| Avian abundance and diversity were sampled in Afton Canyon along the Mojave River, San Bernardino County, California. The study, conducted from 23 April to 10 June 2000, compared bird use of habitats dominated by non-native tamarisk (Tamarix ramosissima) and native habitats within a desert riparian system. These habitat types included tamarisk woodland, marsh emergent, cottonwood-willow, and mesquite-saltbush. Habitats dominated by non-native tamarisk were compared with native vegetation habitats within a 6-year old restoration area. The mesquite saltbush habitat within the restoration area showed the highest bird abundance and diversity. There was no difference in bird abundance or diversity between tamarisk woodland and cottonwood-willow habitats. However, individual native vegetation types showed high abundance and diversity when compared with non-native tamarisk vegetation. |
