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