LCR MSCP biologists' efforts rewarded with sightings of vermilion flycatchers, gilded flickers on lower Colorado River
By Steve Leon, Reclamation Public Affairs

Flashes of brilliant red, the sound of snapping bills, and the aerial displays of exquisite flycatching – these are the indicators biologists have anticipated.

The rare vermilion flycatcher, a brilliant red bird, has just been spotted on a golf course in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. The biologists circle to get a closer look, and confirm that there is a breeding pair.

This is exciting news, as it is one of the covered species of the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program (LCR MSCP).

Farther down and a couple of miles away from the river, another group of biologists hear the rhythmic beating against a saguaro cactus, revealing that they have found the rare gilded flicker, another LCR MSCP covered species.
LCR MSCP is a coordinated, comprehensive, long-term multi-agency effort to conserve and work towards the recovery of endangered species, and protect and maintain wildlife habitat on the lower Colorado River. Finalized in 2005, the plan for this 50-year effort includes the goal of creating more than 8,100 acres of riparian, marsh and backwater habitat.
This work will benefit at least 26 species, most of which are state or federally listed endangered, threatened, or sensitive species.

LCR MSCP biologists began investigating local populations of the gilded flicker and the vermilion flycatcher in late winter of 2011. Both species are more common to the south and east of the lower Colorado River, which is at the edge of their normal range. They are year-round residents of the region, although they use different habitats during the breeding season versus during the winter.

Biologist Beth Sabin is working to determine more precisely what habitat types the gilded flicker prefers here. In most of its breeding range, gilded flickers, a type of woodpecker, are associated with mature saguaro cactus. 
Along the lower Colorado River, they are also associated with cottonwood/willow in riparian areas. Typically, gilded flickers stay away from densely populated urban areas.

LCR MSCP surveys began in February in desert uplands as well as riparian areas between Yuma, AZ, and Needles, CA. Other areas searched include the deserts southeast of Kingman, AZ south to the Bill Williams River.
These surveys have been successful in finding flickers utilizing cavities in saguaro cacti for nesting. The birds are reported to move their family groups into more riparian habitats after breeding to forage, and survey efforts will continue in order to confirm this movement.

The vermilion flycatcher breeds in cottonwood-willow forests and in older mesquite stands along riparian edges. Until recently, the Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) near Parker, AZ was a reliable place to find this flashy species. 

Biologists have known for decades that vermilion flycatchers will use mesquite trees on golf courses, parks and cemeteries along the river. In early 2012, Biologist Barbara Raulston confirmed the birds were nesting at these sites.
The population on the Bill Williams River NWR, however, has declined over the past decade, perhaps to just a few pairs in localized areas of the river. The reason for the decline is bewildering, because riparian habitat on the Bill Williams River still contains the best habitat the area has to offer. 

To assist the LCR MSCP in determining how to provide habitat for these species, further work on these species is needed and anticipated. With more than 400 miles of river to search, Biology Technicians Mary Ellen Given, Jeff Hill and Jenny Smith assisted in surveying the most likely areas to find these species. Their help has been integral in locating these beautiful birds.

Updated July 5, 2012