Factors influencing nesting success of sub-arctic breeding Canada Geese

I explored nesting success variation in Canada Geese (Branta canadensis interior) breeding on sub-arctic Akimiski Island, Nunavut. First, I compared nest sites and random points to determine whether habitat attributes are influential in decisions of nest site selection. I also compared macro- and micro- habitat among nests with different fates (successful versus failed) to determine whether habitat attributes were associated with nest survival. I found that geese did not select highly dense vegetation for nesting sites, but rather preferred areas with intermediate concealment and visibility. As well, I found that nest survival rate was associated with concealment and local nesting density, but was best explained by calendar date in the nesting season, indicating that nest predation (failure) was highest during the laying and early incubation stages and declined as the season progressed. Second, I evaluated the effect early spring weather has on the breeding ground has on breeding phenology and reproductive performance of Canada Geese. Using 18 years of nest monitoring data (1993 to 2010), I determined that weather variables are influential on reproduction, having the greatest influence early in the breeding season but becoming less prominent as the reproductive cycle progresses. Overall, my results suggest that extrinsic factors pertaining to habitat and weather are important to nesting success of Canada Geese in sub-arctic environments.;Keywords: Branta canadensis interior, sub-arctic, nesting habitat concealment vs. visibility, predation risk, weather, nesting success, breeding phenology, endogenous nutrient allocation..