We determined marsh bird use across a wide range of wetland types (e.g., emergent, non-vegetated, riparian), hydrologic regimes (e.g., temporary, seasonal, semi-permanent), management practices (e.g., active, passive, unmanaged), and past disturbance regimes (e.g., natural and restored, impounded and unimpounded) in Illinois during late spring and early summer in 2015–2017. Our objectives were to 1) compare marsh bird use of restored and natural wetlands, 2) determine characteristics of wetlands and the surrounding landscape that influence marsh bird use of restored and natural wetlands, 3) compare marsh bird use of wetland impoundments managed for waterfowl across a continuum of management intensities and strategies to predict how these actions can increase use by both waterfowl and marsh birds. Additionally, we surveyed marsh birds using the standard protocols on wetlands concurrently surveyed within the Illinois Critical Trends Assessment Program (CTAP) for comparison of methodologies. We will provide marsh bird and other wetland-associated bird data to the Midwest Avian Data Center and the Avian Knowledge Network (AKN) and other conservation partners.Our data will be used as a basis for establishment of multi-group management strategies for marsh birds in the Midwest. These data will be especially useful as the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) finalizes their Wetlands Campaign and Conservation Strategy as part of the Illinois Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Plan and Strategy (i.e., wildlife action plan; ICWCPS). Moreover, our research addresses several priorities outlined in the Midwest bird monitoring framework outlined by Koch et al. (2010), including furthering understanding of the ecology and conservation priorities for migrating birds, evaluating effectiveness of conservation actions such as wetland restoration, and increasing access to bird data relative to landscape characteristics for use in conservation planning.Unites States Fish and Wildlife Service Contract Number: F14AP00485unpublishednot peer reviewedOpe
