Development of survey methods for spring-migrating waterfowl in the Rainwater Basin

The Rainwater Basin Wetland Complex is a mid-latitude focal point of spring migration for numerous species of birds in the Great Plains. The Rainwater Basin Joint Venture (RWBJV) and partners desire geospatial models to identify characteristics of wetland complexes and understand local and landscape level factors that influence habitat selection of migrating waterfowl.  To support this effort, we developed a monitoring strategy that incorporates the complexities of large spatial and temporal variation in ponded water during spring survey periods.  Our strategy relies on the >10 years of surface water data that the RWBJV has collected during spring.  Development of these types of models and conservation planning tools requires long-term study; thus, the sampling strategy, which was initiated in 2017, will be conducted annually for the next 10 years to collect data needed to develop models and describe habitat relationships.