Study shows birds returning to Truckee River

Researchers at the University of Nevada, Reno and volunteers from the Audubon Society say surveys conducted this year found more species of birds along the river than were found 20 and 30 years ago.

One bird, a song sparrow, as not been seen in the area for more than a century.

"We haven't seen this bird here since 1868," said UNR researcher Elisabeth Ammon.

The song sparrow was one of nine wetland and river-habitat bird species identified as making a comeback.

Audubon Society President James Eidell said the findings carry a simple message.

"If we restore the river's natural habitat, the birds will return," he said. "It's that simple."

Records show that in 1868, before development, agriculture and the draining of wetlands changed the river's habitat, 91 species of birds were found along the lower Truckee River.

Studies conducted by UNR in the 1970s and '80s showed 67 percent of the original species of birds had declined significantly.

The Numana wetlands east of Reno had been degraded by decades of cattle grazing and channeling of the river.

But efforts to revive the habitat appear to be working.

Fences installed to keep cattle out and smaller channels added to increase water flow have resulted in healthier vegetation that provides ideal habitat for birds.

"Birds are crucial indicators of the health of the ecosystem," Ammon said. "If the birds are beginning to return, then we know other parts of the habitat - insects, plants and the water - are recovering, too."

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