Avian nesting density and success in alfalfa, cool season CRP, and warm season CRP plantings in eastern South Dakota

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) fields are notorious for attracting grassland nesting birds. Few studies have been done comparing nest success and densities in Conservation Reserve Program fields (CRP) and alfalfa in South Dakota. Objectives of the study were to: (1) determine avian nest success and densities in dense nesting cover (DNC), warm-season natives (WSN) and alfalfa and (2) compare vegetative and microclimate characteristics of DNC, WSN, and alfalfa in paired field comparisons. Paired fields of DNC/alfalfa and WSN/alfalfa were selected and searched for avian nests. Searching was conducted using the "hockey stick" search method. Ring-necked pheasant ( Phasianus colchicus) nest densities were higher in DNC and WSN than in alfalfa. Total number of pheasant eggs hatched was also higher in DNC and WSN than in alfalfa. Nest success was not different between paired fields. DNC or WSN planted next to alfalfa attracts nesting pheasants and renesters.