen, J.M. Azerrad, and N. Nordstrom, editors. Management recommendations for Washington’s Priority Species, Volume IV: Birds [Online]. Available: http://wdfw.wa.gov/hab/phs/vol4/gbheron.htm
Riparian Habitat Joint Venture (RHJV). 2003. Version 2.0. The riparian bird conservation plan: a strategy for reversing the decline of riparian associated birds in California. California Partners in Flight. http://www.prbo.org/calpif/pdfs/riparian.v-2.pdf.
Stromberg, J. 2005 (in prep.). Riparian and vegetation: pattern and process. Draft chapter in J. Stromberg and B. Tellmans (editors), Ecology of Desert Riparian Ecosystems: The San Pedro River Example. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2002c. Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Recovery Plan. Albuquerque, New Mexico. i-ix+ 210 pp., Appendices A-O.
Wilbor, Scott L. 2004. The Arizona IBA Program Catalog of Important Bird Areas in 2004. Tucson Audubon Society. 123 Pages.
Wilbor, Scott L. 2005. Avian Habitat Conservation Plan U.S. Upper Santa Cruz River Riparian Corridor. Tucson Audubon Society. 97 pages.
Audubon Arizona - 7 - Lower Oak Creek Important Bird Area Avian Conservation Plan Appendix H. Maps
Hidden Valley
Page Springs
Audubon Arizona - 8 - Lower Oak Creek Important Bird Area Avian Conservation Plan Audubon Arizona - 9 - Lower Oak Creek Important Bird Area Avian Conservation Plan Red Rock State Park and Coconino National Forest
Audubon Arizona - 10 - Lower Oak Creek Important Bird Area Avian Conservation Plan