Hi!

I'm analysing nest survival data in RMark following the example code provided by Rotella et al., in the Mark Manual and I have a doubt.

As RMark creates a new time-dependent covariate when the variable “NestAge” is used in a model, I wonder if it’s wrong the use of this covariate in a model in which daily survival rate (DSR) is already considered following a time  trend;  (formula ~Time).  Are both (Time and NestAge) modelling the same effect and then they shouldn´t be fitted together in the same model?

We should note that the variable “AgeDay1” in the dataset, recalled by the use of “NestAge” in the formula, contains the standardized age of nests (the ageof nests on the first day of the breeding season).

Anyone with experience modelling nest survival in RMark could clarify this for me?

Any answer will be very appreciated.

Thanks in advance!