LAND USE SELECTION OF THE NORTHERN HARRIER IN THE EASTERN

UPPER PENINSULA


Andrew Bacon

School of Science and Natural Resources

Lake Superior State University

Sault Ste. Narie, MI 49783


Abstract--  The Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus) population
has been declining in numbers over the past century due
to habitat loss and is currently listed as a species of
special concern in Michigan.  Widespread habitat alteration
has created a need to better understand habitat use by
harriers, to create better management practices.  A survey
was conducted from April 14 to November 1 of 1996 in the
Eastern Upper Peninsula.  A 74km route was driven one to
two times each week. Habitat use, sex, land description,
date, and location were recorded for all harrier sightings.
Habitat types were broken into seven land use categories:
transportation, residential, unused land, construction,
pasture, hayfields, and recreation.  Land use availability
was determined by breaking the route into one tenth mile
sections and land use was determined for each section.
The majority of harrier sightings occured in hayfields and
unused lands while hayfields, unused lands, and pasture
composed the majority of the available habitat.  A Z-test
for a binomial (alpha=O.O1) showed Northern Harriers selected
for unused lands while selecting against pastures.


Selected References

Hamerstrom, F. 1986. Harrier; hawk of the marshes; the hawk
that is ruled by a mouse. Smithsonian Institution Press.
Washington D.C.

Johnsgard, P.A. 1990. Hawks, eagles, and falcons of North
America. Smithsonian Institute Press. Washington D.C.
I 53-162.