Abundance, Distribution, and Selected Characteristics of Nesting Raptors on theFort Sill Military Reservation, 1987 to 1992

摘要

This study located, mapped, and monitored raptor nests on the Fort Sill MilitaryReservation, in southwestern Oklahoma, which includes four major impact areas and is the Army's primary field artillery training center. The survey characterized the nest-tree and nest-site, emphasizing the larger species that construct or use more conspicuous stick-nests. Few direct negative impacts from military activities were perceived. Overall density and productivity rates compared favorably with values reported for other regions. Competitive interactions clearly influenced nest distribution, with little evidence of competitive exclusion. Recommendations were made to reduce disturbance to nesting raptors and to suggest areas of future research.