Grasshopper Sparrow update, Solitary Sandpiper, July 10

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Now that I am back in the Muskegon area, I have been again banding Grasshopper Sparrows at the Muskegon Wastewater fields south of Apple Avenue. This is the fourth consecutive year of the project. Today (July 10) was too hot and humid to safely band, so I birded the State Game Area instead. I had a good day, but probably the most interesting find was a Solitary Sandpiper in the dug-out pool in the Lanes Landing east field (accessible from the South Maple River Trail that extends west from the end of Messinger Road). While the species is regular in the county later in July, this sighting was one the earliest "fall" records.

As far as Grasshopper Sparrows, I have captured 42 males (my principal targets), 1 female, and 1 juvenile so far this year. (The adult male pictured above is likely the brownest individual that I have ever banded.) Twelve of the males were banded during past years (one from 2008). While there are a few more males that I have yet to capture, it appears that the population is substantially down from past years. Return rates have also dropped, the weights of the males are significantly less, and territory distribution is spottier. Almost doubtlessly, habitat disruption is the culprit. A poorly executed scheme to encourage prairie grasses and forbs has actually resulted in a major outburst of Spotted Knapweed - an aggressive, exotic weed. Over 80% of about 300 acres formerly suitable for Grasshopper Sparrows and other grassland birds has been converted to a near monoculture of extraordinarily thick and tall knapweed. Just walking thru this stuff is tough - like dragging heavy anchors with both feet.

Small pockets of grass still exist and the parcel immediately surrounding the model airfield has fortunately not been treated. The remaining Grasshopper Sparrows are concentrated in such areas. Since much of the grassy remnants lie immediately adjacent to the roads, birders that stay near their vehicles may actually think that Grasshopper Sparrows and other grassland birds are actually more numerous this year. That is not the case, but fortunately Grasshopper Sparrows still remain remarkably common and are breeding. Plus, despite my concerns to the contrary, I even found one Brewer's Blackbird nest.

Dickcissels, unlike everything else, seem to thrive among the knapweed. I have not made a precise count yet, but there are at least 15 males south of Apple Avenue. Two have blundered into my nets.

This year (as in all odd-numbered years) I am placing standard aluminum bands on the right leg. While bands this small are extremely difficult to read in the field, observers can get an idea of when the bird was first captured by the band's location and luster.
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Brian Johnson
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