We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
Eastern Screech-Owl Responses to Suburban Sprawl, Warmer Climate, and Additional Avian Food in Central Texas.
- Authors
Gehlbach, Frederick R.
- Abstract
Effects of suburban development (sprawl), concurrent climate and increasing avian food on a population of Eastern Screech-Owls (Megascops asio) were studied for three decades using nest boxes and natural tree-cavity nests in residential yards and adjoining natural forest in central Texas. The suburban climate was warmer by 5.7 °C associated with suburbia's heatisland effect by the last decade of study. Nesting started earlier by an average of 4.5 days annually and fledgling productivity increased by 31.4%. Avian prey increased and contributed to 93% successful annual nests in a more stable population. Bird feeders and bird baths were likely enhancing factors at residences, where owls obtained prey and used bird-bath water for drinking and bathing.
- Subjects
URBAN growth; WEATHER; BIRD food; EASTERN screech owl; CAMERA lucidas
- Publication
Wilson Journal of Ornithology, 2012, Vol 124, Issue 3, p630
- ISSN
1559-4491
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1676/11-157.1