Type: report

Article abstract: Thirty-two coastal salt marshes were surveyed for state-endangered Belding?s Savannah sparrows (Passerculus sandwichensis beldingi), 18 March ? 30 May 2001. Belding?s Savannah Sparrows exhibiting breeding behavior were detected in 30 of these wetlands from Goleta Slough in Santa Barbara County on the north to Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge on the Mexican border. A minimum total of 2,902 pairs was detected. This is the highest state total reported since periodic counts began in 1973 and is 23.5% higher than the next highest count, reported in 1996. Point Mugu alone accounted numerically for this difference, wherein twice as many Belding?s were recorded in 2001 than previously. The major need of this little endangered songbird remains habitat restoration, security, and management. At least 75% of southern California?s former coastal wetlands have been lost and the remainder suffers ongoing degradation. The long-term fate of a few of the occupied wetlands is still uncertain and most are affected by trespass and the side effects of so many millions of people living on their edges and in their watersheds. Counteracting these problems by rebuilding a larger habitat base, with better security, and increased management would greatly benefit a significant suite of species with which the Belding?s Savannah sparrow shares its habitat.