Final report South Carolina State Wildlife Grants Project SC-T-F19AF00719 January 1, 2020 - May 31, 2022

Abstract

This study represents the largest known effort to inventory Ruffed Grouse and Golden- winged Warblers in the State of South Carolina. We found low Ruffed Grouse and Golden- winged Warbler occupancy rates across two seasons (spring and summer 2020 and 2021), indicating the need for both robust monitoring protocols and targeted habitat management for the benefit of these species. Our results indicate unique habitat preferences of Ruffed Grouse in the Southern Blue Ridge Ecoregion. Additionally, our results provide insight into multiple parameters that drive early-successional songbird species occupancy. This project provides information that will aid in both habitat management and conservation of high priority early- successional avian species. This project also provides context for efficient monitoring protocols.