Rare Birds of Powell Marsh

Northern Sedge Meadow Birds

Sedge meadows, like those of Powell Marsh, offer conditions favorable to many bird species. Migration can bring numbers of waterfowl, shorebirds and passerines into sedge meadows for short periods of time. About 50 species of birds regularly nest in northern sedge meadows. Species commonly found in northern sedge meadows, and at Powell Marsh, include the red-winged blackbird, sedge wren, bobolink, common snipe, song sparrow and swamp sparrow.

Several uncommon to rare species, limited to larger tracts of sedge meadow, also can be found at Powell Marsh. These species include Nelson's sharp-tailed sparrow, LeConte's sparrow, yellow rail, short-eared owl, northern harrier, American bittern and merlin. Three special concern species are found in consistent numbers at Powell Marsh.

Yellow Rail: This secretive species is the smallest rail found in Wisconsin. Its preferred habitat is wet sedge meadows. If woody vegetation, such as willow or bog birch, become too abundant, the yellow rail will vacate the site. They also tend to avoid cattails. The yellow rail feeds mostly on snails, insects and occasional seeds. The population in Wisconsin is limited to a few large sedge meadows, being known from about 10 sites.

LeConte's Sparrow: This small, secretive sparrow is found in wet prairies, sedge meadows and old, wet fields. The secretive nature of this bird keeps it well hidden in vegetation at most times. LeConte's sparrow feeds mostly on seeds, but takes many insects, especially during nesting. Concerns about populations focus mostly on habitat loss or degradation through brush growth.

Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow: This bird, found at only three places in the state on a regular basis, is another secretive member of the sedge meadow-wet prairie bird community. Sharp-tails occupy areas with denser grass and sedge vegetation, but do not tolerate many woody plants in their territories. Food consists of insects, spiders, amphipods and seeds. Habitat destruction and conversion to woody species are the primary management concerns.

Habitat Management

The yellow rail, LeConte's sparrow and Nelson's sharp-tailed sparrow all require sedge meadows for their persistence. Large, open sedge meadows, including Powell Marsh, provide the best habitat for all three, and the only habitat for Nelson's sharp-tailed sparrow and the yellow rail. Woody species control is the primary requirement of habitat manipulation. Changes in water levels and prescription burning can help control woody growth.

Management During Nesting Season

Many species are sensitive to disturbance during nesting activities. Studies of nesting success near nature trails found that productivity decreased dramatically due to the vocal disturbance near nests. When birds come out to investigate the noise, their location is given away to predators. Powell Marsh is one of only three places in the state where all three of these species nest, and precautions should be considered to assure their continuance. Vehicles and groups should be limited during the nesting season, which runs from May through July.