Summary

Description

Marsh bird studies performed in 1997 were primarily a continuation of the basic population monitoring started in previous years. A complete census of known black tern nesting areas in Vermont was performed in order to continue tracking the status of this species which is listed as threatened in Vermont. In addition, the effort to develop a survey method for other nongame marsh birds such as bitterns and rails continued and was expanded. These activities together have two major objectives: to look at marsh bird population levels and changes in Vermont, and to investigate the effect of marsh vegetation changes on their numbers.