
Bird Communities in Interior Douglas-fir Forests (IDFdk3) in the Cariboo Forest Region
Breeding bird communities were compared
between stands resulting from three silvicultural systems (simulated shelterwood,
single tree selection, low vloume single tree selection) and old, uneven
aged Douglas-fir forest in the IDFdk3 biogeoclimatic unit within the Cariboo
Forest Region. Species composition and density shifted in response
to type of silvicultural system. Low volume selection silvicultural
system used on mule deer winter range caused the leasrt change in the bird
community while the simulated shelterwood (diameter limit haravesting)
caused the most change. Red-breasted nuthatches and golden-crowned
kinglets declined significantlyu in response to all silvicultural systems
and pileated woodpeckers and white-winged crossbills preferred old forests.
Many species increased in abundance due to the more open forest structure
created by single tree selection and diameter limit harvesting. Correlation
analyses pointed to basal area of large trees. Canopy Diversity Index,
density of aspen, distance to water and amount of old forest as important
variables in determining density of different bird species. Douglas-fir
stands adjacent to wetlands and lakes, and spruce and aspen stands have
rich and abundant bird communities: therefore, need to be maintained
in the IDF landscape. This study supports recommendations in the
Biodiversity Guidebook (Forest Practices Code of British Columbia) for
NDT4.