Douglas R. Wood

Avian community response to pine—grassland restoration

Abstract Habitat management for an endangered species may affect nontarget communities. We examined avian community response to pine—grassland restoration for red-cockaded woodpeckers (Picoides borealis) and traditional United States Forest Service pine sawtimber management at Homochitto National Forest, Mississippi from 1994–1996. Thirteen species were more abundant in pine-grassland restoration stands, whereas 5 species were more abundant in traditionally managed pine sawtimber stands. Mature restored pine-grassland stands had greater avian species richness, total bird abundance, and avian conservation value than traditionally managed pine sawtimber stands. We used logistic regression models in an exploratory analysis to predict occurrence of selected species using stand- and landscape-scale habitat characteristics. Probability of redeyed vireo (Vireo olivaceus) occurrence increased with increasing hardwood canopy cover, and probability of yellow-breasted chat (Icteria virens) occurrence increased with increasing grass ground cover. Species richness, total avian abundance, and occurrence of red-eyed vireos and Bachmans sparrows (Aimophila aestivalis) increased with increasing values of Shannons Habitat Diversity Index. Pine-grassland restoration for red-cockaded woodpeckers created vegetation composition and structure at the stand and landscape scales that may benefit numerous avian species of regional conservation concern.

RED-COCKADED WOODPECKER HOME RANGE USE AND MACROHABITAT SELECTION IN A LOBLOLLY-SHORTLEAF PINE FOREST

Abstract We examined annual and seasonal home ranges of 41 Red-cockaded Woodpecker (Picoides borealis) groups from 1997 to 1999 in a Mississippi loblolly (Pinus taeda) and shortleaf (P. echinata) pine forest. Adaptive kernel annual home-range estimates (x̄ = 43.1 ± 6.3 ha) were more conservative than maximum convex polygon estimates (x̄ = 58.4 ± 4.5 ha). Mean non-nesting season home ranges were 15–20 ha greater than nesting season home ranges. Home ranges were smaller during nesting and increased during the post-fledging period. Compositional analysis revealed that Red-cockaded Woodpeckers selected habitats disproportionate to their availability annually and seasonally. Red-cockaded Woodpeckers selected pine sawtimber, pine poletimber, pine regeneration, and hardwood sawtimber habitats in that order. Home range appears to be a factor of landscape composition and inversely related to habitat quality.

Royal Terns Capture Flying Fish in Midair

Abstract On 22 March 2007, I observed Royal Terns (Sterna maxima) flushing and capturing flying fish off the northern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula. Individual terns struck the water which flushed flying fish out of the water and allowed other terns to capture them in midair. This observation is an example of opportunistic foraging by conspecifics.

Red-cockaded Woodpecker Picoides Borealis Microhabitat Characteristics and Reproductive Success in a Loblolly-Shortleaf Pine Forest

We investigated the relationship between red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis) reproductive success and microhabitat characteristics in a southeastern loblolly (Pinus taeda) and shortleaf (P. echinata) pine forest. From 1997 to 1999, we recorded reproductive success parameters of 41 red-cockaded woodpecker groups at the Bienville National Forest, Mississippi. Microhabitat characteristics were measured for each group during the nesting season. Logistic regres- sion identified understory vegetation height and small nesting season home range size as predictors of red-cockaded woodpecker nest attempts. Linear regression models identified several variables as predictors of red-cockaded wood- pecker reproductive success including group density, reduced hardwood component, small nesting season home range size, and shorter foraging distances. Red-cockaded woodpecker reproductive success was correlated with habitat and be- havioral characteristics that emphasize high quality habitat. By providing high quality foraging habitat during the nesting season, red-cockaded woodpeckers can successfully reproduce within small home ranges.

Using adult groups of red-cockaded woodpeckers for translocations and population augmentation†

ABSTRACT The red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis; hereafter RCW) was listed as federally endangered in 1973 after a population decline due primarily to habitat loss. Habitat fragmentation produces isolated populations of RCWs and managers often translocate subadult birds to augment existing populations. Although several studies have examined success of translocating subadults, detailed studies examining translocations of adults have been limited. We evaluated the feasibility and success of using adult RCWs for translocation and augmentation of existing populations in Morehouse Parish, Louisiana, 2006–2009. We translocated 41 primarily adult RCWs, consisting of 12 potential breeding groups (PBGs) and 5 single bird groups to suitable habitat at the Morehouse Parish Conservation Area (MPCA). Fifty-nine percent of translocated RCWs remained on the MPCA and 45% became breeders. Thirty-four percent of translocated RCWs were breeding after being on the MPCA for 2 breeding seasons, suggesting that translocated adult RCWs can augment the breeding population within 2 years of translocation. Fledglings contributed by translocated RCWs ranged from 11% to 30% of the total fledglings on the MPCA. There were 5 PBGs established on the MPCA from translocated RCWs and 20% of the fledglings had at least 1 translocated parent. Success rates for translocation of adults in our study were lower than previous studies where subadults were used. However, previous research suggested that demographically isolated groups have a high risk of abandonment and extirpation, and thus do not contribute to the recovery of the species. The success rates we observed suggest that translocating adult groups may be a useful tool in RCW recovery, and hence should be considered by managers when demographically isolated groups occur.