Spatial stream modeling of Louisiana Waterthrush (Parkesia motacilla) foraging substrate and aquatic prey in a watershed undergoing shale gas development

We demonstrate the use of spatial stream network models (SSNMs) to explore relationships between a semi-aquatic bioindicator songbird, Louisiana Waterthrush (Parkesia motacilla), and monitoring benthic macroinvertebrate data in an area undergoing shale gas development. SSNMs allowed us account for autocorrelation inherent these environmental types properties that traditional modeling approaches cannot capture elucidate factors affect waterthrush foraging locations. monitored along 58.1 km 1st- 2nd-order headwater tributaries (n = 14) northwestern West Virginia over two year period (2013–2014), sampled macroinvertebrates territories, collected wetted perimeter channel water chemistry 50 m fixed point grid. Spatial outperformed regression made statistical difference whether covariates interest were considered relatable foraging. probability index (FPI) was greater areas where family genus-level multi-metric indices biotic integrity higher (i.e. WVSCI GLIMPSS). found both among flow connected unconnected sites on relatively further upstream locations GLIMPSS predicted be highest. While there no significant relationship FPI land catchment scale, information trophic dynamics bioaccumulation surface contaminants is needed before establishing extent which may affected by