The INSTITUTE for BIRD POPULATIONS
DONATE to IBP
Menu Control
MONITORING BIRD POPULATIONS IN SIERRA NEVADA NATIONAL PARKS
Sierra Nevada National Parks program banner photo
The National Parks that comprise the National Park Service’s Sierra Nevada Network -- Yosemite, King’s Canyon, and Sequoia National Park, as well as Devils Postpile National Monument-- encompass granite domes, spectacular canyons, waterfalls, and vast tracts of roadless mountains and forests. Thousands of plant species, from the tiniest monkey-flower to the towering Giant Sequoia, mantle the low to mid elevations, providing habitat to hundreds of vertebrate species.
IBP is partnering with the National Park Service to monitor bird populations throughout the Sierra Nevada parks. Most summers we deploy a crew of expert bird surveyors, who conduct point counts of all bird species heard and seen at preselected, mostly off-trail locations that are visited year after year. Surveyors hike hundreds of miles, and in the process collect data that allow us to track population numbers and distributions of many dozens of bird species throughout the parks. This information yields important findings about habitat needs of Sierra Nevada bird species, the status of declining populations, and the effects of climate change, wildfire, and other large-scale ecological processes on birds.
     Show trails
Locations of transect origins in Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks. Red markers (labeled 'A') indicate annual panel transect origins; blue markers (labeled with panel number) indicate alternating panel transect origins. Once a transect is surveyed the icon color changes to yellow. Click on icons for additional transect origin information. Select "All Years" from the Filter map by year drop down menu to view transect origins for all panels. Click here for a larger version of this map.
For more information about IBP’s work in Sierra Nevada National Parks, please contact Bob Wilkerson.
Photo Credits: Top of Page, Jade Ajani; Right Column Top, Tim Lenz; Right Column Bottom, Kelly Colgan Azar
MAPS IN SIERRA NATIONAL PARKS
In a separate but related project, we also collaborate with NPS personnel to operate Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship (MAPS) stations in Yosemite National Park.
Yosemite’s MAPS stations have been operated continuously since 1992 and are among the longest-running stations in the country. Mark-recapture data from Yosemite’s MAPS stations reveal the underlying demographic causes of broader population changes across the parks.
A recent IBP study placed micro-gps units on Black-headed Grosbeaks captured at Yosemite’s MAPS stations, and determined specific locations in Mexico where the birds molted, and then overwintered.
 
Bird Photo
 
Bird Photo
 
SUBSCRIBE to IBP
 
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS
Peer-reviewed Publications
Kim, H., R.B. Siegel, J.L. Stephens, J.C. Hagar, B.J. Furnas, M.-S. Jeong, B.C. McComb, and M.G. Betts. 2024. Annual migratory movement, apparent molt-migration, migration schedule, and diffuse migratory connectivity of Hermit Warblers. Avian Conservation and Ecology 19:6. PDF
Schofield, L.N., R.B. Siegel, and H.L. Loffland. 2023. Modeling climate-driven range shifts in populations of two bird species limited by habitat independent of climate. Ecosphere 2023;14:e4408. PDF
Desrosiers, M.A., L.N. Schofield, B.K. Jackson, and S.S. Stock. 2022. Low flows in a regulated river system are associated with reduced breeding bird abundance and diversity in Yosemite National Park, California. River Research and Applications 2022:1-17. PDF
Ray, C., R.L. Wilkerson, R.B. Siegel, M.L. Holmgren, and S.A. Haultain. 2022. Landbird population trends in parks of the Sierra Nevada Network: 2011-2019 synthesis natural resource report NPS/SIEN/NRR 2022/2402. Available at https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/DownloadFile/673059.
Saracco, J.F., R.L. Cormier, D.L. Humple, S. Stock, R. Taylor, and R.B. Siegel. 2022. Demographic responses to climate-driven variation in habitat quality across the annual cycle of a migratory bird species. Ecology and Evolution 2022;12:e8934. PDF
Siegel, R. and R. Wilkerson. 2022. A giant loss: losing sequoias could be a blow to Sierra Nevada Birds. The Wildlife Professional 16:54-55. PDF
Ray, C., R.M. Rochefort, J.I. Ransom, J.C.B. Nesmith, S.A. Haultain, T.D. Schaming, J.R. Boetsch, M.L. Holmgren, R.L. Wilkerson, and R.B. Siegel. 2020. Assessing trends and vulnerabilities in the mutualism between whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) and Clark’s nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana) in national parks of the Sierra-Cascade region. PlosONE 2020:1-25. PDF
Schofield, L.N., S.A. Eyes, R.B. Siegel, and S.L. Stock. 2020. Habitat selection by spotted owls after a megafire in Yosemite National Park. Forest Ecology and Management 478:118511. PDF
Saracco, J.F., R.B. Siegel, L. Helton, S. Stock, and D. DeSante. 2019. Phenology and productivity in a montane bird assemblage: trends and responses to elevation and climate variation. Global Change Biology 2019:25;985-086. PDF
Siegel, R.B., S.A. Eyes, M.W. Tingley, J.X. Wu, S.L. Stock, J.R. Medley, R.S. Kalinowski, A. Casas, M. Lima-Baumbach, and A.C. Rich. 2019. Short-term resilience of Great Gray Owls to a megafire in California, USA. The Condor: Ornithological Applications 121:1-13. For a copy of this publication, please contact Rodney Siegel.
Siegel, R.B., R. Taylor, J.F. Saracco, L. Helton, and S. Stock. 2016. GPS-tracking reveals non-breeding locations and apparent molt migration of a Black-headed Grosbeak. Journal of Field Ornithology 87:196-203. PDF
Wu, J.X., R.B. Siegel, H.L. Loffland, M.W. Tingley, S.L. Stock, K.N. Roberts, J.J. Keane, J.R. Medley, R. Bridgman, and C. Stermer. 2015. Diversity of nest sites and nesting habitats used by Great Gray Owls in California. The Journal of Wildlife Management 79:937-947. (For a copy of this publication, please contact Helen Loffland.)
Siegel, R.B., R.L. Wilkerson, J.F. Saracco, and Z.L. Steel. 2011. Elevation ranges of birds on the Sierra Nevada’s west slope. Western Birds 42:2-26. PDF
Stock S.L., R.B. Siegel, and D.R. Kaschube. 2010. Declines in Yosemite’s bird populations. Pages 117-124 in: S. Weber, editor. Rethinking Protected Areas in a Changing World: Proceedings of the 2009 George Wright Society Biennial Conference on Parks, Protected Areas, and Cultural Sites. PDF
Siegel, R.B., R.L. Wilkerson, and D.F. DeSante. 2008. Extirpation of the Willow Flycatcher from Yosemite National Park. Western Birds 39:8-21. PDF
Other Publications and Reports
Helton, L.W., R.B. Siegel, D.R. Kaschube, and S.L. Stock. 2020. The 2019 annual report of the Monitoring Avian Survivorship and Productivity (MAPS) Program in Yosemite National Park. IBP Report to Yosemite National Park.
Helton, L.W., R.B. Siegel, D.R. Kaschube, and S. Stock. 2019. The 2018 Annual Report of the Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship (MAPS) Program in Yosemite National Park. The Institute for Bird Populations, Point Reyes Station, CA.
Loffland, H. and R.B. Siegel. 2019. Assessing bumble bee communities on the Power Fire of the Eldorado National Forest: report for the 2018 field season. The Institute for Bird Populations, Point Reyes Station, CA.
Helton, L.W., R.B. Siegel, D.R. Kaschube, and S. Stock. 2015. The 2014 annual report of the Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship (MAPS) Program in Yosemite National Park. The Institute for Bird Populations, Point Reyes Station, CA. PDF
Rowan, E., R.B. Siegel, D.R. Kaschube, and S. Stock. 2014. The 2013 Annual Report of the Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship (MAPS) Program in Yosemite National Park. The Institute for Bird Populations, Point Reyes Station, CA. PDF
Loffland, H.L., R.B. Siegel, and R.L. Wilkerson. 2013. Assessing the effects of meadow restoration on bird populations in the greater Sierra Nevada: report for the 2012 field season The Institute for Bird Populations, Point Reyes Station, CA.
Rowan, E.R., D.R. Kaschube, R.B. Siegel, and S. Stock. 2013. The 2012 annual report of the Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship (MAPS) Program in Yosemite National Park. Report to Yosemite National Park. The Institute for Bird Populations, Point Reyes Station, CA. PDF
Holmgren, A.L., R.L. Wilkerson, and R.B. Siegel. 2012. Sierra Nevada Network bird monitoring: 2011 annual report. Natural Resource Data Series NPS/SIEN/NRDS—2012/362. National Park Service, Fort Collins, CO. PDF
Siegel, R.B., J.F. Saracco, R.L. Wilkerson, and S. Stock. 2012. Long-term demographics of Yosemite’s songbirds: an analysis of data from the Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship (MAPS) Program in Yosemite National Park. Report to Yosemite National Park. The Institute for Bird Populations, Point Reyes Station, CA. PDF
Steel, Z.L., M.L. Bond, R.B. Siegel, and P. Pyle. 2012. Avifauna of Sierra Nevada Network parks: assessing distribution, abundance, stressors, and conservation opportunities for 145 bird species (Appendix A, species accounts). Natural Resource Report NPS/SIEN/NRR—2012/506A. National Park Service, Fort Collins, CO. PDF
Steel, Z.L., M.L. Bond, R.B. Siegel, and P. Pyle. 2012. Avifauna of Sierra Nevada Network parks: assessing distribution, abundance, stressors, and conservation opportunities for 145 bird species. Natural Resource Report NPS/SIEN/NRR—2012/506. National Park Service, Fort Collins, CO. PDF
Kaschube, D.R., R.B. Siegel, and S. Stock. 2011. The 2010 annual report of the Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship (MAPS) Program in Yosemite National Park. Report to Yosemite National Park. The Institute for Bird Populations, Point Reyes Station, CA.
Siegel, R.B., P. Pyle, D.R. Kaschube, and S. Stock. 2010. The 2009 annual report of the MAPS Program in Yosemite National Park. The Institute for Bird Populations, Point Reyes Station, CA. PDF
Siegel, R.B., R.L. Wilkerson, and M. Goldin Rose. 2010. Bird monitoring protocol for national parks in the Sierra Nevada Network. Natural Resource Report NPS/SIEN/NRR--2010/231. National Park Service, Fort Collins, CO. PDF
Siegel, R.B., J.F. Saracco, and D.R. Kaschube. 2009. The Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship (MAPS) Program in Kings Canyon National Park: 1991-2008. Report to Kings Canyon National Park. The Institute for Bird Populations, Point Reyes Station, CA. PDF
Siegel, R.B., R.L. Wilkerson, and D.F. DeSante. 2007. Determining the status and distribution of Willow Flycatcher in Yosemite National Park. Report to Yosemite National Park. The Institute for Bird Populations, Point Reyes Station, CA.
Siegel, R.B., and R.L. Wilkerson. 2005. Sample designs for avian monitoring alternatives in Sierra Nevada Network national parks. Report to the Sierra Nevada Network of the National Park Service. The Institute for Bird Populations, Point Reyes Station, CA.
Siegel, R.B., and R.L. Wilkerson. 2004. Landbird Inventory for Devils Postpile National Monument, Final Report. The Institute for Bird Populations, Point Reyes Station, CA. PDF
Siegel, R.B., and R.L. Wilkerson. 2004. Landbird inventory for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park (2003-2004). Report to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. The Institute for Bird Populations, Point Reyes Station, CA. PDF
DeSante, D.F., P. Pyle, and D.R. O'Grady. 2003. The 2002 (ten-year) annual report of the Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship (MAPS) Program in Yosemite National Park. The Institute for Bird Populations, Point Reyes Station, CA. PDF
Siegel, R.B., and D.F. DeSante. 2002. Avian inventory of Yosemite National Park (1998-2000). Report to Yosemite National Park. The Institute for Bird Populations, Point Reyes Station, CA. PDF
DeSante, D.F. 1995. The status, distribution, abundance, population trends, demographics, and risks of the landbird avifauna of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The Institute for Bird Populations, Point Reyes Station, CA.
DeSante, D.F. 1990. An avian biomonitoring program for the national parks other natural areas to detect large-scale, long-term changes in the productivity and survivorship of land birds. Pages 285-296 in: Proceedings of the Yosemite Centennial Symposium. PDF