Bird Species of the BFEC was originally published in the BFEC Newsletter, Vo. 12/No. 2, Spring 2008.
A recent study finds 76 bird species nesting at the BFEC including several species that are declining in other areas of North America. To have so many birds increasing their numbers on just 380 acres is a sign that the BFEC is meeting one of its goals, to conserve the natural diversity of the Kokosing River valley.
Most of this knowledge comes from an intensive study by Benjamin Warner, a student at Mt. Vernon Nazarene University. Ben was awarded a Jordan Professorship BFEC Internship last summer and surveyed the BFEC to find more than 600 breeding birds.
The data were recently transferred to a computer mapping system where patterns could be examined. Wetlands, forest edges and the Kokosing River were especially important habitats for bird diversity. We were pleased to see 102 pairs of warblers because many warbler species elsewhere are threatened by habitat loss. Breeding wood warblers at the BFEC include the Cerulean, Hooded, and Kentucky Warbler, plus nine other species.
Studies such as Ben’s help us to document the current status of wildlife at the BFEC. From this base we will be able to monitor changes and to better manage our habitats for future generations of birds and bird watchers. Let us know when and where you encounter nesting birds!