Experiments

Experiment 311 - Using the Red-headed woodpecker as a bioindicator of remnant oak savannas: an integrated spatial, genetic, and demographic approach

Red-headed woodpecker (RHWO) populations have declined throughout their range by nearly 70%, and the species has been assigned near-threatened status. However, little is known about basic RHWO demographic parameters. In 2008, we implemented a monitoring program to identify RHWO nest trees at the Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve (CCESR), which harbors an apparent ???stable??? population. Since 2012, we have monitored the reproductive success and survival of RHWO at CCESR. Here, we propose to expand the scope of previous work to characterize the endogenous and exogenous factors that may contribute to RHWO migratory decisions and post-migratory wintering locations. We also aim to track natal dispersal (which has not been studied in this species) estimate juvenile survival, and characterize the genetic variability and connectivity of RHWO in Minnesota and Ohio, where an identical project will be conducted simultaneously in the Oak Openings region. Collectively, these data will allow us to conduct a population viability analysis to assess the long-term viability of RHWO in the Midwest. Field work will include color banding of adult and nestling RHWO for individual identification, blood sample collection for genetic sex determination, and population connectivity. We will also radio-mark a subsample of birds to track home range, dispersal, and migration movements, and quantify RHWO food source availability and habitat characteristics. The study area is the burn units in the SE portion of CCESR and along East Bethel Boulevard. As in previous years of RHWO monitoring, we anticipate no impacts on CCESR or other existing experiments.

Red-headed woodpecker (RHWO) populations have declined throughout their range by nearly 70%, and the species has been assigned near-threatened status. However, little is known about basic RHWO demographic parameters. In 2008, we implemented a monitoring program to identify RHWO nest trees at the Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve (CCESR), which harbors an apparent ???stable??? population. Since 2012, we have monitored the reproductive success and survival of RHWO at CCESR. Here, we propose to expand the scope of previous work to characterize the endogenous and exogenous factors that may contribute to RHWO migratory decisions and post-migratory wintering locations. We also aim to track natal dispersal (which has not been studied in this species) estimate juvenile survival, and characterize the genetic variability and connectivity of RHWO in Minnesota and Ohio, where an identical project will be conducted simultaneously in the Oak Openings region. Collectively, these data will allow us to conduct a population viability analysis to assess the long-term viability of RHWO in the Midwest. Field work will include color banding of adult and nestling RHWO for individual identification, blood sample collection for genetic sex determination, and population connectivity. We will also radio-mark a subsample of birds to track home range, dispersal, and migration movements, and quantify RHWO food source availability and habitat characteristics. The study area is the burn units in the SE portion of CCESR and along East Bethel Boulevard. As in previous years of RHWO monitoring, we anticipate no impacts on CCESR or other existing experiments.

Red-headed woodpecker (RHWO) populations have declined throughout their range by nearly 70%, and the species has been assigned near-threatened status. However, little is known about basic RHWO demographic parameters. In 2008, we implemented a monitoring program to identify RHWO nest trees at the Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve (CCESR), which harbors an apparent ???stable??? population. Since 2012, we have monitored the reproductive success and survival of RHWO at CCESR. Here, we propose to expand the scope of previous work to characterize the endogenous and exogenous factors that may contribute to RHWO migratory decisions and post-migratory wintering locations. We also aim to track natal dispersal (which has not been studied in this species) estimate juvenile survival, and characterize the genetic variability and connectivity of RHWO in Minnesota and Ohio, where an identical project will be conducted simultaneously in the Oak Openings region. Collectively, these data will allow us to conduct a population viability analysis to assess the long-term viability of RHWO in the Midwest. Field work will include color banding of adult and nestling RHWO for individual identification, blood sample collection for genetic sex determination, and population connectivity. We will also radio-mark a subsample of birds to track home range, dispersal, and migration movements, and quantify RHWO food source availability and habitat characteristics. The study area is the burn units in the SE portion of CCESR and along East Bethel Boulevard. As in previous years of RHWO monitoring, we anticipate no impacts on CCESR or other existing experiments.

Methods for e311

Datasets