David Brandt is a Wildlife Biologist at the USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center in Jamestown, North Dakota.
Interests include waterfowl ecology and conservation, sandhill cranes, whooping cranes, and conservation and restoration of habitats they depend on. Specific areas of interest and extensive field experience include capture/banding and marking techniques used on medium to large birds, development, and use of new technologies for remotely tracking wildlife, and waterfowl nesting and brood rearing in prairie landscapes. He has conducted research on breeding, migrating, and wintering birds throughout the southern, central, and northern Great Plains and marked and monitored birds that migrate from Mexico to Russia. He has been involved with sandhill cranes and the Central Platte River Valley of Nebraska since the late 1990’s, capturing, marking, and monitoring hundreds of these ancient migrants. Since 2009, research included capturing and marking endangered whooping cranes from the remaining wild population to gather baseline information on migration, habitat use, and important stopover areas throughout their annual cycle. He developed a capture method that enabled the first marking of adult whooping cranes from this population on their wintering grounds. He is also involved in investigating techniques used for establishing high diversity native plantings in degraded landscapes.
Professional Experience
1998-Present: Wildlife Biologist, USGS, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Jamestown, North Dakota
1991-1997: Biological Technician (Wildlife), USGS, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Jamestown, North Dakota
Education and Certifications
B.S., Fisheries and Wildlife Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
Science and Products
Balancing future renewable energy infrastructure siting and associated habitat loss for migrating whooping cranes
The expansion of human infrastructure has contributed to novel risks and disturbance regimes in most ecosystems, leading to considerable uncertainty about how species will respond to altered landscapes. A recent assessment revealed that whooping cranes (Grus americana), an endangered migratory waterbird species, avoid wind-energy infrastructure during migration. However, uncertainties regarding co
Whooping crane stay length in relation to stopover site characteristics
Whooping crane (Grus americana) migratory stopovers can vary in length from hours to more than a month. Stopover sites provide food resources and safety essential for the completion of migration. Factors such as weather, climate, demographics of migrating groups, and physiological condition of migrants influence migratory movements of cranes (Gruidae) to varying degrees. However, little research h
Migrating whooping cranes avoid wind-energy infrastructure when selecting stopover habitat
Electricity generation from renewable-energy sources has increased dramatically worldwide in recent decades. Risks associated with wind-energy infrastructure are not well understood for endangered whooping cranes or other vulnerable crane populations. From 2010 to 2016, we monitored 57 whooping cranes with remote-telemetry devices in the United States Great Plains to determine potential changes in
Population and harvest dynamics of midcontinent sandhill cranes
Sandhill cranes (Antigone canadensis) inhabiting the midcontinent of North America have been hunted since the 1960s under management goals of maintaining abundance, retaining geographic distribution, and maximizing sustainable harvest. Some biologists have raised concerns regarding harvest sustainability because sandhill cranes have lower reproductive rates than other game birds. We summarized dem
Heterogeneity in migration strategies of the whooping crane
Migratory birds use numerous strategies to successfully complete twice-annual movements between breeding and wintering sites. Context for conservation and management can be provided by characterizing these strategies. Variations in strategy among and within individuals support population persistence in response to changes in land use and climate. We used location data from 58 marked Whooping Crane
Using morphological measurements to predict subspecies of Midcontinent sandhill cranes
The Midcontinent population of sandhill cranes (Antigone canadensis) has historically been classified into 3 putative subspecies, but genetic analyses have identified only 2 genetically distinct subspecies. Previous studies have successfully used morphometrics in combination with an individual's sex to differentiate subspecies of sandhill cranes that had been inferred based on breeding area, but n
Diurnal habitat selection of migrating Whooping Crane in the Great Plains
Available stopover habitats with quality foraging opportunities are essential for migrating waterbirds, including Whooping Crane (Grus americana). Several studies have evaluated habitats used by Whooping Crane for roosting throughout its migration corridor; however, habitats associated with foraging and other diurnal activities have received less attention. We used data collected from 42 Whooping
Mortality in Aransas-Wood Buffalo Whooping Cranes: Timing, location, and causes
For long-lived species with low fecundity rates, population growth rate can be sensitive to changes in annual survival. Understanding where, when, and why animals die provides useful information for prioritizing conservation practices designed to increase survival. As part of a satellite tracking study, we identified 19 confirmed and suspected deaths of Whooping Cranes of various ages from the Ara
Opportunistically collected data reveal habitat selection by migrating Whooping Cranes in the U.S. Northern Plains
The Whooping Crane (Grus americana) is a federally endangered species in the United States and Canada that relies on wetland, grassland, and cropland habitat during its long migration between wintering grounds in coastal Texas, USA, and breeding sites in Alberta and Northwest Territories, Canada. We combined opportunistic Whooping Crane sightings with landscape data to identify correlates of Whoop
Delineating and identifying long-term changes in the whooping crane (Grus americana) migration corridor
Defining and identifying changes to seasonal ranges of migratory species is required for effective conservation. Historic sightings of migrating whooping cranes (Grus americana) have served as sole source of information to define a migration corridor in the Great Plains of North America (i.e., Canadian Prairies and United States Great Plains) for this endangered species. We updated this effort usi
Sandhill crane roost selection, human disturbance, and forage resources
Sites used for roosting represent a key habitat requirement for many species of birds because availability and quality of roost sites can influence individual fitness. Birds select roost sites based on numerous factors, requirements, and motivations, and selection of roosts can be dynamic in time and space because of various ecological and environmental influences. For sandhill cranes (Antigone ca
Wintering Sandhill Crane exposure to wind energy development in the central and southern Great Plains, USA
Numerous wind energy projects have been constructed in the central and southern Great Plains, USA, the main wintering area for midcontinental Sandhill Cranes (Grus canadensis). In an initial assessment of the potential risks of wind towers to cranes, we estimated spatial overlap, investigated potential avoidance behavior, and determined the habitat associations of cranes. We used data from cranes
Whooping crane migration habitat selection disturbance data and maps
These data and maps were developed to support an effort to understand how whooping cranes (Grus americana) select stopover habitat in the presence of human infrastructure. Location and associated data came from whooping cranes from the Aransas-Wood Buffalo Population, 2010–2016. We marked a sample of 57 whooping cranes with leg-mounted transmitters that acquired locations via the global posi
Whooping crane migration habitat selection data and distance to wind-energy infrastructure, 2010-2016
These data were developed to support an effort to understand how whooping cranes select stopover habitat in the presence of wind-energy infrastructure. Location and associated data came from whooping cranes from the Aransas-Wood Buffalo Population, 2010-2016. We marked a sample of 57 whooping cranes with leg-mounted transmitters that acquired locations via the global positioning system (GPS) netwo
Location data for whooping cranes of the Aransas-Wood Buffalo Population, 2009-2018
Location and associated data came from whooping cranes from the Aransas-Wood Buffalo Population, 2009-2018. We marked a sample of 68 whooping cranes with leg-mounted transmitters that acquired locations via the global positioning system (GPS) network and transmitted those data through the Argos satellite system. Cranes were captured either at their natal areas in and adjacent to Wood Buffalo Natio
Fecundity data for midcontinent sandhill cranes, 2003-2006
Midcontinent sandhill cranes (Antigone canadensis) are the most abundant management population of cranes in the world and have a broad breeding range. Four breeding segments of midcontinent sandhill cranes have been designated based on spatial and temporal distributions throughout the year, including Western Alaska-Siberia (WA-S), Northern Canada-Nunavut (NC-N), West-central Canada-Interior Alaska
Morphological measurements and subspecies of midcontinent sandhill cranes
The midcontinent population of sandhill cranes (Antigone canadensis) has historically been classified into three putative subspecies, but genetic analyses have identified only two genetically distinct subspecies. Previous studies have successfully used morphometrics in combination with an individual's sex to differentiate subspecies of sandhill cranes that had been inferred based on breeding area,
Map of whooping crane migration corridor
The whooping crane (Grus americana) is a listed endangered species in North America, protected under federal legislation in the United States and Canada. The only self-sustaining and wild population of Whooping Cranes nests at and near Wood Buffalo National Park near the provincial border of Northwest Territories and Alberta, Canada. Birds from this population migrate through the Great Plains of N
Spatial data for estimating whooping crane migration corridor
The whooping crane (Grus americana) is a bird species in North America currently protected under federal endangered species legislation in the United States and Canada. The only self-sustaining and wild population of whooping cranes nests in and around Wood Buffalo National Park near the provincial border of Northwest Territories and Alberta, Canada. Cranes from this population migrate through the
Sandhill crane locations, autumn 2013 migration
Sandhill cranes are a long-lived bird species found in wetland-rich landscapes across North America. This dataset includes locations of 5 cranes during a single autumn migration from their breeding areas in northeastern Asia and south through Alaska, central Canada, and the Great Plains. The migration ends in northern Texas and northern Mexico. These data were used as a case study to highlight the
Sandhill crane phenology at the Platte River, Nebraska, 2001-2007
The central Platte River Valley represents a key mid-latitude stopover. This dataset supports a contemporary analysis of spring migration phenology at the Platte River during 2001-2007. We recorded timing of sandhill crane arrivals and departures from the Platte River.
Science and Products
- Publications
Balancing future renewable energy infrastructure siting and associated habitat loss for migrating whooping cranes
The expansion of human infrastructure has contributed to novel risks and disturbance regimes in most ecosystems, leading to considerable uncertainty about how species will respond to altered landscapes. A recent assessment revealed that whooping cranes (Grus americana), an endangered migratory waterbird species, avoid wind-energy infrastructure during migration. However, uncertainties regarding coWhooping crane stay length in relation to stopover site characteristics
Whooping crane (Grus americana) migratory stopovers can vary in length from hours to more than a month. Stopover sites provide food resources and safety essential for the completion of migration. Factors such as weather, climate, demographics of migrating groups, and physiological condition of migrants influence migratory movements of cranes (Gruidae) to varying degrees. However, little research hMigrating whooping cranes avoid wind-energy infrastructure when selecting stopover habitat
Electricity generation from renewable-energy sources has increased dramatically worldwide in recent decades. Risks associated with wind-energy infrastructure are not well understood for endangered whooping cranes or other vulnerable crane populations. From 2010 to 2016, we monitored 57 whooping cranes with remote-telemetry devices in the United States Great Plains to determine potential changes inPopulation and harvest dynamics of midcontinent sandhill cranes
Sandhill cranes (Antigone canadensis) inhabiting the midcontinent of North America have been hunted since the 1960s under management goals of maintaining abundance, retaining geographic distribution, and maximizing sustainable harvest. Some biologists have raised concerns regarding harvest sustainability because sandhill cranes have lower reproductive rates than other game birds. We summarized demHeterogeneity in migration strategies of the whooping crane
Migratory birds use numerous strategies to successfully complete twice-annual movements between breeding and wintering sites. Context for conservation and management can be provided by characterizing these strategies. Variations in strategy among and within individuals support population persistence in response to changes in land use and climate. We used location data from 58 marked Whooping CraneUsing morphological measurements to predict subspecies of Midcontinent sandhill cranes
The Midcontinent population of sandhill cranes (Antigone canadensis) has historically been classified into 3 putative subspecies, but genetic analyses have identified only 2 genetically distinct subspecies. Previous studies have successfully used morphometrics in combination with an individual's sex to differentiate subspecies of sandhill cranes that had been inferred based on breeding area, but nDiurnal habitat selection of migrating Whooping Crane in the Great Plains
Available stopover habitats with quality foraging opportunities are essential for migrating waterbirds, including Whooping Crane (Grus americana). Several studies have evaluated habitats used by Whooping Crane for roosting throughout its migration corridor; however, habitats associated with foraging and other diurnal activities have received less attention. We used data collected from 42 WhoopingMortality in Aransas-Wood Buffalo Whooping Cranes: Timing, location, and causes
For long-lived species with low fecundity rates, population growth rate can be sensitive to changes in annual survival. Understanding where, when, and why animals die provides useful information for prioritizing conservation practices designed to increase survival. As part of a satellite tracking study, we identified 19 confirmed and suspected deaths of Whooping Cranes of various ages from the AraOpportunistically collected data reveal habitat selection by migrating Whooping Cranes in the U.S. Northern Plains
The Whooping Crane (Grus americana) is a federally endangered species in the United States and Canada that relies on wetland, grassland, and cropland habitat during its long migration between wintering grounds in coastal Texas, USA, and breeding sites in Alberta and Northwest Territories, Canada. We combined opportunistic Whooping Crane sightings with landscape data to identify correlates of WhoopDelineating and identifying long-term changes in the whooping crane (Grus americana) migration corridor
Defining and identifying changes to seasonal ranges of migratory species is required for effective conservation. Historic sightings of migrating whooping cranes (Grus americana) have served as sole source of information to define a migration corridor in the Great Plains of North America (i.e., Canadian Prairies and United States Great Plains) for this endangered species. We updated this effort usiSandhill crane roost selection, human disturbance, and forage resources
Sites used for roosting represent a key habitat requirement for many species of birds because availability and quality of roost sites can influence individual fitness. Birds select roost sites based on numerous factors, requirements, and motivations, and selection of roosts can be dynamic in time and space because of various ecological and environmental influences. For sandhill cranes (Antigone caWintering Sandhill Crane exposure to wind energy development in the central and southern Great Plains, USA
Numerous wind energy projects have been constructed in the central and southern Great Plains, USA, the main wintering area for midcontinental Sandhill Cranes (Grus canadensis). In an initial assessment of the potential risks of wind towers to cranes, we estimated spatial overlap, investigated potential avoidance behavior, and determined the habitat associations of cranes. We used data from cranes - Data
Whooping crane migration habitat selection disturbance data and maps
These data and maps were developed to support an effort to understand how whooping cranes (Grus americana) select stopover habitat in the presence of human infrastructure. Location and associated data came from whooping cranes from the Aransas-Wood Buffalo Population, 2010–2016. We marked a sample of 57 whooping cranes with leg-mounted transmitters that acquired locations via the global posiWhooping crane migration habitat selection data and distance to wind-energy infrastructure, 2010-2016
These data were developed to support an effort to understand how whooping cranes select stopover habitat in the presence of wind-energy infrastructure. Location and associated data came from whooping cranes from the Aransas-Wood Buffalo Population, 2010-2016. We marked a sample of 57 whooping cranes with leg-mounted transmitters that acquired locations via the global positioning system (GPS) netwoLocation data for whooping cranes of the Aransas-Wood Buffalo Population, 2009-2018
Location and associated data came from whooping cranes from the Aransas-Wood Buffalo Population, 2009-2018. We marked a sample of 68 whooping cranes with leg-mounted transmitters that acquired locations via the global positioning system (GPS) network and transmitted those data through the Argos satellite system. Cranes were captured either at their natal areas in and adjacent to Wood Buffalo NatioFecundity data for midcontinent sandhill cranes, 2003-2006
Midcontinent sandhill cranes (Antigone canadensis) are the most abundant management population of cranes in the world and have a broad breeding range. Four breeding segments of midcontinent sandhill cranes have been designated based on spatial and temporal distributions throughout the year, including Western Alaska-Siberia (WA-S), Northern Canada-Nunavut (NC-N), West-central Canada-Interior AlaskaMorphological measurements and subspecies of midcontinent sandhill cranes
The midcontinent population of sandhill cranes (Antigone canadensis) has historically been classified into three putative subspecies, but genetic analyses have identified only two genetically distinct subspecies. Previous studies have successfully used morphometrics in combination with an individual's sex to differentiate subspecies of sandhill cranes that had been inferred based on breeding area,Map of whooping crane migration corridor
The whooping crane (Grus americana) is a listed endangered species in North America, protected under federal legislation in the United States and Canada. The only self-sustaining and wild population of Whooping Cranes nests at and near Wood Buffalo National Park near the provincial border of Northwest Territories and Alberta, Canada. Birds from this population migrate through the Great Plains of NSpatial data for estimating whooping crane migration corridor
The whooping crane (Grus americana) is a bird species in North America currently protected under federal endangered species legislation in the United States and Canada. The only self-sustaining and wild population of whooping cranes nests in and around Wood Buffalo National Park near the provincial border of Northwest Territories and Alberta, Canada. Cranes from this population migrate through theSandhill crane locations, autumn 2013 migration
Sandhill cranes are a long-lived bird species found in wetland-rich landscapes across North America. This dataset includes locations of 5 cranes during a single autumn migration from their breeding areas in northeastern Asia and south through Alaska, central Canada, and the Great Plains. The migration ends in northern Texas and northern Mexico. These data were used as a case study to highlight theSandhill crane phenology at the Platte River, Nebraska, 2001-2007
The central Platte River Valley represents a key mid-latitude stopover. This dataset supports a contemporary analysis of spring migration phenology at the Platte River during 2001-2007. We recorded timing of sandhill crane arrivals and departures from the Platte River.