Garrett MacDonald
Garrett MacDonald is a Biologist for the USGS at Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center in Jamestown, North Dakota.
My current projects include 1) predicting Piping Plover habitat in the Prairie Pothole Region through the use of remote-sensed and other geospatial datasets and 2) quantifying grassland bird use of pollinator-enhanced grasslands during the spring and fall migratory periods in the Dakotas. My background is in avian ecology.
Professional Experience
Biologist, USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Jamestown, North Dakota
Education and Certifications
M.S. Biology, Ball State University, 2018
B.S. Wildlife Biology, University of Montana, 2010
B.A. Spanish, University of Montana, 2010
Science and Products
Piping plover adult breeding dispersal and annual survival in the northern Great Plains, USA, 2014 - 2019 Piping plover adult breeding dispersal and annual survival in the northern Great Plains, USA, 2014 - 2019
We present a tabular data set representing values used to evaluate intrinsic factors of breeding dispersal and annual survival for northern Great Plains piping plovers (Charadrius melodus) from 2014 – 2019. Data was collected on wetlands and on the Missouri River in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Montana. Data includes breeding state specific observations of adults. The associated...
Piping plover nesting habitat distribution maps for the U.S. Prairie Pothole Region, 2000–2021 Piping plover nesting habitat distribution maps for the U.S. Prairie Pothole Region, 2000–2021
These maps were developed to support an effort to understand the spatial characteristics of piping plover (Charadrius melodus) nesting habitats. The maps show the expected nesting habitat distributions and piping plover intensity between 2000 and 2021 in the U.S. Prairie Pothole Region.
Spatial characteristics of Piping Plover nest sites in the U.S. Prairie Pothole Region data, 2000-2019 Spatial characteristics of Piping Plover nest sites in the U.S. Prairie Pothole Region data, 2000-2019
This data is a companion to the manuscript titled "Data integration reveals dynamic and systematic patterns of breeding habitat use by a threatened shorebird". Advances in both remote sensing and analytical tools for spatial data have allowed for the integration of dynamic processes into species distribution models. We developed a spatiotemporal model of breeding habitat use and density...
Not all spatially structured populations are metapopulations: Re-examining paradigms for a threatened shorebird Not all spatially structured populations are metapopulations: Re-examining paradigms for a threatened shorebird
For at-risk species, understanding population vital rates is imperative for developing informed conservation strategies and population models. Managers often assume that species that are spatially distributed among patches of suitable habitat meet the criteria of a metapopulation. Metapopulation dynamics are determined not only by within-patch birth and death processes but also by...
Authors
Rose Swift, Michael Anteau, Kristen Ellis, Garrett MacDonald, Megan M. Ring, Mark Sherfy, Dustin Toy, David Koons
Developing research tools for demographic study of Rhynchophanes mccownii (thick-billed longspurs) Developing research tools for demographic study of Rhynchophanes mccownii (thick-billed longspurs)
Like numerous other North American grassland bird species, Rhynchophanes mccownii (thick-billed longspur) has experienced severe population declines in the last 50 years. Little is known about population-limiting factors, and knowledge gaps limit conservation efforts on the species; however, before research studies aimed at improving conservation and management actions can be developed...
Authors
Megan M. Ring, Rose Swift, Michael Anteau, Lawrence D. Igl, Mark Seamans, Scott G. Somershoe, Jay VonBank, John M. Yeiser, Garrett MacDonald
Assessing trade-offs in developing a landscape-scale nest monitoring programme for a threatened shorebird Assessing trade-offs in developing a landscape-scale nest monitoring programme for a threatened shorebird
Effective monitoring of wildlife species requires thorough planning and development of survey programmes that can address management and conservation objectives. Decisions about monitoring programmes include where to survey, survey design and how much effort to allocate at survey sites are typically predicated on limited budgets and available resources. When the scope of inference...
Authors
Kristen Ellis, Michael Anteau, Garrett MacDonald, Megan M. Ring, Mark Sherfy, Rose Swift, Dustin Toy
Seasonal and breeding phenologies of 38 grassland bird species in the midcontinent of North America Seasonal and breeding phenologies of 38 grassland bird species in the midcontinent of North America
Grasslands in the midcontinent of North America are highly imperiled, and grassland birds have suffered the largest bird declines of any terrestrial biome in North America in the last 50 years. Consequently, the conservation and management of grasslands, as well as their associated avian communities, are major priorities for the State, Provincial, and Federal agencies; non-governmental
Authors
Garrett MacDonald, Michael Anteau, Kristen Ellis, Lawrence D. Igl, Neal Niemuth, Josh Vest
Climate-induced shifts in grassland bird nesting phenology have implications for grassland management Climate-induced shifts in grassland bird nesting phenology have implications for grassland management
Grasslands are among the most impacted ecosystems globally. In the midcontinent of North America, a > 80% loss of grasslands has made their conservation a major priority for resource managers. Grassland ecosystems evolved under periodic disturbances; consequently, grassland management often involves regular actions such as grazing, haying, or burning to maintain ecosystem integrity. The...
Authors
Michael Anteau, Kristen Ellis, Garrett MacDonald, Lawrence Igl, Neal Niemuth, Josh Vest
Estimating population viability of the northern Great Plains piping plover population considering updated population structure, climate change, and intensive management Estimating population viability of the northern Great Plains piping plover population considering updated population structure, climate change, and intensive management
One challenge in wildlife conservation is understanding how various threats and management actions may influence long-term population viability. This is particularly evident when there is considerable uncertainty regarding population structure and vital rates. Reassessment of current knowledge and population trends is necessary for listed species to improve management actions that...
Authors
Rose Swift, Michael Anteau, Kristen Ellis, Garrett MacDonald, Megan M. Ring, Mark Sherfy, Dustin Toy
Data integration reveals dynamic and systematic patterns of breeding habitat use by a threatened shorebird Data integration reveals dynamic and systematic patterns of breeding habitat use by a threatened shorebird
Incorporating species distributions into conservation planning has traditionally involved long-term representations of habitat use where temporal variation is averaged to reveal habitats that are most suitable across time. Advances in remote sensing and analytical tools have allowed for the integration of dynamic processes into species distribution modeling. Our objective was to develop...
Authors
Kristen Ellis, Michael Anteau, Garrett MacDonald, Rose Swift, Megan M. Ring, Dustin Toy, Mark Sherfy, Max Post van der Burg
Capturing spatiotemporal patterns in presence-absence data to inform monitoring and sampling designs for the threatened Dakota skipper (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae) in the Great Plains of the United States Capturing spatiotemporal patterns in presence-absence data to inform monitoring and sampling designs for the threatened Dakota skipper (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae) in the Great Plains of the United States
Declines among species of insect pollinators, especially butterflies, has garnered attention from scientists and managers. Often these declines have spurred governments to declare some species as threatened or endangered. We used existing presence–absence data from surveys for the threatened Dakota skipper Hesperia dacotae (Skinner) to build statistical maps of species presence that...
Authors
Max Post van der Burg, Jane Austin, Mark Wiltermuth, Wesley Newton, Garrett MacDonald
Piping plover adult breeding dispersal and annual survival in the northern Great Plains, USA, model code Piping plover adult breeding dispersal and annual survival in the northern Great Plains, USA, model code
The affiliated manuscript examines adult survival and breeding dispersal for piping plovers at two spatial scales and examines covariates that influence them. This product includes the R and JAGS model code to run the models in the manuscript with the data from the affiliated data release.
Science and Products
Piping plover adult breeding dispersal and annual survival in the northern Great Plains, USA, 2014 - 2019 Piping plover adult breeding dispersal and annual survival in the northern Great Plains, USA, 2014 - 2019
We present a tabular data set representing values used to evaluate intrinsic factors of breeding dispersal and annual survival for northern Great Plains piping plovers (Charadrius melodus) from 2014 – 2019. Data was collected on wetlands and on the Missouri River in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Montana. Data includes breeding state specific observations of adults. The associated...
Piping plover nesting habitat distribution maps for the U.S. Prairie Pothole Region, 2000–2021 Piping plover nesting habitat distribution maps for the U.S. Prairie Pothole Region, 2000–2021
These maps were developed to support an effort to understand the spatial characteristics of piping plover (Charadrius melodus) nesting habitats. The maps show the expected nesting habitat distributions and piping plover intensity between 2000 and 2021 in the U.S. Prairie Pothole Region.
Spatial characteristics of Piping Plover nest sites in the U.S. Prairie Pothole Region data, 2000-2019 Spatial characteristics of Piping Plover nest sites in the U.S. Prairie Pothole Region data, 2000-2019
This data is a companion to the manuscript titled "Data integration reveals dynamic and systematic patterns of breeding habitat use by a threatened shorebird". Advances in both remote sensing and analytical tools for spatial data have allowed for the integration of dynamic processes into species distribution models. We developed a spatiotemporal model of breeding habitat use and density...
Not all spatially structured populations are metapopulations: Re-examining paradigms for a threatened shorebird Not all spatially structured populations are metapopulations: Re-examining paradigms for a threatened shorebird
For at-risk species, understanding population vital rates is imperative for developing informed conservation strategies and population models. Managers often assume that species that are spatially distributed among patches of suitable habitat meet the criteria of a metapopulation. Metapopulation dynamics are determined not only by within-patch birth and death processes but also by...
Authors
Rose Swift, Michael Anteau, Kristen Ellis, Garrett MacDonald, Megan M. Ring, Mark Sherfy, Dustin Toy, David Koons
Developing research tools for demographic study of Rhynchophanes mccownii (thick-billed longspurs) Developing research tools for demographic study of Rhynchophanes mccownii (thick-billed longspurs)
Like numerous other North American grassland bird species, Rhynchophanes mccownii (thick-billed longspur) has experienced severe population declines in the last 50 years. Little is known about population-limiting factors, and knowledge gaps limit conservation efforts on the species; however, before research studies aimed at improving conservation and management actions can be developed...
Authors
Megan M. Ring, Rose Swift, Michael Anteau, Lawrence D. Igl, Mark Seamans, Scott G. Somershoe, Jay VonBank, John M. Yeiser, Garrett MacDonald
Assessing trade-offs in developing a landscape-scale nest monitoring programme for a threatened shorebird Assessing trade-offs in developing a landscape-scale nest monitoring programme for a threatened shorebird
Effective monitoring of wildlife species requires thorough planning and development of survey programmes that can address management and conservation objectives. Decisions about monitoring programmes include where to survey, survey design and how much effort to allocate at survey sites are typically predicated on limited budgets and available resources. When the scope of inference...
Authors
Kristen Ellis, Michael Anteau, Garrett MacDonald, Megan M. Ring, Mark Sherfy, Rose Swift, Dustin Toy
Seasonal and breeding phenologies of 38 grassland bird species in the midcontinent of North America Seasonal and breeding phenologies of 38 grassland bird species in the midcontinent of North America
Grasslands in the midcontinent of North America are highly imperiled, and grassland birds have suffered the largest bird declines of any terrestrial biome in North America in the last 50 years. Consequently, the conservation and management of grasslands, as well as their associated avian communities, are major priorities for the State, Provincial, and Federal agencies; non-governmental
Authors
Garrett MacDonald, Michael Anteau, Kristen Ellis, Lawrence D. Igl, Neal Niemuth, Josh Vest
Climate-induced shifts in grassland bird nesting phenology have implications for grassland management Climate-induced shifts in grassland bird nesting phenology have implications for grassland management
Grasslands are among the most impacted ecosystems globally. In the midcontinent of North America, a > 80% loss of grasslands has made their conservation a major priority for resource managers. Grassland ecosystems evolved under periodic disturbances; consequently, grassland management often involves regular actions such as grazing, haying, or burning to maintain ecosystem integrity. The...
Authors
Michael Anteau, Kristen Ellis, Garrett MacDonald, Lawrence Igl, Neal Niemuth, Josh Vest
Estimating population viability of the northern Great Plains piping plover population considering updated population structure, climate change, and intensive management Estimating population viability of the northern Great Plains piping plover population considering updated population structure, climate change, and intensive management
One challenge in wildlife conservation is understanding how various threats and management actions may influence long-term population viability. This is particularly evident when there is considerable uncertainty regarding population structure and vital rates. Reassessment of current knowledge and population trends is necessary for listed species to improve management actions that...
Authors
Rose Swift, Michael Anteau, Kristen Ellis, Garrett MacDonald, Megan M. Ring, Mark Sherfy, Dustin Toy
Data integration reveals dynamic and systematic patterns of breeding habitat use by a threatened shorebird Data integration reveals dynamic and systematic patterns of breeding habitat use by a threatened shorebird
Incorporating species distributions into conservation planning has traditionally involved long-term representations of habitat use where temporal variation is averaged to reveal habitats that are most suitable across time. Advances in remote sensing and analytical tools have allowed for the integration of dynamic processes into species distribution modeling. Our objective was to develop...
Authors
Kristen Ellis, Michael Anteau, Garrett MacDonald, Rose Swift, Megan M. Ring, Dustin Toy, Mark Sherfy, Max Post van der Burg
Capturing spatiotemporal patterns in presence-absence data to inform monitoring and sampling designs for the threatened Dakota skipper (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae) in the Great Plains of the United States Capturing spatiotemporal patterns in presence-absence data to inform monitoring and sampling designs for the threatened Dakota skipper (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae) in the Great Plains of the United States
Declines among species of insect pollinators, especially butterflies, has garnered attention from scientists and managers. Often these declines have spurred governments to declare some species as threatened or endangered. We used existing presence–absence data from surveys for the threatened Dakota skipper Hesperia dacotae (Skinner) to build statistical maps of species presence that...
Authors
Max Post van der Burg, Jane Austin, Mark Wiltermuth, Wesley Newton, Garrett MacDonald
Piping plover adult breeding dispersal and annual survival in the northern Great Plains, USA, model code Piping plover adult breeding dispersal and annual survival in the northern Great Plains, USA, model code
The affiliated manuscript examines adult survival and breeding dispersal for piping plovers at two spatial scales and examines covariates that influence them. This product includes the R and JAGS model code to run the models in the manuscript with the data from the affiliated data release.