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These publications showcase the significant science conducted in our Science Centers.

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Effects of fat reserves on annual apparent survival of blackbirds Turdus merula Effects of fat reserves on annual apparent survival of blackbirds Turdus merula

1. Fat reserves are stored energy that may help birds survive periods of harsh winter weather. This hypothesis predicts that annual apparent survival is higher for birds with large fat reserves than for birds with few or no fat reserves in winter. 2. Blackbirds (Turdus merula Linnaeus) were ringed in central Italy from 16 November to 20 February during 1990-2001. Fat scores were recorded...
Authors
M.W. Miller, A. Aradis, G. Landucci

Distribution, abundance, and habitat affinities of the Coastal Plain Swamp Sparrow Distribution, abundance, and habitat affinities of the Coastal Plain Swamp Sparrow

We examined the distribution and abundance of the Coastal Plain Swamp Sparrow (Melospiza georgiana nigrescens) at previously occupied sites and points within potential habitat. We found Swamp Sparrows throughout their formerly documented range except in southern Chesapeake Bay. Swamp Sparrows were most common in the Mullica River region of New Jersey where we detected individuals at 78%...
Authors
J. Beadell, R. Greenberg, Sam Droege, J. Andrew Royle

Spring bird migration in Mississippi Alluvial Valley forests Spring bird migration in Mississippi Alluvial Valley forests

We surveyed forest songbirds during migration in bottomland hardwood forest stands and managed cottonwood (Populus deltoides) plantations in northeast Louisiana and west-central Mississippi between 24 March and 24 May 1996 and 1997. We detected more bird species in bottomland hardwood stands than in cottonwood stands. Within hardwood stands, we detected more individuals in stands...
Authors
R. Randy Wilson, Daniel J. Twedt

Experimental lead poisoning in Turkey Vultures, Cathartes aura Experimental lead poisoning in Turkey Vultures, Cathartes aura

Lead-induced mortality appears to have been a major factor in the decline of the California condor (Gymnogyps californianus). We orally dosed turkey vultures (Cathartes aura) with BB-sized lead shot from January 1988 through July 1988 to determine physiologic response (delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase inhibition, erythrocyte protoporphyrin levels, anemia), diagnostic tissue lead
Authors
J. W. Carpenter, O. H. Pattee, S. H. Fritts, Barnett A. Rattner, Stanley N. Wiemeyer, J. Andrew Royle, M. R. Smith

Differences in distribution of modified basins and ducks relative to roadside transects Differences in distribution of modified basins and ducks relative to roadside transects

Wetland basins in the Prairie Pothole Region of the U.S. are commonly modified by excavation (e.g., roadside ditches, stock dugouts), partial drainage (ditching), and diking. Differences in the distribution of modified wetlands may affect the predictive accuracy of waterfowl survey data if such wetlands are not distributed randomly in the landscape and if waterfowl are not distributed...
Authors
Jane E. Austin, Glenn R. Guntenspergen, H. Thomas Sklebar, T.K. Buhl

Concentrations of metals in feathers and blood of nestling Black-Crowned Night-Herons (Nycticorax nycticorax) in Chesapeake and Delaware Bays Concentrations of metals in feathers and blood of nestling Black-Crowned Night-Herons (Nycticorax nycticorax) in Chesapeake and Delaware Bays

Over the past decade, destruction and degradation of wetland habitat has contributed to the decline of wading bird colonies on the Atlantic Coast. In 1998, an initial assessment of the possible contribution of metal pollution to declining heron populations in Chesapeake and Delaware Bays was conducted. Study sites included two heronries in industrialized locations (Pea Patch Island, DE...
Authors
N. H. Golden, Barnett A. Rattner, P. C. McGowan, K.C. Parsons, M. A. Ottinger

A critical look at national monitoring programs for birds and other wildlife species A critical look at national monitoring programs for birds and other wildlife species

Concerns?about declines in numerous taxa have created agreat deal of interest in survey development. Because birds have traditionally been monitored by a variety of methods, bird surveys form natural models for development of surveys for other taxa. Here I suggest that most bird surveys are not appropriate models for survey design. Most lack important design components associated with
Authors
J.R. Sauer

Synergy of agroforestry and bottomland hardwood afforestation Synergy of agroforestry and bottomland hardwood afforestation

Afforestation of bottomland hardwood forests has historically emphasized planting heavy-seeded tree species such as oak (Quercus spp.) and pecan (Caryaillinoensis) with little or no silvicultural management during stand development. Slow growth of these tree species, herbivory, competing vegetation, and limited seed dispersal, often result in restored sites that are slow to develop...
Authors
D.J. Twedt, J. Portwood

Interaction between perchlorate and iodine in the metamorphosis of Hyla versicolor Interaction between perchlorate and iodine in the metamorphosis of Hyla versicolor

Perchlorate (ClO4-) is a water-soluble, inorganic anion that is often combined with ammonium, potassium or other cations for use in industry and agriculture. Ammonium perchlorate, for example, is a potent oxidizer and is used in various military applications including rocket fuel. It has also been found in an historically widely used fertilizer, Chilean nitrate and in other fertilizers...
Authors
D. W. Sparling, G. Harvey, V. Nzengung

Ecotoxicology of mercury Ecotoxicology of mercury

No abstract available.
Authors
James G. Wiener, David P. Krabbenhoft, Gary H. Heinz, Anton M. Scheuhammer
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