How to translate text using browser tools
22 November 2023 Great Horned Owls Affect Herring Gull Nest Attentiveness
Serina Serré, Courtney Irvine, Katie Lockhart, Craig E. Hebert
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) populations in Pukaskwa National Park have declined by 70% over the last 40 years. Populations of avian predators that prey on Herring Gulls have increased which could be a significant factor impacting gull populations. Here, we investigate Herring Gull daytime and nighttime nest attentiveness at locations with and without evidence of nocturnal predators. In 2017, Herring Gull nest attentiveness was examined at two sites using remote cameras. At one of those sites Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) predation was observed, and gull nighttime nest attentiveness was lower there than at the site where owls were not observed. There were no inter-site differences in daytime nest attentiveness. In 2018, Herring Gull nest attentiveness was further investigated at the site where owls were present. At that site, Herring Gull nighttime nest attentiveness was significantly lower than during the day. Extended periods of absence of gulls from their nests during the night corresponded with the presence of owls. Predation of nest contents, in addition to the effects of other environmental stressors, are likely contributing to declines in Pukaskwa National Park's Herring Gull population.

Serina Serré, Courtney Irvine, Katie Lockhart, and Craig E. Hebert "Great Horned Owls Affect Herring Gull Nest Attentiveness," Waterbirds 46(1), 24-30, (22 November 2023). https://doi.org/10.1675/063.046.0104
Received: 2 November 2022; Accepted: 19 July 2023; Published: 22 November 2023
KEYWORDS
camera traps
great horned owl
Herring Gull
Larus argentatus
nest attentiveness
predation
Pukaskwa National Park
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top