The purpose of the Avifauna work unit within the Columbia River Estuary Data Development Program (CREDDP) was to determine the role of birds within the Columbia River Estuary. The study was divided into several phases to meet this objective. Initially, a literature review of previous avian research was conducted (Jones & Stokes Associates 1980). Three initial study objectives were designated (Pacific Northwest River Basins Commission [PNRBC] 1979): (1) identify "key" avian species and the habitats important to them, (2) identify key avian habitats and describe their avian species composition, and (3) describe the food habits of key avian species. The study design and 1979 to 1981 field were oriented toward the first two objectives, while the third objective became the subject of the 1982 CREDDP revised Plan of Study (CREST 1982). The depth of study for the three objectives was revised from the original Plan of Study and primary effort was focused on the portions of each objective determined to be of highest priority. To the extent possible, results of this work unit were integrated with results of related work units presented in the fiscal year 1980 annual reports and in the preliminary reports developed for the completion of CREDDP.
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