Date of Award
6-1987
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Biological Sciences
First Advisor
Dr. Richard Brewer
Second Advisor
Dr. Richard Pippen
Third Advisor
Dr. David Cowan
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
Fifty censuses were taken in 9 transects adjacent to 8 oil well openings. It was found that 2 species, the red-eyed vireo (Vireo olivaceus), and the ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilus) were significantly affected in spatial distribution. These forest species had significantly lower numbers near the oil well site than in the forest. Two other forest species suggested the same pattern. The effect of the oil well site reaches well into the forest.
Other possible effects of the oil well sites are competition with edge species and brood parasitism by the brown-headed cowbird. Noisier sites may also affect the bird community within the forest. The low number or absence of other forest species may indicate that there have been adverse effects prior to this study.
Recommended Citation
Baker, Wendy J., "The Effects of Oil Well Sites on Forest Species of Birds" (1987). Masters Theses. 1235.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/1235