Abstract

We investigated the responses of forest birds to habitat changes following timber harvest by selection cutting in three northern tolerant hardwood forest stands using a before–after control-impact (BACI) type of experimental design. We observed only minor effects on the bird community associated with mature forests. Ovenbird ( Seiurus aurocapilla) abundances declined by about 80–90% in two of the three harvested blocks. Black-throated blue warblers ( Dendroica caerulescens) declined in abundance by about 70% on a single block 2 and 3 years post-harvest. Mechanical disturbance of the shrub layer [primarily Canada yew ( Taxus canadensis)] was coincident to this decline. Several bird species that prefer early successional or shrubby habitats, such as veery ( Catharus fuscescens), cedar waxwing ( Bombycilla cedrorum), chestnut-sided warbler ( Dendroica pensylvanica), magnolia warbler ( Dendroica magnolia), American redstart ( Setophaga ruticilla), mourning warbler ( Oporornis philadelphia) and white-throated sparrow ( Zonotrichia albicollis), benefited from selection cutting, with the timing of individual species’ responses related to changes in habitat structure and composition. Effects in one block were still evident 7 years after harvest. Guidelines that support a residual stocking target of 20 m 2/ha should promote the retention of mature forest bird communities, including ovenbird, while still providing habitat for early successional bird species.

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