Colleen Handel, Ph.D.
Population ecology of passerines and shorebirds, behavioral ecology, population monitoring, and sampling design.
Professional Experience
1996 - Present Research Wildlife Biologist, USGS, Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, Alaska
1993 - 1996 Research Wildlife Biologist, NBS, Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, Alaska
1978 - 1993 Research Wildlife Biologist, USFWS, Alaska Fish and Wildlife Research Center, Anchorage, Alaska
1977 - 1978 Research/ Teaching Assistant, University of California Davis, Davis, California
1975 - 1978 Biological Science Technician, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Anchorage, Alaska
1975 - 1975 Biological Science Aide, Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Kenai, Alaska
1974 - 1974 Botany and Ornithology Instructor, Murray Rhode School, Newton Public High Schools, Newton, Massachusetts
1972 - 1972 Assistant Curator, Farlow Herbarium, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
1972 - 1972 Research Assistant, Concord Field Station, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Education and Certifications
Ph.D. 2002 University of California Davis, Davis, CA Ecology
M.S. 1982 University of California Davis, Davis, CA Ecology
B.A. 1974 Harvard University, Cambridge, MA Biological Sciences
Affiliations and Memberships*
American Association for the Advancement of Science
American Ornithological Society (Fellow, Deputy Editor)
Association of Field Ornithologists
Colonial Waterbird Group
Ecological Society of America
Pacific Seabird Group
Society for Conservation Biology
Wader Study Group
Wildlife Society
Wilson Ornithological Society
Science and Products
Factors influencing predation associated with visits to artificial goose nests
Seasonal occurrence of migrant whimbrels and bristle-thighed curlews on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska
Yellow birds stand out in a crowd
Memorial to a Black Turnstone: An examplar of breeding and wintering site fidelity
Breeding ecology of the black turnstones: a study in behavior and energetics
An annotated bibliography of literature on Alaska water birds
First record of the common cuckoo from mainland North America
Science and Products
- Science
Filter Total Items: 21
- Data
Filter Total Items: 13No Result Found
- Multimedia
- Publications
Filter Total Items: 91
Factors influencing predation associated with visits to artificial goose nests
Artificial goose nests were used to determine what factors might increase predation after visits to nests of Cackling Canada Geese (Branta canadensis minima). We tested whether leaving the nest uncovered, marking the nest location with a flag, or placing the nest on an island or peninsula would increase the rate of predation. Predators destroyed significantly more of the nests with eggs exposed toAuthorsM. Michele Vacca, Colleen M. HandelSeasonal occurrence of migrant whimbrels and bristle-thighed curlews on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska
Migrant Whimbrels (Numenius phaeopus) and Bristle-thighed Curlews (N. tahitiensis) were recorded during five summers along coastal tundra of the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska. From June to September, 1975-1979, 358 flocks totalling 1,265 curlews were observed; an additional 54 flocks were identified by vocalization alone. Among the 359 flocks identified to species, 52% were of Whimbrels, 47% wereAuthorsColleen M. Handel, Christian P. DauYellow birds stand out in a crowd
Highly visible auxiliary markers, such as neck collars, nasal saddles, patagial tags, and leg streamers, are used regularly and effectively with banding in studying migration and distribution of large birds (e.g. waterfowl, birds of prey, wading birds). Simply stated, a large bird can accommodate a marker that is large enough to be seen readily by an observer but still small enough not to alter beAuthorsColleen M. Handel, Robert E. GillMemorial to a Black Turnstone: An examplar of breeding and wintering site fidelity
Most of us who have banded long-distance migrants are aware, through recaptures of individuals, of the high degree of site fidelity exhibited by many bird species. It is not uncommon for a bander to have a marked bird remain in the vicinity of its banding site throughout a season and then to recapture or sight the bird there during the following season, or occasionally for several successive seasoAuthorsRobert E. Gill, Colleen M. Handel, Leonard A. SheltonBreeding ecology of the black turnstones: a study in behavior and energetics
No abstract availableAuthorsColleen M. HandelAn annotated bibliography of literature on Alaska water birds
The demand for information on birds in Alaska has surged within the past few years, primarily because of the need to adequately assess the impacts of a wide range of planned developments. The accompanying increase in studies of avian populations has resulted in a growing need for a comprehensive bibliography of Alaska ornithology. An initial effort by Bartonek and Lensink (1978) provided a list ofAuthorsColleen M. Handel, Margaret R. Petersen, Robert E. Gill, Calvin J. LensinkFirst record of the common cuckoo from mainland North America
No abstract available.AuthorsRobert E. Gill, Colleen M. Handel - News
*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government