Thinning- and fire-induced changes in forest structure and processes can influence wildlife on several levels. Specifically, hazard reduction treatments potentially influence songbirds and small mammals at the community, the population, and the individual level.

~ Nest success of songbirds:

Ground nesters: dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis)
Shrub/tree nesters: chipping sparrow (Spizella passerine)
Cavity nesters: red-breasted nuthatch (Sitta canadensis)
Mountain chickadee (Poecile gambeli)
Woodpeckers (Picoides spp).

~ Composition and abundance of songbird species

~ Foraging patterns of bark gleaning birds (nuthatches and woodpeckers)

~ Composition and abundance of small mammal species

~ Effects of hazard reduction treatments on songbird nest success

~ Possible shifts in songbird species composition and abundance due to hazard reduction treatments

~ Effects of hazard reduction treatments on foraging patterns of bark gleaning birds

~Woodpecker use of beetle-infested trees

~ Shifts in small mammal species composition and abundance due to hazard reduction treatments

The insects and disease discipline provides data on beetle infestation to identify trees for tracking woodpecker use.

~37 songbird species have been recorded on research sites.

~Common songbird species identified include: dark eyed juncos (Junco hyemalis), chipping sparrows (Spizella passerine), red-breasted nuthatches (Sitta canadensis), mountain chickadees (Poecile gambeli), western tanagers (Piranga ludoviciana), Cassin's vireo (Vireo cassinii), yellow-rumped warblers (Dendroica coronata), and pine siskins (Carduelis pinus).

~9 small mammal species have been recorded on research sites.

~Common small mammal species identified include: deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus), yellow pine chipmunks (Tamias amoenus), and red-backed voles (Clethrionomys gapperi).

~If you would like to see some examples of our wildlife, or the wildlife crew in action, check out our wildlife pictures.