Alicia Berlin, Ph.D.
Alicia Berlin is a Research Wildlife Biologist at the Eastern Ecological Science Center in Laurel, MD.
Her background is in physiological ecology (the science of linking the physiology of an animal with on the ground management actions) and ornithology. Her research interests include bioenergetics modeling of waterbirds, habitat utilization of Atlantic seabirds using state of the art tracking technologies and developing innovative techniques to determine underwater noise impacts and potential deterrents on seabirds.
New Research:
- Impacts of prey resources, weather, and time of day on habitat use for wintering lesser scaup in the Chesapeake Bay. Collaborators: University of Delaware (UDEL) and Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MDDNR)
- Improving and field-testing solar-powered GPS/GSM transmitter design and attachment techniques to increase effectiveness of the technology for tracking marine and coastal birds. Collaborators: USFWS
- In-air and underwater hearing thresholds and assessment of auditory deterrents on diving birds. Collaborators: USFWS, University of Delaware (UDEL), Naval Undersea Warfare Center
- Understanding visual stimuli aversive to diving birds to inform fisheries bycatch mitigation development. Collaborators: Royal Holloway University of London, Natural Environmental Research Council (NERC), Birdlife Europe and Birdlife International, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)
- Habitat Vulnerability Assessment for Wintering American Black Ducks in the Chesapeake Bay Refuge System in the Face of Impending Sea-Level Rise and Land Use Change Scenarios. Collaborators: USFWS refuges, Black Duck joint Venture (BDJV), Ducks Unlimited (DU), Atlantic Coast Joint Venture (ACJV)
Previous Research:
- Captured surf scoters and long-tailed ducks using mist-nets, net gun, and night lighting techniques to implant with satellite transmitters in the Chesapeake Bay, Pamlico Sound, and coastal waters of Rhode Island and Nantucket the delineate the Atlantic flyway populations. Collaborators: USFWS, SDJV, CWS, MDDNR, VADGIF, URI, MA Audubon
- Captured surf scoters, red-throated loons, and northern gannets to implant with satellite transmitters to determine potential impacts of offshore wind energy development on migratory seabirds. Collaborators: USFWS, SDJV, MDDNR, BOEM, VADGIF, BRI, Memorial University of Newfoundland
- Testing the use of newly created GMT solar powered backpack transmitters on seabirds to reduce mortality, increase transmission time and quality, and reduce handling stress on seabirds. Collaborators: USFWS, BOEM
- Running a clinical trial comparing the epizootology of our current manual feeder system to a more computerized enclosed feeding system. Collaborators: UMD, UMUC
- Determined the electrosensory foraging capabilities of ruddy ducks. Collaborators: University of Lethbridge, Smithsonian
- Determine the impact of corticosterone levels on reproductive effort of common eiders. Collaborators: University of Windsor, CWS
Education and Certifications
Ph.D., Foraging values of Mulinia lateralis and Ischadium recurvum: energetic effects on surf scoters wintering in the Chesapeake Bay. (May 2008) University of Maryland,
M.S., Comparative Analysis of Embryonic Growth Rate and Incubation Length in Dabbling Ducks. (December 2000) Michigan State University
B.S., Renewable Natural Resources; Concentration in Wildlife Management (May 1998) University of Connecticut, Storrs
Science and Products
The pathogenesis of H7 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses in Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis)
Clade 2.3.4.4 H5 North American highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses infect, but do not cause clinical signs in American Black Ducks (Anas rubripes)
Determining fine-scale use and movement patterns of diving bird species in federal waters of the Mid-Atlantic United States using satellite telemetry
The pathogenesis of clade 2.3.4.4 H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses in Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) and Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis)
Baseline glucocorticoids are drivers of body mass gain in a diving seabird
In-air hearing of a diving duck: A comparison of psychoacoustic and auditory brainstem response thresholds
U.S. Geological Survey Chesapeake science strategy, 2015-2025—Informing ecosystem management of America’s largest estuary
A comparison of auditory brainstem responses across diving bird species
Composition, shell strength, and metabolizable energy of Mulinia lateralis and Ischadium recurvum as food for wintering surf scoters (Melanitta perspicillata)
Wintering movements and habitat use of Surf Scoter (Melanitta perspicillata) in the mid-Atlantic U.S.
Incorporating temporal variation in seabird telemetry data: time variant kernel density models
The use of Emeraid Exotic Carnivore Diet improves postsurgical recovery and survival of long-tailed ducks
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Filter Total Items: 33
The pathogenesis of H7 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses in Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis)
Waterfowl are the natural hosts of avian influenza virus (AIV), and through migration spread the virus worldwide. Most AIVs carried by wild waterfowl are low pathogenic strains; however, Goose/Guangdong/1996 lineage clade 2.3.4.4 H5 highly pathogenic (HP) AIV now appears to be endemic in wild birds in much of the Eastern Hemisphere. Most research efforts studying AIV pathogenicity in waterfowl thuAuthorsChristopher B. Stephens, Diann Prosser, Mary J. Pantin-Jackwood, Alicia Berlin, Erica SpackmanClade 2.3.4.4 H5 North American highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses infect, but do not cause clinical signs in American Black Ducks (Anas rubripes)
Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) from the goose/Guangdong/1996 clade 2.3.4.4 H5 lineage spread from Asia into North America in 2014, most likely by wild bird migrations. Although several variants of the virus were detected, an H5N8 and H5N2 were the most widespread in North American wild birds and domestic poultry. In early 2015, the H5N2 virus spread through commercial poultry inAuthorsErica Spackman, Diann Prosser, Mary Pantin-Jackwood, Christopher B. Stephens, Alicia BerlinDetermining fine-scale use and movement patterns of diving bird species in federal waters of the Mid-Atlantic United States using satellite telemetry
Offshore wind energy development in the United States is projected to expand in the upcoming decades to meet growing energy demands and reduce fossil fuel emissions. There is particular interest in commercial offshore wind development within Federal waters (i.e., > 3 nautical miles from shore) of the mid-Atlantic. In order to understand the potential for adverse effects on marine birds in this areAuthorsCaleb Spiegel, Alicia Berlin, Andrew Gilbert, Carrie E. Gray, William Montevecchi, Iain Stenhouse, Scott Ford, Glenn H. Olsen, Jonathan Fiely, Lucas Savoy, M. Wing Goodale, Chantelle BurkeThe pathogenesis of clade 2.3.4.4 H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses in Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) and Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis)
Waterfowl are the natural hosts of avian influenza virus (AIV) and disseminate the virus worldwide through migration. Historically, surveillance and research efforts for AIV in waterfowl have focused on dabbling ducks. The role of diving ducks in AIV ecology has not been well characterized. In this study, we examined the relative susceptibility and pathogenicity of clade 2.3.4.4 H5 highly pathogenAuthorsErica Spackman, Diann J. Prosser, Mary J. Pantin-Jackwood, Alicia Berlin, Christopher B. StephensBaseline glucocorticoids are drivers of body mass gain in a diving seabird
Life-history trade-offs are influenced by variation in individual state, with individuals in better condition often completing life-history stages with greater success. Although resource accrual significantly impacts key life-history decisions such as the timing of reproduction, little is known about the underlying mechanisms driving resource accumulation. Baseline corticosterone (CORT, the primarAuthorsHolly Hennin, Alicia Berlin, Oliver P. LoveIn-air hearing of a diving duck: A comparison of psychoacoustic and auditory brainstem response thresholds
Auditory sensitivity was measured in a species of diving duck that is not often kept in captivity, the lesser scaup. Behavioral (psychoacoustics) and electrophysiological [the auditory brainstem response (ABR)] methods were used to measure in-air auditory sensitivity, and the resulting audiograms were compared. Both approaches yielded audiograms with similar U-shapes and regions of greatest sensitAuthorsSara E. Crowell, Alicia M. Wells-Berlin, Ronald E. Therrien, Sally E. Yannuzzi, Catherine E. CarrU.S. Geological Survey Chesapeake science strategy, 2015-2025—Informing ecosystem management of America’s largest estuary
Executive Summary The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has the critical role of providing scientific information to improve the understanding and management of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. The USGS works with Federal, State, and academic science partners to provide research and monitoring, and communicate results of these activities to enhance ecosystem management for both the Chesapeake and other NAuthorsScott Phillips, Joel D. Blomquist, Mark Bennett, Alicia Berlin, Vicki Blazer, Peter R. Claggett, Stephen Faulkner, Kenneth Hyer, Cassandra Ladino, Douglas Moyer, Rachel Muir, Gregory B. Noe, Patrick J. PhillipsA comparison of auditory brainstem responses across diving bird species
There is little biological data available for diving birds because many live in hard-to-study, remote habitats. Only one species of diving bird, the black-footed penguin (Spheniscus demersus), has been studied in respect to auditory capabilities (Wever et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 63:676–680, 1969). We, therefore, measured in-air auditory threshold in ten species of diving birds, using the auditAuthorsSara E. Crowell, Alicia Berlin, Catherine E. Carr, Glenn H. Olsen, Ronald E. Therrien, Sally E. Yannuzzi, Darlene R. KettenComposition, shell strength, and metabolizable energy of Mulinia lateralis and Ischadium recurvum as food for wintering surf scoters (Melanitta perspicillata)
Decline in surf scoter (Melanitta perspicillata) waterfowl populations wintering in the Chesapeake Bay has been associated with changes in the availability of benthic bivalves. The Bay has become more eutrophic, causing changes in the benthos available to surf scoters. The subsequent decline in oyster beds (Crassostrea virginica) has reduced the hard substrate needed by the hooked mussel (IschadiuAuthorsAlicia Berlin, Matthew C. Perry, R.A. Kohn, K.T. Paynter, Mary Ann OttingerWintering movements and habitat use of Surf Scoter (Melanitta perspicillata) in the mid-Atlantic U.S.
Wintering habitat use and migratory pathways are key issues facing sea ducks in the mid-Atlantic U.S. and elsewhere due to the potential for offshore wind energy development. A comprehensive understanding of important winter habitats and environmental characteristics determining sea duck abundance and distribution is paramount in advising marine spatial planning efforts in the region and identifyiAuthorsDustin Meattey, Lucas Savoy, Andrew Gilbert, Jeffrey Tash, Carrie E. Gray, Alicia Berlin, Christine Lepage, Scott Gilliland, Timothy D. Bowman, Jason Osenkowsi, Caleb SpiegelIncorporating temporal variation in seabird telemetry data: time variant kernel density models
A key component of the Mid-Atlantic Baseline Studies project was tracking the individual movements of focal marine bird species (Red-throated Loon [Gavia stellata], Northern Gannet [Morus bassanus], and Surf Scoter [Melanitta perspicillata]) through the use of satellite telemetry. This element of the project was a collaborative effort with the Department of Energy (DOE), Bureau of Ocean Energy ManAuthorsAndrew Gilbert, Evan M. Adams, Carl Anderson, Alicia Berlin, Timothy D. Bowman, Emily Connelly, Scott Gilliland, Carrie E. Gray, Christine Lepage, Dustin Meattey, William Montevecchi, Jason Osenkowski, Lucas Savoy, Iain Stenhouse, Kathryn WilliamsThe use of Emeraid Exotic Carnivore Diet improves postsurgical recovery and survival of long-tailed ducks
Gavage feeding is a commonly used technique in wildlife rehabilitation. While implanting satellite transmitters in long-tailed ducks (Clangula hyemalis), a need for extra postsurgical nutritional support was identified. A new product, Emeraid Exotic Carnivore Diet, has proven effective in maintaining and even increasing the birds' body weights while in captivity. This has resulted in a 54-g increaAuthorsGlenn H. Olsen, Scott Ford, Matthew C. Perry, Alicia M. Wells-Berlin - News