Partial cutting of woodlots in an agriculture-dominated landscape: effects on forest bird communities

Abstract

We studied the short-term effects of partial cutting on the forest bird communities of mixed maple forests in an agriculture-dominated landscape in southwestern Ontario. Blocks that had been recently harvested were grouped according to provincial silvicultural guidelines (standard and heavy cuts) and compared with blocks that had been uncut for at least 24 years (old cuts). We found significant differences in forest bird community structure between standard and heavy cuts and between heavy and old cuts, but not between standard and old cuts. Heavy cuts had more species and more individuals than old cuts, the result primarily of greater numbers of early-successional species. Brown creeper (Certhia americana Bonap.) was the only species to show a significant negative response to harvesting and was the best indicator of old cuts, while indigo bunting (Passerina cyanea L.), brown-headed cowbird (Molothrus ater Bodd.), chestnut-sided warbler (Dendroica pensylvanica L.), American redstart (Setophaga ruticilla L.), and great crested flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus L.) were all significant indicators of heavy cuts. Our research suggests that it is possible to protect native bird communities in southwestern Ontario by using the single-tree selection system to meet the minimum basal area targets and harvest intensities recommended in provincial silvicultural guidelines.