This project was a pilot project to initiate a grassland bird nesting study on the Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge, in order to assess reproductive success of breeding birds. Initial efforts are being focused on estimating reproductive rates in 'typical' Refuge prairie, i.e., mixed-grass prairie intermixed with varying amounts of exotic crested wheatgrass, and managed with a combination of rest, and prescribed fire and/or grazing. Emphasis is on grassland passerines, but
nests of all species were marked and tracked. During two seasons approximately 6-8 plots (3-4 plots/season) were sampled, and nesting success on 'typical' managed prairies on the Refuge were characterized. Future research will then be more directed, aimed at assessing productivity in different habitats and under different management practices, on Waterfowl Production Areas, and on private lands in the Wetland Management District; and toward identifying limiting factors and threats for this important suite of birds.
This progress report summarizes the first-year pilot effort in monitoring reproductive success of prairie birds at Medicine Lake NWR Complex.
