Bird information sought for Knik River wetlands

May 6, 2005

DAWN DE BUSK/Frontiersman reporter

PALMER - Grab your binoculars and pack a pen and notebook next time you go bird-watching around the Knik River.

Residents' reports of bird sightings this summer can supplement a study being done of migratory and nesting habits of feathered species in the Knik River wetlands.

A $19,450 federal grant was awarded to Knik River Watershed Group to initiate a baseline study of birds passing through or residing in the 7,600 acres along the glacier-fed river, according to Nancy Moore, head of the group's steering committee.

The grant objectives aren't limited solely to compiling data on bird behavior. Unlike data gathering for other aspects of the grant - such as fisheries reports and wetlands assessment - community members may assist the KRWG with their anecdotal reports.

The official field team, which began its work Tuesday, will continue to gather data every Tuesday during the month of May.

"From time to time, there have been comments on the value of the waterfowl out there, but no real data to back up the comments," said Cecily Fritz, KRWG founder and chair.

The survey team is interested in any rare sightings in the area, she said.

"If someone observes a red-tailed hawk with fledglings leaving the nest, that would require us to confirm the report," said Moore, adding that red-tailed hawks are sometimes difficult to distinguish from other hawks.

Some reported sightings would be double-checked by a member of the team who will be doing the field studies.

Avid bird-watchers habitually record sightings, Fritz said. First, enthusiasts identify the bird. In the field notes, include where the bird was seen, what time of day, what day of week, and who else was present. Basically get as much information as possible, she said.

Typically, people will see bald eagles, loons, a variety of waterfowl and trumpeter swans.

Bird-spottings may be reported to Fritz at 745-0558 or e-mailed to info@knikriver.org.

William A. Quirk III, a retired biologist and pilot, views birds on their level - from the air. Actually, he often flies above nesting grounds, getting an aerial view of the Knik River basin.

Quirk plans to collaborate with KRWG on this grant project, contributing his seven years of independent studies of swans in the Jim-Swan wetlands, according to Fritz.

"During migration, there can literally be hundreds of trumpeter swans," said Fritz, adding that the birds usually thin out after the spring migration because trumpeter swans are so territorial. "Even on a big lake, there may only be one or two pairs. They don't like to socialize during nesting season."

Contact Dawn De Busk at 352-2252, or dawn.debusk@ frontiersman.com.