We are using historical data to develop restoration expectations for various attributes of the avian community. By comparing baseline data to post restoration data, we will evaluate the restoration project's success in re-establishing expected bird use of the floodplain. Aerial surveys were flown monthly between May 1996 and May 1999 via helicopter at 100 feet altitude and 70 knots. Transects are 200m wide and vary in length according to width of the floodplain. Wading bird use of the floodplain is sparse and limited primarily to remaining emergent wetlands, along with ditches and the littoral zone of the C-38 canal and remnant river channels.
Raptors use the floodplain in small numbers.
Waterfowl densities on the floodplain are very low, with highest numbers recorded during winter months. The data from this project will be used as baseline data for comparison to bird use of habitats in the restored river channel. We are using historical data and reference site data from the Myakka River to develop restoration expectations for various attributes of the river channel avian community. By comparing baseline data to post restoration data, we will evaluate the restoration project's success in re-establishing expected bird use of the river channel habitats. Abundance and number of shorebird species along the river channel Species composition and relative abundance of waterbirds using the river channel.