Effects of crop field characteristics on nocturnal winter use by American woodcock

摘要: Since the late 1960s, American woodcock (Scolopax minor) have undergone population declines because of habitat loss. Previous research suggested ridge and furrow topography in conventionally tilled soybean fields provided critical nocturnal cover as birds foraged on earthworms. However, use no-till technology has increased many now lack topography. We assessed winter foraging given recent changes agricultural technology, investigated how field treatment, earthworm abundance, environmental variables affect selection sites. counted along transects 5 treatments twice each 67 during December–March 2008–2009 72 2009–2010. During both seasons, we collected soil samples from a subset treatment. Woodcock densities were at least high planted after corn undisked with mowed stalks than other treatments. No-till contained topography, whereas crops did not, earthworms 1.5 times more abundant Ridges furrows may provide wintering thermal protection concealment predators. offered additional benefit relatively food availability. The presence can be used to predict grounds areas. Farmers sites for by delaying disking leaving crop fields. © 2011 Wildlife Society.