Open AccessNesting of Breeding Birds on an Electric Utility Line Right-Of-Way
Author(s) -
W.C. Bramble,
R.H. Yahner,
W.R. Byrnes
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
arboriculture and urban forestry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.222
H-Index - 47
eISSN - 2155-0778
pISSN - 1935-5297
DOI - 10.48044/jauf.1994.023
Subject(s) - nesting (process) , ecology , unit (ring theory) , geography , biology , mathematics , engineering , mechanical engineering , mathematics education
A nesting study of breeding birds on an electric transmission line right-of-way (ROW) was made in central Pennsylvania in 1991 and 1992. Active nests of 13 bird species were found on the ROW, and 5 of the most common species nested on both handcutand herbicide-treated ROW segments. The average nesting success for all bird species in both years combined was 68%. A nesting success of 70% was obtained on a mowed plus herbicide (cut stubble) ROW unit, 68% on a selective basal spray unit, and 67% on a handcut unit. Shrubs were the most commonly used nesting cover. However, grass and forb cover was also used for nesting by field sparrows and common yellowthroats, in particular, both of which had a 100% nesting success on the ROW.