Investigating Bird Populations in a Recently Restored Lagoon

The Objective : The San Dieguito Lagoon is a newly restored wetland with recently created homes for waterfowl. Many millions of dollars have been spent to return this lagoon region back into a place where fish can thrive and birds can reside. I wanted to see if the restored wetlands would attract bird populations as environmentalists hoped. I hypothesized that the Western Snowy Plover and other birds would take advantage of new nest sites protected and built for birds that migrate during winter. I also hypothesized that there would be many ducks at the lagoon because it is a part of the resting places along a migratory route called the Pacific Flyway.

Methods/Materials

I visited the lagoon whenever possible and brought along the necessities of an avid birder. This included field guides, binoculars, a camera, and a journal to record data.

I also used an anemometer to measure wind speed, a thermometer to record temperature, and a hygrometer to measure humidity.

Results

I observed and documented bird species at the lagoon. I found that the lagoon seems to be serving its purpose since the restoration project began.

Many birds are returning although no Western Snowy Plovers or California Least Terns were sighted.

Conclusions/Discussion

I hope that by recording the species making use of the wetland, we can better provide for these animals in the future.

As the breeding season approaches, I may be given special permission to observe endangered birds, nests and fledglings, and collect more data.

This project documented bird populations in a recently restored wetlands lagoon.

Science Fair Project done By Annmarie C. Delfino

 

 

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