Migratory and Landbird Conservation Report

for the Rim Fire Recovery Project

on the Stanislaus National Forest

August 2014

FINAL 

Prepared by: /s/ Karen s Harville

Karen S. Harville

Supervisory Wildlife Biologist

Hat Creek RD

Lassen National Forest
Rim Fire Recovery Project Migratory Bird Report

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1. Migratory Landbird Species Management

Under the National Forest Management Act (NFMA), the Forest Service is directed to “provide for diversity 

of plant and animal communities based on the suitability and capability of the specific land area in order to 

meet overall multiple-use objectives.” [P.L. 94-588, Sec 6 (g) (3) (B)]. The January 2000 USDA Forest 

Service (FS) Landbird Conservation Strategic Plan, Executive Order 13186 (2001), Partners in Flight [PIF, 

(2002; 2004)] specific habitat Conservation Plans for birds, the Sierra Nevada Forest Plan Final Supplemental 

Environmental Impact Statement (FSEIS, USDA 2004) and the January PIF North American Landbird 

Conservation Plan (Rich et al., 2004) all reference goals and objectives for integrating bird conservation into 

forest management and planning. 

Migratory birds are defined as species protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 

(https://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/RegulationsPolicies/mbta/mbtintro.html). The criteria for a migratory 

bird include a breeding area within the North American temperate zones and migration, in many cases south of 

the continental United States during non-breeding seasons (Hunter et al 1993). The total number of species 

protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) as of 2013 is 1,026 birds, of which 40 species are 

designated to be of concern in the Sierra Nevada Forest Plan (USDA FS, 2004; SNFPA SEIS, Chap. 3, page 

172). All bird species analyzed within this document are listed in the General Provision: Revised List of

Migratory Birds (2013 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 212 pp 65844-65864)

In 2008, the Memorandum of Understanding between the USDA Forest Service and the US Fish and Wildlife 

Service to Promote the Conservation of Migratory Birds was signed. The intent of the MOU is to strengthen

migratory bird conservation through enhanced collaboration and cooperation between the Forest Service and 

the Fish and Wildlife Service as well as other federal, state, tribal and local governments. Within the National 

Forests, conservation of migratory birds focuses on providing a diversity of habitat conditions at multiple 

spatial scales and ensuring that bird conservation is addressed when planning for land management activities. 

Opportunities to promote conservation of migratory birds and their habitats in the project area were considered

during development and design of the Rim Fire Recovery Project [Rim Project (MOU Section C: items 1 and 3 

and Section D: items 1, 3 and 6)]. The primary focus of the proposed project is for fuels reduction, capturing 

the economic value of dead burned trees, and abating safety hazards. Other objectives related to wildlife 

(Chapter 1, Rim FEIS) include retention of some burned forest areas, improvement of mule deer habitat, and 

establishment of a furbearer corridor. 

2. Project

Proposed land management activities are intended to implement direction contained within the Stanislaus 

National Forest, Forest Plan (USDA 2010) Land and Resource Management Plan (LRMP), as amended 

(USDA Forest Service, 2010, Stanislaus National Forest, Forest Plan Direction). The Stanislaus National 

Forest is proposing to manage Forest lands and roads in the area affected by the Rim Fire of 2013 by removing 

dead and dying hazard trees and to salvage trees within the Rim Fire. This report documents the potential 

effects of the proposed Rim Fire Recovery Project (Rim Project), on migratory landbirds. The analysis area for 

this document includes the Rim analysis area (the area of the fire within the Stanislaus National Forest, 

154,428 acres) and the Rim Fire (the total fire area, 257,314 acres) as described in the Draft Rim Fire 

Recovery Project Environmental Impact Statement (Rim DEIS) and supporting documents for the Rim Project.

The description of the proposed project and all alternatives (Alternative 1 – Proposed Action; Alternative 2 –

No Action, and Alternatives 3 and 4) are found in Chapter 2 of the Rim FEIS. Descriptions of existing habitat, 

locations, and the proposed actions relating to wildlife, can also be found in the Biological Evaluation (USDA, 

2014a) and the Management Indicator Species Report [MIS Report (USDA, 2014b)] for the Rim Project. This 

wildlife report tiers to those documents.

The Rim Project is located on the Stanislaus National Forest partially on the Mi-wok and Groveland Ranger 

Districts. The proposed project excludes all private and Yosemite National Park lands (see Rim FEIS 
Rim Fire Recovery Project Migratory Bird Report

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Location Map), and affects a low of 43,521 acres (Alternative 4) to a high of 45,656 acres (Alternative 3) of 

land, depending on the action alternative. For a complete description of project alternatives and activities, 

refer to the Rim FEIS. 

The Rim FEIS outlines management requirements that are intended to benefit wildlife species, including 

migratory landbirds. These management requirements will be discussed in the effects section as they pertain to 

birds and their habitats. Management requirements benefit birds, but vary, depending on each of the 3 action 

alternatives. These include limited operating periods within activity centers for northern goshawk, spotted owl, 

and great gray owl; and retention standards for snags and dead and down woody material, road closures, and 

protection of wildlife habitats. Management requirements for riparian buffers and federally listed frog and 

insect species also benefit birds.

3. Migratory Landbird Species of Addressed

The Stanislaus National Forest is listed as a Globally Important Bird Area in the United States (American Bird 

Conservancy) and Sierran meadows are also listed as a state priority Important Bird Area (Audubon Society). 

Local birders have documented several uncommon migratory bird species, including regular occurrences of 

sage sparrow (Amphispiza belli) and occasional detections of black-chinned sparrow, black-throated sparrow 

(Amphispiza bilineata), and indigo bunting (Passerina cyanea) (Zachman 2012).

MIGRATORY BIRDS OF INTEREST

Risk factors for migratory bird species cannot be described generally, as different species utilize different 

nesting, and foraging habitats and response to human activity is variable. Also for most species, populations 

have not been studied, unless a species is classified as threatened, endangered, Forest Service sensitive, or MIS 

(2004 SNFPA SFEIS p173). Since effects on most migratory birds cannot be described by risk factors, they 

will be addressed generally by their habitats in this document and used as examples of birds affected by 

proposed project activities that might be found within the project boundary. 

Many species use multiple habitats (such as western bluebird) and may be focal species in various 

conservation plans (including the Forest Service) and other documents, such as the yearly State of the Birds 

Assessment (NABC, 2011) and PIF Conservation Plans (2002, 2004). Species within these documents with 

habitat and probable occupancy that are mentioned here include:

acorn woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus) northern flicker (Colaptes auratus)

hairy woodpecker (Picoides villosus (MIS) western bluebird (Sialia mexicana)

kestrel (Falco sparverius) white-headed woodpecker (Picoides albolarvatus)

mountain bluebird (Sialia currucoides)

Effects to hairy woodpecker habitat are detailed in the Rim Project MIS report

SPECIES OF CONCERN

The Sierra Nevada Forest Plan (USDA 2004) Final Environmental Impact Report (USDA 2004a) identified 

forty land bird species of concern (SOC) that a high priority for monitoring efforts in the Sierra Nevada 

Bioregion. These species are also addressed below, where relevant, by habitat and probable occupancy. They 

include:

black-backed woodpecker (Picoides arcticus) great gray owl (Strix nebulosa)

black-chinned sparrow (Spizella atrogularis) Lazuli bunting (Passerina amoena)

blue-gray gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea) Northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis)

chipping sparrow (Spizella passerine) sage sparrow (Amphispiza belli)

Cooper’s hawk, (Accipiter cooperii)

The great gray owl and northern goshawk are addressed in detail in the Rim Project BE.
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BIRDS OF CONSERVATION CONCERN

The Stanislaus National Forest addresses the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service 2008 Birds of Conservation 

Concern (BCC), Bird Conservation Region 15 (Sierra Nevada) (USDI FWS, 2008) for the Sierra Nevada as 

part of the framework for analyzing effects to migratory birds. This list consists of 11 bird species (Table 1), of 

which all may nest on the Stanislaus NF and within the project area. Five of the species are listed as species of 

concern (2004 SNFPA SFEIS, Chap. 3, page 172). Three of the species on the Sierra Nevada bioregional list 

are also on the Regional Forester’s Sensitive Species (FSS) list. The effects to these sensitive species and their 

habitat are addressed in the Wildlife BE for the Rim Fire Recovery Project. 

Criteria used in evaluation of the BCC species listed in Table 1 were based on the likelihood of the species 

presence in the analysis area, habitat components that would likely be impacted by project activities (snag or 

hazard tree removal) and whether they are addressed in other documents.

Table 1. Migratory Birds Identified by the US Fish and Wildlife Service for BBC Region 15

Species Habitat Needs Addressed In Project Level 

Report (Ba/Be Or Mis)

*Occurrence Within 

Project Area

Bald Eagle (S)

Haliaeetus 

leucocephalus

Large trees and snags (nest and 

roost structure) adjacent to large 

bodies of water (forage habitat).

Effects addressed in BE.

One nest site within 

the burn area at 

Cherry Lake.

Peregrine Falcon 

Falco peregrinus Cliff (nest) habitat. Not addressed.

There are no known 

nest sites affected; 

one nest site known in 

Yosemite.

Flammulated Owl

Otus flammeolus

Dense to open stands ofmature

ponderosa pine, sugar pine and 

Douglas fir. Also breed in hardwood 

trees such as oak and aspen as well, 

provided there is a vacant cavity.

forest with brushy understory and 

snag and tree cavities for nesting 

and cover.

MIS Report; Mule Deer, Hairy 

Woodpecker (Oak-associated 

Hardwood & Hardwood/ 

Snags in Green Forest).

Range indicates a 

breeding resident; 

detected on the 

Forest. Suitable 

habitat within the 

project area.

Spotted Owl 

(occidentalis 

ssp.) (S)

Dense mixed conifer/fir forests. BE and MIS report. Species occurs within 

the project area.

Black Swift

Cypseloides 

niger

Cliffs adjacent to water. Not addressed.

Few records of this 

species on the Forest; 

breeding status 

uncertain, species 

uncommon. 

Calliope 

Hummingbird 

Stellula calliope

Coniferous Forest/riparian 

woodland habitat (nesting). Open 

meadows/shrubs (forage); near 

water. Mixed-age stand structure, 

usually early- to mid-successional; 

typically near forest openings or 

adjacent to montane shrublands 

or meadows.

MIS Report; blue grouse 

(Early and Mid-Seral Forest), 

yellow warbler (Riparian); and 

BE, (willow flycatcher).

Species likely occurs 

seasonally in project 

area, but rare. Range 

maps indicate summer 

breeding.

Lewis's 

Woodpecker 

Melanerpes lewis

Open oak savannahs and oak 

woodlands, broken deciduous and 

coniferous habitats. Requires open 

habitats with scattered trees and 

snags with cavities. Often use 

burned pine forests.

MIS report; hairy woodpecker

(Snags in Green Forest).

Habitat present, but 

rare.
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Species Habitat Needs Addressed In Project Level 

Report (Ba/Be Or Mis)

*Occurrence Within 

Project Area

Williamson's 

Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus 

thyroideus

Prefers aspen and lodgepole stands 

with large snags, sparse to moderate 

canopy. Uses snags or live trees 

with rotted heartwood to excavate 

nesting, roosting cavities. Winters in 

mixed conifer/hardwood stands.

MIS report; hairy woodpecker 

(Snags in Green Forest).

Range overlaps 

project area. Species 

could occur within 

project area. There is 

limited lodgepole and 

aspen habitat.

Olive-sided 

Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

Forest habitat immediately adjacent 

to openings. Prefers large tree (>24” 

dbh) stands. Positively associated 

with early post-fire conditions, 

increasing in relative abundance in 

burned sites, using standing dead 

trees as foraging perches in open 

areas.

Habitat addressed in MIS 

report: hairy woodpecker 

(Snags in Green Forest),

black-backed woodpecker

(Snags in Burned Forest), CA 

spotted owl/flying squirrel 

(Late Seral Closed Canopy 

Coniferous Forest).

Species known to 

occur in project area 

and is common.

Willow Flycatcher 

(S) Empidonax 

trailii adastus, 

and E. t. 

brewsterii

Willow habitat adjacent to slow 

running water. Addressed in BE. One old detection recorded.

Cassin's Finch

Carpodacus 

cassinii

Tall, open, coniferous forest adjacent 

to open meadows or wetlands.

Habitat partially addressed in 

BE and MIS report; CA 

spotted owl/flying squirrel 

(Late Seral Closed Canopy 

Coniferous Forest).

Known to occur on 

Forest. Uncommon to 

common; breeding 

status uncertain.

*Range/Breeding status from NatureServe. 2014. NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life [web application]. Version 7.1. 

NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia. Available http://explorer.natureserve.org. (Accessed: February 26, 2014 ). Detections from district 

and other local area sources.

The bald eagle (FSS), California spotted owl (FSS, MIS), and willow flycatcher (FSS) are addressed in detail 

in the Rim Project BE.

Peregrine Falcon: Nesting habitat for the peregrine falcon is on rock cliff sites on the Forest, of which one is 

located within the Rim fire boundary within the Yosemite National Park. Activities would not affect steep rock 

cliff sites in the project area or in Yosemite National Park, and are not within 1⁄2 mile of the known nesting site. 

This species will not be addressed further.

Black Swift: The black swift is a rare spring and fall migrant across the Forest but has not been confirmed as 

a resident. Suitable wet cliff/waterfall habitat does occur in some areas, but these areas would not receive 

ground disturbing activities that would modify or alter habitat values for the species. This species will not be 

addressed further.

3. Existing Conditions

Burned habitat ranges from slightly burned with a slight tree mortality (less than 10 percent) to completely 

burned, with all trees killed. Modeled post-fire vegetation was created after the Rim Fire (see MIS Report, 

Appendix A for methodology an explanation of percent basal area mortality, based on fire severity) in the 

Geographical Information System mapping program (GIS). See the Rim FEIS for acres of unburned to high 

severity fire. Burn severity was determined using Basal Area Loss from the Rapid Assessment of Vegetation 

Condition after Wildfire (RAVG) product created by the USDA Forest Service. The data was derived from 

Landsat Thematic Mapper imagery, or alternative satellite imagery, when Landsat was not available. Table 2 

shows the habitat post-fire within the analysis area (as defined in the BE for the Rim Project) and cumulative 

effects area (Rim Fire perimeter), based upon this information.
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Table 2. Post-fire habitat acres in the Rim Project Analysis area and Rim Fire 

Habitat* Post-Fire, 

Analysis Area

Post-Fire Rim 

Fire Total

Barren 806 1,864

Wet Habitats (lacustrine, riverine) 145 548

Wet Meadow 39 577

Grassland (annual and perennial) 11,724 19,923

Shrubland (MCP,MCH, CRC) 53,189 80,721

Montane Riparian – black cottonwood, white alder, bigleaf maple 6 191

Oak-associated Hardwood (BOW, BOP, MHW) 24,426 33,900

Mixed oak/conifer MHC** 12,141 14,813

Early Seral Coniferous Forest (all conifers all densities) 6,574 9,767

Mid/late Seral open Coniferous Forest (all conifers, densities less than 

45% canopy cover) 5,326 14,725

Mid -Late Seral closed Canopy Coniferous Forest (all conifers, 

densities greater than 45% canopy cover) 36,051 69,897

Snags in Green Forest (all tree types, , medium to large snags) 50,506 96,755

Snags in Burned Forest (all conifers, size class 3-5) 44,506 71,425

*Habitat classification based on California Wildlife Relationships System (CWHR)

Oak woodland: BOW = blue oak woodland BOP = blue oak/foothill pine MHW; mountain hardwood (oak) MHC = Ponderosa 

Pine, Incense Cedar, California Black Oak; hardwoods assume stump sprout so habitat acres don’t change 

Shrub: MCP = Ceanothus Species, Manzanita Species, Bitter Cherry MCH = Scrub Oak, Ceanothus Species, Manzanita Species 

CRC = Chamise-Redshank Chaparral; post fire shrub here includes burned snag forest.

Terrestrial species dependent on shrub and herb understories for food and cover benefit from increased 

diversity of understories formed in the years following fire, although species associated with woody debris 

may decrease in the short term until new snags and down wood are recruited (Pilliod et al. 2006). This occurs 

when live fire-weakened trees that remain unharvested begin to die and fall. Oaks and riparian hardwoods are 

expected to resprout, but would not contain the values such as acorn production, structural complexity, or 

decay for many decades.

Stand replacing fire within predominantly Sierra Mixed Conifer forest and other types resulted in a large 

increase (from 27,000 acres to 53,189 acres) of early seral shrub habitat conditions throughout the analysis 

area that would benefit species such as the Lazuli bunting. While the calliope hummingbird utilizes green 

forest components such as understory vegetation, it will also use post-fire shrub habitat, once it is a few years 

old, for foraging. This is true for several birds, such as kestrels, western bluebird and mountain bluebirds, 

secondary cavity nesters that use already excavated snags for nesting purposes and the surrounding area for 

foraging.

Many birds tolerate or capitalize on the ecological changes resulting from moderate burns, where about 50 

percent of the trees are killed, to severe fire (Hutto 1995;Kotliar et al, 2007, Bond et al., 2012), where all trees 

and vegetation are killed. Fires create forest structures and ecological elements and processes that cannot be 

readily created by management actions (Hutto 1995, Kotliar 2002). Smucker (2005) reports that 12 bird 

species were significantly more abundant after fire and seven species were significantly less abundant after fire 

at one or more fire severities, and that at least 4 additional species were likely to have responded positively to 

at least one level of severity. Arboreal species, associated with closed forest canopies decline following crown 

fires, and species associated with open forest conditions and snags increase (Hutto 1995, Pilliod et al. 2006). 

Overall bird species richness is similar but the suite of birds using the habitat changes.
Rim Fire Recovery Project Migratory Bird Report

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There are 44,000 acres of post-fire snag forest existing post-fire that are suitable for species such as the olivesided flycatcher, Lewis’s woodpecker, and black-backed woodpecker. These species have been associated 

with early post-fire conditions, increasing in relative abundance in burned sites (Smucker et al,2005), 

especially in regards to using standing dead trees as foraging perches in open areas (Hutto, 1995) and using 

edges of mature live trees and open burned forest (Kotliar et al., 2002).

The Rim Fire resulted in an overall decrease in habitat suitability for those species that are dependent on green 

forest components, such as the calliope hummingbird, Cassin’s finch; and hawks; such as the northern 

goshawk and Cooper’s hawk, all of which nest in branches or understory vegetation (trees or shrubs). Another 

species with less habitat acres is the Williamson’s sapsucker, which prefers living trees with rotten heartwood 

for nesting. 

4. Effects on Migratory Landbirds

Table 3 shows the habitat that is affected in each alternative. Effects on habitat were determined by modelling 

project activities over the post-fire habitat types in GIS layers.

Table 3. Acres of Habitat potentially affected by Rim Fire Project Action Alternatives

Habitat* Alternative 1 Alternative 3 Alternative 4

Shrubland (MCP,MCH, CRC) (less than 25% burned) 3,853 4,866 4,808

Oak-associated Hardwood (BOW, BOP, MHW, MHC) 5,645 6,222 6,115

Early Seral Coniferous Forest (all conifers all densities) 1,760 1,742 1,824

Mid/late Seral open Coniferous Forest (all conifers, 

densities less than 45% canopy cover) 2,374 2,312 2,178

Mid -Late Seral closed Canopy Coniferous Forest (all 

conifers, densities greater than 45% canopy cover) 9,920 9,874 9,535

Snags in Green Forest (all tree types, medium to large 

snags) 13,834 13,702 13,223

Snags in Burned Forest (all conifers and hardwoods, size 

class 3-5) 3,276 3,178 3,014

Project activities would not enter or occur within wetlands, meadows, lacustrine, or riverine habitats so 

migratory landbird species associated with these habitat types (willow flycatcher; Cassin’s finch) would be 

unaffected by proposed project activities in any alternative. Riparian habitat (aspen, cottonwood, alder, willow, 

dogwood, etc.) would not be removed. Riparian habitats within the project area were identified and buffers 

established, as part of the management requirements.

EFFECTS OF ACTION ALTERNATIVES

Management for migratory birds is generally accomplished by providing a diversity of habitat conditions at 

appropriate levels. All action alternatives result in similar desired conditions for fuels levels across the project 

area and have similar acres (4 percent difference between the high and low acre action alternatives); hence 

they have similar effects on migratory birds for habitat types.

The Rim Project action alternatives 1, 3 and 4 could result in direct and indirect effects to migratory landbirds 

through the following activities: 

• Salvage harvest of fire-killed tree across landscape and along roadsides, salvage of live hazard trees.

• New permanent road construction, temporary road construction, and road reconstruction, landing 

construction and use.
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• Biomass fuels treatments.

These actions may have direct and indirect effects on migratory birds causing:

• Project related death, injury, or disturbance to adults or young.

• Project related modifications to habitat quantity and/or quality

Shrubland – Based on modelling of project activities over the post-fire habitat types in GIS, 7 percent of the 

remaining lightly burned to unburned shrubland communities would be minimally impacted by the incidental 

removal of shrubs during harvesting and road/landing construction/reconstruction/ activities. Species 

associated with this habitat include the black-chinned sparrow, fox sparrow, calliope hummingbird, and sage 

sparrow (this species occasionally uses chaparral for nesting and foraging). Removal of hazard trees along 

roadsides would open a 200 foot strip of land that would be suitable for the incursion of shrub habitat. Overall 

this habitat type would remain and resprout if damaged or crushed during all project activities. Species, such 

as the calliope hummingbird utilize older burned areas, probably because shrub food resources are present and 

shrubs would not be affected overall by snag removal. While adults and fledglings can escape direct impacts, 

nest sites are vulnerable to abandonment and direct harm to eggs and chicks. 

Oak Habitat – Salvage harvest would not occur in oak habitat. This habitat type is represented by the acorn

woodpecker, Lewis’s woodpecker, blue-gray gnatcatcher, and western bluebird. The flammulated owl will 

nest in this habitat type also, and will consume acorns in the winter. As with shrubland communities, a small 

amount of habitat for all alternatives is within units, planned road work footprint, or alongside roads (about 

10% for all alternatives), so there would be a limited amount of disturbance associated with harvest and road 

construction activities, and some snags might be taken during roadside hazard tree treatments. Effects are 

similar to those in shrubland. All oak snags over 12 inches would remain in units. 

Green Forest – Early to late-seral forest habitat (see Table 3 for amounts) size, density and type would not be 

affected by proposed project activities so species such as northern goshawk, Williamson’s sapsucker (which 

excavates and feeds primarily in live trees), Cassin’s finch and chipping sparrow would not be affected by 

overall habitat loss. The amount of understory vegetation that some of these species utilize for feeding or 

nesting cannot be quantified, as some understory vegetation in green forest areas that would be subject to snag 

removal may be more or less burned, depending on fire severity and the current vegetation classification

(CWHR) scheme does not account for it. However, it can be assumed that most remains in areas that are less 

than 25 percent burned.

Understory shrub and hardwood habitat in remaining green forest that is used for foraging could be damaged 

or removed during project activities, as snags are removed for their merchantable value and down wood could 

be crushed during project activities. In spring, nests located in green forest could be abandoned because of 

project activity noise levels, or nests in remaining understory layers could be destroyed, especially during 

hazard tree removal activities that are ongoing over a five year period. William’s sapsucker trees, which often 

have rotten heartwood, could be targeted as hazard trees if located within 200 feet of roads.

The northern goshawk, California spotted owl, and great gray owl are all sensitive migratory birds that live in 

late-successional forests, have Protected Activity Centers (PACs) and have limited operating periods during 

the breeding season, which would reduce disturbance to other migratory bird species nesting in densely 

forested areas and forest edges. No activities, including those associated with research efforts occur within 

remapped PACs except alongside roads, where hazard tree removal occurs. Acres of hazard tree removal were 

compensated for by adding acres to the PACs that are away from roadsides, benefiting migratory birds.

Snag retention requirements of at least 4 snags per acre greater than 15 inches in diameter and woody debris 

retention at 10-20 tons per acre for all alternatives, if available in larger size classes, would provide habitat 

structure important for bird species nesting, roosting and foraging requirements. Retained snags are expected 

to contribute and provide suitable habitat, although of lower quality in the short term, and in the long term as 
Rim Fire Recovery Project Migratory Bird Report

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large downed woody debris and structure important in a recovering forest. In most areas, there is a lack of 

sufficient large downed woody material, making snag retention and eventual recruitment as downed logs even 

more critical. Biomass treatments that result in the removal of smaller downed woody material may result in a

more diverse understory including more herbaceous and shrub vegetation (from Rim Project BE/BA; see this 

document for a more complete discussion of this habitat element).

Cavity Nesters in Green and Burned Forest

While individual birds or nests may be affected during the process of project implementation in action areas, 

for most habitats as described above the species that are most likely to be impacted are cavity nesters. In all 

cases the primary habitat component needed for breeding or foraging is snags. This habitat occurs throughout 

the Rim Fire area, and is the habitat most likely to be salvaged for burned dead trees or have snags and live 

trees removed in hazard tree operations. Cavity nesters include species such as the black-backed woodpecker, 

hairy woodpecker, white-headed woodpecker, Lewis’s woodpecker, Williamson’s sapsucker, northern flickers, 

flammulated owl, mountain bluebirds, and olive-sided flycatcher. All cavity nesters utilize both green and 

burned forest habitats, although species such as mountain bluebirds, northern flickers, olive-sided flycatchers 

and some woodpeckers (e.g. black-backed woodpecker and hairy woodpecker) have a strong preference for 

burned forest, if available.

All cavity nesters respond primarily to the changes in structural characteristics (snag density and size, decrease 

in canopy cover, changes in insect prey) brought about by fires (Kotliar et al 2002, 2007). Some species that 

have a preference for nest sites with up to 80 snags per acre and a medium to large diameter have been 

documented in several studies of cavity-nesting birds in both unburned and burned forests (Saab et al. 2009; 

Burnett et al., 2012). Species composition varies, depending on whether or not a fire was salvaged in the early 

years after the fire (Saab et al., 2007 and 2009; Hutto and Gallo, 2006). Primary cavity nesting species, such 

as hairy woodpecker, black-backed woodpecker, white-headed woodpecker and northern flickers use high 

snag areas (80+ snags per acre) (Burnett et al., 2012, Saab et al., 2009). Many of these species do not use 

extensively salvaged burns (defined by Kotliar et al 2002, as clearcut, or removal of most medium and large 

snags), as snag abundance is a limiting factor for occupancy. The Rim Project would have the highest effect on 

these species habitats, as snags are used for both breeding and foraging. 

Some species are not as dependent on snag density, as they are to the structural aspects of the snag. Some 

secondary cavity nesters such as kestrels and western bluebirds preferred lower quantities of snags and open 

terrain (Saab, 2009). Lewis’s woodpecker was found in logged areas with a lower snag density, reflecting its

preference for more open habitats in green forest. Species such as Williamson’s sapsucker that require living 

trees for foraging, prefer them as nest sites (although they will use dead snags for nesting if populations are 

high), and prefer lodgepole and aspen stands (Sousa, 1983). These species would be less impacted by salvage 

activities, as would species such as olive sided flycatcher (which prefers edge habitat), and the northern flicker 

that persist in partially salvaged burns. Although maintaining clumps of large snags in post-fire landscapes 

were found to be necessary for maintaining breeding habitat of some cavity-nesting birds, such as the blackbacked woodpecker (Saab et. al 2009), appropriately managed salvage can create habitat for many species of 

cavity-nesting birds that prefer more open environments (Burnett, et al., 2012, Saab, 2009). 

All alternatives would remove over 50 percent of burned forest habitat. Effects would be partially mitigated 

through snag retention requirements for each alternative (see below), and the retention of some unsalvaged 

burned areas where large densities of medium to large snags remain unharvested. These unsalvaged areas vary 

in size and location, depending upon the alternative, with Alternative 4 having the most severely burned 

continuous forest acres remaining. Snag retention guidelines for all alternatives would primarily benefit those 

species that prefer low densities of snags. There are numerous oak snags in the project area and these would 

generally be retained, maintaining this important habitat type for cavity-nesting bird species. 
Rim Fire Recovery Project Migratory Bird Report

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The alternatives would affect between 13, 834 (Alternative 1) to 13,223 (Alternative 4) of 50, 857 acres of 

snags in green forest habitat, through the removal of burned trees in green forest, where cavity nesters, such as 

flammulated owls, Williamson’s sapsuckers, and hairy woodpeckers utilize snags in green forest.

There would be several different densities on the landscape after the proposed project treatments that would 

benefit a variety of snag dependent species. Burned habitat with medium to large snags would remain scattered 

in clumps on approximately 37 percent of the burned area within the Rim Project area, providing some amount

of burned forest habitat in a diverse array of low, moderate, and high severity burn conditions. Over 80 

percent of green forest with snags would remain unsalvaged. Leaving portions of unharvested snags can result 

in no net loss in the diversity of cavity nesting species (Kotliar 2002). 

Alternative 4 would retain the most burned snags and snags in green forest habitat containing medium to large 

snags in high densities, and provides the most quality habitat for cavity nesters in burned forest (see MIS and 

BE/BA reports for the Rim Project). The action alternatives would leave the following snags per acre on the 

landscape: Alternative 1 – 4 snags per acre; Alternative 3 - 11 snags per acre on average; and Alternative 4 –

12 snags per acre, on average; all snags greater than 15 inches in diameter.

Birds breeding in the project area utilize a range of habitat types varying from chaparral, oak woodland and

mixed conifer of various seral stages, as well as snag dominated habitat. These habitat types are distributed 

throughout the post-fire environment within the project area. The action alternatives effects would be limited 

primarily to one element (snags) within the mixed conifer.

 

For all action alternatives, other direct effects on cavity nesters and forest birds includes short term disturbance 

during project operations (i.e. mastication, hand-cutting with chainsaws, and prescribed burning activities). 

Tree falling and removal and pile burning could result in disturbance to birds during the nesting season 

(February to August), potentially causing abandonment of nests or mortality to eggs and chicks as snags and 

hazard trees within green and burned forest are felled. Adults and fledged birds in the treatment areas would 

likely avoid harm since they can fly to other nearby cover for refuge. These potential effects are considered to 

be short term and will only affect treated areas. Snags will be retained in treated areas to provide cavity and 

foraging substrates in the vicinity of treated areas. Snags would be retained within treated areas to provide 

cavity and foraging substrates. The amount of area left untreated varies by Alternative, however all

alternatives include untreated forest with burn severities ranging from unburned to high severity distributed 

throughout the project area which will provide habitat for cavity nesting species. Some treated areas will likely

be restored in the future, providing long-term forested habitat for a variety of species, including migratory 

birds. The potential short term losses are outweighed by long term habitat benefits from reduction of fuel loads 

and undesired fire effects.

Indirect effects include the temporary loss of vegetation cover and some habitat alteration which would affect 

opportunities for nesting, shelter, and foraging. Secondary cavity-nesting birds, such as mountain bluebird 

would reuse a smaller number of older cavities, which could also affect their nest success in salvage-logged 

forests, as a result of competition and predation (Hutto and Gallo 2006). Bird species that utilize dead trees for 

some habitat use, such as perches for territorial singing, hawking/foraging, and nesting (Cooper’s hawk, olive 

sided flycatcher), would have a potential decline in habitat suitability on both green and burned acres treated 

for dead tree removal. This would be mitigated by snag retention requirements as outlined above.

The project would result in more open areas around salvage units that would have sharper edges. There would 

be no large snags along roadsides, resulting in a lack of sites for cavity nesters that utilize green forest snags. 

Unit and road edges would be sharper, which means birds may be more susceptible to brood parasitism, as 

cowbirds prefer areas with open edges (Cain et al., 2003; Germaine and Germaine, 2002), and there are range 

allotments and meadows within and adjacent to the proposed action areas. 
Rim Fire Recovery Project Migratory Bird Report

11

Disturbance would be temporary, although once salvage and hazard trees are removed, it will allow opening 

more of the Rim Fire to human uses and associated disturbance, since the project area roads contain access 

roads. This higher human use can include illegal off-road activities. Uses include recreation, other green forest 

management projects scheduled within project boundaries such as the Rim Hazard Tree Project, and likely 

reforestation activities after the project is completed. 

EFFECTS OF ALTERNATIVE 2 – NO ACTION

In Alternative 2, there would be no removal of fire-killed or roadside hazard trees, and no decline from the 

existing condition in habitat suitability for migratory landbirds. The average snag density (greater than 15 

inches in diameter) remaining across the analysis area would remain the same. Over time, unless the area is 

replanted, shrub habitat would remain on the landscape indefinitely, attracting varied suites of birds as shrub 

habitat matures. The area would remain susceptible to high severity fire because of high fuel loading across the 

landscape.

CUMULATIVE EFFECTS

There are over 50,000 acres of burned forest habitat and 95,000 acres of coniferous forest with medium to 

large snag habitat remaining within the Rim Fire cumulative effects area, post-fire, including the national park 

and private lands. The alternatives in combination with all other present and foreseeable actions (other Forest 

Service, National Park, and private actions) would reduce 46 to 51 percent of suitable cavity nesting burned 

habitat and reduce the suitability of 20 percent of green forest habitat, depending on the action alternative. 

There would be 25,236 acres of burned forest and over 67,000 acres of snags in green forest remaining that are 

unaffected by any project activity, suitable for cavity nesters that utilize green forest, but also have a 

preference for burned forest. Much of the suitable burned snag habitat remains in Yosemite National Park, 

especially at the higher elevations, as the park is planning on limited hazard tree removal along roadsides.

For cumulative effects to species that are dependent on snags in burned forest, see the analysis of the blackbacked woodpecker in the MIS and BE reports for the Rim Project. For a complete cumulative analysis of 

snags in green forest (Hairy Woodpecker) and late-successional habitat (California spotted owl and others), 

see the MIS report.

Salvaged areas would recover with natural regeneration of shrubs, grasses, forbs and/or trees depending on 

local seed sources and presence of root sprouting species and would provide extensive habitat over the longterm to species that are dependent on specific characteristics of shrub habitat (dead trees for insect populations, 

roosting, and perching; dead and downed logs and other woody material; etc.). Without planting, shrub 

dominated habitats would persist for an indefinite time. 

Other activities on the Forest within the project perimeter are considered with respect to the effects on wildlife 

species and would incorporate measures, as needed, to reduce or prevent adverse effects. Because the Forest 

Plan includes a number of measures intended to protect wildlife and maintain important habitat characteristics, 

and because the anticipated effects of the project would be limited, project implementation is not expected to

contribute to cumulative adverse effects to migratory birds, while providing the anticipated beneficial effects 

described above.

Overall, the proposed action for the Rim Fire Recovery Project is not expected to have more than temporary 

disturbance-related effects to individual birds. The project would reduce green forest snag/burned forest 

habitat, but a substantial amount would remain throughout the Rim Fire landscape, providing corridors for 

movement and dispersal
Rim Fire Recovery Project Migratory Bird Report

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5. References:

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http://www.abcbirds.org/abcprograms/domestic/iba/index.html

Burnett, R.D., M. Preston, and N. Seavy. 2012. Plumas-Lassen Administrative Study 2011 Post-Fire Avian 

Monitoring Report. PRBO Conservation Science, Petaluma, CA. Contribution Number 1869.

Cain, James W. III, Michael L. Morrison and Helen L. Bombay. 2003. Predator activity and nest success of 

willow flycatchers and yellow warblers. Journal of Wildlife Management 67(3):600-610

CalPIF (California Partners in Flight). 2002. Version 2.0. The oak woodland bird conservation plan: a strategy 

for protecting and managing oak woodland habitats and associated birds in California (S. Zack, lead 

author). Point Reyes Bird Observatory, Stinson Beach, CA. http://www.prbo.org/calpif/plans.html.

CalPIF (California Partners in Flight). 2004. Version 2.0. The Coastal Scrub and Chaparral Bird Conservation 

Plan: a Strategy for Protecting and Managing Coastal Scrub and Chaparral Habitats andAssociated Birds 

in California (J. Lovio, lead author). PRBO Conservation Science, Stinson Beach, CA. 

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Germaine, H.L. and Germaine, S.S. 2002. Forest restoration treatment effects on the nesting success of 

western bluebirds (Sailia mexicana). Restoration Ecology. 110: 362-367.

Haggard, Maryellen and William Gaines. 2001. Effects of Stand-Replacement Fires and Salvage Logging on a 

Cavity-Nesting Bird Community in Eastern Cascades Washington. Northwest Science Vol.75. No. 4: 387-

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Hunter, W.C., M.E. Cartes, D.N. Pashley, and K.Barker. 1993. “The Partners In Flight Species Prioritization 

Scheme.” In Status and Management of Neotropical Migratory Birds, edited by D.M Finch and P.W. 

Stangel. Proceedings of Estes Park Workshop, Sep 21-25. USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest 

& Range Experimental Station, Ft. Collins, CO (GTR RM-229)

Hutto, R.L. 1995. Composition of bird communities following stand-replacement fires in Northern Rocky 

Mountain (U.S.A.) conifer forests. Conservation Biology 9(5):1041-1058.

Hutto, R.L., and S.M. Gallo. 2006. The effects of postfire salvage logging on cavity-nesting birds. The Condor 

108:817-831.

Kotliar, Natasha, S.J. Hejl, R.L. Hutto, V.A. Saab, C.P. Melcher, and M.E. McFadzen. 2002. Effects of fire 

and post-fire salvage logging on avian communities in conifer-dominated forests of the western United 

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treatments in dry coniferous forests of the Western United States: a synthesis. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRSGTR-173. Fort Collins, CO: USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 34 p. 

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Saab, V. A., Robin E. Russell, Jonathan G. Dudley. 2009. Nest-site selection by cavity-nesting birds in 

relation to postfire salvage logging. Forest Ecology and Management 257 (2009) 151–159

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