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Project
Leader: Julie Groce
The purpose of the Statewide Project is to determine the distribution and abundance of the endangered golden-cheeked warbler (Dendroica chrysoparia) (GCWA) and black-capped vireo (Vireo atricapilla) (BCVI) throughout their breeding ranges in central Texas through the development of separate GCWA and BCVI occupancy models. Current population estimates for GCWA and BCVI are highly variable and based on few sampling points relative to the extent and variability in potential breeding habitat. In the spring of 2008 and 2009, we surveyed hundreds of points throughout the species’ breeding ranges on both public and private properties in an effort to more accurately estimate the current distributions and abundances of the birds. Increasing the accuracy of population distribution and abundance will allow for a better understanding of the trends in rangewide populations over time. In addition, we are examining patch-level and point-level occupancy estimates relative to certain habitat characteristics. The surveys and analyses will ultimately result in refined habitat suitability maps for GCWA and BCVI breeding habitat in Texas, increased reliability of habitat availability predictions, and recommendations of sampling protocols for long-term monitoring.
The majority of the surveys for both species occur on private property and we are sincerely grateful to the landowners who allowed us access during our 2008 and 2009 field seasons.
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Project
Leaders: Shannon Farrell, Andy Campomizzi & Tara
Conkling
The Recovery Credit System for golden-cheeked warblers was developed in late fall 2005 and early spring 2006 by a working group convened by the Texas Department of Agriculture, which recommended the participation of the Fort Hood U.S. Army base in an off-site conservation program. The primary objective of this recovery credit system is to contribute to Fort Hood’s environmental management and conservation objectives by providing support for off-site conservation efforts for endangered species, specifically golden-cheeked warblers (Dendroica chrysoparia) and black-capped vireos (Vireo atricapillus). On private properties affiliated with the Recovery Credit System, we are monitoring the effects of management efforts and investigating the status and ecology of the golden-cheeked warbler, and black-capped vireo, and neighboring bird species to provide critical information for use in continued conservation and management efforts.
For information about related theses projects, visit:
Shannon Farrell: Use of social information in habitat selection for songbirds.
Andy Campomizzi: Influence of extra-pair paternity and public information on breeding site fidelity in songbirds.
Tara Conkling: Analysis of black-capped vireo and white-eyed vireo nest predator assemblages.
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Project
Leader: Mike Marshall
We are investigating the impact of military training activities on the federally endangered golden-cheeked warbler and black-capped vireo on Fort Hood U.S. Army base. This research project monitors the presence, abundance, and reproductive success of the two species in several areas of the military base that are being used for military training maneuvers. Additionally, we are researching more specific questions about the ecology of the two species, including the relationships among tree species composition and the birds’ foraging efforts and productivity. Research objectives include determining: 1) if golden-cheeked warblers are using habitat structural/compositional cues as an indicator of prey availability; 2) the link between food availability and foraging effort for golden-cheeked warblers; 3) if a threshold exists for the ratio of juniper to oak in regards to productivity for golden-cheeked warblers; and 4) if there is a relationship between tree species composition, foraging effort, and reproductive success.
For information about related theses projects, visit:
Mike Marshall: Investigating the impact of infantry training on the behavior and productivity of warblers and vireos on Fort Hood.
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Highway
71, Travis County |
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Leader: Heather Mathewson and Diane Dessecker
We are performing a four-year impact assessment of highway construction noise along Highway 71, located just southwest of Austin, Texas, on the golden-cheeked warbler (GCWA) and black-capped vireo (BCVI). We want to determine how noise in these construction zones affects the behavior and breeding success of the birds and whether potential changes in the timing or intensity of construction activities would be beneficial to the management of the species. Research objectives include determining: 1) the influence of the impacts on the abundance of birds in relation to distance from the road; 2) the spatial and temporal influence of the impacts on breeding success and behavior in relation to distance from the road; and 3) the extent to which vocal adjustment or other behaviors is being utilized by birds in response to unnatural noise. We are using Audio Recording Units (ARU’s) to record GCWA songs and decibel meters to measure ambient noise. We are using the Vickery index of productivity, and nest cameras to monitor nests and assess territory success for GCWA’s and BCVI’s.
Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge:
This is a multi-year study associated with Texas State University graduate student Billy Simper and Dr. Clay Green. The focus is on black-capped vireo reproductive success and dispersal. We are also working with Billy Simper to establish a banded population of BCVI’s at the refuge. The refuge is located 60 miles north of Austin, Texas.
For more information about this project Click Here.
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Kerr
Wildlife Management Area |
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Project
Leader: Terri Pope
We are studying the effects of habitat characteristics and adult behavior on black-capped vireo nest success and fledgling survival within Kerr Wildlife Management Area and several nearby private properties. Research objectives include: 1) quantifying the habitat characteristics at the nest, territory, and area scales to determine which variables affect black-capped vireo nest success and fledgling survival; 2) quantifying adult behavior during different nest stages to determine if adult behavior affects black-capped vireo nest success and fledgling survival; and 3) determining which predators depredate black-capped vireo nests using nest cameras. Additionally, we want to determine how different management practices on private land versus public land affect nest success of vireos.
For information about related theses projects, visit:
Terri Pope: Effects of habitat characteristics and adult behavior on black-capped vireo nest success and fledgling survival
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Project
Leader: Melissa Lackey and Laura Stewart
We are performing a four-year impact assessment of highway construction noise on the golden-cheeked warbler along Highway 83. Research occurs on privately-owned land in Real County and at Garner State Park in Uvalde County, Texas. We want to determine how noise in these construction zones affects the breeding success and behaviors of the warblers and whether potential changes in the timing or intensity of construction activities would be beneficial to the management of the species. Research objectives include determining: 1) the influence of the impacts on the abundance of birds in relation to distance from the road; 2) the spatial and temporal influence of the impacts on breeding success and behavior in relation to distance from the road; and 3) the extent to which vocal adjustment or other behaviors is being utilized by birds in response to unnatural noise. We are collaborating with Zac Loman and Joe Szewczak from Humboldt State University in Arcata, California. They use Automatic Recording Units (ARUs) to gather audio data on the warblers’ songs and ambient noise.
For information about related theses projects, visit:
Melissa Lackey: Determining
whether golden-cheeked warblers alter behavior in the presence
of introduced road construction noise, if they have habituated
to construction noise in the southern portion of the breeding
range, and whether habituation is hindering their reproductive
success.
Laura Stewart: I am looking into how oak wilt impacts avian abundance, diversity, and species composition with an emphasis on golden-cheeked warblers. |
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Kickapoo
Cavern State Park |
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Project
Leader: Jessica Klassen
This study focuses on how different habitat characteristics affect the reproductive success of golden-cheeked warblers. Our study sites are located at Kickapoo Cavern State Park and private lands in Kinney and Edward Counties. Research objectives include: 1) determining the effects of vegetation composition, density, canopy cover and patch size on the abundance of golden-cheeked warblers within different habitat patches; 2) determining the effects of vegetation composition, density, canopy cover, and patch size on the reproductive success of golden-cheeked warblers within different habitat patches; and 3) devising recommendations for the effective management of Ashe juniper (Juniperus ashei).
For information about related theses projects, visit:
Jessica Klassen: Effects of vegetation characteristics on the reproductive success of golden-cheeked warblers
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Devil's
River State Natural Area |
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Project
Leader: Katy Smith
We are investigating the nesting ecology and multi-scale habitat selection of the black-capped vireo in the southern and western region of their breeding range, which is characterized by xeric thornscrub and patchy low-growing vegetation. Field sites are located at Devil’s River State Natural Area and surrounding private lands. Research objectives include: 1) determining nesting ecology and nest success of black-capped vireos in the Devil’s River area; 2) identifying the causes of nest failure; and 3) quantifying nest habitat selection at the nest and territory scales.
For information about related theses projects, visit:
Katy Smith: Nesting ecology and multi-scale habitat selection of black-capped vireos in the devil’s river area of texas
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