Effects of Forest Treatments on Abundance and Spatial Characteristics of Cerulean Warbler Territories

Abstract

We examined effects of forest treatments on Cerulean Warbler relative abundance and spatial attributes of territories between pretreatment (2007–2008) and post treatment (2009–2010) years in Yellowwood and Morgan-Monroe state forests in southern Indiana. Three management units received uneven aged harvests (patch cuts), three units received even aged harvests (shelterwood and clearcut), and three units received no treatment (control). Cerulean Warblers occurred in greater abundance at study sites that received even aged harvests than in uneven aged harvested stands based on point - count surveys. Cerulean Warblers were attracted to areas with large canopy gaps resulting from even-aged harvests. Territory sizes were not significantly smaller after harvest treatments. Cerulean Warbler territories on harvested and control sites were clustered, closer to roads and streams, and on steeper slopes with an eastern aspect compared to random sites. Our relative abundance estimates suggested that Cerulean Warblers responded positively to some types of forest treatments during the 2 y post harvest period.