Post Camp Fire Avian Monitoring

What are we doing at the Butte Creek Ecological Preserve?

by Dawn Garcia

In November 2018, 95% of the Butte Creek Ecological Preserve (BCEP) was burned during the Camp Fire, eliminating vegetation used by many nesting birds.

The Butte Creek Ecological Preserve was transferred back to the Mechoopda Indian Trip of Chico Rancheria, California in 2022. With their permission Altacal will continue to document post-fire bird use of the BCEP, with the goal of comparing bird diversity and abundance before and after the fire, and avian response to restoration and vegetation regrowth.

Historical Data - Banding and Point Counts

When I first moved to the area, I established a banding program and point count locations across the mile of creek at the BCEP. With a great crew of dedicated volunteers, we banded over 1,300 individuals of 45 species from 2006 to 2011.

We banded in each of the 12 months, with some months having more banding days than others. Banding was conducted randomly, based on volunteer availability, and nets were open on a standardized protocol for four hours, beginning at sunrise. To note, at least one California endangered species, Willow Flycatcher (Epidonax trailii), and two California species of concern, Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia) and Yellow-breasted Chat (Icteria virens), were encountered during banding activities.

The Willow Flycatcher used the BCEP during migration. The chats were breeding on-site, likely in the blackberry and other shrubs making up the dense understory along the creek. We found evidence that the Yellow Warbler may be nesting on-site, which included hearing singing males and banding juvenile birds.

Many Altacal members volunteered with the core group including Julie Nelson, Michelle Ocken, Colleen Martin, Steve and Raina King, Mike Fisher, Randall Peterson, Scott and Liam Huber, and Ken Sobon.  WOW, a HUGE effort!

In tandem with the banding, a volunteer conducted point counts on 24 days and during nine different months, from 2006 to 2010. Points were surveyed typically during banding mornings and based on volunteer availability. This method requires people to be able to document all individual birds by sight and sound. The main volunteers were Altacal members Mike Skram and Scott Huber, who mentored Liam along the way, a now proficient auditory birder.

Project Goals

• Compile and present historical data in report and graphic form
• Gather eBird data for the property
• Compare bird diversity and species richness using pre- and post-burn data
• Continue long-term monitoring (at least five years) to track observed changes in avian communities as the vegetation grows 

Since the spring of 2019, we have conducted point counts post-burn. To access the site, we need two people on each visit for safety reasons. It’s a great opportunity to see the seasonal changes at BCEP, learn survey methods, and help us document birds. Volunteer with us!

If you are interested in assisting, please contact Executive Director Jared Geiser.