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Kentucky’s breeding Haliaeetus leucocephalus (Bald Eagle) population began recovering in 1986, with a single nest, and has since expanded from the state’s western portion to the central and eastern regions. We used aerial survey data to describe the spatiotemporal distribution of Bald Eagle nests in Kentucky, to examine changes in nest-site selection relative to natural and anthropogenic features, and to create a nesting-habitat suitability model. Our results highlight increased nesting near developed areas in recent years. Although nests in these areas productively contribute to populations, we note some considerations of increased risks associated with nesting in developed areas. We also provide predictions of available nesting areas and data to direct the future monitoring and management of Bald Eagles in Kentucky. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical treatments are used to protect Tsuga canadensis (Eastern Hemlock) from Adelges tsugae (Hemlock Woolly Adelgid), yet little is known about how avian communities respond. We tested the efficacy of imidacloprid soil drenches on hemlocks and its impact on avian indicator species in the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky at 65 sites (37 treated) in 2009 and 2018. Percent dead hemlock increased 11%, regardless of chemical treatment. Hemlock had higher vigor in treated sites, but a hemlock-decline index did not differ by treatment. None of 6 indicator bird species showed a significant population response to chemical treatments. Setophaga virens (Black-throated Green Warbler) declined between years across treated and untreated sites, whereas Contopus virens (Eastern Wood-Pewee) increased between years. Treatments positively affected individual hemlocks, but this did not carry over to influence avian species. Hemlock health may need to decline below some threshold before avian species respond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]