The effects of complete and partial exclusion of cattle grazing on avian recovery was examined in a study conducted in riparian areas of Orestimba Creek and Garzas Creek on Simon Newman Ranch in foothills of San Joaquin Valley, CA. Avian data was collected during breeding season (April to June) from 2001-2006, from 05:00 to 11:00 hours in areas with full cattle-exclosures and seasonal exclosures. Observers noted individual birds by species and distance to each individual over a five-minute period at each station. Native species abundance and richness on each site were determined. Changes in non-native species and Brown-headed cowbird abundance during the study was also recorded, for comparing trends on full-exclosure and seasonal exclosure sites, and to see if regional populations remained stable, increased or decreased and if shifts in abundance occurred.
Citations and enhanced abstracts for journals articles and documents focused on rangeland ecology and management. RSIS is a collaboration between Montana State University, University of Idaho, and University of Wyoming.