Space use of American avocets (Recurvirostra americana) in South San Francisco Bay, California
Graduation Date
2007
Document Type
Thesis
Program
Other
Program
Thesis (M.S.)--Humboldt State University, Natural Resources, Wildlife, 2007
Committee Chair Name
Mark A. Colwell
Committee Chair Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Keywords
American avocet, Humboldt State University -- Theses -- Wildlife, Telemetry, San Francisco Bay, Breeding stage, Home range, Movements, Space use, Recurvirostra americana
Abstract
Examining the spatial ecology of waterbirds is essential for the conservation and management of wetland areas. I studied the space use (movements and home ranges) of radio-marked female American avocets (Recurvirostra americana) in South San Francisco Bay, California. Direct visual observations were used to determine the breeding stage (pre-incubation, incubation, brood-rearing, post-breeding) of marked avocets. Linear movements, home ranges, core areas, and average distances of avocets from nests varied significantly among stages. Post-breeding space use metrics were the greatest, followed by pre-incubation, incubation, and brood-rearing. The majority of avocet nest locations (93%) were within the pre-incubation core area boundaries, whereas 36% of nests were within post-breeding core areas. Distance between future nest sites and daily location decreased significantly with number of days prior to incubation. The differences in home ranges, core areas, and movements between the pre-incubation and post-breeding stages suggest space use of female avocets may be influenced by breeding activities. Average distance from nest during the pre-incubation stage suggests that avocets may be prospecting future nest sites up to three weeks prior to nesting. In a highly managed estuary like the San Francisco Bay, natural resources managers can utilize spatial data and implement conservation strategies that maximize the potential for continued survival of American avocets and other breeding waterbirds.
Recommended Citation
Demers, Scott A., "Space use of American avocets (Recurvirostra americana) in South San Francisco Bay, California" (2007). Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects. 1045.
https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/etd/1045
https://scholarworks.calstate.edu/concern/theses/8049g7233