A partially automated radio-tracking system with semi-continuous
azimuth data collection and XYLOG5 and MAP computer programs for azimuth
data analysis was used for studies of California quail (Callipepla
californica) at the E.E. Wilson Wildlife Area, Oregon, in 1988 and 1989.
Movements of 58 hens were monitored daily to determine nest locations
and dates of incubation activities throughout 2 breeding seasons (May to
mid-August). Locations for specified periods during the breeding season
for nesting quail were used in 2 studies: 1) effect of methyl parathion
application to home ranges; and 2) home ranges and habitats used.
Foraging home ranges during the first one-half of incubation for 15
hens were treated with water (n = 8) or methyl parathion 4E (n = 7) at a
rate of 0.56 kg a.i./ha. No significant measurable effects were found
for rates of nesting success and recruitment to 15 days post-hatching
between water and methyl parathion groups. A significantly lower
hatching rate was found for the methyl parathion group wherein 71 of 103
(69%) eggs for control hens and 36 of 71 (51%) methyl parathion group
hens hatched. No significant measurable effects were found for nest
attentiveness from pre- to post-treatment period within groups and use
of treated areas between groups.
Home range sizes, nesting cover, and cover-type composition of home
ranges were described for radio-tracked hens. During 4 periods of the
breeding season, mean home range size ranged from 4 to 22 ha and was
significantly smaller during incubation. Hens used roadsides,
characterized by early seral stage vegetation, for nesting more
frequently than expected in relation to availability, used cultivated
fields less than expected, and did not use road surfaces, buildings, and
foundations. Nest sites had significantly more bareground and less
grass, shrub, and vertical cover than random sites and also were located
in early successional vegetation.
Ability to collect azimuth data and precisely analyze locations and
home ranges for hens within a 6-hour period daily throughout the 2 field
seasons were advantages of the radio-tracking system. Small sample size
largely because of transmitter failures, potential for system overload,
expenses incurred to employ personnel, and subjectiveness of collected
azimuth data were disadvantages of the system. Efforts to advance
radio-tracking technology should focus upon development of remote
antennas, which are computer-controlled to collect and relay azimuth
data to a central station. / Graduation date: 1991
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ORGSU/oai:ir.library.oregonstate.edu:1957/37936 |
| Date | 22 May 1990 |
| Creators | Kilbride, Kevin M. |
| Contributors | Crawford, John A. |
| Source Sets | Oregon State University |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis/Dissertation |
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