Distance, environmental, and habitat data for breeding marsh birds surveyed in Iowa wetlands, 2016 - 2017

This data set includes information from surveys conducted for breeding marsh birds in restored and soon-to-be-restored shallow lakes in Iowa. These shallow lakes are managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). We conducted point counts at shallow lakes during the summers of 2016 and 2017. We recorded the distance between the observer and the individual birds in order to calculate density estimates using distance sampling techniques. We also recorded environmental and habitat variables that may influence the detection of these species. Detection-adjusted estimates were used to assess changes in breeding bird density across shallow lakes in three restoration states: not restored, 1-5 years after restoration, and 6-11 years after restoration. These values can be used by the Iowa DNR to assess the impact of restoration on the density of breeding marsh birds.

This data supports the article:

Vanausdall, R. A. and S. J. Dinsmore. Detection and density of breeding marsh birds in Iowa wetlands. PloS ONE, in press.