Influence of lakeshore development on breeding bird communities in a mixed northern forest Original Research Article

We report findings of a 2-year study (1996–1997) surveying breeding birds in lacustrine habitats of northern Wisconsin, USA. This area has seen marked increases in lakeshore housing development in recent years, and other studies indicate significant lakeshore habitat alteration. We paired developed and undeveloped lakes of similar physical characteristics and performed point-counts around the perimeter of each to assess bird community structure. Our results showed no significant differences between developed and undeveloped lakes in bird abundance, richness or species diversity. However, several species and some resource-guilds were commonly associated with one lake-type or the other. We found a significantly higher diversity of diet guilds on developed lakes. Significant declines in the prevalence of insectivorous and ground-nesting birds were documented on developed lakes, contrasting with increased prevalence of seed-eating birds and deciduous-tree nesting birds. Levels of development on lakeshores in northern Wisconsin appear to affect the composition of avian communities, which is of concern for the health of these forested lacustrine habitats. We outline several factors associated with development which may be linked to these observed bird community changes and suggest measures landowners might take to minimize impact on native breeding bird communities.