Riparian or stream-side habitat is one of the most important types of habitat for birds. Especially in western North America, riparian areas have been identified as the single most important habitat for the protection and conservation of songbirds, and support a disproportionately high number of migrants. However, in the past century, human-induced changes, including urban development, water diversions, and conversion to agriculture, have resulted in dramatic losses of riparian habitat.

In response to these changes, public and private organizations are investing millions of dollars in riparian restoration. In this large, collaborative study, we are relating bird use and survivorship to riparian restoration design, and evaluating the value of riparian restoration efforts for migrants during the non-breeding period. Measuring multiple bird species response to these conservation efforts will help guide management and provide a cost-effective evaluation of restoration activities.