EFFECTS OF SELECTION CUTTING ON BIRD COMMUNITIES IN CONTIGUOUS EASTERN HARDWOOD FORESTS

Abstract

We used point counts to sample bird communities in hardwood forest stands following single-tree selection harvest to determine the impacts on birds of this harvesting system. We sampled at 1–5 years post-harvest (n = 24), 15–20 years post-harvest (n = 23), and in reference stands subjected only to natural disturbances for >30 years (n = 24). White-throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis), chestnut-sided warbler (Dendroica pensylvanica), and mourning warbler (Oporornis philadelphia) abundances were significantly higher in recently logged stands than in other treatments. Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapillus) abundance was about 50% lower in recently logged stands and in stands logged 15–20 years previous than in reference stands. Black-throated blue warbler (Dendroica caerulescens) and yellow-bellied sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) abundances were similar in reference and recently logged stands but significantly lower in stands harvested 15–20 years previously. Redundancy Analysis (RDA) identified 6 habitat variables associated with changes in avian abundances. Percent shrub and slash cover were higher in recently logged stands than in older logged and reference stands. Deciduous canopy cover and basal area of living deciduous trees were greater in reference stands than in both logged treatments. Although the abundance of some bird species were statistically lower in selection cut stands, the implications to population persistence will require data on reproductive success in combination with population modeling with varying proportions of the forested landscape committed to selection cutting.