Surveys for the D'arbonne National Wildlife Refuge Inventory

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Initial Survey Instructions for Current (Tier I) Surveys for the D’Arbonne National Wildlife Refuge Inventory and Monitoring Plan

October 2017

Table of Contents

Purpose ...... 2 1.01-Landbird Point Counts | FF04RLDA00-004 ...... 3 1.02-Wintering Waterfowl Monitoring | FF04RLDA00-002 ...... 17 1.03-Red-cockaded Woodpecker Monitoring | FF04RLDA00-003 ...... 20 1.04-Forest Inventory | FF04RLDA00-016 ...... 26 1.05-Freshwater Mussel Inventory | FF04RLDA00-019 ...... 30 1.06-Fire Effects Monitoring |FF04RLDA00-008 ...... 33 1.07-Deer Harvest Survey |FF04RLDA00-009 ...... 36

Purpose

Documenting survey design and methods maintains the scientific integrity of refuge biological data and guards against information loss over time. The Initial Survey Instructions (ISI) format was developed to assist refuges in recording important biological survey information prior to the development of an approved, site-specific protocol. ISIs function as the initial step in the development of formal survey protocols for surveys that are included in the Current (Tier I) group of the refuge Inventory and Monitoring Plan (IMP). ISIs are also linked to and expand upon the information included in the Planning and Review of Inventory and Monitoring on Refuges (PRIMR) database which tracks the biological program of a refuge.

The information provided in an ISI is as thorough and complete as possible, in the absence of a formal survey protocol. There may be survey methods developed by refuge staff for a specific, local purpose, general methods derived from primary literature, or regional or national programs with protocols not yet approved by the National Wildlife Refuge System.

ISIs are updated over time so they will have a version number indicating whether a major or minor change has occurred (e.g., version 1.0, major change to 2.0; version 1.0, minor change to 1.1).

1.01-Landbird Point Counts | FF04RLDA00-004

Conducted by: D’Arbonne NWR Version: 1.0 Date: September 2016 Refuge contact: Gypsy Hanks, Refuge Biologist, North Louisiana Refuge Complex

Overview: This survey entails annual monitoring of focal bird species (percent occupancy and relative abundance) during the breeding period within mature forest stands. Bird point counts have been conducted on the refuge in some form or fashion for over twenty years. Location of points has changed many times and the protocol for conducting the count has also. It requires someone that knows all of the breeding birds by song to perform the survey. There are years when the survey cannot be completed due to deep overflow flooding of the refuge during the survey period.

The suite of species detected in these bird surveys addresses the contribution the refuge has to meeting population objectives for high priority, forest interior neotropical migrant birds associated with the forests of the West Gulf Coastal Plain. Species occurrence is directly influenced by forest stand composition and structure within each management unit and therefore provides a metric to evaluate progress toward refuge forest habitat management objectives. In addition, data from this survey can be used at the refuge and landscape level to evaluate avian conservation locally and regionally.

Target species/taxa/community: Breeding songbirds – focus is on priority species of all forested habitats.

Survey Objectives: To detect presence and absence and trends of breeding forest species. Additionally, determine at landscape or regional scale if forest treatments affect priority species.

Design: Within each forest compartment on the refuge there are six randomly located, fixed points (see Supplemental Documents, Field Maps). Points are a minimum of 250 meters apart. Additionally, plots are >100 meters from roads or agricultural edges. A single point count with a 150 meter outer band is considered representative of approximately 7 hectares (ca. 18 acres). Each point count location is sampled one time between sunrise and 10:00 am between May 15 and June 10. Points may not be sampled every year but are rotated by compartment with effort to survey each point every three years. Survey day conditions must be no rain and winds below 15 mph (LMVJV Forest Breeding Bird Evaluation Protocol, lmvjv.org)

Survey Timing: Surveys are conducted between May 15 and June 10.

Methods: Below are step-by-step instructions for conducting the recommended 10 minute point counts, with birds recorded separately in ten time periods of one minute each (0-1, 1-2, 2-3, ….9- 10 min) as well as birds recorded in four distance intervals (0-25 m, 25-50 m, 50-100 m, and 100- 150 m). Readers are referred to Hamel et al. (1996) for additional details.

1. Prior to the day of the counts, determine which points will be logistically sampled and the order they are to be counted. Also, determine and upload the x,y coordinates for each point into a GPS.

2. Sampling will occur in the morning, beginning as soon as it is light enough to see a distance of 200 m and ending no later than 10:00 am. The observer should arrive at the first point while it is still dark so that the count can begin as soon as it is light enough to see. This is important because singing rates for most species are highest near sunrise and then slowly decline over the morning.

3. Do not conduct the count during high winds or heavy rains. Counts should only be conducted if sky conditions are Codes 0, 1, or 2, according to the Weather Bureau (Supplemental Documents, Table 1), and if wind strength on the Beaufort Scale is below 20 knots/hour (Supplemental Documents, Table 2). If conditions are otherwise, either wait until the weather improves or cancel the sampling for the day and reschedule.

4. Approach the location noting any birds within 100 m of the counting station that are flushed, fly away, or retreat. Mark these birds in the appropriate distance band on the bull’s-eye datasheet (Supplemental Documents, Datasheets). Concentric circles on the bull’s-eye datasheet indicate distances of 0-25 m, 25-50 m, and 50-100 m, record birds detected in the 100-150 m band in the margins outside the 100 m band. Use standard 4-letter species alpha codes to distinguish species (Supplemental Documents, Table 3) and standard coding symbols included in the legend of the bull’s-eye datasheet to distinguish sex.

5. Orient the bull’s-eye datasheet to a fixed direction; record the sky and wind conditions (Supplemental Documents, Table 1 and 2), temperature, date, start time, compartment, point name, and observer.

6. Position a GPS unit and start it recording if exact location is not already known.

7. As soon as possible, start the count. Use a pocket timer or watch to keep track of time.

8a. Record each bird seen or heard at the appropriate location on the bull’s-eye datasheet, taking into account distance and direction from the plot center. Mark the location of the bird on the bull’s- eye datasheet using standard 4-letter species alpha codes to distinguish species (Supplemental Documents, Table 3), and standard coding symbols included in the legend of the bull’s-eye datasheet to distinguish sex. Count family groups of juveniles with a single adult as a single bird.

8b. Record data for different each one minute time interval (0-1, 1-2, 2-3, … 9-10 min) in different ways. Some people like to use different color pens; alternatively, detections can be underlined or double underlined to indicate the different time periods. Be sure to record a legend of the chosen coding scheme on the data sheet for future reference.

8c. Holding the sheet in a fixed position, spend part of the time facing in each of the cardinal directions in order to better detect birds.

8d. Mark each bird once, using the mapped locations to judge whether subsequent songs are from

new or already recorded individuals. All birds greater than 100 m from point center are recorded

outside of the 100 m band; likewise, flyovers are recorded at the bottom of the page. The recorded distance should be the horizontal distance between the location a bird was first detected and the plot center. For species that occur in flocks, record the flock (e.g., species) and flock size in the appropriate distance band. There is no need to record each bird in a flock individually.

8e. Do not record any birds believed to have been counted at previous stations.

8f. At the end of 10 minutes, stop recording bird observations. Do not record any new birds seen or heard after the 10 minutes have passed.

8g. Record the latitude and longitude coordinates from the GPS unit and mark the location onto the bull’s-eye datasheet.

9. Field notations from the bull’s-eye data sheet can be transcribed to a point count summary form (Supplemental Documents, Datasheets) before they are entered into the Eastern Avian Knowledge Data Center (http://data.pointblue.org/partners/eadc/). The transcription process will facilitate data entry.

Data Management: Data are stored in digital and paper format at the North Louisiana Refuge Complex office. Data are also uploaded to the Avian Knowledge Network (http://www.avianknowledge.net/index.php?page=nodes). Data may also be archived in ServCat.

Reporting: Refuge specific data is summarized annually to inform management. Data from the refuge may be used periodically for regional scale analysis and reports or publications.

Citations:

Hamel P.B., Smith W.P., Twedt D.J., Woehr J.R., Morris E., Hamilton R.B., and Cooper R.J. 1996. A land manager’s guide to point counts of birds in the Southeast. USDA, Forest Service, Southern Research Station. General Technical Report SO-120. New Orleans, Louisiana. 39 pp.

Supplemental Documents:

Table 1. Codes and descriptions for sky conditions (Weather Bureau Codes)1.

Sky Conditions:

Code # Description

0 Clear or a few clouds 1 Partly cloudy (scattered) 2 Cloudy (broken) or overcast 4 Fog or Smoke

5 Drizzle

7 Snow 8 Showers

Table 2. Codes and descriptions for wind speeds (Beaufort Scale)1.

Wind Speed Codes:

Code # km / h mi / h Description

0 < 2 < 1 Smoke rises vertically 1 2 to 5 1 to 3 Wind direction shown by smoke drift 2 6 to 11 4 to 7 Wind felt on face; leaves rustle 3 12 to 20 8 to 12 Leaves, small twigs in constant motion; light flag extended 4 21 to 32 13 to 18 Small branches are moved 5 33 to 30 19 to 24 Small trees begin to sway

1 These codes are the same codes used in the Breeding Bird Survey. Acceptable conditions for counting birds include a sky condition of 0, 1, or 2 and wind speeds less than 20 km / h (12 mi/h), preferably less than 13 km / h (8 mi / h).

Table 3. Species Codes for birds found in the North American Bird Breeding Manual (from Hamel et al. 1996).

Alpha Alpha Alpha Code Common Name Code Common Name Code Common Name ABTO Abert’s Towhee ARTE Arctic Tern BLBR Black Brant ACFL Acadian Flycatcher ARWA Arctic Warbler BLGU Black Guillemot ACWO Acorn Woodpecker AHWA Arrow-headed Warbler BLNO Black Noddy ADWA Adelaide’s Warbler ATFL Ash-throated Flycatcher BLOY Black Oystercatcher ADPE Adelie Penguin ASSP Ashy Storm-Petrel BLPH Black Phoebe AFPE African Penguin ATBR Atlantic Brant BLRA Black Rail AKEP Akepa ATPU Atlantic Puffin BLRF Black Rosy-Finch AKIP Akiapolaau AUOR Audubon’s Oriole BLSC Black Scoter ALFL Alder Flycatcher AUSH Audubon’s Shearwater BLSK Black Skimmer ACGO Aleutian Canada Goose AUWA Audubon’s Warbler BLSP Black Storm-Petrel ALTE Aleutian Tern AZTH Aztec Thrush BLSW Black Swift ALHU Allen’s Hummingbird BACS Bachman’s Sparrow BLTE Black Tern ALOR Altamira Oriole BAWA Bachman’s Warbler BLTU Black Tumstone AMAV American Avocet BAMO Bahama Mockingbird BLVU Black Vulture AMBI American Bittern BAHS Bahama Swallow BAWW Black-and-white Warbler ABDU American Black Duck BAWO Bahama Woodstar BWAG Black-backed Wagtail AMCO American Coot BAYE Bahama Yellowthroat BBWO Black-backed Woodpecker AMCR American Crow BATE Baikal Teal BBPL Black-bellied Plover AMDI American Dipper BASA Baird’s Sandpiper BBWD Black-bellied Whistling-Duck AMGO American Goldfinch BAIS Baird’s Sparrow BBCU Black-billed Cuckoo AGWT American Green-winged Teal BAEA Bald Eagle BBMA Black-billed Magpie AMKE American Kestrel BBOI Balt X Bull Oriole Intergrade BBAL Black-browed Albatross AMOY American Oystercatcher BAOR Baltimore Oriole BCCH Black-capped Chickadee AMRE American Redstart BANA Bananaquit BCGN Black-capped Gnatcatcher AMRO American Robin BANP Band-rumped Storm-Petrel BCPE Black-capped Petrel ASTK American Swallow-tailed Kite BTGU Band-tailed Gull BCVI Black-capped Vireo ATSP American Tree Sparrow BTPI Band-tailed Pigeon BCHU Black-chinned Hummingbird AWPE American White Pelican BANS Bank Swallow BCSP Black-chinned Sparrow AMWI American Wigeon BARG Bar-tailed Godwit BCOR Black-cowled Oriole AMWO American Woodcock BARS Barn Swallow BCTI Black-crested Titmouse ANMU Ancient Mm-relet BRNG Barnacle Goose BCNH Black-crowned Night-Heron ANHI Anhinga BAOW Barred Owl BEBU Black-eared Bushtit ANIA Anianiau BAG0 Barrow’s Goldeneye BFGR Black-faced Grassquit ANHU Anna’s Hummingbird BBWA Bay-breasted Warbler BFAL Black-footed Albatross ANPE Antarctic Petrel BEG0 Bean Goose BHGR Black-headed Grosbeak ANTE Antarctic Tern BSSP Belding’s Savannah Sparrow BHPA Black-headed Parakeet ACHU Antillean Crested Hummingbird BEVI Bell’s Vireo BLKI Black-legged Kittiwake ANEU Antillean Euphonia BEKI Belted Kingfisher BNTE Black-naped Tern ANMA Antillean Mango BETH Bendire’s Thrasher BNST Black-necked Stilt ANNI Antillean Nighthawk BEHU Berylline Hummingbird BRWX Black-rumped Waxbill APAP Apapane BESW Bewick’s Swan BSKI Black-shouldered Kite APFA Aplomado Falcon BEWR Bewick’s Wren BTGN Black-tailed Gnatcatcher ARLO Arctic Loon BIOO Bishop’s 00 BLAG Black-tailed Godwit

Alpha Alpha Alpha Code Common Name Code Common Name Code Common Name BTBW Black-throated Blue Warbler BROC Bronzed Cowbird CAKI Cassin’s Kingbird BTYW Black-throated Gray Warbler BRBO Brown Booby CASP Cassin’s Sparrow BTNW Black-throated Green Warbler BRCR Brown Creeper CAEG Cattle Egret BTSP Black-throated Sparrow BRJA Brown Jay CASW Cave Swallow BVOR Black-vented Oriole BRNO Brown Noddy CAYT Cayenne Tern BVSH Black-vented Shearwater BRPE Brown Pelican CEDW Cedar Waxwing BWVI Black-whiskered Vireo BRSH Brown Shrike CERW Cerulean Warbler BLBW Blackburnian Warbler BRSK Brown Skua CHMA Chestnut Manakin BLPW Blackpoll Warbler BRTH Brown Thrasher CBCH Chestnut-backed Chickadee BABI Blck X Atlant Brant Intergrade BRTO Brown Towhee CCL0 Chestnut-collared Longspur BLBU Blue Bunting BCRF Brown-capped Rosy-Finch CSWA Chestnut-sided Warbler BLGO Blue Goose BCFL Brown-crested Flycatcher CHRA Chihuahuan Raven BLGR Blue Grosbeak BHCO Brown-headed Cowbird CHSW Chimney Swift BLJA Blue Jay BHNU Brown-headed Nuthatch CHPE Chinstrap Penguin BLPE Blue Petrel BUFH Buff-bellied Hummingbird CHSP Chipping Sparrow BBGR Blue-black Grassquit BBFL Buff-breasted Flycatcher CHSH Christmas Shearwater BECO Blue-eyed Cormorant BBSA Buff-breasted Sandpiper CWWI Chuck-wills-widow BFBO Blue-footed Booby BCNI Buff-collared Nightjar CITE Cinnamon Teal BGGN Blue-gray Gnatcatcher BUFF Bufflehead CLRA Clapper Rail BGNO Blue-gray Noddy BUAL Buller’s Albatross CLGR Clark’s Grebe BLUH Blue-throated Hummingbird BUSH Buller’s Shearwater CLNU Clark’s Nutcracker BWTE Blue-winged Teal BUOR Bullock’s Oriole CCRO Clay-colored Robin BWWA Blue-winged Warbler BUPE Bulwer’s Petrel CCSP Clay-colored Sparrow BLUE Bluethroat BUHU Bumblebee Hummingbird CLSW Cliff Swallow BTGR Boat-tailed Grackle BUOW Burrowing Owl COLW Colima Warbler BOB0 Bobolink CACG Cackling Goose COAM Common Amakihi BOWA Bohemian Waxwing CACW Cactus Wren COB0 Common Barn-Owl BOGU Bonaparte’s Gull CALC California Condor CBHA Common Black Hawk BOPE Bonin Petrel CAGU California Gull CBHG Common Black-headed Gull BOCH Boreal Chickadee CATH California Thrasher COBU Common Bushtit BOOW Boreal Owl CAHU Calliope Hummingbird COCA Common Canary BOSP Botteri’s Sparrow CAGO Canada Goose COCH Common Chaffinch BRAM Brambling CAWA Canada Warbler COEI Common Eider BRAC Brandt’s Cormorant CANV Canvasback COG0 Common Goldeneye BRBL Brewer’s Blackbird CANW Canyon Wren COGR Common Grackle BRSP Brewer’s Sparrow CMWA Cape May Warbler COGD Common Ground-Dove BREG Brewster’s Egret CAPE Cape Petrel COLO Common Loon BRWA Brewster’s Warbler CSSS Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow COME Common Merganser BRQD Bridled Quail-Dove CARC Caribbean Coot COMO Common Moorhen BRTE Bridled Tern CAEL Caribbean Elaenia COMU Common Murre BRTI Bridled Titmouse CAPA Caribbean Parakeet COMY Common Myna BTCU Bristle-thighed Curlew CACH Carolina Chickadee CONI Common Nighthawk BBLH Broad-billed Hummingbird CARW Carolina Wren COPA Common Pauraque BBPR Broad-billed Prion CATE Caspian Tern CPOC Common Pochard BTLH Broad-tailed Hummingbird CAAU Cassin’s Auklet COP0 Common Poor-will BWHA Broad-winged Hawk CAFI Cassin’s Finch CORA Common Raven

Alpha Alpha Alpha Code Common Name Code Common Name Code Common Name CORE Common Redpoll ELTR Elegant Trogon GLIB Glossy Ibis CORB Common Reed-bunting ELEP Elepaio GOBI Golden Bishop CRPL Common Ringed Plover ELOW Elf Owl GOEA Golden Eagle CORO Common Rosefinch EWWA Elfin Wood Warbler GCWA Golden-cheeked Warbler COSA Common Sandpiper EMGO Emperor Goose GCKI Golden-crowned Kinglet COSN Common Snipe EMPE Emperor Penguin GCSP Golden-crowned Sparrow COTE Common Tern EUBU Eurasian Bullfinch GOLW Golden-crowned Warbler COMW Common Waxbill EUDO Eurasian Dotterel GFWO Golden-fronted Woodpecker COYE Common Yellowthroat EUKE Eurasian Kestrel GWWA Golden-winged Warbler CONW Connecticut Warbler EUSK Eurasian Skylark GRWA Grace’s Warbler COPE Cook’s Petrel EUWI Eurasian Wigeon GRSP Grasshopper Sparrow COHA Cooper’s Hawk EUGO European Goldfinch GRBU Gray Bunting COSH Cory’s Shearwater EGWT European Green-winged Teal GRCA Gray Catbird COHU Costa’s Hummingbird EUST European Starling GRFL Gray Flycatcher COKI Couch’s Kingbird ETSP European Tree Sparrow GRHA Gray Hawk CRMU Craveri’s Mm-relet EUWO European Woodcock GRAJ Gray Jay CRAU Crested Auklet EVGR Evening Grosbeak GRAK Gray Kingbird CRCA Crested Caracara EBTH Eye-browed Thrush GRVI Gray Vireo CRHO Crested Honeycreeper FAPE Fairy Penguin GRAW Gray Wagtail CRMY Crested Mynah FAPR Fairy Prion GBSP Gray-backed Storm-Petrel CRTE Crested Tern FATE Falcated Teal GRAT Gray-backed Tern CRTH Crissal Thrasher FTWA Fan-tailed Warbler GBJA Gray-breasted Jay CUSA Curlew Sandpiper FEHA Ferruginous Hawk GBMA Gray-breasted Martin CBTH Curve-billed Thrasher FEPO Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl GCTH Gray-cheeked Thrush DRPE Dark-rumped Petrel FISP Field Sparrow GCRF Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch DICK Dickcissel FIEL Fieldfare GCYE Gray-crowned Yellowthroat DCCO Double-crested Cormorant FICR Fish Crow GHAL Gray-headed Albatross DOPR Dove Priori FSSP Five-striped Sparrow GHJU Gray-headed Junco DOVE Dovekie FLOW Flammulated Owl GSFL Gray-spotted Flycatcher DOW0 Downy Woodpecker FFSH Flesh-footed Shearwater GBBG Great Black-backed Gull DUNL Dunlin FLIN Flicker Intergrade GTBH Great Blue Heron DUFL Dusky Flycatcher FTFL Fork-tailed Flycatcher GRCO Great Cormorant DSSP Dusky Seaside Sparrow FTSP Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel GREG Great Egret DUTH Dusky Thrush FOTE Forster’s Tern GRFR Great Frigatebird DUWA Dusky Warbler FOSP Fox Sparrow GGOW Great Gray Owl DCFL Dusky-capped Flycatcher FRGU Franklin’s Gull CHOW Great Homed Owl EAGR Eared Grebe FUWD Fulvous Whistling-Duck GKIS Great Kiskadee EATR Eared Trogon GADW Gadwall GRSK Great Skua EABL Eastern Bluebird GALP Galapagos Penguin GWHE Great White Heron EAKI Eastern Kingbird GWCS Gambel’s White-crowned Sparrow GCFL Great-crested Flycatcher EAME Eastern Meadowlark GARG Garganey GTGR Great-tailed Grackle EAPH Eastern Phoebe GEPE Gentoo Penguin GABU Greater Antillean Bullfinch EASO Eastern Screech-Owl GIWO Gila Woodpecker GAEL Greater Antillean Elaenia ETTI Eastern Tufted Titmouse GIFL Gilded Flicker GAGR Greater Antillean Grackle EAWP Eastern Wood-Pewee GLGU Glaucous Gull GREP Greater Antillean Pewee ELTE Elegant Tern GWGU Glaucous-winged Gull GREF Greater Flamingo

Alpha Alpha Alpha Code Common Name Code Common Name Code Common Name GRGP Greater Golden-Plover HOOR Hooded Oriole LALO Lapland Longspur GRPE Greater Pewee HOWA Hooded Warbler LARB Lark Bunting GRRO Greater Roadrunner HOWF Hooded Weaver-finch LASP Lark Sparrow GRSC Greater Scaup HBKI Hook-billed Kite LASF Lasagra Flycatcher GRSH Greater Shearwater HOGR Homed Grebe LAGU Laughing Gull GSGO Greater Snow Goose HOLA Homed Lark LAFF Lavender Fire-finch GWFG Greater White-fronted Goose HOPU Homed Puffin LAG0 Lawrence’s Goldfinch GRYE Greater Yellowlegs HOFI House Finch LAWA Lawrence’s Warbler GNLT Greatr Neckl’d Laughing-thrush HOSP House Sparrow LAAL Laysan Albatross GREJ Green Jay HOWR House Wren LADU Laysan Duck GKIN Green Kingfisher HUGO Hudsonian Godwit LAFI Laysan Finch GRMA Green Mango HUPE Humboldt Penguin LAZB Lazuli Bunting GRVE Green Violet-ear HUVI Hutton’s Vireo LCSP Le Conte’s Sparrow GNBH Green-backed Heron ICGU Iceland Gull LCTH Le Conte’s Thrasher GTTO Green-tailed Towhee IIWI Iiwi LHSP Leach’s Storm-Petrel GTCA Green-throated Carib INDO Inca Dove LEAU Least Auklet GREL Greenish Elaenia IHMY Indian Hill Myna LEBI Least Bittern GBAN Groove-billed Ani INBU Indigo Bunting LEFL Least Flycatcher GUCO Guanay Cormorant IPSP Ipswich Sparrow LEGR Least Grebe GBTE Gull-billed Tern IVGU Ivory Gull LESA Least Sandpiper GYRF Gyrfalcon IBWO Ivory-billed Woodpecker LTSP Least Storm-Petrel HAWO Hairy Woodpecker JACR Jamaican Crow LETE Least Tern HAFL Hammond’s Flycatcher JAEL Jamaican Elaenia LESB Lesser Antillean Bullfinch HRLH Harlan’s Hawk JAEU Jamaican Euphonia LESF Lesser Antillean Flycatcher YARD Harlequin Duck JAMA Jamaican Mango LAPE Lesser Antillean Pewee HRSH Harris’ Hawk JAOR Jamaican Oriole LBBG Lesser Black-backed Gull HASP Harris’ Sparrow JATO Jamaican Tody LEFR Lesser Frigatebird HCRE Hawaii Creeper JWEV Jamaican White-eyed Vireo LEGP Lesser Golden-Plover HACO Hawaiian Coot JAW0 Jamaican Woodpecker LEG0 Lesser Goldfinch HCRO Hawaiian Crow JAWE Japanese White-eye LENI Lesser Nighthawk HAWD Hawaiian Duck JASP Java Sparrow LESC Lesser Scaup HAG0 Hawaiian Goose KAMA Kamao LESH Lesser Sheathbill HWHA Hawaiian Hawk KAAK Kauai Akialoa LSGO Lesser Snow Goose HAM0 Hawaiian Moorhen KACR Kauai Creeper LWFG Lesser White-fronted Goose HAST Hawaiian Stilt KAOO Kauai 00 LEYE Lesser Yellowlegs HAWF Hawfinch KEWA Kentucky Warbler LEWO Lewis’ Woodpecker HEEG Heermann’s Gull KEPE Kerguelen Petrel LMSA Light-mantled Sooty Albatross HESP Henslow’s Sparrow KETE Kerguelen Tern LIMP Limpkin HETA Hepatic Tanager KWQD Key West Quail-Dove LISP Lincoln’s Sparrow HETH Hermit Thrush KILL Killdeer LBHE Little Blue Heron HEWA Hermit Warbler KIEI King Eider LIBU Little Bunting HERG Herring Gull KIPE King Penguin LIGU Little Gull HPKT Hispaniolan Parakeet KIRA King Rail LISH Little Shearwater HPRT Hispaniolan Parrot KIWA Kirtland’s Warbler LOKI Loggerhead Kingbird HORE Hoary Redpoll KIMU Kittlitz’s Murrelet LOSH Loggerhead Shrike HOME Hooded Merganser LBWO Ladder-backed Woodpecker LBCU Long-billed Curlew

Alpha Alpha Alpha Code Common Name Code Common Name Code Common Name LBDO Long-billed Dowitcher MOD0 Mourning Dove OWPA Orange-winged Parrot LBTH Long-billed Thrasher MOWA Mourning Warbler ORAN Orangequit LEOW Long-eared Owl MUSW Mute Swan OROR Orchard Oriole LTJA Long-tailed Jaeger MYWA Myrtle Warbler ORJU Oregon Junco LOWA Louisiana Waterthrush NAWA Nashville Warbler ORGR Oriental Greenfinch LUHU Lucifer Hummingbird NESH Newell’s Shearwater OSPR Osprey LUWA Lucy’s Warbler NIFI Nihoa Finch ou ou MGWA MacGillivray’s Warbler NBTY Northern Beardless Tyrannulet OVEN Ovenbird MACP Macaroni Penguin NOCA Northern Cardinal PALO Pacific Loon MAGU Magellan Gull NOFU Northern Fulmar PABU Painted Bunting MAGP Magellanic Penguin NOGA Northern Gannet PARE Painted Redstart MAFR Magnificent Frigatebird NGPE Northern Giant Petrel PALI Palila MAHU Magnificent Hummingbird NOGO Northern Goshawk PALB Pallas’ Reed-bunting MAWA Magnolia Warbler NOHA Northern Harrier PAAU Parakeet Auklet MALL Mallard NOHO Northern Hawk-Owl PAJA Parasitic Jaeger MBDH Mallard X Black Duck Hybrid NOJA Northern Jacana PETH Pearly-eyed Thrasher MACU Mangrove Cuckoo NOLA Northern Lapwing PEPI Pechora Pipit MASH Manx Shearwater NOM0 Northern Mockingbird PESA Pectoral Sandpiper MAGO Marbled Godwit NOPA Northern Parula PECO Pelagic Cormorant MAMU Marbled Murrelet NOPI Northern Pintail PEFA Peregrine Falcon MAID Marianas Fruit-Dove NOPO Northern Pygmy-Owl PHAI Phainopepla MAWR Marsh Wren NRWS Northern Rough-winged Swallow PHVI Philadelphia Vireo MABO Masked Booby NSWO Northern Saw-whet Owl PHTD Philippine Turtle-Dove MADU Masked Duck NSHO Northern Shoveler PHPE Phoenix Petrel MACR Maui Creeper NSHR Northern Shrike PBGR Pied-billed Grebe MAI’A Maui Parrotbill NOWA Northern Waterthrush PIGU Pigeon Guillemot MCLO McCown’s Longspur NOWH Northern Wheatear PIWO Pileated Woodpecker MKBU McKay’s Bunting NOCR Northwestern Crow PTWH Pin-tailed Whydah MEGR Melodious Grassquit NUKU Nukupuu PIGR Pine Grosbeak MELT Melodious Laughing-thrush NUMA Nutmeg Manakin PISI Pine Siskin MERL Merlin NWCS Nuttall’s White-crown Sparrow PIWA Pine Warbler MEGU Mew Gull NUWO Nuttall’s Woodpecker PFGO Pink-footed Goose MECH Mexican Chickadee NUFL Nutting’s Flycatcher PFSH Pink-footed Shearwater MECR Mexican Crow OACR Oahu Creeper PIJA Pinyon Jay MEDU Mexican Duck OLDS Oldsquaw PIPL Piping Plover MIGW Middendorff’s Grasshop-Warbler OLCO Olivaceous Cormorant PLPI Plain Pigeon MILL Millerbird OLSP Olive Sparrow PLTI Plain Titmouse MIKI Mississippi Kite OLTP Olive Tree-pipit PCST Plain-capped Star-throat MOCR Molokai Creeper OLWA Olive Warbler POJA Pomarine Jaeger MONP Mongolian Plover OLIW Olive-capped Warbler POUL Poo-uli MODU Mottled Duck OSFL Olive-sided Flycatcher PRFA Prairie Falcon MOPE Mottled Petrel OLOM Olomao PRAW Prairie Warbler MOBL Mountain Bluebird OMAO Omao PROW Prothonotary Warbler MOCH Mountain Chickadee ORAW Orange-cheeked Waxbill PUAI Puaiohi MOUP Mountain Plover OCWA Orange-crowned Warbler PUEB Puerto Rican Bullfinch MWCS Mountain White-crowned Sparrow OFPA Orange-fronted Parakeet PREM Puerto Rican Emerald

Alpha Alpha Alpha Code Common Name Code Common Name Code Common Name PRFL Puerto Rican Flycatcher RSHA Red-shouldered Hawk RWSP Rufous-winged Sparrow PRLC Puerto Rican Lizard-Cuckoo RTHA Red-tailed Hawk RUBU Rustic Bunting PRNI Puerto Rican Nightjar RTTR Red-tailed Tropicbird RUBL Rusty Blackbird PRPA Puerto Rican Parrot RTLO Red-throated Loon SAGU Sabine’s Gull PRSO Puerto Rican Screech-Owl RTPI Red-throated Pipit SAFL Sad Flycatcher PRTA Puerto Rican Tanager RVBU Red-vented Bulbul SAFI Saffron Finch PRTO Puerto Rican Tody RWBU Red-whiskered Bulbul SAGS Sage Sparrow PRVI Puerto Rican Vie0 RWBL Red-winged Blackbird SATH Sage Thrasher PRWO Puerto Rican Woodpecker REEG Reddish Egret SAND Sanderling PSWS Puget Snd White-crown Sparrow REDH Redhead SACR Sandhill Crane PUFI Purple Finch REDW Redwing SATE Sandwich Tern PUGA Purple Gallinule REHE Reef Heron SAVS Savannah Sparrow PUMA Purple Martin RHAU Rhinoceros Auklet S A P H Say’s Phoebe PUSA Purple Sandpiper RBGU Ring-billed Gull SNPI Scaly-naped Pigeon PYNU Pygmy Nuthatch RNDU Ring-necked Duck SCIB Scarlet Ibis PYRR Pyrrhuloxia RIKI Ringed Kingfisher SCTA Scarlet Tanager RAZO Razorbill RITD Ringed Turtle-Dove STFL Scissor-tailed Flycatcher REAV Red Avadavat ROHA Roadside Hawk SCOR Scott’s Oriole REBI Red Bishop ROSA Rock Sandpiper SCJA Scrub Jay RECR Red Crossbill ROWR Rock Wren SESP Seaside Sparrow REKN Red Knot ROCP Rockhopper Penguin SEWR Sedge Wren REPH Red Phalarope RBGR Rose-breasted Grosbeak SEPL Semipalmated Plover RESI Red Siskin RTBE Rose-throated Becard SESA Semipalmated Sandpiper RBWO Red-bellied Woodpecker ROSP Roseate Spoonbill SSHA Sharp-shinned Hawk RBLE Red-billed Leiothrix ROST Roseate Tern SHAS Sharp-tailed Sandpiper RBPI Red-billed Pigeon ROGO Ross’ Goose STSP Sharp-tailed Sparrow RBTR Red-billed Tropicbird ROGU Ross’ Gull SHCO Shiny Cowbird RBFL Red-breasted Flycatcher RLHA Rough-legged Hawk SBDO Short-billed Dowitcher RBME Red-breasted Merganser ROAL Royal Albatross SEOW Short-eared Owl RBNU Red-breasted Nuthatch ROYP Royal Penguin STAL Short-tailed Albatross RBSA Red-breasted Sapsucker ROYT Royal Tern STHA Short-tailed Hawk RCCO Red-cheeked Cordonbleu RCKI Ruby-crowned Ringlet SHOS Short-tailed Shearwater RCWO Red-cockaded Woodpecker RTHU Ruby-throated Hummingbird STSW Short-tailed Swift RCCA Red-crested Cardinal RUDU Ruddy Duck SHAL Shy Albatross RCPA Red-crowned Parrot RUGD Ruddy Ground-Dove SIAC Siberian Accentor REVI Red-eyed Vireo RUQD Ruddy Quail-Dove SIFL Siberian Flycatcher RFCO Red-faced Cormorant RUTU Ruddy Tumstone SIRU Siberian Rubythroat RFWA Red-faced Warbler RUFF Ruff SIT1 Siberian Tit RFBO Red-footed Booby RUHU Rufous Hummingbird SCJU Slate-colored Junco RHWO Red-headed Woodpecker RBRO Rufous-backed Robin SLAR Slate-throated Redstart RLKI Red-legged Kittiwake RCWA Rufous-capped Warbler SBGU Slaty-backed Gull RLTH Red-legged Thrush RUFS Rufous-collared Sparrow SCGO Small Canada Goose RNSA Red-naped Sapsucker RCSP Rufous-crowned Sparrow SMLO Smiths Longspur RNGR Red-necked Grebe RSTO Rufous-sided Towhee SBAN Smooth-billed Ani RNPH Red-necked Phalarope RUFH Rufous-tailed Hummingbird SNKI Snail Rite RSFL Red-shafted Flicker RTSO Rufous-throated Solitaire SNBU Snow Bunting

Alpha Alpha Alpha Code Common Name Code Common Name Code Common Name SNPE Snow Petrel TEWA Tennessee Warbler WAPI Water Pipit SBGI Snow X Blue Goose Intergrade THGU Thayer’s Gull WRSP Wedge-rumped Storm-Petrel SNEG Snowy Egret TBKI Thick-billed Kingbird WTSH Wedge-tailed Shearwater SNOW Snowy Owl TBMU Thick-billed Murre WIWD West Indian Whistling-duck SNPL Snowy Plover TBPA Thick-billed Parrot WEBL Western Bluebird SNSH Snowy Sheathbill TBVI Thick-billed Vireo WEFL Western Flycatcher SOSA Solitary Sandpiper TBPR Thin-billed Priori WEGR Western Grebe SOVI Solitary Vireo TTWO Three-toed Woodpecker WEGU Western Gull SOSP Song Sparrow TOSH Townsend’s Shearwater WEKI Western Kingbird SOAL Sooty Albatross TOSO Townsend’s Solitaire WEME Western Meadowlark SOSH Sooty Shearwater TOWA Townsend’s Warbler WIWA Western Palm Warbler SOOP Sooty Storm-Petrel TRFL Traill’s Flycatcher WESA Western Sandpiper SOTE Sooty Tern TRES Tree Swallow WESO Western Screech-Owl SORA Sora TREM Trembler WETA Western Tanager SPSK South Polar Skua TRBL Tricolored Blackbird WEWP Western Wood-Pewee SBBG Southern Black-backed Gull TRHE Tricolored Heron WHIM Whimbrel SOFU Southern Fulmar TRKI Tropical Kingbird WPWI Whip-poor-will SGPE Southern Giant Petrel TRMO Tropical Mockingbird WHAU Whiskered Auklet SHWR Southern House Wren TRl’A Tropical Panda WHSO Whiskered Screech-Owl SPEI Spectacled Eider TROU Troupial WHSW Whistling Swan SPOS Spoonbill Sandpiper TRUS Trumpeter Swan WHIB White Ibis SPDO Spotted Dove TUDU Tufted Duck WHTE White Tern SPOW Spotted Owl TUPU Tufted Puffin WHWA White Wagtail SPSA Spotted Sandpiper TUVU Turkey Vulture WBDO White-bellied Dove SPTO Spotted Towhee UDEJ Unidentified Dark-eyed Junco WBNU White-breasted Nuthatch SPOO Spotted-breasted Oriole UNGU Unidentified Gull WHIP White-cheeked Pintail SPPI Sprague’s Pipit UNHU Unidentified Hummingbird WCPE White-chinned Petrel STEI Steller’s Eider UNTE Unidentified Teal WCTH White-chinned Thrush STJA Steller’s Jay UPSA Upland Sandpiper WCSE White-collared Seedeater STSA Stilt Sandpiper VABU Varied Bunting WCPI White-crowned Pigeon STOF Stolid Flycatcher VATH Varied Thrush WCSP White-crowned Sparrow STRO Streak-backed Oriole VATI Varied Tit WEHU White-eared Hummingbird STRS Streaked Shearwater VASW Vaux’s Swift WETH White-eyed Thrush STTL Streamertail VEER Veery WEVI White-eyed Vireo STWO Strickland’s Woodpecker VERD Verdin WFIB White-faced Ibis SHTA Stripe-headed Tanager VEFL Vermilion Flycatcher WFSP White-faced Storm-Petrel SBFL Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher VESP Vesper Sparrow WHWO White-headed Woodpecker SUTA Summer Tanager VIPE Victoria Penguin WNCR White-necked Crow SUSC Surf Scoter VCHU Violet-crowned Hummingbird WRSA White-rumped Sandpiper SURF Surfbird VGSW Violet-green Swallow WRSH White-rumped Shama SUWA Sutton’s Warbler VIRA Virginia Rail WTHA White-tailed Hawk SWHA Swainson’s Hawk VIWA Virginia’s Warbler WTTR White-tailed Tropicbird SWTH Swainson’s Thrush WAAL Wandering Albatross WTGD White-throated Ground-Dove SWWA Swainson’s Warbler WATA Wandering Tattler WTSP White-throated Sparrow SWSP Swamp Sparrow WAS1 Warbling Silverbill WHSP White-throated Storm-Petrel TSBL Tawny-shouldered Blackbird WAVI Warbling Vireo WTSW White-throated Swift

Alpha Alpha Alpha Code Common Name Code Common Name Code Common Name WTDO White-tipped Dove WOTH Wood Thrush YBCH Yellow-breasted Chat WVMY White-vented Myna WOWA Wood Warbler YBCR Yellow-breasted Crake WWCR White-winged Crossbill WEWA Worm-eating Warbler YCNH Yellow-crowned Night-Heron WWDO White-winged Dove WOSP Worthen’s Sparrow YEJU Yellow-eyed Junco WWJU White-winged Junco WREN Wrentit YFGR Yellow-faced Grassquit wwsc White-winged Scoter XAMU Xantus’ Murrelet YFGU Yellow-footed Gull WWTE White-winged Tern YEGR Yellow Grosbeak YFCA Yellow-fronted Canary WHOS Whooper Swan YPWA Yellow Palm Warbler YGVI Yellow-green Vireo WHCR Whooping Crane YERA Yellow Rail YHBL Yellow-headed Blackbird WILL Willet YWAG Yellow Wagtail YNAL Yellow-nosed Albatross WISA Williamson’s Sapsucker YWAR Yellow Warbler YSFL Yellow-shafted Flicker WIFL Willow Flycatcher YBEL Yellow-bellied Elaenia YSBL Yellow-shouldered Blackbird WIPL Wilson’s Plover YBFL Yellow-bellied Flycatcher YSGR Yellow-shouldered Grassquit WISP Wilson’s Storm-Petrel YBSA Yellow-bellied Sapsucker YTVI Yellow-throated Vireo WIWA Wilson’s Warbler YBSE Yellow-bellied Seedeater YTWA Yellow-throated Warbler WIPH Wilsons Phalarope YBCA Yellow-billed Cardinal ZEBD Zebra Dove WIWR Winter Wren YBCU Yellow-billed Cuckoo ZEND Zenaida Dove WODU Wood Duck YBLO Yellow-billed Loon ZTHA Zone-tailed Hawk WOST Wood Stork YBMA Yellow-billed Magpie

Field Maps

Datasheets

Variable Circular Plot Point Count Field Sheet (aka, “Bull’s-eye Datasheet)

Date: Observer: Start: End:

State: Location: Unit: Compartment: Stand: Point:

Year of Temp (F): Wind: Sky: Cover Type: Treatment: Treatment:

N-S Coordinate: E-W Coordinate: Zone*: (N-S=Latitude; E-W=Longitude) *Zone = 0 for lat-long (geographic); else enter a UTM Zone.

25m 50m 100m

Female Observed NOCA

Male Observed NOCA Pair Together, assumed mated NOCA

Observed, NOCA 0-3 minutes sex unknown NOCA 4-5 minutes

NOCA 6-10 minutes 17

1.02-Wintering Waterfowl Monitoring | FF04RLDA00-002

Conducted by: D’Arbonne NWR Version: 1.0 Date: September 2016 Refuge contact: Gypsy Hanks, Refuge Biologist, North Louisiana Refuge Complex

Overview: This survey provides data regarding wintering waterfowl numbers by species, water level management, and moist soil vegetation within the Beanfield Unit of D’Arbonne NWR. This unit is where targeted management of wintering waterfowl is conducted. Each year the unit is drawn down in spring or summer to manage for preferred waterfowl plant species, such as sprangletop (Dinebra panicea ssp. brachiata, Diplachne fascicularis), sedges (Cyperaceae), millet (Echinochloa sp.), and toothcup (Ammannia coccinea). Water is then pumped, if necessary, in the fall to provide habitat for migrating and wintering ducks.

The Beanfield Unit consists of 460 acres within the management levee (see Supplemental Documents, Field Maps). A water level gage is established and set to zero at ground level. Shapefiles have been created using GPS data of water surface area during different gage level readings. The entire 460-acre field cannot be seen to count waterfowl from the ground accurately; nor can the field be counted from the ground once the bayou tops the levee and floods the field. Aerial surveys would be accurate but too expensive to conduct frequently. Wintering waterfowl, being migratory birds, are a trust resource of the US Fish and Wildlife Service. The refuge contributes wintering waterfowl foraging habitat to meet state, Lower Mississippi Valley Joint Venture (LMVJV), and regional objectives. Currently, Louisiana is deficient in wintering waterfowl habitat by 51.7 million duck energy days.

Target species/taxa/community: wintering waterfowl, water level management, and vegetation cover and frequency in the Beanfield Unit.

Survey Objectives: • determine which species and number of ducks utilize the Beanfield Unit • record water levels • determine type of food availability

Design: Vegetation surveys are conducted along 10 transects that are randomly located each year. Waterfowl counts are conducted from the ground unless aerial counts can be afforded. Water level will be recorded each time ducks are counted using an on-site, fixed gage.

Survey Timing: • Waterfowl Counts (ground counts) and Water Level: Annually - 3x/month from mid- October to mid-March, or until floodwaters top the levee. • Waterfowl Counts (aerial counts): Annually - 1x/month from mid-October to mid-March. • Vegetation Surveys: Every 2 Years - Late Summer

Methods: Waterfowl Counts: Waterfowl numbers are counted by species by driving the Beanfield Unit levee three times per month, preferably in the morning. Weather conditions are noted. Efforts are made to count the same area of the field each time until the bayou tops the levee making ground counts impossible. Water Levels: Water levels are recorded at the beginning of each count. Vegetation Surveys: During late summer, vegetation is surveyed using ten random transects. Horizontal cover is sampled at the 20 ft intervals along each 100 foot transect (5 cover measurements/transect). Percent cover is determined visually using a 20”x20” quadrat. Plants are identified to genus unless species is known.

Data Management: Data are stored in Microsoft Excel spreadsheets at the North Louisiana Refuges Complex office. Data are used for local refuge habitat analysis to determine if moist soil management of the Beanfield is effective at providing wintering waterfowl habitat.

Reporting: Waterfowl numbers are sent to the Migratory Bird Office as requested.

Supplemental Documents:

Field Maps

1.03-Red-cockaded Woodpecker Monitoring | FF04RLDA00-003

Conducted by: D’Arbonne NWR Version: 1.0 Date: September 2016 Refuge contact: Gypsy Hanks, Refuge Biologist, North Louisiana Refuge Complex

Overview: Population monitoring of red-cockaded woodpeckers (RCW) is a critical component to their conservation and recovery. The primary regional objectives of monitoring RCW populations are to determine population size and trends; evaluate and qualify for translocations; evaluate management actions; measure impacts from other activities; document mitigation success or failure; and answer research questions. Assessing the status of RCW population size is the critical component for determining whether or not recovery goals have been met.

D’Arbonne National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is designated as housing an ‘important support population’ of RCWs the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) “Red-cockaded Woodpecker Recovery Plan” (USFWS 2003) (“Recovery Plan”). ‘Important support populations’ contain and have a population and recovery goal of less than 10 active clusters. The “Recovery Plan” has identified a population goal of 5 active clusters for D’Arbonne NWR. An active cluster is a group of RCW’s that contains one or more trees with a completed cavity or start hole exhibiting fresh pine resin associated with cavity maintenance, cavity construction, or resin well excavation. Total area designated for RCW management and recovery on the refuge is 1,000 acres. There are approximately 3 currently active clusters of RCW cavities on the refuge. Each of these is located on upland pine-hardwood habitat, including Management Units 4C and 1A.

The RCW Monitoring is scheduled to occur annually. Population and trend information is collected in this survey, through careful monitoring of the number of active clusters and potential breeding groups. Other information collected in this survey includes degree of reproductive success (~breeding activity); number of potential and in-use habitat acres treated (e.g., prescribed fire, mechanical disturbance; number of artificial cavities, inserts or cavities/starts drilled); amount and type of predator control; amount and type of cavity kleptoparasitism; summaries of RCW translocations; summaries of RCW injury and mortality; and tally of RCW nest and active tree mortality. This survey provides data for local and regional population models, as well as helps prioritize open pine woodland (ecosystem-level) management activities across the entire refuge uplands.

Target species/taxa/community: All RCWs and their upland pine habitat on the refuge.

Survey Objectives: This survey will provide the data regarding individuals in the refuge red- cockaded woodpecker (RCW) population, nesting activity and success, cavity usage and condition, and habitat condition to meet the requirements of the “Recovery Plan for the Red- cockaded Woodpecker (Picoides borealis), Second Revision” (FWS 2003).

Design: Population Size & Trend and Predator Control Monitoring: The sampling unit for these portions of the survey is the total number of managed clusters on the following refuge Management Units: 4C and 1A (see Supplemental Documents, Field Maps). A managed cluster is the sum of active, inactive, and recruitment (or newly created) clusters. The appropriate intensity of RCW population monitoring depends on the size of population, role in recovery, and management objectives. The two most critical metrics of RCW population monitoring are number of active clusters and number of potential breeding groups. Active cluster counts consist of two approaches: 1) evaluation of the activity status of known clusters during and immediately prior to the breeding season, and 2) identification of new clusters. The number of active clusters is considered a known, rather than an estimated, measure of RCW population size. Based on the current RCW population size for D’Arbonne NWR, the “Recovery Plan” suggests sampling 100% of potential active clusters per year to determine the number of active clusters (USFWS 2003, Table 11). Monitoring data are also collected in managed clusters that document flying squirrel removal. Breeding Status/Activity Monitoring: The sampling unit for this portion of the survey is all active clusters with potential breeding groups on the refuge’s uplands. Because knowing the number of active clusters alone does not provide a determination of breeding activity within a cluster, it is often accompanied with a measure of potential breeding group size. A potential breeding group is defined as an adult female and adult male that both occupy the same cluster. Based on the current RCW population size for D’Arbonne NWR, the “Red-cockaded Woodpecker Recovery Plan” suggests sampling 100% of potential active clusters per year to determine the number of potential breeding groups (USFWS 2003, Table 11). The plan also suggests a complete population sample for D’Arbonne NWR, because of the small number of potential breeding groups located on the refuge. In addition to identifying active cluster and potential breeding group size, the “Red-cockaded Woodpecker Recovery Plan” also suggests monitoring RCW group size and reproductive success (USFWS 2003, Population Monitoring Guidelines 8C). Habitat Monitoring: In nesting/roosting sites, the sampling unit for this portion of the survey is the number of suitable cavity trees within an RCW cluster on the refuge’s uplands. Decline of the amount and quality of habitat is the primary cause of RCW decline. Monitoring of habitat occurs annually in nesting/roosting sites of managed clusters, and 100% of all cavities are assessed. Translocation Monitoring: The sampling unit for this portion of the survey is translocated individuals located on the refuge’s uplands. Translocation, or the anthropogenic movement of wild organisms between or within populations, is an important management tool for the recovery of RCWs when it is used appropriately and in conjunction with the management of high-quality nesting and foraging habitat. Translocation is considered a success if the individual moved becomes a breeder in the targeted area. All translocated birds, either from elsewhere or within the refuge, are monitored on D’Arbonne NWR’s uplands following release to determine success of translocations. Injury & Mortality Monitoring: The sampling unit for this portion of the survey is injured and deceased individuals found on the refuge’s uplands. Monitoring data are collected in managed clusters that document RCW injury and mortality. Nest & Active Tree Monitoring: The sampling unit for this portion of the survey is active trees located on the refuge’s perimeter uplands. The activity and suitability of RCW cavities is

determined by using a Treetop Peeper® Camera System to inspect the condition and contents of artificial cavities.

Survey Timing: Population Size & Trend (Known Clusters), Breeding Status/Activity, Habitat, Nest & Active Tree, Predator Control and Injury & Mortality Monitoring: March – July (annual, all known clusters) Population Size & Trend (New Active Clusters): March – July (annual) Translocation Monitoring: March – July (first and subsequent breeding seasons following translocation event)

Methods: Population Size & Trend Monitoring (Known Clusters): Activity status of all known, potentially active clusters on the uplands of D’Arbonne NWR is assessed by an experienced RCW biologist. Potentially active clusters are those clusters that have been active in the previous 5 years and inactive clusters that have undergone habitat structure restoration or cavity installation. The number of potential breeding groups is determined for those clusters that are determined to be active during a given monitoring year. Potential breeding groups are assessed by nest checks every 7 to 11 days using a camera probe (peeper) until nesting is documented. If no nest is documented by early June, group status is determined by morning follows that last 30-60 minutes following cavity departure in the morning. Population Size & Trend (New Active Clusters): Newly established clusters are the result of single adults or juveniles dispersing from existing clusters and taking up residence in recruitment or inactive clusters. If the newly active cluster is in close proximity to the breeding/natal cluster, the new resident RCW may continue to forage with members of its family group. In some cases, this new resident may be joined by another RCW of the opposite sex and establish a pair bond. Breeding Status/Activity Monitoring: Once a nest is documented, the number of eggs or nestlings and nestling age is determined using a camera probe. Other data that are collected include the date of observation and cavity tree and cluster identifiers. If a nest contains eggs, the cluster is visited every seven days to determine if there are nestlings. Nestlings that are 5 to 10 days old are banded for future accurate determination of group status (e.g., number and age of males and females) with a unique combination of color bands (see below) and U.S. Geological Survey aluminum band. Unbanded adult birds can be color-banded anytime outside of the breeding season. A combination of three color bands is placed on one leg and a USGS aluminum band and color band on the other leg. Once nestlings are banded, late nestling checks should be performed before day 21. If it is not certain what age nestlings are or if it is after day 21, do not camera probe the nest cavity for this can cause nestling to fledge prematurely. If late nesting checks can be conducted, determine sex of each banded bird. Fledgling checks are performed 2 to 14 days after the estimated fledgling date. Data recorded during these checks include number of fledglings, color-band combinations, and sex. If a banded nestling is not observed within an hour of the fledgling check, a second check is conducted within 10 days. If a banded nestling is not observed during this second check, the nest cavity and other active trees in the cluster are examined for second nest attempt. Group composition is determined for each active cluster using color-band observations. A breeding male within a cluster is identified by the following criteria: 1) the only male in the group, 2) the oldest male in the group, 23

3) roosts in the nest cavity, or 4) he was the previous year’s breeding male All other males present within the active cluster are assigned a ‘helper’ status. A breeding female within a cluster is identified by the following criteria: 1) the only female in the group, 2) the oldest female in the group, or 3) she was the previous year’s breeding female Habitat Monitoring: During activity status checks (March – July), the number of suitable cavities are assessed. A suitable cavity is defined as having “a single entrance, an entrance tunnel that is not enlarged, a cavity chamber that is not enlarged, a solid base, and is dry and free of debris” (USFWS 2003). Suitable cavities may be natural or artificially constructed. For each active cluster, there must be a minimum of four suitable cavities. Artificial cavities are installed when suitable cavity numbers fall below this threshold. At least four suitable cavities, or three suitable cavities and two starts, should be maintained in each recruitment cluster. Translocation Monitoring: During activity status checks during the breeding season and subsequent breeding seasons following release (March – July), translocated individuals’ breeding position (e.g., breeder, established pair bond) and location (e.g., remained at target cluster, dispersed to another cluster, disappeared) are assessed. Identification of these individuals is based on color-bands. Nest & Active Tree Monitoring: During activity status checks (March – July), each RCW nest and active cavity tree that suffers loss or mortality is identified and specific causes of loss and mortality are determined. Predator Control Monitoring: During activity status checks (March – July), the number of cavity restrictors and exclusion devices added or removed are assessed. The number of flying squirrels removed from active, inactive, and recruitment clusters is recorded for the annual report. Injury & Mortality Monitoring: Throughout the year, observed injury or mortality events are assessed. If injury is suspected, RCW’s are captured to assess the degree of injury.

Data Management: Data are stored digitally in Microsoft Excel (banding data, nest success), MS Word (RCW field notes) and in ArcGIS (cavity status and location) format at the North Louisiana Refuges Complex office. Banding data are also entered into Bandit and forwarded to the Bird Banding Laboratory. A copy of all data is also sent to the Southeast Region RCW Coordinator and used for local refuge habitat analysis (RCW habitat matrix) and regional population assessments.

Reporting: An annual RCW Report is filled out in the Digital Annual Reporting Tool (DART v2.3) database and sent to the RCW Recovery Coordinator. This report is completed in January for the previous calendar year. DART is a Microsoft Access database that is located on the Refuge Biologist’s computer.

Citations:

U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2003. Recovery Plan for the Red-cockaded Woodpecker (Picoides borealis), Second Revision. Southeast Region, Atlanta, Georgia.

Supplemental Documents: 24

Field Maps

Datasheets

RCW Nest Check Sheet

Refuge Cluster

date of date of date of next banding sex check Date Tree # # of eggs # of chicks age check

Chicks banded? Number of chicks by Successful? _ sex: _

Comments: _ _

Refuge Cluster

date of date of date of next banding sex check Date Tree # # of eggs # of chicks age check

Chicks banded? Number of chicks by Successful? _ sex: _

1.04-Forest Inventory | FF04RLDA00-016

Conducted by: D’Arbonne NWR Version: 1.0 Date: September 2016 Refuge contact: Chris Foster, Refuge Forester, North Louisiana Refuge Complex

Overview: This survey assesses the condition (species composition and structure) of a forest stand to determine if it is in agreement with target conditions and informs management actions to achieve forest habitat objectives. The D’Arbonne Forest Inventory provides data about existing stand conditions and directly determines whether management actions are taken to meet habitat structure objectives for priority species. Forest stands are evaluated on a multi-year rotation schedule (10-15 year cycle) using variable plots to measure species composition, stand structure, and habitat condition.

Survey Objectives: To assess the current forest condition to determine if treatment is needed to meet habitat objectives.

Target species/taxa/community: Forest habitats including bottomland hardwoods, mixed pine hardwood, and upland pine.

Design: A simple cruise grid is generated using GIS and cruise points are established at equal distances across all habitats within the compartment. The survey timing will depend on site conditions and will occur as management actions are conducted on selected forest stands. The primary metrics collected are dbh, species, age, canopy cover. Other metrics that may be collected if within RCW habitat include midstory and understory composition as rated in the RCW Recovery Plan.

Survey Timing: Refuge staff select priority areas across the refuge to survey based on time since the last survey and specific management need. The focus is on areas believed to have reasonable long-term probability of successful management to improve habitat for priority species through silvicultural methods.

Methods: Forested habitat inventory is based on land area. On D’Arbonne NWR, the forested land area has been divided into forest “compartments”, usually delineated by physical features such as roads, drainages, etc. The percentage of the land area that is inventoried will be dictated by forest variables, such as species composition, diameter distribution, etc. A compartment that has more variables may require a higher percentage of sampling. Forest habitat inventory percentage for the purpose of treatment planning will usually fall between 2-5%. For upland pine habitat, data are collected using point sampling (10 BAF prism). For bottomland hardwood habitat, data are collected using fixed radius plots (0.2 acre for sawtimber and .05 acre for pulpwood). Data collected using either point or plot sampling may be recorded using a paper tally or field computer, then processed using the TCruise software. If a field computer is being used, Soloforest is available which provides spatial reference to navigate to each point. Both individual tree data and plot level information are recorded at each plot.

Plot level data are visual estimates taken from each grid point. Plot level variables may include overstory canopy cover, midstory coverage, understory coverage, ground coverage, cane abundance, abundance of vines in canopy, presence of invasive species and abundance of regeneration (separated into shade tolerant and intolerant). In bottomland hardwood forest, variables are recorded in ranges relative to Desired Forest Condition guidelines (LMVJV 2007). In pine forest, variables are recorded relative to RCW habitat requirements (FWS 2003).

• Canopy cover (vertical sunlight blockage) will be estimated as follows: <50% cover, 50-80% cover and >80% cover. • Midstory abundance are trees typically 10’-30’ tall and ocular estimates of midstory (horizontal vision obstruction estimate) will be <25%, 25-40% and >40%. • Understory woody vegetation (ex. shrubs <10’ tall) will be estimated as being <25%, 25-40% or >40% shrub cover in the plot area. • Cane abundance will be estimated around plot center as being none, sparse (1-25%), moderate (25-50%) or abundant (>50%) cane coverage. • Abundance of vines in trees will be estimated as being none, sparse (1-25%), moderate (25- 50%) or abundant (>50%) of trees in plot having vines. • Invasives (none, Chinese privet, trifoliate orange, kudzu, Chinaberry, Japanese climbing fern and “other spp”) will be noted at each point (or if observed anywhere in the nearby vicinity). • Regeneration – both seedlings and advanced regen in 1/100 acre (11.8ac) subplot. Quick estimates only - Shade Intolerant (I) species - Moderate (intermediate) Shade Tolerance Regen (M) - Tolerant Regen (T) • None • Sparse • moderate • abundant

When point sampling, a 10BAF prism will be used, and all trees that are designated as “in” will be tallied. In plot sampling, trees that fall within the plot radius of their product class will be recorded at each plot. For both methods, examples of data logged include species, DBH, product class, merchantable height, presence of cavities by size (none, small = <4”, medium = 4-10” and large >10”, den tree, and tree classification (cut or leave).

Large (min 6” x 10’) down woody debris will be logged as a tree (species code DD) and DBH/length estimated so that approximate volume of down woody debris can be calculated. Product categories include Pulpwood, Sawtimber and Cull.

• Pulpwood is 6”dbh to 4” top with height in 5’ increments and maximum 26” dbh. • Sawtimber is 14” dbh to 12” top with height in logs. • Non-merchantable timber should be recorded as product class cull (CL). Auto Assign product for all SNAGS

Note: Products are auto-assigned in TCruise based upon these specifications. Manually downgrade as needed and specify culls. If a point falls on road/edge atypical of the general area, walk 1 chain into woods to collect data.

Data Management: Data are entered into and analyzed with TCruise software. Data storage includes a hardcopy and TCruise database. Paper copies are stored by regional office and refuge office staff.

Reporting: The refuge forester generates the report for the refuge and management prescription if necessary. The refuge archives the report in ServCat.

Other Information: Each inventory is customized to address refuge specific needs, but generally include traditional timber cruise information (tree species, dbh, height, product, etc.) along with numerous habitat variables ranging from groundcover abundance and structure, shrub, midstory and canopy density, invasives, vines, snags, cavities, down woody debris, etc. Most of the plot level variables are simple ocular estimates as this allows for adequate general analysis of condition relative to DFCs but is likely more variable than using techniques to actually measure these variables as this would be too time consumptive for our needs.

Citations:

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2003. Recovery Plan for the Red-cockaded Woodpecker (Picoides borealis), Second Revision. Southeast Region, Atlanta, Georgia.

Lower Mississippi Valley Joint Venture Forest Resource Working Group 2007. Restoration, Management, and Monitoring of Forest Resources in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley: Recommendations for Enhancing Wildlife Habitat. Edited by R. Wilson, K. Ribbeck, S. King, and D. Twedt

Field Maps

1.05-Freshwater Mussel Inventory | FF04RLDA00-019

Conducted by: Welch & Harris LLC Version: 1.0 Date: October 2017 Refuge contact: Gypsy Hanks, Refuge Biologist, North Louisiana Refuge Complex

Overview: Freshwater mussels are a highly diverse, yet extremely imperiled taxon that can serve as important indicators of aquatic ecosystem health. Unfortunately, more than 30% of native freshwater mussels are listed or proposed for listing under the Endangered Species Act. A comprehensive survey of freshwater mussels has not been completed on D’Arbonne NWR. This survey is designed to provide presence/absence, density estimates, and location of beds of freshwater mussel species in Bayou D’Arbonne and its tributaries on the refuge.

Survey Objectives: Provide a baseline inventory and location of freshwater mussels species across appropriate habitat on the refuge.

Target species/taxa/community: Freshwater mussels within Bayou D’Arbonne and its tributaries within D’Arbonne NWR.

Design: The sample design and methodology follows that of Davidson (1997) and others who developed mussel survey designs for use in large rivers in Arkansas through a series of Master’s theses.

Survey Timing: During low flow periods, typically late summer and early fall.

Methods: All appropriate habitat within the study area will be surveyed for the presence of mussel resources. Surface-air diving techniques will be utilized to survey Bayou D’Arbonne. Appropriate habitat will be traversed in an upstream to downstream fashion to locate mussel concentrations and beds. Once mussel resources are located, bed dimensions will be determined and a timed search will be conducted to establish species composition and approximate abundance. Mussel concentrations and beds will be searched using qualitative, timed searches (Davidson 1997). Mussels are hand-picked, bagged, transported to the surface, identified and counted, then returned to the river. Federally listed, proposed, and candidate species will be measured.

Investigators will search favorable habitat and/or approximately 500 to 600 foot intervals in deeper water for mussels. Mussel beds are defined as areas ≥100 m2 with mean mussel densities ≥10 mussels/m2. Mussel concentrations are defined as areas with mussels covering <100 m2 and/or with mean mussel densities <10 mussels/m2. Mussel bed or concentration dimensions, location, densities, water depth, habitat/substrate type will be recorded. Bed and concentration locations will be marked and mapped using GPS technology.

Data Management: Original paper data sheets and a digital version in MS Excel format will be stored at both Welch & Harris LLC and the North Louisiana Refuge Complex office. Any voucher specimens collected will be archived at Arkansas State University.

Reporting: A final report of all data and findings will be produced by Welch & Harris LLC and provided to the refuge in FY18. This report will be archived in ServCat.

Citations: Davidson, C. L. 1997. Analysis of mussel beds in the Little Missouri and Saline Rivers, Blue Mountain, Ozark and Dardanelle Lakes Arkansas. Page 156. Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR.

Supplemental Documents:

Datasheets

1.06-Fire Effects Monitoring |FF04RLDA00-008

Conducted by: D’Arbonne NWR Version: 1.0 Date: September 2016 Refuge contact: Gypsy Hanks, Refuge Biologist, North Louisiana Refuge Complex

Overview: Prescribed fire is used to create and maintain RCW habitat at D’Arbonne NWR. To meet the requirements of Good Quality Foraging Habitat for RCWs (FWS 2003), the midstory must remain open with woody plants remaining below 2.1m in height and herbaceous plant groundcover > 40%. This survey was selected to continue because it is a required part of RCW habitat management as outlined in the “Recovery Plan for the Red-cockaded Woodpecker (Picoides borealis), Second Revision” (FWS 2003). This survey contributes to determining if CCP mixed pine and hardwood objectives 1, 2 and 3, species of special concern objective 2, and HMP objectives 4.2.1, 4.2.2, and 4.2.3 are being met.

Survey Objectives: To determine if the understory component of Good Quality Foraging Habitat is being met for RCWs.

Target species/taxa/community: Understory plant community within D’Arbonne’s RCW habitat.

Design: Seven macroplots of 100 ft by 100 ft are permanently located within RCW habitat. A shapefile of plot locations is stored in the North Louisiana Refuges Complex GIS database.

Survey Timing: Plots are surveyed every two years in September.

Methods: Plots located within RCW stands are 100 feet by 100 feet consisting of two parallel 100-ft transects oriented north-south. Ten frequency measurements and woody height measurements are taken along 10-ft intervals of each transect. Five cover measurements are taken at every 20-ft interval along each transect within a 20 feet x 20 feet quadrat. Frequency and cover vegetation are classified as woody, grass, or forb. Four photos are taken from plot center facing each cardinal direction.

Data Management: Data are stored at the North Louisiana Refuge Complex office in MS Excel format. Photos are stored in the refuge biologist’s computer by year.

Reporting: Data are summarized for frequency and cover for woody, grass, and forb vegetation. An average of these measurements is calculated for each plot along with an average woody plant height.

Citations: U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2003. Recovery Plan for the Red-cockaded Woodpecker (Picoides borealis), Second Revision. Southeast Region, Atlanta, Georgia.

Supplemental Documents: 34

Field Maps

Fire Effects Monitoring Data Sheet

MacroPlot Date _ Refuge_

Transect 1

Point intercept 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Heigh Heigh Heigh Heigh Heigh Heigh Heigh Heigh Heigh Heigh t t t t t t t t t t grass forb woody

Cover 1 2 3 4 5 grass forb woody

Transect 2

Point intercept 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Heigh Heigh Heigh Heigh Heigh Heigh Heigh Heigh Heigh Heigh t t t t t t t t t t grass forb woody

Cover 1 2 3 4 5 grass forb woody

1.07-Deer Harvest Survey |FF04RLDA00-009

Conducted by: D’Arbonne NWR Version: 1.0 Date: September 2016 Refuge contact: Gypsy Hanks, Refuge Biologist, North Louisiana Refuge Complex

Overview: The National Wildlife Refuge Improvement Act of 1997, Public Law 105-57 provides recognition that wildlife-dependent recreational uses involving hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and environmental education and interpretation, when determined to be compatible, are legitimate and appropriate public uses of the Refuge System. Hunting is an effective management tool to control the local white-tailed deer population on D’Arbonne NWR in the near absence of large predators. Monitoring hunter participation and animals harvested allows assessment of compatibility so as not to interfere with the establishing purposes for the refuge. Moreover, this survey will inform the refuge about the health of animals and identify demographic changes in the white-tailed deer population.

Survey Objectives: This survey is designed to estimate the annual harvest of white-tailed deer on the refuge, health of the population, and the hunter effort required to maintain that health.

Target species/taxa/community: White-tailed deer harvested on the refuge.

Design: Deer harvest and hunter effort data is collected from refuge daily self-clearing cards during archery season and mandatory check stations during managed gun hunts.

Survey Timing: Data are collected from all deer gun hunts annually through mandatory manned check stations. Archery deer hunting data are collected from mandatory self-clearing check stations.

Methods: Daily use cards are picked up from check stations around the refuge on a frequent basis during hunting season. During the managed, gun hunts, refuge staff run mandatory check stations where all harvested deer are counted and age, sex, lactation, antler and weight data are collected.

Data Management: Data are entered annually in to a MS Excel file and stored at the North Louisiana Refuge Complex office. Data are summarized by year and across years using simple confidence intervals to determine significance of trends in weights.

Reporting: Annual refuge summary reports are produced by refuge staff and uploaded to ServCat. A copy of the data is sent to the Deer Study Leader of Louisiana Dept. of Wildlife & Fisheries.

Citations:

Supplemental Documents:

Deer Harvest Survey Data Sheet

REFUGE

Antler Antler WEIGHT Length Circum LACTATION DATE HUNTER'S NAME SEX AGE LIVE FD EMPTY POINTS Right Left Right Left SPREAD WET DRY COMMENTS