Publications
USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center staff publish results of their research in USGS series reports and in peer-reviewed journals. Publication links are below. Information on all USGS publications can be found at the USGS Publications Warehouse.
Filter Total Items: 1952
Water-level fluctuation in wetlands as a function of landscape condition in the prairie pothole region Water-level fluctuation in wetlands as a function of landscape condition in the prairie pothole region
We evaluated water-level fluctuation (maximum water depth - minimum water depth/catchment size) in 12 temporary, 12 seasonal, and 12 semipermanent wetlands equally distributed among landscapes dominated by tilled agricultural lands and landscapes dominated by grassland. Water levels fluctuated an average of 14.14 cm in wetlands within tilled agricultural landscapes, while water levels in...
Authors
Ned H. Euliss, David M. Mushet
Evening flights of female northern pintails from a major roost site Evening flights of female northern pintails from a major roost site
We monitored evening flights of female Northern Pintails (Anas acuta) from Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in southwestern Louisiana during winters of 1991-1992 and 1992-1993. We analyzed the influence of female age, winter, and date within wintering period on three flight parameters: distance, duration, and departure time. Flight distance and duration increased with date within...
Authors
R. R. Cox, A. D. Afton
Using candlers to determine the incubation stage of passerine eggs Using candlers to determine the incubation stage of passerine eggs
Determining the incubation stage of bird eggs can provide important information to investigators conducting nesting studies. We describe the use of candlers in the field to determine the incubation stage in eggs of Lark Buntings (Calamospiza melanocorys) and other small birds with an incubation period of 11-13 d. Candling was accomplished easily using simple tools and did not involve the
Authors
John T. Lokemoen, Rolf R. Koford
Second record of white ibis in North Dakota Second record of white ibis in North Dakota
Abstract has not been submitted
Authors
J.W. Marlow, L.D. Igl, M.R. Hartman
Effects of grazing and burning on densities and habitats of breeding ducks in North Dakota Effects of grazing and burning on densities and habitats of breeding ducks in North Dakota
Native grassland communities controlled by public agencies become increasingly important to the maintenance of many wildlife species as privately owned grasslands are destroyed or degraded for farming, mining, and development. In turn, wildlife on publicly owned grasslands are affected by the management techniques practiced by local managers. We studied the effects of grazing and...
Authors
Arnold D. Kruse, Bonnie S. Bowen
Changes in atmospheric circulation patterns affect midcontinent wetlands sensitive to climate Changes in atmospheric circulation patterns affect midcontinent wetlands sensitive to climate
Twenty-seven years of data from midcontinent wetlands indicate that the response of these wetlands to extremes in precipitation-drought and deluge-persists beyond the extreme events. Chemical changes transcend such simple relations as increased salinity during dry periods because drought provides mechanisms for removal of salt by deflation and seepage to groundwater. Inundation of...
Authors
J. W. LaBaugh, T. C. Winter, G.A. Swanson, D. Rosenberry
A test of vegetation-related indicators of wetland quality in the prairie pothole region A test of vegetation-related indicators of wetland quality in the prairie pothole region
This study was part of an effort by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to quantitatively assess the environmental quality or 'health' of wetland resources on regional and national scales. During a two-year pilot study, we tested selected indicators of wetland quality in the U.S. portion of the prairie pothole region (PPR). We assumed that the amount of cropland versus non-cropland...
Authors
H.A. Kantrud, W.E. Newton
Seed dispersal by specialist versus generalist foragers: The plant's perspective Seed dispersal by specialist versus generalist foragers: The plant's perspective
I examined the seed dispersal ecology of the stem parasitic plant, desert mistletoe (Phoradendron californicum, Viscaceae), with the objectives of (1) determining the relative effectiveness of specialist and generalist foragers for seed dispersal, (2) determining the extent to which desert mistletoe fruiting characteristics correspond to those predicted for plants attracting specialist...
Authors
D.L. Larson
Le Conte's, sharp-tailed, and Henslow's sparrows in Grant County, Minnesota Le Conte's, sharp-tailed, and Henslow's sparrows in Grant County, Minnesota
Abstract has not been submitted
Authors
L.D. Igl
Western meadowlark impaled on barbed-wire fence Western meadowlark impaled on barbed-wire fence
Abstract has not been submitted
Authors
L.D. Igl