Graduate Thesis Or Dissertation
 

Snowy plover nesting ecology on the Oregon coast

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  • The possibility of reduced abundance of western snowy plovers (Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus) in the face of an altered habitat prompted a study of snowy plover breeding activities and nesting habitat on the Oregon coast during 1978 and 1979. At 4 study areas with varying levels of recreational use, nests were located and observed. Cover characteristics of nesting habitat were assessed with line intercept and mThe possibility of reduced abundance of western snowy plovers (Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus) in the face of an altered habitat prompted a study of snowy plover breeding activities ana nesting habitat on the Oregon coast during 1978 and 1979. At 4 study areas with varying levels of recreational use, nests were located and observed. Cover characteristics of nesting habitat were assessed with line intercept and m² plot sampling. During May and June of each year, appropriate habitat on the coast was surveyed for snowy plovers. Snowy plovers were persistent and adaptable in nesting activities but had low reproductive success (0.2 to 0.4 chicks fledged per female). Of 72 nests observed, at least 19 were lost to corvid predation and 11 were destroyed by storms and moving sand; 9 nests were successful. Factors responsible for loss of chicks prior to fledging were not determined. Relationships were not apparent between nest success and level of recreational activity among study areas. Extensive areas of flat, open sand with sparse cover (an average of 13%) characterized nesting habitat within a 20 m radius of nests. In the immediate vicinity of nests there was an average of 26% cover. Surveys of appropriate habitat on the coast disclosed a maximum of 100 adults and fledged juveniles; 12 discrete beach segments were used by snowy plovers in the 2 years plot sampling. During May and June of each year, appropriate habitat on the coast was surveyed for snowy plovers. Snowy plovers were persistent and adaptable in nesting activities but had low reproductive success (0.2 to 0.4 chicks fledged per female). Of 72 nests observed, at least 19 were lost to corvid predation and 11 were destroyed by storms and moving sand; 9 nests were successful. Factors responsible for loss of chicks prior to fledging were not determined. Relationships were not apparent between nest success and level of recreational activity among study areas. Extensive areas of flat, open sand with sparse cover (an average of 13%) characterized nesting habitat within a 20 m radius of nests. In the immediate vicinity of nests there was an average of 26% cover. Surveys of appropriate habitat on the coast disclosed a maximum of 100 adults and fledged juveniles; 12 discrete beach segments were used by snowy plovers in the 2 years.
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