Modeling avian nest survival in program mark

摘要: Understanding the factors influencing nesting success is a primary goal of many studies. To do this effectively, more advanced tools than Mayfield's ad hoc estimator are needed. The recent development nest-survival model in program MARK provides powerful and flexible tool for study avian nest survival that can incorporate seasonal variation nest-specific covariates. We briefly review its development, illustrate how to include effects daily age observer visits nests, conclude with an example analysis Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) Iowa. In example, we found evidence stage-specific differences survival, patterns were best explained by quadratic-time trend, differed between years. An exploration several covariates revealed blackbird was positively affected height, weakly placement (nests placed living vegetation may have experienced slightly higher survival), unaffected clutch size within- between-cell placement.