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Effects of Marsh Pond Terracing on Coastal Wintering Waterbirds Before and After Hurricane Rita

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Abstract

From February to March 2005–2006, we surveyed wintering waterbirds to test effects of terracing on coastal pond use before and after Hurricane Rita. Marsh terracing is intended to slow coastal marsh loss in the Chenier Plain by slowing marsh erosion and encouraging vegetation expansion. Terraces also increase marsh edge in ponds, possibly benefiting waterbirds. We monitored paired terraced and unterraced ponds in three sites within southwestern Louisiana’s Chenier Plain. Waterbirds were 75% more numerous in terraced than unterraced ponds. Waterbird richness was similar among ponds when corrected for number of individuals, suggesting terracing increased bird density but did not provide habitat unique from unterraced ponds. Birds were 93% more numerous following Hurricane Rita, mostly due to an influx of migrating waterfowl. Year round residents were similar in number before and after Hurricane Rita. Resident richness did not differ among years after correcting for number of observed individuals. Wading and dabbling foragers were more abundant in terraced ponds and these two guilds represented 74% of birds observed. We detected no difference among ponds for other guilds, i.e., probing, aerial, and diving foragers. Increasing proportion of mash edge increased bird density disproportionately: On average ponds with 10% edge had 6 birds observed and ponds with 30% edge had 16 birds observed. Terraces increased habitat interspersion and were an effective tool for increasing numbers of wintering waterfowl and wading birds. The extent to which terraces were sustainable following hurricane forces is unknown.

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Acknowledgments

This project was funded by USFWS Gulf Coast Joint Venture and Ducks Unlimited Inc., project number LA-86-1. We thank Rockefeller State Wildlife Refuge, Vermilion Corporation, Sweet Lake Gas and Oil Co., and Miami Corporation for allowing site access.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA

    Jessica L. O’Connell & John A. Nyman

  2. Department of Zoology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA

    Jessica L. O’Connell

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  1. Jessica L. O’Connell
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  2. John A. Nyman
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Correspondence to Jessica L. O’Connell.

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O’Connell, J.L., Nyman, J.A. Effects of Marsh Pond Terracing on Coastal Wintering Waterbirds Before and After Hurricane Rita. Environmental Management 48, 975–984 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-011-9741-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-011-9741-1

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