Images

USGS scientists collect data for a landscape genetics study in the sagebrush of the Great Basin.

Lower elevation sandy site with phlox and balsamroot flowers with Rattlesnake Mountain in the background

Rough-skinned newt in defensive posture, EPA ponds, Corvallis, OR. Rough-skinned newts produce a powerful neurotoxin as a defense against predators. 

Coastal tailed frog male dorsal side, Brush Crk, OR

Adult Oregon spotted frog at Dilman Meadows, near Wickiup Reservoir, OR

Forest roads running through Bureau of Land Management land in the lower North Fork Siletz River valley in the Mary's Peak District of the northwest Oregon.

Vacant Brewer's sparrow (Spizella breweri) nest.

Vacant Brewer's sparrow (Spizella breweri) nest.

Cluster of egg masses and an adult Cascades frog at Tipsoo Lake, Mt. Rainier National Park, WA. Researchers survey for egg masses in the spring to assess frog distribution, reproductive success, and timing of breeding.

The headwaters of Upper Fish Creek watershed in the Umpqua National Forest. Large dead wood creates instream structure that is valuable habitat for aquatic animals.

Subalpine meadow near Deer Park campground on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington.

A song sparrow (Melospiza melodia) captured in a mist-net. Mist-nets are used to safely and gently capture birds so they can be identified and recorded for habitat monitoring. Researchers can also apply leg bands to birds to allow them to keep track of them over multiple seasons and years.

A wildlife biologist applies a leg band to a common yellowthroat. Leg bands are used to monitor the survival and abundance of birds over multiple seasons and years. 

Wind turbine next to a dilapidated barn

Oregon spotted frog egg masses in Gold Lake, Oregon. Oregon spotted frogs lay their eggs in shallow, relatively warm water to promote development.

Oregon spotted frog egg masses floating on the surface of Gold Lake in Oregon. Oregon spotted frogs lay their eggs in the warmer water at the edges of lakes and ponds.

Wildfire is one of the largest sources of re-released mercury to the atmosphere and a component to the widespread movement of inorganic mercury to aquatic sediments.

Controlled burn at Hart Mountain National Wildlife Refuge, Oregon.

controlled burn at Hart Mountain National Wildlife Refuge

Conducing Brewer's sparrow (Spizella breweri) surveys in sagebrush habitat, Owyhee Moutains, SW Idaho.

Top view of Brewer's sparrow (Spizella breweri) nest in sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata), Owyhee Mountains, SW Idaho.