Effects of prescribed fire on wintering, bark-foraging birds in northern Arizona

Abstract

Forest management practices of the past century have led to an increase in unnatural and destructive crown fires in ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) forests of the southwest. To combat large fires, forest managers are attempting to simulate past fire regimes of low-intensity surface fires using prescribed fire. While there have been many studies investigating the effects of crown fires on birds, few studies exist on the effects of prescribed fire on birds, especially during winter. Winter may be a critical time for resident species since food is generally limited. Any information on how resident species and food availability are affected by prescribed fire in winter is useful. This study examines the effects of prescribed fire on wintering, bark-foraging birds in northern Arizona, including hairy woodpecker (Picoides villosus), pygmy nuthatch (Sitta pygmaea) and white-breasted nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis). Distance sampling to assess bird density (analyzed using Distance 5.0 Release 3), foraging observations and bark beetle surveys were conducted during the 2004 - 2005 and 2005 - 2006 winter seasons.

Citation

Pope, Theresa L. 2006. Effects of prescribed fire on wintering, bark-foraging birds in northern Arizona. Flagstaff, AZ: Northern Arizona University. 70 p. Thesis.