Landbird monitoring: 2023 results from Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve, Lava Beds National Monument, and Redwood National and State Parks

In 2023, the Klamath Inventory and Monitoring Network (KLMN) of the National Park Service implemented the 15th year of long-term landbird monitoring in partnership with the Klamath Bird Observatory. This partnership developed a monitoring framework using standard avian sampling methods including variable circular plot point counts, mist netting, species checklists, and habitat surveys. Point counts were conducted at two parks according to the three-year rotation schedule. In 2023, the sixth year of point counts was completed along with corresponding species checklists and habitat surveys at 25 locations within Lava Beds National Monument, and 15 (out of 30) locations within Redwood National and State Parks. The reduction in survey locations at Redwoods National and State Parks was implemented in 2021 to allow surveyors to work in pairs for safety reasons and is an ongoing change to the monitoring at the park. The operation of an ongoing constant effort monitoring station, which included mist netting and species checklists, continued at Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve during the breeding and fall migration seasons. Relative abundance (birds/station) was modelled for all survey sites combined within each park from the point count data. Total captures, by season, were calculated using constant effort mist netting data. Species of conservation importance were among the most abundant species at each park. Results are presented along with conservation status of individual species based on Partners in Flight (PIF) state and continental plans and Oregon and California Wildlife Conservation Strategies. This 15th year of implementation of the KLMN landbird monitoring program continued to lay the groundwork for improved understanding of landbird status and long-term trends in each park. When analyzed in the framework of the Klamath Bird Monitoring Network, the contribution of KLMN parks to bird conservation in this region will help inform landbird conservation in the West.