Study of the Potential Impacts of Highway Construction on Selected Birds with Emphasis on the Golden-Cheeked Warbler: Final Report 2008-2011.

摘要

This report summarizes the 20082011 field seasons for the Highway 71 impact assessment of highway construction noise and activity on golden-cheeked warblers (Setophaga chrysoparia). Researchers examined if construction activity and noise altered the reproductive success and behavior of birds, with an emphasis on the golden-cheeked warbler. Researchers found that ambient noise levels were significantly higher in 2011 than 2010 across study sites, and decreased significantly as distance from ROW increased. Ambient noise levels were louder 512 m from the ROW in the construction site when compared to levels at 256 m and 512 m in the pre-construction site. Pairing success was significantly lower in the control site in 2010 than any other site and year combinations. Fledging success was significantly lower in 2009 than in other years, across all study sites. There was no indication that birds directly reacted to construction noise or that they altered their singing or nesting behavior. Researchers found no effect from study site, distance from the ROW, or year on warbler reactions to construction noise playbacks.