PS 45-12
A comparison of the diel nesting behaviors of the Western Snowy Plover in the San Francisco Bay- novel insights into video monitoring of shorebirds
The Western Snowy Plover (Charadrius nivosus nivosus), listed as federally threatened species under the Endangered Species Act in 1993, has been extensively studied in regards to its habitat usage, population ecology, foraging ecology, and diurnal behaviors. However, this information is limited to data obtained during daylight hours or with banding data only. Very little is known about its specific nocturnal breeding behaviors, particularly in regards to the threatened Pacific Coast population. My study used pre-recorded nest videos recorded at the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) Eden Landing Ecological Reserve Complex in Hayward, CA, USA between March and August 2009-2010 to attempt to make a comparative analysis of nighttime and daytime behaviors. I used 850-nm infra-red light emitting diodes (LEDs) connected to continuously recording digital video recorders (DVRs). I attempted to take random sampling of three daylight/nighttime video pairs (within a 24-hour period, excluding twilight hours), one from each third of the incubation process from at least 15 nests. Behaviors examined and quantified include incubation frequency, incubation duration, adjusting incubation, nest-maintenance, self-maintenance, egg turning, and time off eggs (a description of these behaviors will be provided.)
Results/Conclusions
Unfortunately, poor video quality combined with equipment and recording errors resulted in no comparable day/night data, so here I present a limited daylight analysis (n=3 nests), reasons for those failures, and remedies for a successful future project. I also address issues associated with shorebird nest video monitoring, and offer suggestions to help make these kinds of projects fruitful. I address the lack of suitable locations for camera placement; issues with camouflage in an open, relatively barren landscape; equipment as predator perches; and logistical issues such as wind and clear subject viewing throughout the recording time. I also address the rationale for the specific types of nesting behaviors to examine and their significance in conservation research. I believe this kind of study is highly valuable for expanding the knowledge of Western Snowy Plover and shorebird nesting behavior, and to aid in the ongoing Western Snowy Plover conservation effort. If carried out properly it could yield valuable data and insight for captive rearing and managed habitat programs.