Reproductive Effects of Nest-Marking Studies in an American White Pelican Colony

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Abstract
In 1981 and 1982 we studied the reproductive success of American White Pelicans in the Klamath Basin of northern California [USA]. We observed that reproductive success at one colony (Lower Klamath) became reduced in 1981 when we entered that colony to collect eggs for chemical analysis and to mark nests for an assessment of nesting success. Those pelicans produced only 0.5 Y/N (younger per nest attempt) contrasted to pelicans nesting at an undisturbed colony that produced about 1.2 Y/N. No colonies were entered in 1982 and both produced about 1.1 Y/N. We concluded that our activities (similar to those of many researchers) reduced the success of that one disturbed colony. We suggest that the sample-egg technique should not be used in American White Pelican colonies, in-colony activities should be very limited, and researchers in bird colonies should attempt more often to assess the effects of their own activities.

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