Avian Use of Campground and Noncampgound Sites in Riparian Zones

We compared use of riparian habitat by 14 avian species during the breeding season on campground (n = 31) and noncampground (n = 80) sites in northern Utah. Multivariate analysis showed that 7 avian species were closely associated with campgrounds, whereas 6 of 7 species associated with noncampgrounds were ground- or shrub-nesting, or ground-foraging. These avian responses may be explained by differences in shrub and sapling density, litter depth, and amount of dead woody vegetation occurring between the 2 habitats. Our results can be used to design and manage campgrounds in riparian zones.