A 137-Year History of the Summer Avian Community at the Winous Point Marsh, Port Clinton, Ohio, USA

The Winous Point Marsh Conservancy and the Winous Point Shooting Club, with landholdings in both Sandusky and Ottawa Counties, Ohio, has completed a survey of the summer resident bird population on the property 4 times spanning 137 years. Although achieving a true census is unrealistic, these surveys have provided a unique, long-term history of changes in the avian community in northwest Ohio since the 1880s. Surveys were completed in 1880, 1930, 1960, and 2017. Draining and deforestation of the wetlands in northwest Ohio, by the late 1870s, resulted in the loss of many forested-wetland dependent species such as Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea), Solitary Sandpiper (Tringa solitaria), and Northern Waterthrush (Parkesia noveboracensis) after the 1880 survey. Intensification of agricultural practices after the 1930 survey likely resulted in the loss of the early successional habitat that was associated with smaller, less intensive, agricultural practices and consequently the loss of many grassland nesting species such as Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus), Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna), Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus), Blue-winged Teal (Anas discors), Northern Pintail (Anas acuta), and Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata). Several new species were documented during the 2017 survey including Osprey (Pandion haliaetus), Sandhill Crane (Antigone canadensis), Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator), and American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos). This long-term dataset provides a unique opportunity to investigate the avian immigration, extirpation, and recolonization of a specific site over the past 137 years, providing insight into how landscape-level habitat changes affected the avian community. Publication Date: October 2019 https://doi.org/10.18061/ojs.v119i2.6649 OHIO J SCI 119(2):48-74 scale, Ohio also has a unique bird survey with data collection dating back to 1880. The Winous Point Marsh Conservancy (WPMC) in Ottawa and Sandusky Counties, Ohio, United States, was formed in 1999 to further the research and conservation interests of the Winous Point Shooting Club, a historic duck hunting club that has owned and managed approximately 900 hectares of Lake Erie coastal marsh since 1856 (Fig.). On 4 occasions in the history of the organization, experienced naturalists have attempted to survey the summer resident bird species on the property (Langdon 1880; Christy 1931; Anderson 1960). This dataset offers a unique opportunity to investigate changes in the avian community of northwest Ohio over 100 years. Although not a true census, these summer surveys form a dataset spanning 137 years that can be used to illustrate changes in the avian community and the extirpation, immigration, and recolonization of the site by various bird species. This report surmises that many of the changes documented in the avian 1Address correspondence to Brendan T. Shirkey, Winous Point Marsh Conservancy, 3500 S. Lattimore Road, Port Clinton, OH 43452, USA. Email: brendan@winous.org © 2019 Shirkey, Simpson, and Picciuto. This article is published under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) OHIO JOURNAL OF SCIENCE 49 B. T. SHIRKEY ET AL. community have coincided with the landscape-level habitat changes that have occurred in northwest Ohio since 1880 (e.g., deforestation, wetland degradation and loss, conversion of grassland, and early successional habitat to agriculture). METHODS Study Area Ohio has lost in excess of 90% of its historical wetland habitat, and much of the habitat that remains has been highly degraded by anthropogenic influences (e.g., increased sediment runoff, nutrient runoff, and invasive species) (Campbell et al. 1995; Wilson and Mitsch 1996). Much of this loss occurred in the coastal marshes of northwestern Ohio. Now only approximately 12,000 hectares of wetlands remain in an area that once consisted of approximately 405,000 hectares and was described as the “Great Black Swamp.” The latter covered parts of Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky, Seneca, Wood, Hancock, Henry, Putnam, Allen, Defiance, Paulding, and Van Wert Counties in Ohio, and Allen County in Indiana (Campbell et al. 1995). The remaining wetlands are often hydrologically disconnected from Lake Erie by necessity to prevent further erosion of wetland vegetation (Andrews 1952; Sherman et al. 1996). Consequently, these wetlands do not function ecologically as they would have historically by providing an expanse of shallow water wetland habitat directly connected to Lake Erie. WPMC is a privately-owned coastal wetland complex situated at the confluence of the Sandusky River, Muddy Creek, Green Creek, South Creek, and Lake Erie. WPMC landholdings consist of approximately 400 hectares of emergent marsh, 100 hectares of forested wetland, and 400 hectares of open water (Fig.). Emergent marsh habitat is dominated by perennial species such as cattail (Typha spp.), bulrush (Schoenoplectus spp. and Scirpus spp.), burreed (Sparganium spp.), and phragmites (Phragmites australis), as well as annuals such as smartweed (Polygonum spp.), millet (Echinochloa spp.), and nutsedge (Cyperus spp.). Forested wetland habitat is dominated by cottonwood (Populus deltoides), willow (Salix spp.), hickory (Carya spp.), and swamp white oak (Quercus bicolor). Open water habitat owned by FIGURE. Map with inset showing the areal location of the Winous Point Marsh Conservancy and WPMC property boundaries as well as the current levee system (black outlines) 50 VOL. 119(2) HISTORY OF BIRD SURVEYS AT WINOUS POINT WPMC, but outside of the current levee system, is generally devoid of plant life due to turbidity and wave action. During the earliest survey period, however, this habitat type was dominated by large stands of bulrush and wild rice (Zizania spp.) in addition to vast beds of submerged aquatic vegetation (Potamogeton spp., Vallisneria americana) (Sedgwick and Kroll 2010). Bird Surveys Summer bird surveys have been conducted 4 times in the history of WPMC. J. Bonsall Porter and Dr. Frank W. Langdon surveyed the summer birds of WPMC during the first week of July 1880 (Langdon 1880). John B. Semple and Bayard H. Christy conducted a similar survey 1 July to 3 July 1930 (Christy 1931), and in 1960 John M. Anderson and 5 other observers surveyed the summer resident birds from 2 July to 5 July (Anderson 1960). Finally, in 2017, three WPMC staff members completed survey work on 3 July to 6 July. Observers recorded both visual and auditory detections of birds and estimated abundance to the best of their ability. The entire property was surveyed in all 4 instances using a combination of walking and boats, as well as all-terrain vehicles during the 2017 survey. In 2017, observers used line transect sampling techniques—following the pre-existing levee system—to survey the property, and approximately 32 kilometers of transect were surveyed. Observers stopped every 200 meters on each transect to record bird observations and search for smaller and more cryptic species. Observers also sampled interior wetland habitat and interior forested habitat (<10 points for both habitat types) using point sampling techniques to detect any species that might be present on the property, but not well represented by levee-based sampling. Two observers worked together for most surveys in 2017, and no transects were sampled more than once to minimize double counting of individuals. The survey efforts were undoubtedly inconsistent within and between surveys, with no formally established protocol and with varying numbers of observers and observer skill levels. Observers did record count data during all 4 surveys, but due to the inconsistencies in effort this project focused only on presence or absence of different bird species. Included are general interest notes on relative abundance. Langdon (1880) and Christy (1931) also included bird species with a confirmed presence during the summer months at Winous that were not detected within the brief survey window. Similarly, bird species in the 2017 survey that were present outside of the actual survey window, but confirmed present from known observations, were included. Jaccard’s coefficients (Js) were calculated to compare similarity in species composition among the 4 survey periods after the 2017 survey was completed (Jackson et al. 1989). RESULTS WPMC staff observed 88 bird species during the 2017 survey, similar to the 82 species observed by Anderson (1960) and significantly more than the 71 observed by Christy (1931) and 68 observed by Langdon (1880). Furthermore, WPMC staff documented the presence of 7 additional species outside of the survey window (survey window being the first week in July) but still during June and July: American Avocet (Recurvirostra americana), American Wigeon (Anas americana), Canvasback (Aythya valisineria), Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis), Black-necked Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus), Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis), and Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) (Table). Thirty-three species were documented on all 4 surveys and 41 species were unique to only a single survey (Table). Eighteen species were recorded during the 2017 survey that had never been recorded during early surveys, but of these it is likely only some—such as Mute Swan (Cygnus olor), Osprey (Pandion haliaetus), Sandhill Crane (Antigone canadensis), and Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator)—are new colonizers. Other species documented only in 2017 may or may not have had a historical breeding presence in northwest Ohio. For example, though common now, Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) was never noted before the 2017 survey; even though the species was documented in Ohio dating back to the early 1900s, with breeding evidence after 1960 (Rodewald et al. 2016). Some other species, such as Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) and Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus), may simply have been overlooked during earlier survey


INTRODUCTION
Some of the most consistent and longest-running wildlife monitoring programs in North America, including the North American Breeding Bird Survey (established in 1966) and the Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey (established in 1955), are available to avian biologists and managers (Smith 1995;Sauer et al. 2013). Furthermore, The Ohio Breeding Bird Atlas, describing the distribution of breeding birds across Ohio was completed from 1982 to 1987 (Peterjohn and Rice 1991); a follow-up volume, The Second Atlas of Breeding Birds in Ohio, was undertaken from 2006 to 2011 (Rodewald et al. 2016). Long-term biological monitoring datasets are rare, but can be valuable tools for documenting extirpation, colonization, or even long-term population trends of specific species (Franklin 1989). Additionally, population trend data, or even presence/absence data, can ultimately be linked to landscape-level habitat or environmental changes (Ball et al. 2005;Wintle and Bardos 2006). Although on a much smaller spatial scale, Ohio also has a unique bird survey with data collection dating back to 1880.
The Winous Point Marsh Conservancy (WPMC) in Ottawa and Sandusky Counties, Ohio, United States, was formed in 1999 to further the research and conservation interests of the Winous Point Shooting Club, a historic duck hunting club that has owned and managed approximately 900 hectares of Lake Erie coastal marsh since 1856 ( Fig.). On 4 occasions in the history of the organization, experienced naturalists have attempted to survey the summer resident bird species on the property (Langdon 1880;Christy 1931;Anderson 1960). This dataset offers a unique opportunity to investigate changes in the avian community of northwest Ohio over 100 years. Although not a true census, these summer surveys form a dataset spanning 137 years that can be used to illustrate changes in the avian community and the extirpation, immigration, and recolonization of the site by various bird species. This report surmises that many of the changes documented in the avian 1 community have coincided with the landscape-level habitat changes that have occurred in northwest Ohio since 1880 (e.g., deforestation, wetland degradation and loss, conversion of grassland, and early successional habitat to agriculture).

Study Area
Ohio has lost in excess of 90% of its historical wetland habitat, and much of the habitat that remains has been highly degraded by anthropogenic influences (e.g., increased sediment runoff, nutrient runoff, and invasive species) (Campbell et al. 1995;Wilson and Mitsch 1996). Much of this loss occurred in the coastal marshes of northwestern Ohio. Now only approximately 12,000 hectares of wetlands remain in an area that once consisted of approximately 405,000 hectares and was described as the "Great Black Swamp." The latter covered parts of Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky, Seneca, Wood, Hancock, Henry, Putnam, Allen, Defiance, Paulding, and Van Wert Counties in Ohio, and Allen County in Indiana (Campbell et al. 1995). The remaining wetlands are often hydrologically disconnected from Lake Erie by necessity to prevent further erosion of wetland vegetation (Andrews 1952;Sherman et al. 1996). Consequently, these wetlands do not function ecologically as they would have historically by providing an expanse of shallow water wetland habitat directly connected to Lake Erie.
WPMC is a privately-owned coastal wetland complex situated at the confluence of the Sandusky River, Muddy Creek, Green Creek, South Creek, and Lake Erie. WPMC landholdings consist of approximately 400 hectares of emergent marsh, 100 hectares of forested wetland, and 400 hectares of open water ( Fig.). Emergent marsh habitat is dominated by perennial species such as cattail (Typha spp.), bulrush (Schoenoplectus spp. and Scirpus spp.), burreed (Sparganium spp.), and phragmites (Phragmites australis), as well as annuals such as smartweed (Polygonum spp.), millet (Echinochloa spp.), and nutsedge (Cyperus spp.). Forested wetland habitat is dominated by cottonwood (Populus deltoides), willow (Salix spp.), hickory (Carya spp.), and swamp white oak (Quercus bicolor). Open water habitat owned by WPMC, but outside of the current levee system, is generally devoid of plant life due to turbidity and wave action. During the earliest survey period, however, this habitat type was dominated by large stands of bulrush and wild rice (Zizania spp.) in addition to vast beds of submerged aquatic vegetation (Potamogeton spp., Vallisneria americana) (Sedgwick and Kroll 2010).

Bird Surveys
Summer bird surveys have been conducted 4 times in the history of WPMC. J. Bonsall Porter and Dr. Frank W. Langdon surveyed the summer birds of WPMC during the first week of July 1880 (Langdon 1880). John B. Semple and Bayard H. Christy conducted a similar survey 1 July to 3 July 1930 (Christy 1931), and in 1960 John M. Anderson and 5 other observers surveyed the summer resident birds from 2 July to 5 July (Anderson 1960). Finally, in 2017, three WPMC staff members completed survey work on 3 July to 6 July. Observers recorded both visual and auditory detections of birds and estimated abundance to the best of their ability. The entire property was surveyed in all 4 instances using a combination of walking and boats, as well as all-terrain vehicles during the 2017 survey.
In 2017, observers used line transect sampling techniques-following the pre-existing levee system-to survey the property, and approximately 32 kilometers of transect were surveyed. Observers stopped every 200 meters on each transect to record bird observations and search for smaller and more cryptic species. Observers also sampled interior wetland habitat and interior forested habitat (<10 points for both habitat types) using point sampling techniques to detect any species that might be present on the property, but not well represented by levee-based sampling. Two observers worked together for most surveys in 2017, and no transects were sampled more than once to minimize double counting of individuals.
The sur vey efforts were undoubtedly inconsistent within and between surveys, with no formally established protocol and with varying numbers of observers and observer skill levels. Observers did record count data during all 4 surveys, but due to the inconsistencies in effort this project focused only on presence or absence of different bird species. Included are general interest notes on relative abundance. Langdon (1880) and Christy (1931) also included bird species with a confirmed presence during the summer months at Winous that were not detected within the brief survey window. Similarly, bird species in the 2017 survey that were present outside of the actual survey window, but confirmed present from known observations, were included. Jaccard's coefficients (Js) were calculated to compare similarity in species composition among the 4 survey periods after the 2017 survey was completed (Jackson et al. 1989).

RESULTS
WPMC staff observed 88 bird species during the 2017 survey, similar to the 82 species observed by Anderson (1960) and significantly more than the 71 observed by Christy (1931) and 68 observed by Langdon (1880). Furthermore, WPMC staff documented the presence of 7 additional species outside of the survey window (survey window being the first week in July) but still during June and July: American Avocet (Recurvirostra americana), American Wigeon (Anas americana), Canvasback (Aythya valisineria), Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis), Black-necked Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus), Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis), and Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) (Table). Thirty-three species were documented on all 4 surveys and 41 species were unique to only a single survey (Table). Eighteen species were recorded during the 2017 survey that had never been recorded during early surveys, but of these it is likely only some-such as Mute Swan (Cygnus olor), Osprey (Pandion haliaetus), Sandhill Crane (Antigone canadensis), and Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator)-are new colonizers.
Other species documented only in 2017 may or may not have had a historical breeding presence in northwest Ohio. For example, though common now, Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) was never noted before the 2017 survey; even though the species was documented in Ohio dating back to the early 1900s, with breeding evidence after 1960 (Rodewald et al. 2016). Some other species, such as Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) and Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus), may simply have been overlooked during earlier surveys as they have a well-documented historical breeding presence in northwest Ohio (Rodewald et al. 2016).

DISCUSSION
The assumed extirpation of many of the species documented only during the 1880 survey could be attributed to the deforestation and draining of the Great Black Swamp. Extensive European settlement of the region began in the 1840s and Campbell et al. (1995) noted that by 1875 logging and burning had entirely cleared the Great Black Swamp. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea), Solitary Sandpiper (Tringa solitaria), and Northern Waterthrush (Parkesia noveboracensis) are all inhabitants of wooded wetlands and likely disappeared along with the trees. Similarly, Least Flycatchers (Empidonax minimus), Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus), Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo), and Wood Thrushes (Hylocichla mustelina) are primarily deciduous and mixed deciduous-coniferous forest obligates. They would have been present in some of the drier sections of the Great Black Swamp before they also disappeared (Anders et al. 1998;Rodewald et al. 2016). The Common Loon (Gavia immer) was the final species that was never observed after the 1880 survey, although their disappearance from WPMC in the summer months was likely linked to reduced water clarity and increased human disturbance at the end of the 19th century (Vermeer 1973;Campbell et al. 1995;Thompson and Price 2006).
After the 1880 survey, the landscape surrounding WPMC remained relatively unchanged for the next several decades as the Great Black Swamp was replaced by small, family-owned farms (Campbell et al. 1995). These small farms were characterized by a diverse array of relatively low-intensity agricultural practices including pasturelands, haylands, and hedgerows (Rollins and Carrol 2001). Relatively large amounts of early successional habitat remained in areas that were unprofitable or infeasible to farm (Campbell et al. 1995;Rollins and Carrol 2001).
Gradually, as the 20th century progressed, lowintensity agricultural techniques and small family farms were consolidated into larger commercial farming operations. This resulted in high-intensity farming, a highly fragmented landscape, and a dramatic reduction in early successional habitat surrounding WPMC (Rollins and Carrol 2001). These changes appear to be reflected in differences between the 1930 and 1960 surveys. For example, Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus), Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna), and Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus)-all designated as occurring frequently in the 1930 survey-were gone by the 1960 survey. Furthermore, Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis) and Ring-necked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus), along with breeding waterfowl species such as Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata), Blue-winged Teal (Anas discors), Northern Pintail (Anas acuta), and American Black Duck (Anas rubripes), were all documented during the 1960 survey but extirpated by the 2017 survey. The aforementioned species typically breed in grassland habitat (Heckert 1995;Brennan and Kuvlesky 2005;Rodewald et al. 2016).
During this same period of surveys, the Black Tern (Chlidonias niger), which through the 1960 survey was designated as a common summer breeder at WPMC, also disappeared by 2017. Black Terns typically form loose nesting colonies comprised of floating nests in large stands of bulrush (Maxson et al. 2007;Rodewald et al. 2016). The extirpation of the Black Tern from WPMC property is likely a result of a substantial decrease in the abundance of bulrush and other emergent vegetation that was once prominent in the region. Several factors (such as introduction of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and channelization of the Sandusky River) contributed to decreased water quality and increased turbidity, which in turn likely furthered the decline and eventual extirpation of nesting Black Terns in the region (Sedgwick and Kroll 2010).
Four species of interest were encountered on the 2017 survey, 3 of which have never been documented during previous surveys and 1 that has not been observed since the 1880 survey. Sandhill Crane, Osprey, and Trumpeter Swan-never detected previously-were all observed during the 2017 survey, and breeding attempts have been documented in the region. All 3 species are currently experiencing rapid population growth, and their colonization of WPMC is likely a result of finding suitable habitat in an area that was once on the edge of their historical range. In the case of Trumpeter Swans, an active introduction program in Ohio also contributed to their population growth (ODNR 2018). In addition, American White Pelicans (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos), not documented since the 1880 survey, have also been growing in abundance. For the last 3 years (2016 to 2018) up to 50 non-breeding summer residents have been observed at WPMC.
A final species of note is the Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), even though it was observed on all 4 surveys. The recovery of Bald Eagles in the contiguous 48 states has been well documented, and locally the collapse and recovery of Bald Eagle populations in northwest Ohio was effectively documented by WPMC surveys (Grier 1982). Bald Eagles were noted as "very common" during both the 1880 and 1930 survey; however, by the 1960 survey only a single pair of breeding individuals remained on the property: representing 1 of only 4 nests in Ohio. Following intensive restoration efforts and the banning of DDT, 51 individuals were documented during the 2017 survey and at least 6 active nests were noted on WPMC property.  Very common. To be seen at all hours. Birds both in adult and immature plumage. Knowing the existence of a nest in one of the "elm islands", we did not take time to look it up.

1960
Pair with 1 young beside lane in Gardiner Piece. Pair with 2 young on Graveyard Island. The species appears to be less common than formerly. 2017 Fifty-one seen; very common. At least 6 active nests on the property.  Sixteen seen; appears to be more common in July than previously.
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher * (Polioptila caerulea) 1880 Evidently this species is here much less common than in southern Ohio, as our only identification of it rests on the note of a single individual heard.

1930
Not found 1960 Not found; no recent summer records.

1930
Notation regarding the presence of Mallard applies to this species as well. We saw none and surmised that already the birds might have lost their flight feathers and might be in hiding.

1960
Saw only 30, although breeding population was estimated at 80 pairs. Shows marked increase in nesting in last 4 years. 2017 One nest located in Horseshoe in 2014. Rarely observed in summer.   1930 Not found. A neighboring farmer, in reply to a question, said that the swallows used to nest under the eaves of his barn; that the sparrows drove them away and for a time there were few or none; and that now, nesting within the barn, they had increased in numbers. The farmer's confusion of two species needs but a word: the earlier birds were Cliff Swallows, those of the later years, Barn Swallows.  1960 Sixty-one pairs seen, 11 nests, 15 broods.

2017
Five seen or heard, common breeder, nests occasionally encountered. Four specimens taken and others observed by Mr. Porter. We were informed that the "larger" terns (probably this species) are quite plentiful in the marsh during rough weather, which drives them in from the lake.

1930
Noted twice or three times, singly or in pairs, flying over bay or marsh; and, on another occasion, in late afternoon, a compact company of 30 to 40, flying rather high, up the bay and up the wind, toward an approaching shower.

1960
Two seen 2017 Four seen on the bay. Known to nest at 2 locations locally.

2017
Twelve seen; seem to be confined to the northern edge of the property near Latimore and Gardiner. In the woods and groves bordering the marsh we met with this species in greater number than I have ever seen it elsewhere; they were not in flocks, but in some places almost every tree appeared to be occupied by a pair of these vociferous insect collectors. The abundance of the deer fly and other insect pests about the marsh at this season is such that the kingbird is an exceedingly welcome addition to the fauna. One pair seen.  One pair plus single bird seen. Nests in woods above clubhouse, occupied an eagle nest this year. Probably at least three pairs nesting on club grounds. An adult was collected at the club in the spring of 1881. Probably was overlooked on previous censuses. One, possibly two, birds seen around clubhouse since June 8, 1960. One appears to be a female, the other a sub-adult male. This appears to be the first record for the Sandusky Bay Area. Neither specimen has been seen since July 8, 1960.

2017
Not found, only observed once at any time of year since 2008.