| Summary: | I censused waterfowl and studied their nesting in the Apache- Sitgreaves National Forest during 1979-1981 to evaluate the effects of waterfowl habitat improvements in that Forest. Densities and success rates of nests on man-made islands were high. These islands probably accounted for much of the increase in the numbers of breeding pairs and ducklings that I observed during the study. Recommendations are given regarding the size, shape, placement, construction, and revegetation of islands. Densities and success rates of nests on uplands were low, and predation by corvids and coyotes was high. Densities of nests on a small amount of pristine ungrazed uplands were higher than on grazed and newly-fenced areas, but success rates were similar. My studies indicated that the cost-benefits of the fencing projects will be high. Other habitat improvements that may increase the production of ducks in the Forest are planting of hardstem bulrush and marsh-blasting.
|
|---|
