The article I found is called “Engaging in Birds in Vegetation Restoration after Elwha Dam Removal” published in Ecological Restoration March 2013, written by John F. McLaughlin. This article was centered around the restoration of native plant species by using birds in what used to be Lake Mills reservoir in Olympia National Park. McLaughlin was interested in finding out if it would be possible to use birds as a way to distribute seeds from native plants and disperse them fairly reliably in the sediment without introducing the invasive species as well. In order to complete this research, he had to go to the area and observe samples of bird scat and see how much was in proximity to the lake area and observe the behaviors and flight patters of the birds in the area. In the end McLaughlin found that there were three main bird species that met all of his criteria, though he focused exclusively on the American Robin as it apparently contributed the most as its diet is mostly made up of fruit and other related types of food.

However he did have some limitations in this study for example: he did not identify the source of the various bird scat observed nor did he measure the seed content in the samples.  He was also fairly selective in where he conducted his observations as most of the data came from exposed sediments and it is possible that the scat deposition may be different in the lower reservoir as the material in that area had been subjected much longer than where this study happened.  

I think this study could be very useful in for future reference if there when there is another decision to remove dams. I also find it interesting that when given an option that birds are more likely to disperse seeds from native plants. Though I suppose that would be expected if the native plant is what that species of bird evolved to eat. I do wonder if the same method of dispersal could be used to help with repairing forests that have been damaged due to deforestation or other types of habitats like a swamp or marsh land.

Mclaughlin, John F. “Engaging Birds in Vegetation Restoration after Elwha Dam Removal.” Ecological Restoration 31.1 (2013): 46-56. print.