Vol. 4 (1980)
Grand Teton Np Report

Bird Populations in a Narrowleaf Cottonwood Community, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Kenneth L. Diem
University of Wyoming

Published 1980-01-01

Abstract

An Avian Atlas for the State of Wyoming is being developed by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. Baseline information on the avifauna of the riparian communities is especially sparse. Consequently, the objective of this project is to collect information on the composition, density, distribution and habitat of the bird species inhabiting a portion of the narrowleaf cottonwood, Populus angustifolia, community in Grand Teton National Park. The study was initiated in June 1980 on a portion of the western floodplain of Pilgrim Creek. The metal, southeast corner stake of this 300 m x 400m (12 ha) plot is located on a bearing line 4° E of N. 77 mm from the fiducial center of the infrared aerial photo N31 (U.S. Bur. of Reclamation Series B/R17, 7-16-79). This floodplain community is predominantly narrowleaf cottonwood with scattered trees of quaking aspen, Populus tremuloides, engelmann spruce, Picea engelmannii, and lodgepole pine, Pinus contorta. In the moister areas several small patches of alder, Alnus incana occur under the larger trees and a few patches of willow (Salix, sp.) are located in moist openings of the woodland.