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Phenological Relationships of Nesting Barn Swallows

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Phenological Relationships of Nesting Barn Swallows Clemson University TigerPrints All Theses Theses 5-2014 PHENOLOGICAL RELATIONSHIPS OF NESTING BARN SWALLOWS IN A SWALLOW-FLY-CATTLE SYSTEM AND THEIR POTENTIAL ROLE IN SUPPRESSION OF PEST FLIES IN A WARMING CLIMATE Claire Stuyck Clemson University, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://tigerprints.clemson.edu/all_theses Part of the Agriculture Commons, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Commons, and the Environmental Sciences Commons Recommended Citation Stuyck, Claire, "PHENOLOGICAL RELATIONSHIPS OF NESTING BARN SWALLOWS IN A SWALLOW-FLY-CATTLE SYSTEM AND THEIR POTENTIAL ROLE IN SUPPRESSION OF PEST FLIES IN A WARMING CLIMATE" (2014). All Theses. 1960. https://tigerprints.clemson.edu/all_theses/1960 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Theses at TigerPrints. It has been accepted for inclusion in All Theses by an authorized administrator of TigerPrints. For more information, please contact [email protected]. PHENOLOGICAL RELATIONSHIPS OF NESTING BARN SWALLOWS IN A SWALLOW-FLY-CATTLE SYSTEM AND THEIR POTENTIAL ROLE IN SUPPRESSION OF PEST FLIES IN A WARMING CLIMATE A Thesis Presented to the Graduate School of Clemson University In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Science Wildlife and Fisheries Biology by Claire Michelle Stuyck May 2014 Accepted by: Dr. Ron J. Johnson, Committee Chair Dr. William C. Bridges Dr. Jeffrey C. Hallo i ABSTRACT Conservation efforts for birds that provide ecosystem services in agricultural systems require management approaches that cross disciplines. This information is communicated through a variety of outlets but rarely in ways that interface effectively with normal management approaches. The disconnect between agriculture and wildlife conservation reduces the likelihood that ecosystem service benefits will be realized. One understudied ecosystem service provided by birds such as barn swallows (Hirundo rustica) is their role in suppression of flies that are pests to livestock. Climate change, however, may differentially affect flies that respond largely to temperature, and swallows that migrate and respond to photoperiod and other local variables. Chapter two uses barn swallow nesting records from citizen science databases, and growing degree-days (GDD) to assess swallow nest initiation in relation to published GDD for fly emergence. Survival analysis indicates that GDD are a stronger indicator of when barn swallows nest than is day-of-year. Our day-of-year and GDD data provide no evidence to indicate that timing of barn swallow nest initiation has changed over time and nest initiation appears to be still in synchrony with fly resources. The use of GDD allows more precise tracking of swallow nesting and, as a common measurement tool, facilitates comparisons with fly emergence that can be used to elucidate interactions and management options across the swallow-fly-cattle system. To better understand the feasibility of incorporating barn swallows into an integrated pest management approach, it is important to consider the audience that will be implementing the technique. Chapter three documents perspectives of cattle organization leaders across the United States using an online questionnaire. ii Overall response rate from the 320 leaders contacted was 48.8%. Follow-up phone interviews with a subsample of 25 leaders provided additional clarity and understanding. Our results suggest that cattle organization leaders favorably view barn swallows and the potential benefits that barn swallow management might contribute to help reduce pest fly populations. Continued communication is needed as research is conducted toward development of sound management strategies that benefit swallow conservation and livestock producers. iii DEDICATION I dedicate this thesis to my parents, Christopher and Pamela Stuyck, who have never faltered in their encouragement and support in all endeavors I pursue. iv ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I am appreciative for the teamwork, efficiency, and expertise of my committee. I am especially thankful to my advisor, Dr. R.J. Johnson, who has not only guided and supported me in all facets of this project, he has taught and shared valuable experiences that continually strengthen and shape me as a student, teacher, researcher and, more importantly, as a person. I am thankful for Dr. W.C. Bridges’ expert knowledge, assistance, and instruction in statistical analysis. I am thankful for Dr. J.C. Hallo’s encouragement and guidance in all aspects of instrument design, protocol, and analysis. I am particularly thankful to J. Courter who nurtured and guided me in various stages of my project; our early brainstorming and his interest helped bring concept to reality. I am appreciative of the faculty and staff of both the SAFES and AVS departments who have continually provided a supportive and engaging work environment. I thank my family and friends for their tireless encouragement and willingness to accept the engrossment of my fragmented mind. I am truly fortunate to have an enduring network that aided me even when I didn’t know I needed it. All the refreshing outdoor excursions, warm coffee, a steady supply of pickles, and subtle joys of the day-to-day will not be forgotten. v TABLE OF CONTENTS Page TITLE PAGE .................................................................................................................... i ABSTRACT .................................................................................................................... ii DEDICATION ............................................................................................................... iv ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ............................................................................................... v LIST OF TABLES ....................................................................................................... viii LIST OF FIGURES ........................................................................................................ ix CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION AND LITERATURE REVIEW .................................... 1 References ............................................................................................. 10 II. GROWING DEGREE-DAYS AS A TOOL TO TRACK PHENOLOGICAL RELATIONSHIPS OF THE BARN SWALLOW-FLY-CATTLE SYSTEM: IMPLICATIONS FOR SYNCHRONY IN RELATION TO A WARMING CLIMATE ................................................................................................... 17 Abstract .................................................................................................. 17 Introduction ........................................................................................... 17 Methods ................................................................................................. 22 Results ................................................................................................... 24 Discussion .............................................................................................. 25 Tables .................................................................................................... 33 Figures ................................................................................................... 37 Acknowledgements ............................................................................... 40 References ............................................................................................. 40 III. PERCEPTIONS OF UNITED STATES CATTLE ASSOCIATION PRESIDENTS ABOUT BARN SWALLOWS AND THEIR POTENTIAL ROLE IN SUPPRESSION OF PEST FLIES ............................................................... 47 vi Table of Contents (Continued) Page Abstract .................................................................................................. 47 Introduction ........................................................................................... 47 Questionnaire Methods .......................................................................... 52 Interview Methods ................................................................................. 55 Questionnaire Results ............................................................................ 56 Interview Results ................................................................................... 61 Discussion .............................................................................................. 62 Tables .................................................................................................... 70 Figures ................................................................................................... 75 Acknowledgements ............................................................................... 80 References ............................................................................................. 80 IV. CLOSING THOUGHTS AND REFLECTIONS ........................................ 85 References ............................................................................................. 87 Page APPENDICES ............................................................................................................... 89 A: Questionnaire Instrument ............................................................................ 90 vii LIST OF TABLES Table Page 2.1 The measured ‘time to event’ methods and their corresponding strength of fit in the ‘nest initiation probability’ model including climate division as covariate ...............................................................................................
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