I am a Scientist Emeritus at the USGS Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center.
My research focuses on field studies of raptors and fish-eating birds, particularly Ospreys. I am interested in the unique situations and characteristics that make particular species vulnerable to contaminant threats. In my spare time I enjoy collecting bird books.
Education and Certifications
Ph.D., Wildlife Ecology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR (1970)
M.S., Wildlife Ecology (1967)
B.S., Fisheries & Wildlife (1965)
Science and Products
If you are unable to access or download a product, email fresc_outreach@usgs.gov a request, including the full citation, or call (541) 750-1030.
Long-term monitoring data from eastern screech owl populations in northern Ohio, 1944-1971
Data include population information of eastern screech owl (Megascops asio, formerly Otus asio) populations in four counties of northern Ohio. Researchers recorded adult and chick color phases, eggs laid, brood size and location.
Effects of rotenone on nesting Ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) at Hyatt and Howard Prairie Reservoirs, OR, 1988-1992
To assess the effects of rotenone (fish toxicant) treatment and possible fish removal effects on nesting Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) populations, nests were observed at two reservoirs east of Ashland, Oregon. Hyatt Reservoir was treated with rotenone on October 12, 1989. Howard Prairie was observed as an untreated reference area. Nests at both reservoirs were observed two years pre-treatment (1988,
If you are unable to access or download a product, email fresc_outreach@usgs.gov a request, including the full citation, or call (541) 750-1030.
Filter Total Items: 197
Rotenone use and subsequent prey loss lowers Osprey fledging rates via brood reduction
Fisheries managers used the fish toxicant rotenone to eradicate an undesirable brown bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus) population and all other fish species at Hyatt Reservoir, Oregon, on 12 October 1989. This 4-yr study (1988–1990, 1992) compared effects of that rotenone project on Ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) nesting at Hyatt Reservoir and nearby Howard Prairie Reservoir (untreated reference)—the lat
Satellite-tagged osprey nearly sets longevity record and productivity response to initial captures
We equipped adult Ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) from 24 nests in Oregon/Washington with satellite-tracked battery-powered radios, known as platform transmitter terminals (PTTs), in 1996–1999. These Ospreys from the lower Columbia River (river miles 76–286), and the Willamette Valley in western Oregon were part of a larger study of Osprey fall migration, wintering ecology, and spring migration, which
Role of raptors in contaminant research
This chapter reviews the history of and approaches used in studies focused on the effects of contaminants on raptors and raptor populations at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center (Patuxent) in Laurel, MD. Worldwide raptor declines following World War II were unprecedented and resulted in a sequence of major efforts at Patuxent to understand their cause(s). The peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus)
The history of Patuxent: America’s wildlife research story
This report, based on a symposium held on October 13, 2011, at the National Wildlife Visitor Center at the Patuxent Research Refuge in Laurel, MD, documents the history of the Patuxent Research Refuge and the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, collectively known as Patuxent. The symposium was one of the many activities occurring at that time to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the creation of the
Mercury and drought along the lower Carson River, Nevada: IV. Snowy egret post-fledging dispersal, timing of migration and survival, 2002–2004
This telemetry study is an extension of our 1997–2006 research on historical mercury contamination on snowy egrets (Egretta thula) up to ~ 20 days of age. Findings from initial studies at the mercury-contaminated Carson River colony at Lahontan Reservoir (LR) and a similar-sized reference (REF) colony on the Humboldt River included mercury-related physiological, biochemical, histopathological and
The spring migration of adult North American Ospreys
Most North American Ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) are migratory, breeding in northern latitudes and migrating long distances to and from their wintering grounds in the tropics. Although fall migration patterns of North American Ospreys have been described and studied, very little has been published about the spring migration of these birds. We used satellite telemetry to: (1) determine the character
Wintering ecology of adult North American ospreys
North American Ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) typically migrate long distances to their wintering grounds in the tropics. Beyond the general distribution of their wintering range (i.e., the Caribbean, South America, and Central America), very little is known about the wintering ecology of these birds. We used satellite telemetry to determine the duration of wintering period, to examine the characteri
Book review: Gyrfalcons and Ptarmigan in a changing world
The Peregrine Fund has published proceedings of several conferences over the years and has become experts, and this 2 volume set is no exception. The title of the proceedings sounded especially interesting in this era of almost daily accounts in the media about climate change, its causes and its effects on the planet, including its flora and fauna. This 772-page Proceedings is loaded with useful i
Region-wide trends of nesting ospreys in northwestern Mexico: a three-decade perspective
We used a double-sampling technique (air plus ground survey) in 2006, with partial double coverage, to estimate the present size of the Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) nesting population in northwestern Mexico (coastal Baja California, islands in the Gulf of California, and coastal Sonora and Sinaloa). With the exception of Natividad, Cedros, and San Benitos islands along the Pacific coast of Baja Cali
Developing a broader scientific foundation for river restoration: Columbia River food webs
Well-functioning food webs are fundamental for sustaining rivers as ecosystems and maintaining associated aquatic and terrestrial communities. The current emphasis on restoring habitat structure—without explicitly considering food webs—has been less successful than hoped in terms of enhancing the status of targeted species and often overlooks important constraints on ecologically effective restora
Wastewater dilution index partially explains observed polybrominated diphenyl ether flame retardant concentrations in osprey eggs from Columbia River Basin, 2008-2009
Several polybrominated biphenyl ether (PBDE) congeners were found in all 175 osprey (Pandion haliaetus) eggs collected from the Columbia River Basin between 2002 and 2009. ΣPBDE concentrations in 2008–2009 were highest in osprey eggs from the two lowest flow rivers studied; however, each river flowed through relatively large and populous metropolitan areas (Boise, Idaho and Spokane, Washington). W
North American osprey populations and contaminants: Historic and contemporary perspectives
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) populations were adversely affected by DDT and perhaps other contaminants in the United States and elsewhere. Reduced productivity, eggshell thinning, and high DDE concentrations in eggs were the signs associated with declining osprey populations in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. The species was one of the first studied on a large scale to bring contaminant issues into foc
Non-USGS Publications**
Henny, C.J., Wight, H.M., 1969, An endangered osprey population- Estimates of mortality and production: Auk, v. 86, p. 188-198.
Henny, C.J., 1969, Geographical variation in mortality rates and production requirements of the Barn Owl (Tyto alba ssp.): Bird-Banding, v. 40, no. 4, p. 277-290.
Chapman, J.A., Henny, C.J., Wight, H.M., 1969, The status, population dynamics, and harvest of the dusky Canada goose: Wildlife Monographs, no. 18, p. 1-48.
Chapman, J.A., Henny, C.J., 1968, Records of surf scoters found inland in Oregon: Murrelet, v. 49, no. 1, p. 11.
Henny, C.J., 1967, Estimating band-reporting rates from banding and crippling loss data: Journal of Wildlife Management, v. 31, no. 3, p. 533-538.
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
Science and Products
- Data
If you are unable to access or download a product, email fresc_outreach@usgs.gov a request, including the full citation, or call (541) 750-1030.
Long-term monitoring data from eastern screech owl populations in northern Ohio, 1944-1971
Data include population information of eastern screech owl (Megascops asio, formerly Otus asio) populations in four counties of northern Ohio. Researchers recorded adult and chick color phases, eggs laid, brood size and location.Effects of rotenone on nesting Ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) at Hyatt and Howard Prairie Reservoirs, OR, 1988-1992
To assess the effects of rotenone (fish toxicant) treatment and possible fish removal effects on nesting Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) populations, nests were observed at two reservoirs east of Ashland, Oregon. Hyatt Reservoir was treated with rotenone on October 12, 1989. Howard Prairie was observed as an untreated reference area. Nests at both reservoirs were observed two years pre-treatment (1988, - Publications
If you are unable to access or download a product, email fresc_outreach@usgs.gov a request, including the full citation, or call (541) 750-1030.
Filter Total Items: 197Rotenone use and subsequent prey loss lowers Osprey fledging rates via brood reduction
Fisheries managers used the fish toxicant rotenone to eradicate an undesirable brown bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus) population and all other fish species at Hyatt Reservoir, Oregon, on 12 October 1989. This 4-yr study (1988–1990, 1992) compared effects of that rotenone project on Ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) nesting at Hyatt Reservoir and nearby Howard Prairie Reservoir (untreated reference)—the latSatellite-tagged osprey nearly sets longevity record and productivity response to initial captures
We equipped adult Ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) from 24 nests in Oregon/Washington with satellite-tracked battery-powered radios, known as platform transmitter terminals (PTTs), in 1996–1999. These Ospreys from the lower Columbia River (river miles 76–286), and the Willamette Valley in western Oregon were part of a larger study of Osprey fall migration, wintering ecology, and spring migration, whichRole of raptors in contaminant research
This chapter reviews the history of and approaches used in studies focused on the effects of contaminants on raptors and raptor populations at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center (Patuxent) in Laurel, MD. Worldwide raptor declines following World War II were unprecedented and resulted in a sequence of major efforts at Patuxent to understand their cause(s). The peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus)The history of Patuxent: America’s wildlife research story
This report, based on a symposium held on October 13, 2011, at the National Wildlife Visitor Center at the Patuxent Research Refuge in Laurel, MD, documents the history of the Patuxent Research Refuge and the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, collectively known as Patuxent. The symposium was one of the many activities occurring at that time to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the creation of theMercury and drought along the lower Carson River, Nevada: IV. Snowy egret post-fledging dispersal, timing of migration and survival, 2002–2004
This telemetry study is an extension of our 1997–2006 research on historical mercury contamination on snowy egrets (Egretta thula) up to ~ 20 days of age. Findings from initial studies at the mercury-contaminated Carson River colony at Lahontan Reservoir (LR) and a similar-sized reference (REF) colony on the Humboldt River included mercury-related physiological, biochemical, histopathological andThe spring migration of adult North American Ospreys
Most North American Ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) are migratory, breeding in northern latitudes and migrating long distances to and from their wintering grounds in the tropics. Although fall migration patterns of North American Ospreys have been described and studied, very little has been published about the spring migration of these birds. We used satellite telemetry to: (1) determine the characterWintering ecology of adult North American ospreys
North American Ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) typically migrate long distances to their wintering grounds in the tropics. Beyond the general distribution of their wintering range (i.e., the Caribbean, South America, and Central America), very little is known about the wintering ecology of these birds. We used satellite telemetry to determine the duration of wintering period, to examine the characteriBook review: Gyrfalcons and Ptarmigan in a changing world
The Peregrine Fund has published proceedings of several conferences over the years and has become experts, and this 2 volume set is no exception. The title of the proceedings sounded especially interesting in this era of almost daily accounts in the media about climate change, its causes and its effects on the planet, including its flora and fauna. This 772-page Proceedings is loaded with useful iRegion-wide trends of nesting ospreys in northwestern Mexico: a three-decade perspective
We used a double-sampling technique (air plus ground survey) in 2006, with partial double coverage, to estimate the present size of the Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) nesting population in northwestern Mexico (coastal Baja California, islands in the Gulf of California, and coastal Sonora and Sinaloa). With the exception of Natividad, Cedros, and San Benitos islands along the Pacific coast of Baja CaliDeveloping a broader scientific foundation for river restoration: Columbia River food webs
Well-functioning food webs are fundamental for sustaining rivers as ecosystems and maintaining associated aquatic and terrestrial communities. The current emphasis on restoring habitat structure—without explicitly considering food webs—has been less successful than hoped in terms of enhancing the status of targeted species and often overlooks important constraints on ecologically effective restoraWastewater dilution index partially explains observed polybrominated diphenyl ether flame retardant concentrations in osprey eggs from Columbia River Basin, 2008-2009
Several polybrominated biphenyl ether (PBDE) congeners were found in all 175 osprey (Pandion haliaetus) eggs collected from the Columbia River Basin between 2002 and 2009. ΣPBDE concentrations in 2008–2009 were highest in osprey eggs from the two lowest flow rivers studied; however, each river flowed through relatively large and populous metropolitan areas (Boise, Idaho and Spokane, Washington). WNorth American osprey populations and contaminants: Historic and contemporary perspectives
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) populations were adversely affected by DDT and perhaps other contaminants in the United States and elsewhere. Reduced productivity, eggshell thinning, and high DDE concentrations in eggs were the signs associated with declining osprey populations in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. The species was one of the first studied on a large scale to bring contaminant issues into focNon-USGS Publications**
Henny, C.J., Wight, H.M., 1969, An endangered osprey population- Estimates of mortality and production: Auk, v. 86, p. 188-198.Henny, C.J., 1969, Geographical variation in mortality rates and production requirements of the Barn Owl (Tyto alba ssp.): Bird-Banding, v. 40, no. 4, p. 277-290.Chapman, J.A., Henny, C.J., Wight, H.M., 1969, The status, population dynamics, and harvest of the dusky Canada goose: Wildlife Monographs, no. 18, p. 1-48.Chapman, J.A., Henny, C.J., 1968, Records of surf scoters found inland in Oregon: Murrelet, v. 49, no. 1, p. 11.Henny, C.J., 1967, Estimating band-reporting rates from banding and crippling loss data: Journal of Wildlife Management, v. 31, no. 3, p. 533-538.**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.