Nest-site competition between bumblebees (Bombidae), social wasps (Vespidae) and cavity-nesting birds in Britain and the Western Palearctic

Capsule: There is no evidence of widespread significant nest-site competition in Britain or the Western Palearctic between cavity-nesting birds and bumblebees or social wasps. Aims: To investigate competition between cavity-nesting birds and bumblebees and wasps, particularly the range-expanding Tree Bumblebee, Saxon Wasp and European Hornet in Britain, and review evidence throughout the Western Palearctic. Methods: We compared field data from English and Polish studies of tits and woodpeckers breeding in nest-boxes and/or tree holes to assess nest-site competition with bumblebees and wasps. We reviewed the literature quantifying nest-site competition between birds and these insects in the Western Palearctic. Results: Bumblebees and wasps are capable of usurping small passerines from nests. In England, these insects commandeered a mean annual 4.1% of tit nests initiated in nest-boxes; occurrence of hornets showed a long-term increase, but not other wasps or bumblebees. Across the Western Palearctic, insect occupation of nest-boxes was generally low, and was lower in England than in Poland. No insects were discovered in tree cavities, including those created by woodpeckers (Picidae). Conclusion: Nest-site competition between cavity-nesting birds and bumblebees and wasps appears to be a ‘nest-box phenomenon’, which may occasionally interfere with nest-box studies, but appears negligible in natural nest-sites

Fall

The creative project involved writing and producing a short movie and an accompanying paper that described all facets of the scriptwriting and movie-making process. The movie, entitled "Fall," focuses on date rape and lying. The movie was based on research into date rape and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. The movie chronicles a lonely young woman who has problems fitting in at her University. She can't seem to make friends and she feels inadequate among the other students. She wants attention and she gets it when she lies to a friend about being raped. As word of her "rape" spreads, people come together to console her. However, the lie eventually overwhelms her.Thesis (M.A.)Short films.Department of Telecommunication

Habitat Use and Territory Characteristics of Red-Cockaded Woodpeckers in Central Florida

Volume: 99Start Page: 202End Page: 21