Relative abundances of birds of prey in different forest habitats in the Western Newfoundland Model Forest
Balsam fir forests in western Newfoundland are intensively managed for pulpwood production resulting in a fragmented landscape of different-aged forests and clearcuts. Prior to this research, the ecology of woodland birds of prey had been unstudied on insular Newfoundland, and knowledge regarding co...
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| Format: | Thesis |
| Language: | English |
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Memorial University of Newfoundland
1997
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| Online Access: | https://research.library.mun.ca/4223/ https://research.library.mun.ca/4223/1/Gosse_JohnW.pdf https://research.library.mun.ca/4223/3/Gosse_JohnW.pdf |
| Summary: | Balsam fir forests in western Newfoundland are intensively managed for pulpwood production resulting in a fragmented landscape of different-aged forests and clearcuts. Prior to this research, the ecology of woodland birds of prey had been unstudied on insular Newfoundland, and knowledge regarding consequences of forestry practices on aspects of their biology was lacking. As top-level carnivores, raptors are susceptible to both natural and human induced perturbation and may effectively be used as indicator species of environmental health in boreal forest ecosystems. -- During the breeding seasons of 1993 and 1994, the diversity and relative abundances of birds of prey were investigated in the Western Newfoundland Model Forest (WNMF). The primary research objectives were to: 1) develop reliable, standardized techniques with which to census birds of prey in different-aged forests and clearcuts in the WNMF, 2) determine the species diversity and relative abundances of birds of prey in uncut old growth, second growth forest, clearcuts and pre-commercially thinned areas, 3) develop density estimates of selected species of birds of prey, 4) identify nest-sites of birds of prey and quantify habitat characteristics at these sites, 5) identify knowledge gaps with respect to Newfoundland birds of prey, and in doing so to develop research objectives and management strategies for future studies. -- Surveys using conspecific vocalization playbacks were conducted along forest access roads and lake shorelines that transected different forest habitats. Ground searches were made for raptor activity sites (i.e. nests, roosts, prey-plucking-sites), and habitat measurements at these sites and unused control sites were obtained. The vocalization playback method used was reasonably effective for locating owls but less effective for other woodland raptors. -- Nine species of birds of prey were recorded in the area: Merlin, American Kestrel, Osprey Rough-legged Hawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Northern Goshawk, Boreal Owl, Great Horned Owl, ... |
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