Riparian and wetland areas typically support more species of breeding and migratory birds than any other habitat in the West, even though they account for less than 1% of the landscape. In addition, a large proportion of declining bird species and species of concern are dependent upon riparian and wetland habitats.

The Avian Science Center is involved in a number of programs targeting aquatic habitats.  First, in cooperation with PPL-Montana, we continue to monitor birds and study their distribution in relation to vegetation type, landscape context, and restoration efforts along the Madison and Missouri rivers.

Second, we have worked with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks to finalize a standardized statewide riparian monitoring protocol and establish long-term monitoring sites in riparian habitats along major rivers throughout Montana.  In 2005 we conducted bird surveys in five major watersheds in western Montana - see Long-term Monitoring for more information.  In 2006, MTFWP provide funding to survey riparian birds along a portion of the BIg Hole River near Wisdom that is slated for restoration, and this allowed us to resurvey a small portion of our 2005 points.  We believe birds are an excellent tool with which to monitor the effects of restoration efforts, and we are actively looking for future opportunities to lend our expertise. 

Finally, in southwest Montana, we have recently examined the use of bird communities as indicators of riparian condition along small-order streams.  See birds as indicators for details. 

We hope to expand these programs and collaborate with other agencies so that eventually all aquatic habitats statewide are adequetly monitored.  See the Coordinated Bird Monitoring Plan for details.