Human recreational activity does not influence open cup avian nest survival in urban green spaces

• DOI: 10.1007/s11252-024-01669-0
• Publication Date: 2025-01-30T15:19:57Z
• Authors: Chloe A. Cull; Mackenzie J. Guest; Barbara Frei; Carly D. Ziter

Abstract The breeding period of birds is a critical and sensitive portion the annual cycle. Understanding how human use urban green spaces affects nest survival can improve our understanding conserving bird populations in cities support science-based management that benefit both people nature. We conducted field study between April August 2023 multiple Montreal, Quebec, Canada, country’s second-largest city. asked whether presence (distance to trails amount activity) influences four common open-cup nesting species: American robins ( Turdus migratorius ), gray catbirds Dumetella carolinensis Northern cardinals Cardinalis cardinalis yellow warblers Setophaga petechia ). also if variables traditionally associated with survival, such as vegetation concealment seasonality, would influence survival. Our analyses surprisingly revealed no significant activity, concealment, seasonality on for target species. found nests did fail, established during earlier part failed faster. robin were most successful study’s species, whereas cardinal least successful. Within limitations system, findings suggest not negatively impacting success species using spaces. provides integrated science advice land managers so they opportunities connect nature without causing trade-offs biodiversity conservation.