Ann RptSongbirds and Energy SWG FY11-1

STATE WILDLIFE GRANT PROGRAM PERFORMANCE REPORT IMPLEMENTATION X7E0 INTERIM PERFORMANCE REPORT PROJECT TITLE Mechanistic Study of Songbird Energy Development Impacts PROJECT CATEGORY Research and Inventory REPORTING PERIOD July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011 COSTS INCURRED DURING REPORTING PERIOD TOTAL $26,554.00 FEDERAL $12,777.00 WGFD $12,777.00 COSTS INCURRED FROM INCEPTION TO DATE TOTAL $26,554.00 FEDERAL $12,777.00 WGFD $12,777.00 NARRATIVE PROJECT LEADER Andrea Orabona– Wyoming Game and Fish Dr Anna Chalfoun – University of Wyoming Cooperative Research Unit PROJECT OBJECTIVES In response to significant trends in sagebrush-obligate songbird nest predation identified in a prior Wyoming Game and Fish Department funded project completed in 2010 (Michelle Gilbert’s work), this project is a follow up study to identify specific mechanisms driving observed increases in nest predation associated with energy development proximity and density SUMMARY OF WORK COMPLETED AND HOW IT RELATES TO OBJECTIVES This period, we worked on a study design for the first season of field research in southwest Wyoming We thoroughly read relevant literature in order to gain an understanding of shrub-steppe ecology, habitat fragmentation, predator-prey dynamics, and the effects of energy development on game species in Wyoming We corresponded with Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Wyoming Geographic Information Science Center, and U.S Geological Survey to gain essential advice and collect important data We presented our methods and obtained valuable feedback via a poster presentation at the 2010 annual meeting of The Wildlife Society Wyoming Chapter and an oral presentation at a University of Wyoming Zoology Department seminar series In addition, we purchased and assembled necessary field equipment and hired field technicians who assisted with collection of field data Mechanistic Study of Songbird Energy Development Impacts- 2011 The 2011 field season began May 9th and was completed on August 15th Twelve nest searching plots were established spanning the gradient of well densities (wells/km2) found within the study area We monitored over 300 nests, of which, 279 belonged to our focal species (144 Brewer’s sparrow, 63 sage sparrow, and 72 sage thrasher) We deployed approximately 50 nest cameras throughout the season and recorded approximately 15 predation events Confirmed nest predators included Wyoming ground squirrel, unknown chipmunk spp., badger, and raccoon We conducted nearly 400 avian predator point count surveys, 90 diurnal predator surveys, and maintained 70 scent stations for nocturnal meso-predators Habitat metrics were measured at nest sites and at a paired random site within each territory in order to address questions relating to nest site selection preferences In the coming months we will run preliminary analyses in preparation for a poster presentation at The Wildlife Society conference in Kona Hawaii in November, 2011 DEVIATIONS None LOCATION Nest searching plots are in located within the Jonah Pinedale Development Area (JPDA), Sublette County, Wyoming Mechanistic Study of Songbird Energy Development Impacts- 2011 ...The 2011 field season began May 9th and was completed on August 15th Twelve nest searching plots were established spanning the gradient of well densities (wells/km2) found... focal species (144 Brewer’s sparrow, 63 sage sparrow, and 72 sage thrasher) We deployed approximately 50 nest cameras throughout the season and recorded approximately 15 predation events Confirmed... ground squirrel, unknown chipmunk spp., badger, and raccoon We conducted nearly 400 avian predator point count surveys, 90 diurnal predator surveys, and maintained 70 scent stations for nocturnal