Executive summary: The avifauna within the Sky Islands of southeastern Arizona includes species found nowhere else in the U.S. Thus, birdwatchers from across the globe visit the region, providing a vibrant state and local ecotourism industry. RMRS scientists initiated a study in the 1990s on avian distribution and habitat associations within the Sky Islands. Since then, the region has been under increased stress from ongoing droughts and wildfires, likely associated with climate change. By re-measuring vegetation and bird populations in 2014 following wildfires and applying climate change models, we will assess the singular and synergistic effects of climate change and wildfire and provide strategies for managing resilient forests and conserving the avian community structure. We also will continue and expand citizen science efforts to develop a long term avian monitoring plan, as well as simulation studies to provide optimal monitoring designs for avian species to detect changes from large-scale stressors.
