IBAs Criteria &
Guidelines
Criteria for Site Selection
See also Guidelines for Selection.
1. Sites important to endangered or threatened species in Georgia
Description: Sites that regularly support significant breeding or non-breeding densities of one or more of the following species listed as endangered or threatened in the state of Georgia. Applies primarily to breeding or wintering sites, through regular migratory areas may be considered if known to be of exceptional importance. The site should be one of regular and/or recent occurrence in the last ~10 years. Thresholds will vary but should show substantial number of individuals or the 3-5 sites in the states with the highest regularly occurring numbers based on statewide experience.
2. Sites important to species of high conservation priority in Georgia.
Description: Sites that regularly support significant breeding or non-breeding densities of the following species identified as extremely high or high conservation priorities by Partners in Flight. Thresholds will vary, but may include sites with 25 or more breeding pairs, 5% or more of the seasonal state population (if known), the 2-3 sites in the state with the highest regularly occurring numbers, or sites with a significant complement of conservation priority species.
3. Sites that contain rare or unique habitat within the state/region or an exceptional representative of a natural habitat, and that hold important species or species assemblages largely restricted to a distinctive habitat type.
Description: Sites with habitats that are rare or unique in the state, or are exceptional examples (large and intact) of the habitats that should support, or could be managed to support, the full complement of bird species dependent on that habitat type. Examples in Georgia might include grasslands (Eastern Meadowlark, Savannah Sparrow, etc.), salt marsh (Seaside and Sharp-tailed Sparrows, Rails, etc.), and mature forest (Cerulean Warbler, Summer Tanager, Wood Thrush, Red-cockaded Woodpecker, etc.). Consideration will also be given to sites with exceptionally high species and habitat diversity, and some attempt will be made to distribute representative sites throughout the state.
4. Sites where significant numbers of birds concentrate for breeding, during migration, or in winter.
Description: Sites that regularly hold significant numbers of one or more species, breeding or non-breeding, including migration. Significant numbers are not easily defined. The following guidelines are suggested to provide some logical thresholds for site selection. Except where indicated, numerical estimates should be based on a short period of time, e.g. one-time counts such as daily surveys -- not on cumulative totals. Introduced, feral, and nuisance species (Mute Swan, resident Canada Goose, Monk Parakeet, American Crow, European Starling, etc.) should not be counted.
(4a) Waterfowl: The site regularly supports at least 500 waterfowl in winter and/or more than 1,000 waterfowl in migration (staging). Priority species: American Black Duck, Wood Duck, Common and Red-throated Loons.
(4b) Gulls and Terns: The site regularly supports at least 100 terns or 500 gulls in a season. Priority Species: Royal Tern, Black Tern, Sandwich Tern, Black Skimmer.
(4c) Shorebirds: The site regularly supports at least 500 shorebirds (over a short period) at any time of the year. Priority Species: Stilt Sandpiper, Red Knot, Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Wimbrel, Marbled Godwit, Solitary Sandpiper, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Purple Sandpiper, Short-billed Dowitcher.
(4d) Wading Birds: The site regularly supports 25 or more breeding pairs of wading birds or at least 100 individuals feeding or in migration. Priority species: White Ibis
(4e) Land birds: The site is an important migratory stopover or seasonal concentration site for migratory land birds. Sites may qualify on the basis of exceptionally high numbers of birds during migration, high densities of breeding species as shown from point counts or other surveys; or as "migrant traps" relative to the surrounding areas. Strong consideration will be given to areas with consistently high overall species diversity or diversity within a particular group (e.g., warblers).
(4f) Single-species Concentrations: The site regularly supports significant concentrations of a species that congregates, but may not meet the thresholds above. Such sites should support a higher proportion of a species statewide population (1%, if known) than other similar areas.
5. Sites important for long-term research and/or monitoring projects that contribute substantially to ornithology, bird conservation and/or education.
Description: These are generally sites with a distinguished record and/or unique potential for long-term research and monitoring, or exceptional educational value. Such sites may occur in urban, suburban, rural, or other settings. Evidence should be cited showing the area’s value, such as publications of research conducted at the site.
National IBAs:
IBAs may be significant at different geographical scales – state, national, continental, or global. Sites that appear to meet the criteria at these other scales will be forwarded to the American Bird Conservancy for review. The following thresholds for national Important Bird Areas can be used to identify sites with particularly high potential as Georgia IBAs:
Sites that support (over a short period, i.e., less than a season):
10,000 waterfowl
for Site Selection
In an effort to further the conservation of bird and their habitats in Georgia, the National Audubon Society, and participating Partners in Flight organizations are seeking information on sites that may qualify as Important Bird Areas in Georgia. The primary goals of the IBA Program are to: (1) identify and designate key sites for birds; (2) establish priorities for land managers; (3) activate public participation in bird conservation efforts; and (4) provide public education and outreach opportunities.
DEFINITION:
An Important Bird Area is a site that provides essential habitat to one or more species of Georgia's breeding and non-breeding birds. They are generally discrete sites that support one or more high-priority species, large concentrations of birds, exceptional habitat, and/or have substantial research value. Such sites may be protected or unprotected, public or private, and any size amenable to conservation efforts.
BACKGROUND:
Important Bird Areas have no legal land-use implications, are broadly applicable, and generally work as just one piece of the conservation puzzle. Even in states where many sites have been nominated, they should not be viewed as the only sites important to birds, or as the only sites in the state needing protection. They are voluntary means of attaining local conservation by building and mobilizing networks of birders and conservation professionals. They can attract funding and can effect land-use planning at the local level.
SUGGESTED GUIDELINES:
Sites already designated as conservation areas, such as National Wildlife Refuges, Wildlife Management Areas, Nature Conservancy Preserves and Audubon Centers, may be nominated, as well as other, unprotected sites. Whether or not a site meets one or more of the criteria should be the sole basis for designation as an IBA.
Sites are selected to represent all Partners in Flight-designated priority species and habitats in the state.
Sites are selected in part to utilize potential partnerships, e.g. sites on the public/private land interface.
Sites will be scattered widely across the state but should include sites near urban centers, selected to encourage public access and considered "demonstration" or "illustrative" sites to emphasize educational opportunity.
Sites may change continually because locations that best illustrate important phenomena can come and go.
Sites will be designated only through a process that includes discussions with the affected landowner(s) and documentation of landowner contacts (see also Land Ownership Guidelines below).
Review of sites submitted for consideration will take into account the likelihood of continued use and habitat suitability of the site, including any potential effects that selection may have on increased visitation and resultant disturbance by visitors.
Sites need to meet only one of the Criteria to qualify as an IBA, though many will meet more than one.
LAND OWNERSHIP GUIDELINES:
The cooperation and participation of private landowners and public land managers is key to the success of the IBA Program. When considering any site as an Important Bird Area, whether public or private, great discretion should be exercised in order to respect the rights and authority of landowners and managers, and to avoid the creation or perception of potential conflict. The IBA Program offers potential recognition and assistance for good land stewardship, and should be used to foster trust and cooperation with land owners and managers.
Please keep the following points in mind when nominating a site:
Private landowners and/or public land managers should be notified in person if their land is being considered as a potential IBA.
Private landowners and/or public land managers should be invited to participate in the IBA process.Private landowners and/or public land managers should be consulted before a site is positively identified as an Important Bird Area. "Identified" means that a site has been found, on a scientific basis, to meet the IBA site criteria.
Permission should be obtained from private landowners and/or public land managers before any information on a site is made public, or any site is formally "designated" as an Important Bird Area.
Private landowners and/or public land managers should be given every opportunity to participate in any discussions concerning their land, especially conservation planning or habitat management.
Volunteers should never trespass on private property or enter public lands unauthorized, where authorization is required; always respect property rights and posted signs; and never engage in activities likely to arouse suspicion or hostility.
If you encounter any negative reaction, or even anticipate such a reaction, on the part of a landowner or land manager, contact the IBA Coordinator. Do not try to pursue contact on your own if you are unsure of the response.
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