In addition to monitoring reproductive success, behavioral watches are done to assess the effect of the treatments on parental foraging and nest- guarding behaviors. Comparing reproductive success and parental behaviors among treatment groups will help us to understand the strategies used by parents under different environmental conditions. This study began in 1995 and will conclude in 1996. Brood of five bluebird eggs in a Peterson-style nest box. As more and more land is modified and disrupted by human use, it is beneficial to know how these changes will affect populations of plants and animals.
Bluebird productivity is affected by the surrounding habitat, both natural and man-made.
Other species may be affected in different ways, perhaps in their behavior or long-term fitness.