Research

I examined predominant bird populations using DBH and point counts in a restored wetland. Previously published data was used to compare Red-headed Woodpeckers and the diameter of snag trees in a restored wetland.

I used tape playbacks of the Barred Owl (Strix varia), Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens), Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus), and the Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) with an iPod Nano and Logitech speaker system to attract woodpeckers. Each playback was looped for 10-minutes. One net had a baited suet feeder nailed to a snag behind the net. Although attempts were made to lure birds into mist nets using tape playbacks of the Barred Owl (Strix varia), Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens), Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus), and the Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) with an iPod Nano and Logitech speaker system, no birds were caught with this playback method. After attempting to bait the net with a suet feeder nailed to a snag, no birds were caught in the mist net.

I measured diameter at breast height (DBH) of snags in the wetland. DBH was measured using a 5m DBH tape from Forestry Suppliers Inc. Breast Height was measure at 137 cm above ground. Trees were randomly selected using the wandering quarter method. I randomly selected a starting point in Edwards Wetland, and then selected a southern compass line that lead through the stand of trees. I stood at the starting point, and located the nearest snag that stood whose center lies within a 90° angle. The first tree was on the 45° angle to the right of the Southern compass line. The next tree was marked and measured by locating the nearest tree sighted along the Southern compass line. This tree was located in the 90° inclusion angle. Both 45° angles to the right and left of the Southern compass line were used to locate trees. The closest tree in the 90° inclusion angle was the tree measured. I recorded the distance of the first tree to the second tree with a Garmin_® eTrex_® GPS unit. The waypoints were mapped with Google Earth.

Considering other factors effecting woodpecker populations, DBH may not be the limiting factor. The number of snags in a restored wetland may effect woodpecker populations more than DBH.