Despite an emphasis on anadromous fish, the ERP will clearly have profound impacts on California s bird populations. Effecting proper restoration of these habitats represents our best hope for arresting the decline of many birds not only threatened species such as Black Rails and Yellow-billed Cuckoos but many neotropical migrants, shorebirds, and even our common resident species such as Song Sparrows. Bird monitoring, a PRBO specialty, was also neglected as a technique for assessing the success of restoration efforts. PRBO brings to the table seven years of riparian bird data, analysis of which has resulted in recommendations designed to increase the value of future restoration projects to wildlife. The public will have another opportunity to comment on the Ecosystem Restoration Program by December 1998.
Birds are sensitive indicators of environmental change.
Birds can demonstrate restoration success in as little as three years. Birds are highly visible, and monitoring techniques are cost-effective. Bird survival, dispersal, recruitment and reproductive success are all key indicators of ecosystem function. By managing for a diversity of birds, most other elements of terrestrial biodiversity are conserved. Wildlife response to habitat restoration is the ultimate measure of success .