martin et al_turkey roost microclimate data.xlsx

We investigated microclimate (specifically, ambient temperature, wind speed, and precipitation) at roost sites used by wild turkeys (<i>Meleagris gallopavo</i>) in Ontario, Canada. We collected data from pairs of roost and non-roost trees. We sampled 25 and 30 pairs of trees in winter and summer, respectively. Roost trees were known to be used by turkeys within the time period of 2017–2019 and 2022 based on GPS location data from tagged turkeys and observation of evidence of use (e.g., droppings and feathers below the tree). Non-roost trees were nearby to roost trees, with each one 50 m away to its paired roost tree. Non-roost trees represented trees that were available to turkeys but not apparently used based on GPS-tagged turkeys and visual inspection for evidence of roosting. Data for winter roost trees were collected from December 1, 2022, to March 27, 2023; and data for summer roost trees were collected from June 1, 2023, to September 25, 2023. In addition to the paired trees, we also collected microclimate data at a single non-forested site located within our study area. We used the same site during winter and summer, and the site consisted of a deciduous tree in a hedgerow surrounded by agricutural fields. Data were collected using Kestrel 5000 Environmental Meters mounted on a platform that hung from a branch on the tree, and using a pail on the ground for capturing precipitation. The excel file contains five sheets, with metadata and additional information available on the first sheet.