Birds are indicators of vegetation structure and ecological conditions. The singing activity of birds declines during late-morning periods, which can affect estimates of abundance and conclusions regarding vegetative conditions indexed by birds. Therefore, it is important to quantify periods of bird activity so biologists can plan studies. We determined hourly detections from singing males of 22 nongame bird species in ponderosa pine, quaking aspen, and grassland vegetation types in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Detections of 12 of 22 species differed among 1-hr intervals after sunrise. Detections of yellowrumped warblers, Townsend's solitaires, red-breasted nuthatches, western tanagers, and American robins decreased on count-episodes more than 4 hrs after sunrise. Detections of dusky flycatchers declined on count-episodes more than 3 hrs after sunrise and detections of black-capped chickadees were greatest during the first hour after sunrise and declined afterward. Detections of many other species from songs or calls decreased on count-episodes more than 5 hrs after sunrise. We recommend that bird counts in the Black Hills be completed within 4 hrs after sunrise so estimates of bird abundance are not affected by reduced singing among males.

The effects on channels of small, low-head seasonal water diversions in the Snake River drainage were investigated. Channels below small diversions were compared to the channels immediately above the same diversions to determine if differences in flow conveyance, substrate sediment size distribution, or streamside vegetation density were present. Estimates of flow conveyance were greater above the diversions, as measured by the area between the edges of vegetation on both banks, and by frequent-flow indicators, which generally approximated bankfull stage. No significant difference in substrate particle size or in channel roughness was found between channels above and below diversions. Although use histories of the diversions were not available, limited observations and conversations with users suggest that many of the diversion structures did not substantially divert high springtime flows so that passage of channel-forming flows probably occurred. Some diversion structures apparently divert or trap a portion of the bedload. Stem diameters of vegetation 6 to 48 inches above the ground were significantly larger above the diversions. Tests of stem densities were not significant. Stratification by substrate, season and size of diversion, community type, and source of summer water may be necessary to properly evaluate the effects of small diversions on vegetation stem density and vigor. The elevation of the edge of vegetation appears to be a viable alternative to frequent flow or bankfull indicators for estimating flow conveyance. It also addresses the question of vegetative encroachment into the channel. Use of the edge of vegetation as a channel feature for flow estimates merits further testing. It appears that the operation of the small forest stream diversions studied has not substantially altered most of the parameters studied. Past hydrographs and historical hydrologic data, however, are needed to fully evaluate the channel and vegetation responses.