Presenter: Brad Speno

Description: In the San Francisco Bay, several large restoration projects are returning salt ponds to tidal salt marsh. The Alameda song sparrow (Melospiza melodia pusillula), a California species of special concern, uses both restored and historic marshes, but their use of restored salt ponds is not well understood. Brad Speno assessed Alameda song sparrow abundance and breeding presence with respect to salt pond restoration age and percent cover, and height of native and non-native plants. He conducted bird count surveys and botanical surveys at seven study sites, then mist-netted and banded birds at four study sites to detect breeding birds. Brad will discuss the results of his research and share recommendations for future restoration management projects.

Bio: Brad Speno is a wildlife biologist based in San Jose. He earned an undergraduate degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Colorado, and he worked for various Department of Interior agencies and consulting companies prior to completing a Master’s of Science degree at San Jose State University. He volunteers with the San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory, who assisted in his research, and he currently works for LSA Environmental Consultants.