Cerulean Warbler response to silvicultural manipulations on managed forestland in Desha Co., Arkansas, third year results
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Cerulean Warbler is a Nearctic-Neotropical migratory bird in need of management attention for which only rudiments of a silvicultural prescription exist. Since 1992, we have monitored breeding populations of this and other canopy-dwelling warbler species on a 54-ha site in Desha County, AR, owned and managed by Anderson-Tully Co. for production of high quality sawtimber. We instituted an experiment in 2002 to assess the response of this species to alternative silvicultural treatments. We split the site in two plots of equal area and with similar histories of use by Cerulean Warblers, and we randomly assigned one of two prescriptions to each plot. The treatments were 1) a standard Company prescription designed to favor development of sawtimber trees and 2) a “Cerulean Warbler prescription” (CWP), designed to favor development of large sawtimber trees for use as song perches by male Cerulean Warblers and large shade-tolerant trees in the midstory as potential Cerulean Warbler nest trees. Harvesting was completed in winter 2004. Survey of Cerulean Warbler response in 2006 indicated that the birds have begun breeding on portions of the CWP plot. At least three males, two of whom attracted females, established and defended territories on and adjacent to the CWP plot.