No evidence for observer effects on Lark Sparrow nest survival

ABSTRACT Methods for monitoring bird nests might influence rates of nest predation, but the effects of various methods (e.g., visual markers and observer visitation rates) are often separately investigated among disparate avian taxa and geographic regions. Few investigators have explored the potential effects observers might have on nest success of grassland birds, despite concerns regarding population declines of these species in North America. We examined the possible effects of three monitoring techniques on daily nest survival of Lark Sparrows (Chondestes grammacus): (1) presence or absence of visible markers near nests, (2) observer visitation frequency, and (3) presence or absence of data loggers in nests. We monitored 113 Lark Sparrow nests during the 2009 breeding season. Of these nests, 88.5% failed due to predation, abandonment, weather, or unknown causes, yielding an overall nest success estimate of 9.8% based on daily survival estimation. Main effects of each monitoring technique appeared in top (ΔAICc <2) logistic exposure models. However, 95% confidence intervals around parameter estimates for each technique included zero, indicating no significant effects on daily nest survival. Our results suggest that the nest‐monitoring techniques we used had no effect on Lark Sparrow nest success and, if true, nest survival of other songbirds in arid grasslands of the Great Plains may also be unaffected by cautious nest monitoring. However, we cannot rule out the possibility that any effects of the various techniques in our study were masked by locally intense nest predation. Therefore, additional study is needed to determine if there may be observable variation in nest survival among various nest‐monitoring treatments in other areas of the southern Great Plains where nest predation is less frequent.     

No effect of passive integrated transponder tagging method on survival or body condition in a northern population of Black‐capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapillus)

Passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags allow a range of individual‐level data to be collected passively and have become a commonly used technology in many avian studies. Although the potential adverse effects of PIT tags have been evaluated in several species, explicit investigations of their impacts on small (<12 g) birds are limited. This is important, because it is reasonable to expect that smaller birds could be impacted more strongly by application of PIT tags. In this study, we individually marked Black‐capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapillus), a small (circa 10 g) passerine, at the University of Alberta Botanic Garden to evaluate potential lethal and sublethal effects of two PIT tagging methods: attachment to leg bands or subcutaneous implantation. We used a Cox proportional hazards model to compare the apparent survival of chickadees with leg band (N = 79) and implanted PIT tags (N = 77) compared with control birds that received no PIT tags (N = 76) over the subsequent 2 years based on mist net recaptures. We used radio‐frequency identification (RFID) redetections of leg band PIT tags to evaluate sex‐specific survival and increase the accuracy of our survival estimates. We also used a generalized linear regression model to compare the body condition of birds recaptured after overwintering with leg band PIT tags, implanted PIT tags, or neither. Our analysis found no evidence for adverse effects of either PIT tagging method on survival or body condition. While we recommend carefully monitoring study animals and evaluating the efficacy of different PIT tagging methods, we have shown that both leg band and subcutaneously implanted PIT tags ethical means of obtaining individualized information in a small passerine.     

Predators at bird nests in a northern hardwood forest in New Hampshire

ABSTRACT.   Nest predation is the primary cause of nest failure in most passerine birds, and increases in nest predation associated with anthropogenic habitat disturbance are invoked as explanations for population declines of some bird species. In most cases, however, the identity of the nest predators is not known with certainty. We monitored active bird nests with infrared time-lapse video cameras to determine which nest predators were responsible for depredating bird nests in northern New Hampshire. We monitored 64 nests of 11 bird species during three breeding seasons, and identified seven species of predators during 14 predation events. In addition, we recorded two instances of birds defending nests from predators and, in both cases, these nests were ultimately lost to predation. These results contrast with other studies in terms of the relatively high proportion of nests depredated by raptors and mice, as well as the absence of any predation by snakes. The diverse suite of predators in this and other studies is likely to confound our understanding of patterns of nest predation relative to fragmentation and habitat structure.     

An inexpensive method for remotely monitoring nest activity

ABSTRACT.   In studies of avian nest success, investigators often face the difficult task of periodically checking nest status while at the same time limiting observer influence on nest survival. Remotely monitoring nests using temperature data loggers is one method that allows for continuous data capture regarding nest status (i.e., active vs. inactive) without the negative effects associated with repeated nest checks. We used small temperature data loggers (Thermochron iButtons) to remotely monitor nests of Long-billed Curlews ( Numenius americanus ) in northeastern Nevada. Data loggers programmed to record temperature at 10-min and 20-min intervals were placed in curlew nests. Data loggers were set to collect data throughout the nesting cycle to determine onset of incubation and timing of nest failure. On average, Long-billed Curlews began incubating approximately 3 d after the first egg was laid and onset of incubation coincided with the laying of the third egg. iButtons allowed us to determine when incubation was terminated in 17 of 23 unsuccessful Long-billed Curlew nests, including 13 of 17 depredated nests. The presence of iButtons in Long-billed Curlew nests did not affect daily survival rate, egg hatchability or rate of nest abandonment. iButtons are an efficient and practical means for remotely monitoring nests of large egg-laying birds, such as the Long-billed Curlew.     

Censusing chimpanzees in the Budongo Forest,Uganda

It is difficult to make valid comparisons of chimpanzee densities among sites because observers calculate them using different methods. We argue that nest count estimates of density are preferable to densities from home range estimates because of the problems of defining home range. There are many problems associated with nest count methods, some of which have not been addressed in previous studies. In 1992, we censused chimpanzees in the Budongo Forest using three methods;the standing crop nest count (SCNC), the marked nest count (MNC), and visual sightings of the animals (VS). Each method is based on standard line transect techniques. Of 96 nests monitored for decay rate,those constructed in the dry seasons decayed faster than those in the wet seasons. All- day follows of individual chimpanzees and observations of nesting chimpanzees at dusk showed that about 15.8% of night nests were reused,17.5% of the population did not build nests, and 18.8% of nests were first constructed as day nests. Given the variability in nest decay rates, we argue that MNC is a better method than SCNC because it avoids having to calculate decay rates.     

A simple alternative to line transects of nests for estimating orangutan densities

We conducted a validation of the line transect technique to estimate densities of orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) nests in a Bornean swamp forest, and compared these results with density estimates based on nest counts in plots and on female home ranges. First, we examined the accuracy of the line transect method. We found that the densities based on a pass in both directions of two experienced pairs of observers was 27% below a combined sample based on transect walks by eight pairs of observers, suggesting that regular line-transect densities may seriously underestimate true densities. Second, we compared these results with those obtained by nest counts in 0.2-ha plots. This method produced an estimated 15.24 nests/ha, as compared to 10.0 and 10.9, respectively, by two experienced pairs of observers who walked a line transect in both directions. Third, we estimated orangutan densities based on female home range size and overlap and the proportion of females in the population, which produced a density of 4.25–4.5 individuals/km² . Converting nest densities into orangutan densities, using locally estimated parameters for nest production rate and proportion of nest builders in the population, we found that density estimates based on the line transect results of the most experienced pairs on a double pass were 2.82 and 3.08 orangutans/km², based on the combined line transect data are 4.04, and based on plot counts are 4.30. In this swamp forest, plot counts therefore give more accurate estimates than do line transects. We recommend that this new method be evaluated in other forest types as well.     

A nondestructive method for estimating the age of Clapper Rail eggs

ABSTRACT.   Estimates of nest survival rate are often based on the assumption that the rate is constant during the nest cycle. Because violating this assumption can generate biased estimates, determining the age of a nest is important. For precocial marsh birds, including Clapper Rails ( Rallus longirostris ), current estimates of nest survival do not take this source of bias into account because a standardized, nondestructive method for aging eggs in not available. We developed a nondestructive flotation technique using known-age nests that can be used to estimate the projected hatch date of Clapper Rail eggs within 3 d of the actual hatch date. This precision is limited in part due to variance in the length of incubation between nests and the common occurrence of asynchronous hatching. However, for investigators assessing the fate of Clapper Rail nests, our technique provides an effective and nondestructive method for projecting the hatch date of Clapper Rail eggs, and will facilitate unbiased estimates of nest survival rates.     

The effect of human observers on the intensity of nest predation

Disused nests containing eggs from aviary birds were used to determine the effect of human observers on the intensity of nest predation. Nest predation was significantly higher for nests visited daily than for nests visited only at the end of a typical incubation period. Care should be taken by nest observers to minimise the number of visits to nests of ground-nesting birds. The average distance of nests from the edge of the supporting plant was greater for unsuccessful than successful nests, implying that the position of nests is an important factor affecting their survival. Predation rates on active nests of White-fronted Chats Ephthianura albifrons visited daily over the same period were similar to those of experimental nests, suggesting that 'artificial' nests may be a useful tool for studying nest predation.     

Evaluation of three methods to estimate density and detectability from roadside point counts

Roadside point counts are often used to estimate trends of bird populations. The use of aural counts of birds without adjustment for detection probability, however, can lead to incorrect population trend estimates. We compared precision of estimates of density and detectability of whistling northern bobwhites (Colinus virginianus) using distance sampling, independent double-observer, and removal methods from roadside surveys. Two observers independently recorded each whistling bird heard, distance from the observer, and time of first detection at 362 call-count stops in Ohio. We examined models that included covariates for year and observer effects for each method and distance from observer effects for the double-observer and removal methods using Akaike's Information Criterion (AIC). The best model of detectability from distance sampling included observer and year effects. The best models from the removal and double-observer techniques included observer and distance effects. All 3 methods provided precise estimates of detection probability (CV = 2.4–4.4%) with a range of detectability of 0.44–0.95 for a 6-min survey. Density estimates from double-observer surveys had the lowest coefficient of variation (2005 = 3.2%, 2006 = 1.7%), but the removal method also provided precise estimates of density (2005 CV = 3.4%, 2006 CV = 4.8%), and density estimates from distance sampling were less precise (2005 CV = 9.6%, 2006 CV = 7.9%). Assumptions of distance sampling were violated in our study because probability of detecting bobwhites near the observer was <1 or the roadside survey points were not randomly distributed with respect to the birds. Distances also were not consistently recorded by individual members of observer pairs. Although double-observer surveys provided more precise estimates, we recommend using the removal method to estimate detectability and abundance of bobwhites. The removal method provided precise estimates of density and detection probability and requires half the personnel time as double-observer surveys. Furthermore, the likelihood of meeting model assumptions is higher for the removal survey than with independent double-observers. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.     

The application of temperature data loggers for remotely monitoring the nests of Emei Shan Liocichla (Liocichla omeiensis)

Temperature data loggers (TDL) are mostly used to monitor avian incubation behavior in bird studies. In this paper we demonstrate how TDL can also be used to determine different breeding stages and nest success of the vulnerable Emei Shan Liocichla (Liocichla omeiensis). All nests that contained at least one egg were divided into two groups. Group I included six nests monitored traditionally by the observers' visits, while Group II included eight nests monitored by TDL. Group I and Group II were visited every 1-4 days and 7 days, respectively, to check nest contents and status (e.g., active vs. inactive, and the breeding process) until fledging or nest failure. The time of each observation was recorded to verify the interpretation of TDL. The data recorded by TDL were converted into line graphs of temperature against time and assessed visually. The results indicated that TDL can reliably identify different breeding stages and estimate daily nest survival rates (DSR) and total nest success. The nest success of Group II (0.3015) was higher than that of Group I (0.2387), suggesting that deployment of TDL did not negatively influence nest survival rate of Emei Shan Liocichla. In contrast to traditional nest visits, TDL minimized disturbance by observers and provided a more precise estimate of nest survival. We suggest that TDL should be used more widely in studies of the breeding ecology of rare and endangered birds.     

Avian predators in a meadow landscape: consequences of their occurrence for breeding open‐area birds

We examined the occurrence of six species of meadow birds (four wader species and two songbird species) in relation to the distance to the nest location of an avian predator (three species). We related our findings to the degree of openness of the landscape in which this avian predator nest was located. The degree of openness varied from very open to very closed, depending on the number of view‐obstructing landscape elements in the landscape (none or very few in open ones, but completely covered with forest or built‐up area in very closed landscapes). We used a dataset containing nesting locations of meadow birds and predators in the province of Gelderland, the Netherlands, allowing us to perform the analysis on three grid cell sizes (100×100 m, 250×250 m and 500×500 m). Our results show that, for each grid cell size, all meadow bird species showed highest nesting densities in open landscapes. Lowered densities were found around occupied nests of avian predators, irrespective whether the predator's nest was situated in an open or closed landscape. The preference of meadow birds for open landscapes away from predator's nests suggests that a large visibility, that allows them to scan for predators to be able to chase them away in time, is an important habitat requirement for meadow birds to select a nest site. It also suggests that openness of the landscape, independent from the presence of occupied predator's nests, is a factor in selecting a nest site. In contrast, for two out of three species of avian predator, we found that they chose more closed landscapes to nest because these species nest in landscape elements like wood lots and lone trees which make the landscape more closed by definition. For the third avian predator species, the grid cell size was probably too small to find a consistent result, as that species has territories larger than even the largest grid cell size we used.     

Estimating Orangutan Densities Using the Standing Crop and Marked Nest Count Methods: Lessons Learned for Conservation

Reliable estimates of great ape abundance are needed to assess distribution, monitor population status, evaluate conservation tactics, and identify priority populations for conservation. Rather than using direct counts, surveyors often count ape nests. The standing crop nest count (SCNC) method converts the standing stock of nests into animal densities using a set of parameters, including nest decay rate. Nest decay rates vary greatly over space and time, and it takes months to calculate a site-specific value. The marked nest count (MNC) method circumvents this issue and only counts new nests produced during a defined period. We compared orangutan densities calculated by the two methods using data from studies in Sumatra and Kalimantan, Indonesia. We show how animal densities calculated using nest counts should be cautiously interpreted when used to make decisions about management or budget allocation. Even with site-specific decay rates, short studies using the SCNC method may not accurately reflect the current population unless conducted at a scale sufficient to include wide-ranging orangutan movement. Density estimates from short studies using the MNC method were affected by small sample sizes and by orangutan movement. To produce reliable results, the MNC method may require a similar amount of effort as the SCNC method. We suggest a reduced reliance on the traditional line transect surveys in favor of feasible alternative methods when absolute abundance numbers are not necessary or when site-specific nest decay rates are not known. Given funding constraints, aerial surveys, reconnaissance walks, and interview techniques may be more cost-effective means of accomplishing some survey goals.     

被动式电子标签用于花鼠种群动态研究的可行性

在野生动物研究过程中经常需要对动物个体进行标记。传统的标记方法存在着标记物易脱落、可能影响被标记动物的生理和行为、难于进行个体识别等缺点。被动式电子标签(passive integrated transponder, PIT)是基于射频识别技术的电子标签,可用于体内标记,具有不易脱落消失且能够进行个体识别的优点。我们在凉水国家级自然保护区以PIT标签为标记物,采用标志重捕技术开展花鼠(Eutamias sibiricus)的种群动态研究,同时对应用PIT标签的可靠性进行了研究。2011年秋季至2012年春季共标记花鼠个体140只,其中86只被重捕至少1次。2011年秋季标记的72只个体中有38只在2012年春季被重捕。重捕的花鼠个体注射口愈合完好,体重无明显降低。结果表明PIT标签是一种安全可靠、识别迅速、数据准确、不易丢失、可循环使用的体内标记电子标签,适用于基于个体识别的小型哺乳动物生态学研究。     

A portable system for continuous monitoring of bird nests using digital video recorders

ABSTRACT.   A variety of photographic methods have been described for monitoring nest predation. All have limitations for studying active nests in remote situations, such as size, expense, volume of data recorded, and types of trigger mechanisms. We developed a digital video surveillance system using infrared cameras to monitor predation at bird nests. The main advantage of this system over other video recorders is the small size of the recorder that can run continuously at 29 frames/s for more than 3 days. The recorder's built-in monitor makes it more transportable and allows for easy setup. Digital data is compact, can be reviewed quickly, and requires less physical storage space than videotapes. We recorded nest predation by mammals, birds, and snakes as well as egg and nestling losses not caused by predation. System failure rates were low and the total cost was comparable to ($700 US) video cassette recorders that are often used to monitor nests.     

Review and Meta-Analysis of Camera Effects on Avian Nest Success

ABSTRACT Identifying nest predators is critical to understanding predation pressures that birds face, and using surveillance cameras appears to be the most reliable method of nest predator identification. However, presence and methods of using camera equipment may introduce bias in predation rates. To summarize potential effects of cameras on nest success we reviewed published and unpublished studies that estimated daily nest predation for bird nests with and without surveillance cameras. We used meta-analyses to quantitatively synthesize the direction and magnitude of these effects from independent studies. We found evidence that, on average, use of camera equipment may reduce nest predation rates, although these differences were not always significant and varied relative to geographic regions, vegetation types, and study duration. Researchers using camera surveillance to monitor nests must be aware that the equipment may be affecting rates of predation and possibly biasing data collected on predator identity. Based on our review and analysis, we provide recommendations for researchers seeking to minimize or control for potential bias when using surveillance cameras to monitor nest predation.     

Behavioral responses of nesting birds to human disturbance along recreational trails

ABSTRACT The presence of recreational trails can impact breeding birds either indirectly by altering habitat or the movement patterns of predators or directly if the presence of humans disturbs birds. We examined the behavioral responses of nesting female Northern Cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis) to human disturbance using both experimental and observational approaches. From April to August 2006 and 2007, we monitored Northern Cardinal nests in 18 riparian forests in Ohio, USA. Two experimental trials were conducted at each nest (N= 63), with Flight Initiation Distance (FID, the distance at which a bird flushed from the nest) recorded as we approached nests by walking directly toward them and by walking along trails located variable distances from nests. We also measured flight initiation distance (FID) when nests were approached during routine nest checks (N= 160). Cardinals were six times more likely to flush when nests were approached directly, and females on higher nests were less likely to flush regardless of distance to trail. FID was not significantly influenced by the distance of nests from trails. We found no association between nest survival and the tendency of birds to flush. Rather, nest survival was best explained by nest height. Thus, our findings suggest that the responses of birds to human use of recreational trails have only short‐term effects, with no apparent effects of on nest survival. Because the reaction of birds to humans in our study depended on how nests were approached, studies where FID is used as an indicator of sensitivity to human disturbance and is determined by direct approaches may overestimate the potential impact of trails on nesting birds.     

A low‐cost radio frequency identification device for ornithological research

ABSTRACT Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology can be used to implement automated bird‐monitoring systems and, therefore, could be of use to field ornithologists. However, the cost of a large‐scale RFID network can be prohibitive for those with limited research budgets. We describe a simple RFID reader/data logger that can be constructed for less than $40 (excluding tools and a battery). This device can be mounted on birdfeeders, nest boxes, nests, or any location repeatedly visited by birds fitted with small RFID tags (i.e., passive integrated transponder or PIT tags). To demonstrate the potential of this low‐cost RFID reader, we monitored the use of feeders by wintering songbirds in central New York and generated a data set consisting of more than 500,000 feeder visits over 5 mo. These data revealed several interesting behaviors, including high visitation rates by some individuals (>200 visits per day), long‐distance movements between feeders (emigration and immigration), and species‐specific patterns of feeder use. Although the system performed well in relatively harsh winter conditions, occasional battery failures and water damage led to some loss of data. Nevertheless, we amassed over 8000 h of monitoring by investing approximately 6 h of labor per week. In addition to recording tag numbers and time stamps, the RFID reader can interface with sensors and actuators, permitting the collection of additional data (such as body mass) and allowing control of motors or solenoids to interact with targeted individuals. RFID technology has great potential for use in a variety of ornithological studies, and we hope our device helps make this technology more accessible.     

An economical wireless cavity-nest viewer

ABSTRACT.   Inspection of cavity nests and nest boxes is often required during studies of cavity-nesting birds, and fiberscopes and pole-mounted video cameras are sometimes used for such inspection. However, the cost of these systems may be prohibitive for some potential users. We describe a user-built, wireless cavity viewer that can be used to access cavities as high as 15 m and with entrance diameters as small as 2.5 cm. System components include a wireless camera, boom with near-infrared lighting system, hand-held television, and telescoping pole. The unit can be assembled in about one day with commonly available tools, and the total cost was about $850 (US). Our cavity-viewing system was used to monitor the nests of Western Bluebirds ( Sialia mexicana ) and proved to be reliable and effective. During two field seasons, we attempted to check the status of nests 928 times and were able to determine the nesting stage 901 times (97%). For those willing to assemble their own units, our cavity viewer permits safe, direct examination of cavity nests or open nests for investigators with limited budgets.     

Nest survival rates of Red‐crested Cardinals increase with nest age in south‐temperate forests of Argentina

ABSTRACT The main cause of nest mortality for most bird species is predation and nest survival rates often vary in relation to time‐specific variables. Few investigators have examined time‐specific patterns of nest survival in Neotropical birds, and most such studies have focused on tropical and subtropical species. To better understand age‐related patterns of nest survival, we studied nest survival of Red‐crested Cardinals (Paroaria coronata, Thraupidae) in a south‐temperate forest in Argentina. We modeled daily nest survival rates (DSR) using program MARK. We examined the relationship between nest age and nest survival rate, controlling for the effects of physical characteristics of nest sites and progression of the breeding season. We monitored 367 nests for a total of 4018 exposure days. We found that DSR increased with nest age and was higher in small isolated patches than in large continuous patches of forests. The increase of DSR with nest age could be a consequence of more vulnerable nests being predated early in the nesting cycle or a result of parents defending nests more vigorously as nestlings age because of their increasing reproductive value. Open areas of grassland that surrounded the small isolated patches of forests in our study may have been a barrier to predator movements, possibly explaining the lower predation rates. Nest survival rates in our study were lower than those reported for tropical or Nearctic temperate birds, but similar to those reported in other studies of Neotropical temperate birds. Reasons for the low nest survival rates of Neotropical temperate birds remain unclear, and additional studies of predator communities are needed to help elucidate this topic.     

Nest predators of Lance-tailed Manakins on Isla Boca Brava, Panamá

ABSTRACT.   Nest predation is often the primary cause of nest failure for passerines. Despite this, little is known about predation rates and the nest predators of birds in the tropics. I used video cameras to monitor seven Lance-tailed Manakin ( Chiroxiphia lanceolata ) nests on Isla Boca Brava, Panamá. One nest fledged young and six nests failed due to predation. I recorded five predation events involving four avian predators and one mammalian predator. Crested Oropendolas ( Psarocolius decumanus ) predated two nests and a Roadside Hawk ( Buteo magnirostris ) and a Black-chested Jay ( Cyanocorax affinis ) each predated one. The mammalian predator was a common opossum ( Didelphis marsupialis ). All avian predation was diurnal; the mammalian predation was nocturnal. My results suggest that tropical birds are subject to a diverse suite of nest predators, and that avian predators may be an important cause of nest failure at my study site.