Predation on artificial avian nests is higher in forests bordering small anthropogenic openings

Abstract

Habitat edges alter the diversity of avian communities and are often associated with higher rates of nest predation. However, most previous studies on habitat edges have been conducted along long linear corridors or at the transition between large field and forest patches in agricultural systems. Less is known about predation rates when the habitat edge is the result of a small interior forest opening. We assessed predation rates on artificial nests mimicking ground and shrub nesters in Northern Michigan forests perforated by small clearings used previously for oil and gas extraction. Nests were placed at varying distances from the edges of these clearings, and in similar spatial arrangements within unfragmented interior forest plots. Predation rates increased in forests near edges, but significant impacts were limited to shrub nests. Markings on predated clay eggs indicated that the type of predation also differed. Scratch marks were the most prevalent egg indentation, but eggs with poked holes were twice as common near the forest edge. The increase in the number of poked eggs suggests that a higher density of avian predators occurred in forests near an edge. Predation rates at forest edges did not vary by distance from the forest edge. Surveys of the avian community revealed differences between edge and interior forests: American Crows Corvus brachyrhynchos and Blue Jays Cyanocitta cristata, two species known to predate bird nests, were more common near edges. Our results suggest that small forest openings alter the avian community and may adversely impact reproductive output in some species. If the alteration of these processes results in population‐level impacts, small forest perforations should be avoided when possible and reforestation of abandoned well‐pads should be encouraged.