Warm/dry mixed conifer forests are dominated by fire-tolerant ponderosa pine (P. ponderosa), Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and mesic species such as white fir (Abies concolor), and aspen (Populus tremuloides). Fire suppression over the last century has caused an increase in tree density a shift towards more mesic species composition that has moved the forest away from its historical make-up (Korb et al., 2012). Change in forest structure away from historical conditions increases the potential for future wildfires to be on a larger scale (compared to pre-1880 fires) that may result in novel ecosystems (Grissino-Mayer et al., 2004; Korb et al., 2012). Warm/dry mixed conifer forests host a large community of avian species that depend on variety of forest structure for survival. We used birds as indicator species because they are conspicuous, mobile, and easily identifiable, and therefore have been widely recognized as valuable indicators of environmental condition (Brock & Webb, 1984).
Hypothesis: The control stands will contain indicator species that are seed specialists and foliage insectivores (Garcia, 2011; Russel et al., 2009). Burn only and thin/burn stands will see an increase in cavity dwellers such as woodpeckers (Hutto, 2008; Horton & Mannan, 1988). Aerial foragers and ground foragers will increase in burn only stands (Horton & Mannan, 1988). To quantify differences in avian richness and abundance among three forest restoration treatments (control, burn only, and thin/burn) seven years post-treatment in warm/dry mixed conifer across summer months.
To quantify differences in avian communities and identify indicator avian species associated with each forest restoration treatment.
