Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Working Group Meeting
Asheville, North Carolina
North Carolina Arboretum
February 14-15, 2002
DRAFT MEETING NOTES (***These are draft notes that may contain unintended errors. Please send corrections or additions to Keith Watson .)
Thursday, February 14th
WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS
The meeting was opened with a welcome and general purpose by Keith Watson.
Introductions were made by participants
The following persons attended the first day. Those marked with an asterisk
attended only the first day.
OBJECTIVES
John Gerwin followed with a discussion of objectives identified as:
1) Establish the Working Group and chair
2) Identify Threats
Poor habitat condition, i.e. closed canopies, proximity to open areas where saplings occur
3) Determine geographical distribution and status, especially regionally and seasonally
Conduct needed surveys, mostly NC
Mark birds, telemetry data
Annual monitoring key sites with tape playback in late April-June
4) Determine taxonomic status
Genetic research and collection up and down the range of Appalachians
5) Determine habitat characteristics
6) Develop a literary template of YBSA knowledge for public land managers
Also identified this as an opportunity to conduct outreach on Southern Appalachian bird conservation issues.
TAXONOMIC STATUS
Chuck Hunter led a discussion on the taxonomic status of this species. Highlights captured during this discussion were:
1957 AOU Checklist - listed this species as a subspecies; this is one of the few recognized subspecies in the Southern Appalachians; an isolated population in the Southern Appalachians in distinct and disjunct areas; in Birds of West Virginia by West Hall, birds OF West Virginia, characteristics are similar to more southern birds in Appalachianss, but are different.
Question that needs to be answered: Are they really different?
They (southern YBSA and northern YBSA) are suffering similar habitat issues.
The possibility exists that this bird may be endangered. It
is a subspecies specific only to the Southern Appalachians. Other species
populations in the Southern Blue Ridge that seem to be "isolated" are not
as endemic to SBR and may move out of area. YBSA taxonomy is the cleanest.
Matt Rowe - need to get a better genetic differentiation for
this subspecies
Wallace Coffey - collected a distinct series of birds in Tennessee. 1954 Ganier proposed a new subspecies.
Ranked out in PIF plan as a distinct subspecies, ranked as a full species (Hunter).
Alan Phillips criticized the elevation of the YBSA as a subspecies,
and other Appalachian population "subspecies".
Matt Rowe - most Appalachian subspecies distinction based
on plumage coloration, perhaps based on environmental factors, some size difference
perhaps; allozyme and morphometrics of Southern Appalachian populations of
Northern Saw-whet Owl are distinct from Allegheny population. Differences
in plumage and size may not be a result of genetic differences.
Scott Pearson - Any behavioral studies that suggest this species is different than other species?; some work needs to be done on this. Gerwin - wants to mark and/or band some birds
Smalling - Ganier only person to recognize this subspecies as not monotypic.
Eric Walters - doing the YBSA account for Birds of North America accounts.
Matt Rowe - this is a keystone species, no matter how genetically different, it is ecologically significant.
Someone has done a lot of genetic analysis on Junco's, but not published the data, could be support for further distinction of Appalachian subspecies concept.
Southern Appalachians are a refugia for a northern species
group following recession of glaciers and may serve as the genetic basis for
species groups as they migrated north following glaciation.
PROJECT: Genetic analysis to determine how distinct this subspecies is.
In conjunction with behavioral analyis (Cindy), hybridization and drumming; this could support its distinction. This suggests work outside of the Southern Appalachians as well.
Conclusion: The working group developed a consensus that with the current state of knowledge that this species is distinct, or at least the assumption is that the evidence supports that this species is a high priority for conservation efforts, further investigations, and we should be careful of how we as a group state what this bird "is" at this time. (Scott Pearson).
FWS definition of population - Murdock, parameters for determining
importance of subspecies to survival of species.
Relationship of YBSA to other high elevation species
Chuck Hunter - How does YBSA relate to other SBR PIF prioities and conservation issues in the SBR? Forest disturbance related issues, associated with Golden-winged Warbler, most observations associated with storms, clearcuts, or other significant disturbances where there are old trees present for cavities and young saplings for foraging. Are YBSA an old-growth northern hardwood forest species? Probably occur in multi-aged forests where disturbance or open areas occur. Their occurrence in lower densities in old growth does not mean it is not good habitat; large blocks of old growth with patchy openings (?).
Pink Beds - YBSA population associated with bogs that are at least 7000 years old.
Relationship to other high elevation northern hardwood species,
small numbers compared to spruce-fir zone; potentially developing a northern
hardwood - spruce fir zone; how does this fit into management of habitats
on public lands and YBSA and other high elevation species.
DISTRIBUTION AND STATUS (Chuck Nicholson)
Tennessee - Roan Mountain, no more recent records from this area
Three or four populations for Tennessee
1) largest in Cherokee NF in Monroe County. Tellico Ranger District, Big Junction Quad, most near the edge of regenerating clearcut adjacent to more mature forest; 2) Whetsone Branch, Johnson County, Grayson Quad, 3) Stone Mountain, Mountain City Quad (private land); 4) Unaka Mountain, Erwin and Unicoi Quads
Cherokee - Jacob Mountain
Virginia - Mt. Rogers in Smith Co. Mt. Rogers
NRA, located on Whitetop Quad; high elevation hardwoods, Jason Osborne, heavily
cut in early 1900's, most trees 70-80 years old, grazing boundary near one
of the nest sites, grazing area also has a bog, birders in area did not have
records, point count data did not show occurrences; Wallace - largest population
of Least Flycatchers in Va at this site also, YBSA nesting in yellow birch;
on George Washington NF on Warm Springs Ranger District, couple of sightings
on Paddy Knob 1985, Locust Spring on a bog with beaver pond succession; 1985
three reports in June, no nesting records; point counts showed one on Cherokee
(Tellico) July 2000, and one in Alabama in late May in Ocmulgee (wintering
bird) (?)
Georgia - only one nesting record; 1947 pair/young
at Tray Gap, 3850', White County Line in black locust; several areas in Georgia
with elevational requirements of YBSA
South Carolina - unknown but not likely
North Carolina - John Gerwin, using tape
playback, Moses Cone in Blowing Rock and Boone, Osborne did work at Bass Lake,
carriage trails in park, lot of disturbance and pasture, found a lot of
birds, 250m point count playback, about 40 birds, mostly paired, middle of
May, most birds near edge of clearing and open, old trees, understory open,
birch tree, dead snag, two males responded to tape playback, without the
tape were walking by birds, tapping for insects, won't get on point count
so need to use playback, young come off in mid-June, both sexes incubate,
in late-April setting up territories; so need to do point counts early or
use playback, used playback of drumming and vocalization, unknown what the
birds do in winter, but they are picked up in winter but is unknown whether
these are resident of migrants. Smalling- Trout Lake at least three
pairs in sugar maple; Coffey - visulalizes these birds in Park like settings;
Gerwin (resumed) - foraging and gleaning off of lichens; these birds need
a drumming snag, mostly red and black oak, birch, and sugar maple; no responses
from bird in hole incubating. In early 90's Big Butt Trail at Cane River
Gap, three nests, in June of 2001 (some records in mid-80's) near Walker
Knob, worked both ends of trails, at north end of Cane River, two broods
and about 20 birds, local says birds have been there every year since 90;
further down trail, young coming off the nest, in subdivision a brood, believes
birds may drop out at 5200-5300'. Simpson had a few records above this elevation
but not many; feeding on sugar maple, oak, and birch; more birds along another
trail at lower elevation; Pearson had similar observations near Craggy Gardens
elevation wise; maybe some on Snowball Mountain; Gerwin walked miles at 5000'
and no birds; Wayah Bald and other historical records, Hwy 711(?); others
in Macon County and Transylvania County; Heintooga Overlook near Parkway,
North Carolina is planning to do a lot of survey work this year, would like
to check Black Mountains; Nathan Klaus had some YBSA on the Nantahala NF
(maybe on the Wachacha Bald area); Natural Heritage database has Element
Occurrence records; would like to focus research on Moses Cone and Cane River
Gap; Cane River Gap is likely where the most birds are; nice to get permission
to walk around Ogle Meadows near Cane River Gap; seven records from the NC
side of the Smokies, Chris Kelley has some historical records from Great
Balsams, Craggies, Unicoi (near Unaka)mostly from the 40's; Jason Bullock
picked up birds in Pink Beds; not much evidence in Transylvania County
PROJECT: What is the seasonal behavior of
this bird? Does it winter in their nesting areas or do they migrate geographically
or altitudinally? Are there limitations on forage quality, lichens? What
are the qualities of the snags they drum on? What is their geographical
distribution and status?
WHAT SURVEY AND MONITORING NEEDS AND METHODOLOGIES
ARE NEEDED
Nest territory size for western sapsuckers 30m in diameter and will actively defend this, foraging area range can be much larger and will not defend (Trombino); Gerwin had birds in his face following tape playbacks
Best way to sample is to use a tape playback, walk trails or roads, distances apart (?) Do you use drumming or vocalization?
We need to have a method to sample breeding birds so that we don't double count them.
Rowe - 4 different scales or orders of information needed; how are these birds utilizing each habitat scale or order? (this was a great approach to YBSA priority setting for needed work, if anyone had a better take on this, I'd appreciate you editing this section, I was so excited about this approach, I listened instead of taking the notes I should have)
1) Geographical Area - Southern Appalachian population and it's relation to other populations evolutionarily and genetically.
Genetic, morphometrics, up and down the range
2) Territories - where are their territories and how do we sample them?
3) Habitat and behavior - marking and telemetry, hard core biology
4) Feet - where do they put their feet, i.e. nest, drum
Surveys
Another question: Potential Project:
What kinds of surveys to use? These are some of the questions that were asked and other considerations.
Who can support this effort?
Is there consensus that YBSA is a priority for the participants to determine status of the Blue Ridge population(s)? YES
RESEARCH - Matt Rowe led this discussion
Perhaps most important is knowing where they are and how many there are. (Second order)
Next year think about 1, 3,4th order information
The following items were identified by Matt as needs for YBSA.
Habitat requirements
Critical ecological work can be derived from GIS model developed from distribution
Telemetry of birds to determine seasonality distribution and range movements
Are they altitudinal migrants and if so, why? Sap flow in hardwood vs. conifer
How distinct is this population of YBSA?
Samples of birds up and down the range, blood and tissue samples needed
Graduate student, some capability at APSU to do DNA analysis
What kinds of trees do these birds need for sapwells?
What role do diseased trees and sap flow have on forage quality and sapsucker productivity/survivability?
Will they start using red oak that are in decline?
What is the choice of a nest cavity?
Curtis Smalling has developed a working bibliography, perhaps Curtis could be the keeper of the bibliography?
Is there a coloniality to their distribution and is this
related to vegetation of the colonies?
Forest Service (Mae Lee) - interested in approaching habitat
management for high priority species such as YBSA, i.e. using game money to
fund prescribed burning and habitat management to create the conditions that
YBSA prefers.
Friday February 15, 2002
Discussion of Data and Field Sheets used in the Golden-winged
Warbler Survey and Visit Protocol for YBSA and other Birds in Forested Landscapes
from Cornell. CD was played, agreed to use this (?) Recording; group agreed
to deviate from Cornell protocol by reducing the time of passive listening
for a total of 10 minutes per count. Cornell tape mew call may be a bit
harsh for bringing in birds. John G. to get other tapes recordings and review.
But use the Cornell protocol but only use a beginning 5 minute passive listening
period.
Survey/Map/ Exercise
Purpose - to delineate areas on public lands that have been surveyed and are known to have YBSA presence, identify other potential habitat and establish survey areas in unsurveyed areas. For example, identify areas on Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains that have YBSA presence, plot on map in Arcview; Overlay elevational range of YBSA to identify areas that have potential habitat; identify areas to be surveyed, coordinate with BLRI and GRSM dates for surveys; apply for study permit to conduct playbacks along trails and roads in identified areas.
Time frame to conduct the survey - late April to mid-May is best but birds do respond in June, presumably after young have fledged.
Another research question: What habitats are juveniles dispersing
to following fledging?
Sapsucker walk (?)
Perhaps get some data from June, July, and August as well
to see how the YBSA responds to tape playbacks.
Summary of survey effort for breeding season; most
folks have identified areas of where priority surveys are to be conducted,
and selected areas where they can conduct surveys; Pearson has developed and
Arcview project that displays this information; Pearson plans to develop some
web pages so that folks can view the survey needs and sign up by inputting
lat and long coordinates in site; may potentially put data sheet on web as
well;
Ecosystem team meeting in October to work on high-elevation priorities, may wrap into YBSA work as well.
National Forests not doing much timber harvest in area much longer; but are lots of opportunities to manage habitat for other purposes such as wildlife projects, etc.
Spruce restoration -
Harry LeGrand (absent) suggested we document
other wildlife species associated with Yellow- bellied Sapsuckers, particularly
since their occurrence is likely tied to a set of specific habitats which
other species may be attendant to, such as Least Flycatchers. Any management
to improve habitat for sapsuckers could affect other forest species.
Harry wonders, "Will Veeries, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Canada Warblers, etc.,
be impacted in habitat is manipulated for sapsuckers?"
Threats
LeGrand - believes some of the "impacts" may be beneficial
to the sapsucker.
Working Group Chair-John Gerwin for now at least through the
Survey, with Keith Watson/Allan Ratzlaf (FWS), Carol Hardy (NFS), Nora Murdock
(NPS) as assisting; Troy Ettel/Wallace Coffee, Mark Johns/Chris McGrath, E.J.
Williams/Nathan Klaus State reps.
Research folk include Cynthia Trombino, Matt Rowe, Scott Pearson,
John Gerwin, Curtis Smalling, Fred Alsop, Phil Shelton, David Buehler, Ted
Simon, Jason Osborne, Management folks include reps from Forest Service (each
NF)focus on high elevation forest management, along with state wildlife agencies.
Tie with forest planning process. More of this to be discussed in August.
Action Items
Work/Information Coordinators
How were objectives met?
OBJECTIVES
John Gerwin followed with a discussion of objectives identified as:
Poor habitat condition, i.e. closed canopies, proximity to open areas where saplings occur
3) Determine geographical distribution and status, especially regionally and seasonally
4) Determine taxonomic status (this and other research needs identified)
5) Determine habitat characteristics (need identified but unclear as how to proceed with quantification of this effort)
6) Develop a literary template of YBSA knowledge for public
land managers (need identified and Scott Pearson developing a web
site to convey some of this information; Curtis Smalling to maintain the
YBSA bibliography
Meeting concluded at Noon, February 15, 2002
Email addresses for the attendees and others not able to make the meeting but would like to participate and get a copy of the meeting notes.
Note for email addresses: "@" replaced with "_at_" to reduce spamming. -SMP