Abstract
Noise impacts on Mexican Spotted Owls (MSO) were documented during the 1995 non-nesting and the 1996 nesting seasons. Members of the MSO population in the Lincoln National Forest, NM, were exposed to typical helicopter and chain saw noise stimuli. The noise stimuli were presented at a variety of controlled levels and distances. Proximate behavioral responses, nesting success, and nesting productivity were observed and documented. The data were sufficient to establish response threshold distances and noise levels for both types of noise. No spotted owl flushes were recorded when the noise stimulus was >105 m distant, regardless of stimulus type. As stimulus distance decreased, spotted owl flush frequency was shown to increase. In terms of A-weighted noise level, the response threshold for helicopter noise was found to be 92 dB SEL and 46 dB LEQ for chain saws. [Work supported by U.S. Air Force.]
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