My research focuses on determining nest cavity availability for wood ducks, common goldeneyes, and hooded mergansers in the Upper Midwestern United States. The objectives of my project are to: 1) estimate the number and distribution of suitable nest cavities in proximity to brood-rearing habitat, 2) examine rates of change in cavity number and distribution using data collected in this study and data from earlier studies in the Midwest, and 3) model future cavity availability based on projections of forest growth and cavity distribution among dbh size classes. This research will benefit managers by identifying areas with high densities of suitable nest cavities in the region. Estimates of future cavity production will help wildlife managers in the region identify areas of conservation priority for cavity-nesting waterfowl.
