Click for more complete description. We studied these sites from 1991 to 1995. Approximately 27 interns are hired each summer to conduct the field work as well as their own independent study project. Among five forest breeding focal species, we found significant changes in density for three. Kentucky Warbler density increased with both treatments relative to control sites following timber harvest.
Many species require the regenerating vegetation that grows after trees are cut.
Three of six early successional focal species showed significant increases in density. Indigo Bunting increased with both types of management all three years following treatment. Prairie Warbler density increased with even-aged management one and two years after harvest. Hooded Warblers increased in abundance with both treatments following harvest, but their relatively low densities were not statistically significant. We might have expected nest success to decline after timber harvesting because many species that are known to prey on bird's nests appear to be more abundant in landscapes that have a greater variety of habitat types.