> 4210
>
> FS-SRS-4251-2.18
>
> (Problem 2)

[Study Plan]{.underline}

[NESTING AND FORAGING HABITAT REQUIREMENTS OF BREEDING AND MIGRANT
AMERICAN KESTRELS (*FALCO SPARVERIUS*) IN EASTERN TEXAS]{.underline}

Prepared by:

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Richard R. Schaefer Date

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_

D. Craig Rudolph Date

Approved by:

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_

Ronald E. Thill Date

> QA/QC plan completed and approved
>
> 4210
>
> FS-SRS-4251-2.18
>
> (Problem 2)

November 2005

[Environmental Considerations Statement]{.underline}

[Richard R. Schaefer and D. Craig Rudolph]{.underline}

NESTING AND FORAGING HABITAT REQUIREMENTS OF BREEDING AND MIGRANT
AMERICAN KESTRELS (*FALCO SPARVERIUS*) IN EASTERN TEXAS

During the planning of this study, I reviewed the proposed fieldwork and
have determined that there will be little or no potential for soil
movement, water quality degradation, or impact on sensitive resource
values. All of the work described in this study plan is covered under
FSH 1909.15, Chapter 31 \"Categories of Actions Excluded from
Documentation.\"

Approved by:

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Ronald E. Thill Date

Project Leader

RWU-SRS-4251

> 4210
>
> FS-SRS-4251-2.18
>
> (Problem 2)

November 2005

[Study Plan Summary]{.underline}

[Richard R. Schaefer and D. Craig Rudolph]{.underline}

NESTING AND FORAGING HABITAT REQUIREMENTS OF BREEDING AND MIGRANT
AMERICAN KESTRELS (*FALCO SPARVERIUS*) IN EASTERN TEXAS

American Kestrels (*Falco sparverius*) are, depending on subspecies,
both permanent residents and winter residents of the West Gulf Coastal
Plain in eastern Texas and western Louisiana. Permanent residents (*F.
s. paulus*) appear to be dependent on open, mature pine communities for
the majority of their breeding habitat. Such habitat is naturally
maintained by periodic fires. Winter residents (*F. s. sparverius*) use
a wider array of open habitats as is typical of the species across much
of its range. Habitat use of year-round residents during the
non-breeding season is not clear due to the presence of the winter
residents and the difficulty of distinguishing between these subspecies.
Populations of breeding residents may be at risk due to alteration of
the fire regime and consequent loss of fire-maintained pine habitat.
This study will quantify the breeding and non-breeding habitat of the
permanent resident population, and the wintering habitat of the winter
resident population. Specifically, nest sites will be located and
habitat measures sufficient to define overall habitat condition and nest
tree characteristics will be obtained. Foraging habitat characteristics
will be obtained for permanent residents during the breeding season and
for both permanent and winter residents during the winter. Habitats used
by kestrels will be compared with the range of available habitat. In
addition, foraging observations and quantification of prey provisioned
to breeding females and nestlings will be used to determine the
composition of prey used by kestrels in eastern Texas and western
Louisiana. Banding and color marking will be used as necessary to
facilitate data collection. Field work will begin in April 2003 and
continue for a minimum of 5 years.

Keywords: American Kestrel, *Falco sparverius*, fire, habitat, nesting,
prey

INTRODUCTION

American Kestrels (*Falco sparverius*) are, depending on subspecies,
permanent residents and winter residents of the West Gulf Coastal Plain
in Texas and Louisiana (Smallwood and Bird 2002). The permanent resident
subspecies (*F. s. paulus*) ranges across the lower Gulf Coastal Plain
from Florida to eastern Texas. *Falco s. paulus* has declined across
much of its range, but its status in the western portion of its range is
not well known. Based on limited previous research by the U.S. Forest
Service, Southern Research Station, resident *F. s. paulus* appear to
use primarily pine savannah habitat with abundant herbaceous vegetation.
Populations of *F. s. paulus* may be declining due to lack of cavity
availability in managed forests and the loss of savannah habitat due to
alteration of the fire regime resulting in encroachment of woody
vegetation. This situation is similar to that in Florida and Georgia
where the resident subspecies has been declining for many years (Wiley
1978, Stinson et al. 1981, Bohall-Wood and Collopy 1986, Gault et al.
2004).

In contrast, the winter resident birds (*F. s. sparverius*) appear to
use pasture and roadside habitats more typical of the species in other
portions of its range. The exact pattern of habitat use by the permanent
resident and winter resident subspecies is not well known. This pattern
is further obscured by the marked sexual segregation by habitat between
males and females of *F. s. sparverius* that appears to be based on
differences in the timing of migration (Smallwood 1988). Thus, habitat
differences between the two subspecies, along with plumage characters,
can aid in the identification of subspecies during migration and winter
when both are present (Bohall-Wood and Collopy 1986).

This study will examine breeding season and winter habitat use by
American Kestrels on the West Gulf Coastal Plain. The majority of the
field work will be conducted in Texas, but a portion of the field work
(\< 20 %) will be conducted at Fort Polk in Louisiana where we have
access to occupied nest boxes. We will investigate differences between
winter habitat use by permanent and winter residents. We will also
examine nest site use and availability, prey composition, and foraging
habitat use.

PROBLEM REFERENCE AND APPLICATION OF RESEARCH RESULTS

This study is included in RWU-4251, Problem 2. This research on the
cavity-nesting American Kestrel will provide information needed to
improve ecosystem management and maintain this important component of
biodiversity. Anticipated results of this research will be disseminated
to other scientists and land managers via peer-reviewed publications,
presentations at professional meetings, and consultations with managers.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this study are to:

1.  Determine prey composition during the breeding season and during
    winter.

2.  Determine habitat and cavity tree characteristics of nest sites.

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3.  Quantify habitat used by permanent resident American Kestrels
    (*F. s. paulus*) in eastern Texas and western Louisiana during both
    the breeding and winter seasons.

4.  Quantify habitat used by winter resident American Kestrels (*F. s.
    sparverius*) in eastern Texas and western Louisiana.

METHODS

Six routes, each with 10 fixed points separated by a minimum of 0.8 km
(0.5 mile), will be surveyed for American Kestrels during the breeding
and winter seasons. Two routes will be located in longleaf pine forest,
two in loblolly-shortleaf pine forest, and two in mixed pasture/wooded
areas. All American Kestrels detected within a 5-minute period at each
point will be recorded. See attachment 1 for data to be obtained during
these surveys. Surveys will be run a minimum of once per month. Survey
frequency will be increased during the arrival and departure period of
migrants to provide more detailed information on migration phenology.

Differentiating habitat use of the permanent resident and winter
resident subspecies during the winter season will depend on our ability
to identify them in the field. Morphological variation will be used
initially to facilitate separation of the 2 subspecies (Bohall-Wood and
Collopy 1986, Smallwood and Bird 2002), and color-banding will be used
to identify individuals. In addition, birds will be captured using
Bal-Chatri traps and blood samples obtained from the brachial vein. DNA
analyses from blood samples will be conducted by Susan Haig (USGS Forest
and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center) as part of an ongoing study of
the phylogeny of *Falco sparverius.* These results will be used to
confirm identification of subspecies.

Nest sites will be located by area searches and observation of adult
birds. Nest site selection, cavity tree characteristics, and nesting
habitat will be quantified. A clinometer will be used to measure cavity
tree height, cavity height, and midstory height. The diameter of the
cavity tree bole will be measured at cavity height using a Wheeler
pentaprism caliper. Tree diameter at breast height will be measured with
calipers. Basal areas surrounding the cavity tree will be determined
with a 1-factor metric prism. Midstory and shrub layer density will be
visually estimated using a scale of 1-5. Canopy closure and height,
midstory closure and height, shrub height, and ground cover will be
ocularly estimated at each of the 4 cardinal directions, 15 m from the
nest tree. The mean of these 4 measures for each variable will then be
calculated and used in analyses. The number of shrub/midstory stems
within a 32.6-m-radius circle (1/3 ha) from the nest tree will be
counted within one randomly chosen 45º sector, as well as within the
sector opposite the randomly chosen one. See attachment 2 for nest site
habitat data. Habitat at used versus available cavities will be compared
using similar habitat measures taken at available cavities within a
selected block of forest.

Foraging observations and associated habitat measurements will be
obtained during the non-breeding season. Habitat will be measured within
an 11.2-m (0.04 ha) radius of the prey capture site. Habitat variables
will be quantified using the same methods as described in the previous
paragraph for nest site variables. Canopy closure and height, midstory
height, shrub height, and ground cover will be measured at the site of
prey capture. See attachment 3 for details. Additional measures relating
to prey capture (perch heights, distance from perch to capture site,
outcome of predation attempt) will also be obtained.

Observations of prey items provisioned to nestlings and breeding females
will be made to determine prey used during nesting. Binoculars and a 20X
spotting scope will be used to facilitate identification of prey brought
to the nest site. See attachment 4 for further details.

QUALITY ASSURANCE PROCEDURES

Field personnel will receive annual training to assure acceptable data
quality. Habitat measures will meet the following criteria:

> Tree, cavity , and midstory heights: clinometer, ± 1 meter.
>
> Stem diameters: calipers, ± 1 cm.
>
> Basal area measures: Basal area prism, ± 0.5 m2/ha.
>
> Canopy and midstory closure: Spherical densiometer, ± 5%.
>
> Groundcover: Visual estimate to nearest 20%, field personnel will
> review and practice technique annually to insure consistency.

DATA ARCHIVING AND SECURITY

Copies of all data sets and associated publications, reports, maps, and
other pertinent information will be placed in the Unit's Study File in
accordance with the Unit's Study File Review procedures. In addition,
all metadata will be electronically archived in accordance with the
evolving protocols of the Southern Research Station.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Descriptive statistics will be used to characterize habitat
characteristics, nesting habitat and cavity tree characteristics, and
prey composition. In addition, Mann-Whitney *U*-tests will be used to
compare snag and habitat characteristics between used and available
snags. Categorical variables will be compared using maximum-likelihood
*G*-tests.

Logistic regression (Hosmer and Lemeshow 1989) will be used to compare
habitat variables and determine which habitat variables best
discriminate between used and available sites.

SCHEDULE OF RESEARCH

Field work will commence in April 2003 and will continue for a minimum
of 5 years. The initial focus will be on the location of nests,
collection of habitat data at nest sites, and determination of prey
provisioned to breeding females and nestlings. These activities will
continue for the duration of the study. Beginning in winter 2003/04
foraging habitat surveys of permanent and winter residents will be
initiated and continue for the duration of the study.

PRESENTATION OF RESULTS

Results will be presented at appropriate scientific meetings and
submitted to scientific journals for publication. It is anticipated that
a minimum of three manuscripts will result involving 1) nesting habitat,
2) prey use, and 3) winter habitat use.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS

Our field activities will have little or no potential for soil movement,
water quality degradation, or impact on sensitive resource values. This
study is limited in context and intensity and is not expected to have a
significant effect on the quality of the human environment. This study
involves primarily observational data collection and general habitat
measurements. All of the work in this study plan is covered under FSH
1909.15, Chapter 31 \"Categories of Actions Excluded from
Documentation.\" Collection of tissue samples follows USF&WS procedures
and all State and federal permits necessary for banding, color marking,
and tissue collection will be obtained prior to initiation of the
covered activities.

SAFETY

A number of potential hazards will exist during the conduct of this
study (see attached Job Hazard Analysis). Included are snake bites,
ticks, poisonous plants, biting insects, extreme environmental
temperatures, and extended vehicle operation necessary to access study
areas. All drivers will have completed a defensive driving course, and
permanent employees will have completed a first aid/CPR course. Courses
will be updated every three years. Field personnel will receive regular
reminders about rest breaks, fluid intake, insect repellents, and
sunscreen. Field personnel will keep supervisors and office staff
informed of their field location and maintain communication, to the
extent feasible, using mobile radios.

PERSONNEL, TIMEFRAME

Richard R. Schafer will be the primary investigator, assisted by other
field personnel as required. The study will be initiated in 2003, and
continue, dependent on time available and funding, until sufficient data
are collected. The following timeline is anticipated.

Kestrel transect surveys Fall 2003 -- Spring 2004

Anole surveys 2004 -- 2006

Determination of prey composition 2004 -- 2006

Collection of tissue samples 2006 - ?

Determination of nest locations and 2003 - ?

associated habitat measurements

LITERATURE CITED

Bohall-Wood, P. and M. W. Collopy. 1986. Abundance and habitat selection
of two American Kestrel subspecies in north-central Florida. Auk
103:557-563.

Gault, K. E., J. R. Walters, J. Tomcho, Jr., L. F. Phillips, and A.
Butler. 2004. Nest success of southeastern American Kestrels associated
with Red-cockaded Woodpeckers in old-growth longleaf pine habitat in
northwest Florida. Southeastern Naturalist 3:191-204.

Hosmer, D. W. and S. Lemeshow. 1989. Applied logistic regression. Wiley,
New York, NY. 307 pp.

Smallwood, J. A. 1988. A mechanism of sexual segregation by habitat in
American Kestrels (*Falco sparverius*) wintering in south-central
Florida. Auk 105:36-46.

Smallwood, J. A. and D. M. Bird. 2002. American Kestrel (*Falco
sparverius*). *in* The Birds of North America, No. 602 (A. Poole and F.
Gill, eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia. PA. 32pp.

Stinson, C. H., D. L. Crawford and J. Lauthner. 1981. Sex differences in
winter habitat

use of American Kestrels in Georgia. J. Field Ornithology 52:29-35.

Wiley, J. W. 1978. Southeastern American Kestrel. Pp. 32-34 *in* Rare
and Endangered

Biota of Florida. Vol. II, Birds (H. W. Kale III, ed.). University
Presses of

Florida, Gainesville, FL.

AMERICAN KESTREL SURVEY

Date: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Route:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

General weather conditions:
[\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}

[\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}

[\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}

Route point: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Start time (5 min.):
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Kestrel detections (note visual or aural; sex):
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

General habitat type:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Comments:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Route point: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Start time (5 min.):
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Kestrel detections (note visual or aural; sex):
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

General habitat type:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Comments:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Route point: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Start time (5 min.):
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Kestrel detections (note visual or aural; sex):
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

General habitat type:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Comments:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

AM. KESTREL NESTING HABITAT DATA FORM

Date \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Forest Type
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Location
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.

Observer(s) \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ GPS file name
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.

Outcome of nesting attempt
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.

Comments:

Nest Tree Data: Habitat Data:

Species \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Basal Areas (m^2^/ha)
using the nest

> tree as the center point:

DBH \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_[cm]{.underline}

Pine Canopy \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Tree Height \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_[m]{.underline}

> Hardwood Canopy \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Cavity Height \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_[m]{.underline}

> Pine Midstory \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Cavity Angle \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_[deg.]{.underline}

> Hardwood Midstory \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Diam. At Cavity \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_[cm]{.underline}

Pine Canopy Snags \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Cavity Entrance Diam.: Vertical = \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_[cm]{.underline}

Horizontal = \_\_\_\_\_\_\_[cm]{.underline} Hardwood Canopy Snags
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Cavity Aspect \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_[deg.]{.underline}

Source of Cavity:

Tree Condition:

Dead/Alive \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

\% Bark (if dead) \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_[%]{.underline}

No. Limbs (if dead) \_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Comments (i.e., resin activity, SNEDS, etc.):

Habitat data at 15m from nest tree in 4 directions (N, S, E, W):

**North**: Canopy closure \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_[%]{.underline} **East**:
Canopy closure \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_[%]{.underline}

Canopy height \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_[m]{.underline} Canopy height
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_[m]{.underline}

Midstory closure \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_[%]{.underline} Midstory closure
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_[%]{.underline}

Midstory height \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_[m]{.underline} Midstory height
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_[m]{.underline}

Shrub height \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_[m]{.underline} Shrub height
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_[m]{.underline}

Ground cover \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_[% herb.]{.underline} Ground cover
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_[% herb.]{.underline}

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_[% woody]{.underline} \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_[%
woody]{.underline}

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_[% bare/litter]{.underline} \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_[%
bare/litter]{.underline}

**South**: Canopy closure \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_[%]{.underline} **West:**
Canopy closure \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_[%]{.underline}

Canopy height \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_[m]{.underline} Canopy height
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_[m]{.underline}

Midstory closure \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_[%]{.underline} Midstory closure
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_[%]{.underline}

Midstory height \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_[m]{.underline} Midstory height
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_[m]{.underline}

Shrub height \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_[m]{.underline} Shrub height
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_[m]{.underline}

Ground cover \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_[% herb.]{.underline} Ground cover
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_[% herb.]{.underline}

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_[% woody]{.underline} \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_[%
woody]{.underline}

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_[% bare/litter]{.underline} \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_[%
bare/litter]{.underline}

Visual estimate of Shrub Layer Density using 1  5 scale (taken once at
nest tree) \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Visual estimate of Midstory Density using 1  5 scale (taken once at
nest tree) \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Midstory & Shrub Layer Density Scale: **1** = none; **2** = sparse;
**3** = moderate; **4** = dense; **5** = very dense

Shrub/Midstory Spp. and Number of Stems ( [\>]{.underline} 1 m) within
32.6 m of nest tree (Count stems in a randomly chosen 45° sector from
the nest tree as well as in the quadrant opposite the random one.)

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

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[Vegetation Heights]{.underline}: Ground Cover is \< 1 m.

Shrub layer includes all woody vegetation [\>]{.underline} 1 m and \< 3
m.

Midstory includes all woody vegetation [\>]{.underline} 3 m and below
the canopy.

AM. KESTREL FORAGING OBSERVATIONS

Location:

Date: Observer(s):

Weather:

Time: Sex: Perch substrate:

Perch height prior to prey capture: Perch height after prey capture:

Horizontal distance between perch site prior to prey capture
[and]{.underline} prey capture site:

Capture attempt successful? YES or NO Prey Item:

Comments:

HABITAT DATA (measured within 11.2 m of the prey capture site):

[Basal Areas]{.underline}: Pine Canopy = Pine Midstory = Pine Snags =

Hardwd. Canopy = Hardwd. Midstory = Hardwd. Snags =

Visual estimate of Shrub Layer Density using 1  5 scale (point where
prey taken) \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Visual estimate of Midstory Density using 1  5 scale (point where prey
taken) \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Canopy closure \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_[%]{.underline}

Canopy height \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_[m]{.underline}

Midstory height \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_[m]{.underline}

Shrub height \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_[m]{.underline}

Ground cover \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_[% herb.]{.underline}

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_[% woody]{.underline}

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_[% bare/debris]{.underline}

Species and DBH of all canopy and midstory trees (all trees
[\>]{.underline} 3 m):

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Shrub species and number of stems ( [\>]{.underline} 1 m and \< 3 m):

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[Vegetation Heights]{.underline}: Ground Cover is \< 1 m.

Shrub layer includes all woody vegetation [\>]{.underline} 1 m and \< 3
m.

Midstory includes all woody vegetation [\>]{.underline} 3 m and below
the canopy.

AM. KESTREL PREY OBSERVATIONS AT THE NEST

Location:

Date: Observer:

Time: Sex: Prey Item:

Circle YES or NO or UNKNOWN for the following questions:

Prey was transferred from adult male to adult female? YES NO UNKNOWN

Prey was taken into the nest? YES NO UNKNOWN

Prey was eaten outside of the nest by an adult? YES NO UNKNOWN

Comments:

Time: Sex: Prey Item:

Circle YES or NO or UNKNOWN for the following questions:

Prey was transferred from adult male to adult female? YES NO UNKNOWN

Prey was taken into the nest? YES NO UNKNOWN

Prey was eaten outside of the nest by an adult? YES NO UNKNOWN

Comments:

Location:

Date: Observer:

Time: Sex: Prey Item:

Circle YES or NO or UNKNOWN for the following questions:

Prey was transferred from adult male to adult female? YES NO UNKNOWN

Prey was taken into the nest? YES NO UNKNOWN

Prey was eaten outside of the nest by an adult? YES NO UNKNOWN

Comments:

Time: Sex: Prey Item:

Circle YES or NO or UNKNOWN for the following questions:

Prey was transferred from adult male to adult female? YES NO UNKNOWN

Prey was taken into the nest? YES NO UNKNOWN

Prey was eaten outside of the nest by an adult? YES NO UNKNOWN

Comments: