Collin Eagles-Smith
I am a Research Ecologist with the USGS Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center in Corvallis, Oregon. My research focuses on the interactions among ecological processes, contaminant bioaccumulation, and effects on wild populations.
My work specifically focuses on (1) the ecological factors regulating contaminant bioaccumulation and trophic transfer, with an emphasis on food web processes and contaminant cycling, (2) land use practices and ecosystem restoration effects on contaminant cycling through food webs, and (3) the sublethal effects of contaminants on individuals and contaminant-induced impairment to reproduction in the wild. My research is broadly applied across taxa - primarily fish and waterbirds, and habitat types - including lakes, freshwater wetlands, agricultural fields, and estuarine habitats.
Professional Experience
2010-present: Supervisory Research Ecologist, USGS Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Corvallis, OR
2007-2010: Wildlife Biologist, USGS Western Ecological Research Center, Davis, CA
2003-2007: Biologist, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Sacramento, CA
Education and Certifications
Ph.D., Ecology, University of California, Davis, CA (2006)
B.S., Environmental Resource Sciences - Magna Cum Laude, University of California, Davis, CA (2000)
Science and Products
Contaminant Ecology Research Team (FRESC)
The FRESC Contaminant Ecology research program evaluates the distribution, movement, and ecological effects of environmental contaminants across the landscape and strives to provide relevant science in support of natural resource conservation, management, and decision making.
Filter Total Items: 22
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: 45
No Result Found
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: 155
Agricultural wetlands as potential hotspots for mercury bioaccumulation: Experimental evidence using caged fish Agricultural wetlands as potential hotspots for mercury bioaccumulation: Experimental evidence using caged fish
Wetlands provide numerous ecosystem services, but also can be sources of methylmercury (MeHg) production and export. Rice agricultural wetlands in particular may be important sites for MeHg bioaccumulation due to their worldwide ubiquity, periodic flooding schedules, and high use by wildlife. We assessed MeHg bioaccumulation within agricultural and perennial wetlands common to California...
Authors
Joshua T. Ackerman, Collin A. Eagles-Smith
California gull intrusions on breeding waterbird colonies and impacts to reproductive success: implications for the South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project. California gull intrusions on breeding waterbird colonies and impacts to reproductive success: implications for the South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project.
No abstract available.
Authors
Joshua T. Ackerman, Mark P. Herzog, Collin A. Eagles-Smith
Sexing California gulls using morphometrics and discriminant function analysis Sexing California gulls using morphometrics and discriminant function analysis
A discriminant function analysis (DFA) model was developed with DNA sex verification so that external morphology could be used to sex 203 adult California Gulls (Larus californicus) in San Francisco Bay (SFB). The best model was 97% accurate and included head-to-bill length, culmen depth at the gonys, and wing length. Using an iterative process, the model was simplified to a single...
Authors
Garth Herring, Joshua T. Ackerman, Collin A. Eagles-Smith, John Y. Takekawa
Accuracy of egg flotation throughout incubation to determine embryo age and incubation day in waterbird nests Accuracy of egg flotation throughout incubation to determine embryo age and incubation day in waterbird nests
Floating bird eggs to estimate their age is a widely used technique, but few studies have examined its accuracy throughout incubation. We assessed egg flotation for estimating hatch date, day of incubation, and the embryo's developmental age in eggs of the American Avocet (Recurvirostra americana), Black-necked Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus), and Forster's Tern (Sterna forsteri). Predicted...
Authors
Joshua T. Ackerman, Collin A. Eagles-Smith
Embryo malposition as a potential mechanism for mercury-induced hatching failure in bird eggs Embryo malposition as a potential mechanism for mercury-induced hatching failure in bird eggs
We examined the prevalence of embryo malpositions and deformities in relation to total mercury (THg) and selenium (Se) concentrations in American avocet (Recurvirostra americana), black‐necked stilt (Himantopus mexicanus), and Forster's tern (Sterna forsteri) eggs in San Francisco Bay (CA, USA) during 2005 to 2007. Overall, 11% of embryos were malpositioned in eggs ≥18 d of age (n = 282)...
Authors
Garth Herring, Joshua T. Ackerman, Collin A. Eagles-Smith
Invertebrate mercury bioaccumulation in permanent, seasonal, and flooded rice wetlands within California's Central Valley Invertebrate mercury bioaccumulation in permanent, seasonal, and flooded rice wetlands within California's Central Valley
We examined methylmercury (MeHg) bioavailability in four of the most predominant wetland habitats in California's Central Valley agricultural region during the spring and summer: white rice, wild rice, permanent wetlands, and shallowly-flooded fallow fields. We sampled MeHg and total mercury (THg) concentrations in two aquatic macroinvertebrate taxa at the inlets, centers, and outlets of...
Authors
Joshua T. Ackerman, A. Keith Miles, Collin A. Eagles-Smith
Selenium bioaccumulation and body condition in shorebirds and terns breeding in San Francisco Bay, California, USA Selenium bioaccumulation and body condition in shorebirds and terns breeding in San Francisco Bay, California, USA
The present study evaluated Se bioaccumulation in four waterbird species (n = 206 birds) that breed within San Francisco Bay, California, USA: American avocets (Recurvirostra americana), black-necked stilts (Himantopus mexicanus), Forster's terns (Sterna forsteri), and Caspian terns (Hydroprogne caspia). Selenium concentrations were variable and influenced by several factors, including...
Authors
Joshua T. Ackerman, Collin A. Eagles-Smith
Integrating toxicity risk in bird eggs and chicks: Using chick down feathers to estimate mercury concentrations in eggs Integrating toxicity risk in bird eggs and chicks: Using chick down feathers to estimate mercury concentrations in eggs
The concentration of mercury (Hg) in eggs that causes reduced hatching success is regarded as a critical end point for Hg toxicity in birds. However, incorporating effects of in ovo mercury exposure on chick health and survival could improve risk assessment. We developed equations to predict Hg in eggs using Hg in chick down feathers, and vice versa, by assessing the relationship between...
Authors
Joshua T. Ackerman, Collin A. Eagles-Smith
Rapid changes in small fish mercury concentrations in estuarine wetlands: Implications for wildlife risk and monitoring programs Rapid changes in small fish mercury concentrations in estuarine wetlands: Implications for wildlife risk and monitoring programs
Small fish are commonly used to assess mercury (Hg) risk to wildlife and monitor Hg in wetlands. However, limited research has evaluated short-term Hg variability in small fish, which can have important implications for monitoring programs and risk assessment. We conducted a time-series study of Hg concentrations in two small fish species representing benthic (longjaw mudsuckers...
Authors
Collin A. Eagles-Smith, Joshua T. Ackerman
Mercury bioaccumulation and risk to three waterbird foraging guilds is influenced by foraging ecology and breeding stage Mercury bioaccumulation and risk to three waterbird foraging guilds is influenced by foraging ecology and breeding stage
We evaluated mercury (Hg) in five waterbird species representing three foraging guilds in San Francisco Bay, CA. Fish-eating birds (Forster's and Caspian terns) had the highest Hg concentrations in thier tissues, but concentrations in an invertebrate-foraging shorebird (black-necked stilt) were also elevated. Foraging habitat was important for Hg exposure as illustrated by within-guild...
Authors
Collin A. Eagles-Smith, Joshua T. Ackerman, S.E.W. de la Cruz, John Y. Takekawa
Mercury demethylation in waterbird livers: Dose-response thresholds and differences among species Mercury demethylation in waterbird livers: Dose-response thresholds and differences among species
We assessed methylmercury (MeHg) demethylation in the livers of adults and chicks of four waterbird species that commonly breed in San Francisco Bay: American avocets, black-necked stilts, Caspian terns, and Forster's terns. In adults (all species combined), we found strong evidence for a threshold, model where MeHg demethylation occurred above a hepatic total mercury concentration...
Authors
Collin A. Eagles-Smith, Joshua T. Ackerman, Y.E.E. Julie, T.L. Adelsbach
A nonlethal microsampling technique to monitor the effects of mercury on wild bird eggs A nonlethal microsampling technique to monitor the effects of mercury on wild bird eggs
Methylmercury is the predominant chemical form of mercury reported in the eggs of wild birds, and the embryo is the most sensitive life stage to methylmercury toxicity. Protective guidelines have been based mainly on captive-breeding studies with chickens (Gallus gallus), mallards (Anas platyrhynchos), and ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) or on field studies where whole eggs...
Authors
Katherine R. Stebbins, Jon D. Klimstra, Joshua T. Ackerman, Gary Heinz
Non-USGS Publications**
Suchanek, T.H., Cooke, J., Keller, K., Richerson, P.J., Eagles-Smith, C.A., Harner, E.J., Adam, D.P., 2009, A mass balance mercury budget for a mine-dominated lake - Clear Lake, California: Water, Air, & Soil Pollution, v. 196, p. 51-73.
Richerson, P.J., Suchanek, T.H., Zierenberg, R.A., Osleger, D.A., Heyvaert, A.C., Slotton, D.G., Eagles-Smith, C.A., Vaughn, C.E., 2008, Anthropogenic stressors and changes in the Clear Lake ecosystem as recorded in sediment cores: Ecological Applications, v. 18, no. 8, p. A257-A283.
Suchanek, T.H., Eagles-Smith, C.A., Harner, E.J., 2008, Is Clear Lake methylmercury distribution decoupled from bulk mercury loading?: Ecological Applications, v. 18, no. 8, p. A107-A127.
Suchanek, T.H., Eagles-Smith, C.A., Slotton, D.G., Harner, E.J., Adam, D.P., 2008, Mercury in abiotic matrices of Clear Lake, California- Human health and ecotoxicological implications: Ecological Applications, v. 18, no. 8, p. A128-A157.
Anderson, D.W., Suchanek, T.H., Eagles-Smith, C.A., Cahill, Jr., T.M., 2008, Mercury residues and productivity in osprey and grebes from a mine-dominated ecosystem: Ecological Applications, v. 18, no. 8, p. A227-A238.
Suchanek, T.H., Eagles-Smith, C.A., Slotton, D.G., Harner, E.J., Adam, D.P., Colwell, A.E., Anderson, N.L., Woodward, D.L., 2008, Mine-derived mercury- Effects on lower trophic species in Clear Lake, California: Ecological Applications, v. 18, no. 8, p. A158-A176.
Suchanek, T.H., Eagles-Smith, C.A., Slotton, D.G., Harner, E.J., Colwell, A.E., Anderson, N.L., Mullen, L.H., Flanders, J.R., Adam, D.P., McElroy, K.J., 2008, Spatiotemporal trends in fish mercury from a mine-dominated ecosystem- Clear Lake, California: Ecological Applications, v. 18, no. 8, p. A177-A195.
McEachern, M.B., Eagles-Smith, C.A., Efferson, C.M., Van Vuren, D.H., 2006, Evidence for local specialization in a generalist mammalian herbivore, Neotoma fuscipes: Oikos, v. 113, p. 440-448.
**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.
To request an interview, contact fresc_outreach@usgs.gov or call (541) 750-1030.
Filter Total Items: 31
Science and Products
Contaminant Ecology Research Team (FRESC)
The FRESC Contaminant Ecology research program evaluates the distribution, movement, and ecological effects of environmental contaminants across the landscape and strives to provide relevant science in support of natural resource conservation, management, and decision making.
Filter Total Items: 22
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: 45
No Result Found
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: 155
Agricultural wetlands as potential hotspots for mercury bioaccumulation: Experimental evidence using caged fish Agricultural wetlands as potential hotspots for mercury bioaccumulation: Experimental evidence using caged fish
Wetlands provide numerous ecosystem services, but also can be sources of methylmercury (MeHg) production and export. Rice agricultural wetlands in particular may be important sites for MeHg bioaccumulation due to their worldwide ubiquity, periodic flooding schedules, and high use by wildlife. We assessed MeHg bioaccumulation within agricultural and perennial wetlands common to California...
Authors
Joshua T. Ackerman, Collin A. Eagles-Smith
California gull intrusions on breeding waterbird colonies and impacts to reproductive success: implications for the South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project. California gull intrusions on breeding waterbird colonies and impacts to reproductive success: implications for the South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project.
No abstract available.
Authors
Joshua T. Ackerman, Mark P. Herzog, Collin A. Eagles-Smith
Sexing California gulls using morphometrics and discriminant function analysis Sexing California gulls using morphometrics and discriminant function analysis
A discriminant function analysis (DFA) model was developed with DNA sex verification so that external morphology could be used to sex 203 adult California Gulls (Larus californicus) in San Francisco Bay (SFB). The best model was 97% accurate and included head-to-bill length, culmen depth at the gonys, and wing length. Using an iterative process, the model was simplified to a single...
Authors
Garth Herring, Joshua T. Ackerman, Collin A. Eagles-Smith, John Y. Takekawa
Accuracy of egg flotation throughout incubation to determine embryo age and incubation day in waterbird nests Accuracy of egg flotation throughout incubation to determine embryo age and incubation day in waterbird nests
Floating bird eggs to estimate their age is a widely used technique, but few studies have examined its accuracy throughout incubation. We assessed egg flotation for estimating hatch date, day of incubation, and the embryo's developmental age in eggs of the American Avocet (Recurvirostra americana), Black-necked Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus), and Forster's Tern (Sterna forsteri). Predicted...
Authors
Joshua T. Ackerman, Collin A. Eagles-Smith
Embryo malposition as a potential mechanism for mercury-induced hatching failure in bird eggs Embryo malposition as a potential mechanism for mercury-induced hatching failure in bird eggs
We examined the prevalence of embryo malpositions and deformities in relation to total mercury (THg) and selenium (Se) concentrations in American avocet (Recurvirostra americana), black‐necked stilt (Himantopus mexicanus), and Forster's tern (Sterna forsteri) eggs in San Francisco Bay (CA, USA) during 2005 to 2007. Overall, 11% of embryos were malpositioned in eggs ≥18 d of age (n = 282)...
Authors
Garth Herring, Joshua T. Ackerman, Collin A. Eagles-Smith
Invertebrate mercury bioaccumulation in permanent, seasonal, and flooded rice wetlands within California's Central Valley Invertebrate mercury bioaccumulation in permanent, seasonal, and flooded rice wetlands within California's Central Valley
We examined methylmercury (MeHg) bioavailability in four of the most predominant wetland habitats in California's Central Valley agricultural region during the spring and summer: white rice, wild rice, permanent wetlands, and shallowly-flooded fallow fields. We sampled MeHg and total mercury (THg) concentrations in two aquatic macroinvertebrate taxa at the inlets, centers, and outlets of...
Authors
Joshua T. Ackerman, A. Keith Miles, Collin A. Eagles-Smith
Selenium bioaccumulation and body condition in shorebirds and terns breeding in San Francisco Bay, California, USA Selenium bioaccumulation and body condition in shorebirds and terns breeding in San Francisco Bay, California, USA
The present study evaluated Se bioaccumulation in four waterbird species (n = 206 birds) that breed within San Francisco Bay, California, USA: American avocets (Recurvirostra americana), black-necked stilts (Himantopus mexicanus), Forster's terns (Sterna forsteri), and Caspian terns (Hydroprogne caspia). Selenium concentrations were variable and influenced by several factors, including...
Authors
Joshua T. Ackerman, Collin A. Eagles-Smith
Integrating toxicity risk in bird eggs and chicks: Using chick down feathers to estimate mercury concentrations in eggs Integrating toxicity risk in bird eggs and chicks: Using chick down feathers to estimate mercury concentrations in eggs
The concentration of mercury (Hg) in eggs that causes reduced hatching success is regarded as a critical end point for Hg toxicity in birds. However, incorporating effects of in ovo mercury exposure on chick health and survival could improve risk assessment. We developed equations to predict Hg in eggs using Hg in chick down feathers, and vice versa, by assessing the relationship between...
Authors
Joshua T. Ackerman, Collin A. Eagles-Smith
Rapid changes in small fish mercury concentrations in estuarine wetlands: Implications for wildlife risk and monitoring programs Rapid changes in small fish mercury concentrations in estuarine wetlands: Implications for wildlife risk and monitoring programs
Small fish are commonly used to assess mercury (Hg) risk to wildlife and monitor Hg in wetlands. However, limited research has evaluated short-term Hg variability in small fish, which can have important implications for monitoring programs and risk assessment. We conducted a time-series study of Hg concentrations in two small fish species representing benthic (longjaw mudsuckers...
Authors
Collin A. Eagles-Smith, Joshua T. Ackerman
Mercury bioaccumulation and risk to three waterbird foraging guilds is influenced by foraging ecology and breeding stage Mercury bioaccumulation and risk to three waterbird foraging guilds is influenced by foraging ecology and breeding stage
We evaluated mercury (Hg) in five waterbird species representing three foraging guilds in San Francisco Bay, CA. Fish-eating birds (Forster's and Caspian terns) had the highest Hg concentrations in thier tissues, but concentrations in an invertebrate-foraging shorebird (black-necked stilt) were also elevated. Foraging habitat was important for Hg exposure as illustrated by within-guild...
Authors
Collin A. Eagles-Smith, Joshua T. Ackerman, S.E.W. de la Cruz, John Y. Takekawa
Mercury demethylation in waterbird livers: Dose-response thresholds and differences among species Mercury demethylation in waterbird livers: Dose-response thresholds and differences among species
We assessed methylmercury (MeHg) demethylation in the livers of adults and chicks of four waterbird species that commonly breed in San Francisco Bay: American avocets, black-necked stilts, Caspian terns, and Forster's terns. In adults (all species combined), we found strong evidence for a threshold, model where MeHg demethylation occurred above a hepatic total mercury concentration...
Authors
Collin A. Eagles-Smith, Joshua T. Ackerman, Y.E.E. Julie, T.L. Adelsbach
A nonlethal microsampling technique to monitor the effects of mercury on wild bird eggs A nonlethal microsampling technique to monitor the effects of mercury on wild bird eggs
Methylmercury is the predominant chemical form of mercury reported in the eggs of wild birds, and the embryo is the most sensitive life stage to methylmercury toxicity. Protective guidelines have been based mainly on captive-breeding studies with chickens (Gallus gallus), mallards (Anas platyrhynchos), and ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) or on field studies where whole eggs...
Authors
Katherine R. Stebbins, Jon D. Klimstra, Joshua T. Ackerman, Gary Heinz
Non-USGS Publications**
Suchanek, T.H., Cooke, J., Keller, K., Richerson, P.J., Eagles-Smith, C.A., Harner, E.J., Adam, D.P., 2009, A mass balance mercury budget for a mine-dominated lake - Clear Lake, California: Water, Air, & Soil Pollution, v. 196, p. 51-73.
Richerson, P.J., Suchanek, T.H., Zierenberg, R.A., Osleger, D.A., Heyvaert, A.C., Slotton, D.G., Eagles-Smith, C.A., Vaughn, C.E., 2008, Anthropogenic stressors and changes in the Clear Lake ecosystem as recorded in sediment cores: Ecological Applications, v. 18, no. 8, p. A257-A283.
Suchanek, T.H., Eagles-Smith, C.A., Harner, E.J., 2008, Is Clear Lake methylmercury distribution decoupled from bulk mercury loading?: Ecological Applications, v. 18, no. 8, p. A107-A127.
Suchanek, T.H., Eagles-Smith, C.A., Slotton, D.G., Harner, E.J., Adam, D.P., 2008, Mercury in abiotic matrices of Clear Lake, California- Human health and ecotoxicological implications: Ecological Applications, v. 18, no. 8, p. A128-A157.
Anderson, D.W., Suchanek, T.H., Eagles-Smith, C.A., Cahill, Jr., T.M., 2008, Mercury residues and productivity in osprey and grebes from a mine-dominated ecosystem: Ecological Applications, v. 18, no. 8, p. A227-A238.
Suchanek, T.H., Eagles-Smith, C.A., Slotton, D.G., Harner, E.J., Adam, D.P., Colwell, A.E., Anderson, N.L., Woodward, D.L., 2008, Mine-derived mercury- Effects on lower trophic species in Clear Lake, California: Ecological Applications, v. 18, no. 8, p. A158-A176.
Suchanek, T.H., Eagles-Smith, C.A., Slotton, D.G., Harner, E.J., Colwell, A.E., Anderson, N.L., Mullen, L.H., Flanders, J.R., Adam, D.P., McElroy, K.J., 2008, Spatiotemporal trends in fish mercury from a mine-dominated ecosystem- Clear Lake, California: Ecological Applications, v. 18, no. 8, p. A177-A195.
McEachern, M.B., Eagles-Smith, C.A., Efferson, C.M., Van Vuren, D.H., 2006, Evidence for local specialization in a generalist mammalian herbivore, Neotoma fuscipes: Oikos, v. 113, p. 440-448.
**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.
To request an interview, contact fresc_outreach@usgs.gov or call (541) 750-1030.
Filter Total Items: 31