Do Field Observers Attract Nest Predators and Influence Nesting Success of Common Eiders?

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Abstract
Incubating common eiders (S. mollissima) were flushed to test whether avian predators are attracted to islands in southern Sweden. The abundance of hooded crows (Corvus cornix) was slightly lower after disturbance than before, although many eider nests were exposed after disturbance. Crows did not increase their foraging effort or success in finding nests on the islands following disturbance. Gulls (Larus argentatus, L. marinus) were slightly attracted to the disturbed islands and tended to increase their foraging effort and success. Although more depredations were observed after disturbance than before, clutch size and frequency of robbed nests did not differ (P > 0.10) on disturbed and undisturbed islands. All nests were covered by the observers; this probably protected the nests. Simulated nests with exposed eggs experienced much higher predation than those covered with down.

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