Garth Herring
I am an Avian Ecologist at the U.S. Geological Survey Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center in Corvallis, Oregon. My research focuses on identifying and understanding environmental threats primarily to avian populations and providing sound scientific research to implement conservation solutions.
My work focuses on understanding the physiological responses of wildlife to environmental contaminants and landscape-scale stressors. I specialize in field-based ecological studies to assess the impacts of stressors (lead, mercury, prey availability, rodenticides) on the behavior and reproduction of avian species. Additionally, my laboratory-based studies examine the physiological responses of a variety of wildlife (birds, amphibians, and fishes) to a wide array of environmental contaminants.
Professional Experience
2012 – Present: Ecologist, USGS Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Corvallis, OR
2008–2012: Post-doctoral Research Scholar, University of California, Davis & USGS Western Ecological Research Center, Davis, CA
Education and Certifications
Ph.D., Integrative Biology, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL (2008)
M.S., Fisheries & Wildlife Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC (2003)
B.S., Environmental Science, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada (1999)
Affiliations and Memberships*
2019-2022: Associate Editor, Avian Research
2014-2016: Associate Editor, Journal of Wildlife Management
2012-2015: Associate Editor, Wetlands
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.
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.
Landscape factors and hydrology influence mercury concentrations in wading birds breeding in the Florida Everglades, USA
Marsh wrens as bioindicators of mercury in wetlands of Great Salt Lake: do blood and feathers reflect site-specific exposure risk to bird reproduction?
Mercury exposure may suppress baseline corticosterone levels in juvenile birds
Migration strategy affects avian influenza dynamics in mallards (Anas platyrhynchos).
California gull chicks raised near colony edges have elevated stress levels
Identifying nest predators of American avocets (Recurvirostra americana) and black-necked stilts (Himantopus mexicanus) in San Francisco Bay, California
Food availability is expressed through physiological stress indicators in nestling white ibis: A food supplementation experiment
Dynamic habitat selection by two wading bird species with divergent foraging strategies in a seasonally fluctuating wetland
Organochlorine and PBDE concentrations in relation to cytochrome P450 activity in livers of Forster’s Terns (Sterna forsteri) and Caspian Terns (Hydroprogne caspia), in San Francisco Bay, California
Embryo malposition as a potential mechanism for mercury-induced hatching failure in bird eggs
Sexing California gulls using morphometrics and discriminant function analysis
Site characteristics and prey abundance at foraging sites used by Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis) wintering in Florida
Non-USGS Publications**
**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.
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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: 37Landscape factors and hydrology influence mercury concentrations in wading birds breeding in the Florida Everglades, USA
The hydrology of wetland ecosystems is a key driver of both mercury (Hg) methylation and waterbird foraging ecology, and hence may play a fundamental role in waterbird exposure and risk to Hg contamination. However, few studies have investigated hydrological factors that influence waterbird Hg exposure. We examined how several landscape-level hydrological variables influenced Hg concentrations inAuthorsGarth Herring, Collin A. Eagles-Smith, Joshua T. Ackerman, Dale E. Gawlik, James M. BeerensMarsh wrens as bioindicators of mercury in wetlands of Great Salt Lake: do blood and feathers reflect site-specific exposure risk to bird reproduction?
Nonlethal sampling of bird blood and feathers are among the more common ways of estimating the risk of mercury exposure to songbird reproduction. The implicit assumption is that mercury concentrations in blood or feathers of individuals captured in a given area are correlated with mercury concentrations in eggs from the same area. Yet, this assumption is rarely tested. We evaluated mercury concentAuthorsC. Alex Hartman, Joshua T. Ackerman, Garth Herring, John Isanhart, Mark P. HerzogMercury exposure may suppress baseline corticosterone levels in juvenile birds
Mercury exposure has been associated with a wide variety of negative reproductive responses in birds, however few studies have examined the potential for chick impairment via the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The HPA axis regulates corticosterone levels during periods of stress. We examined the relationship between baseline fecal corticosterone metabolite concentrations and mercury coAuthorsGarth Herring, Joshua T. Ackerman, Mark P. HerzogMigration strategy affects avian influenza dynamics in mallards (Anas platyrhynchos).
Studies of pathogen transmission typically overlook that wildlife hosts can include both migrant and resident populations when attempting to model circulation. Through the application of stable isotopes in flight feathers, we estimated the migration strategy of mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) occurring on California wintering grounds. Our study demonstrates that mallards- a principal host of avian iAuthorsJohn Y. Takekawa, Nichola J. Hill, Joshua T. Ackerman, Garth Herring, Keith Hobson, Carol J. Cardona, Jonathan Runstadler, Walter M. BoyceCalifornia gull chicks raised near colony edges have elevated stress levels
Coloniality in nesting birds represents an important life history strategy for maximizing reproductive success. Birds nesting near the edge of colonies tend to have lower reproductive success than individuals nesting near colony centers, and offspring of edge-nesting parents may be impaired relative to those of central-nesting parents. We used fecal corticosterone metabolites in California gull chAuthorsGarth Herring, Joshua T. AckermanIdentifying nest predators of American avocets (Recurvirostra americana) and black-necked stilts (Himantopus mexicanus) in San Francisco Bay, California
We evaluated predation on nests and methods to detect predators using a combination of infrared cameras and plasticine eggs at nests of American avocets (Recurvirostra americana) and black-necked stilts (Himantopus mexicanus) in Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, California. Each technique indicated that predation was prevalent; 59% of monitAuthorsGarth Herring, Joshua T. Ackerman, John Y. Takekawa, Collin A. Eagles-Smith, John M. EadieFood availability is expressed through physiological stress indicators in nestling white ibis: A food supplementation experiment
1.Physiological responses to environmental stress such as adrenocortical hormones and cellular stress proteins have recently emerged as potentially powerful tools for investigating physiological effects of avian food limitation. However, little is known about the physiological stress responses of free‐living nestling birds to environmental variation in food availability.2. We experimentally testedAuthorsGarth Herring, Mark I. Cook, D.E. Gawlik, Erynn M. CallDynamic habitat selection by two wading bird species with divergent foraging strategies in a seasonally fluctuating wetland
Seasonal and annual variation in food availability during the breeding season plays an influential role in the population dynamics of many avian species. In highly dynamic ecosystems like wetlands, finding and exploiting food resources requires a flexible behavioral response that may produce different population trends that vary with a species' foraging strategy. We quantified dynamic foraging-habAuthorsJames M. Beerens, Dale E. Gawlik, Garth Herring, Mark I. CookOrganochlorine and PBDE concentrations in relation to cytochrome P450 activity in livers of Forster’s Terns (Sterna forsteri) and Caspian Terns (Hydroprogne caspia), in San Francisco Bay, California
We measured halogenated organic contaminants (HOCs) [polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT)] and P450 [e.g., ethoxyresorufin-O-dealkylase (EROD)] stress in livers from Caspian tern (Hydroprogne caspia) adults and Forster’s tern (Sterna forsteri) adults and chicks in San Francisco Bay (SFB). Penta BDEs and tetra PBDEs coAuthorsGarth Herring, Joshua T. Ackerman, Collin A. Eagles-Smith, Terrence L. Adelsbach, Mark J. Melancon, Katie R. Stebbins, David J. HoffmanEmbryo 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) and 2% ofAuthorsGarth Herring, Joshua T. Ackerman, Collin A. Eagles-SmithSexing 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 measurement (heAuthorsGarth Herring, Joshua T. Ackerman, Collin A. Eagles-Smith, John Y. TakekawaSite characteristics and prey abundance at foraging sites used by Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis) wintering in Florida
We examined site characteristics and prey abundances where wintering Aythya affinis (Lesser Scaup; hereafter scaup) foraged within three regions of the Indian River Lagoon system in central Florida. We observed that scaup concentrated in the Indian and Banana rivers; however, density of prey items did not differ between foraging sites and random sites. We also found that site characteristics wereAuthorsGarth Herring, Jaime CollazoNon-USGS Publications**
Lyons, J.E., Collazo, J.A., Herring, G., 2015, Testing assumptions for conservation of migratory shorebirds and coastal managed wetlands: Wetlands Ecology Management, p. online, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11273-015-9477-4.Ackerman, J.T., Herzog, M., Hartman, C.A., Herring, G., 2014, Forster’s tern chick survival in response to a managed relocation of predatory California gulls: The Journal of Wildlife Management, v. 78, no. 5, p. 818-829, https://doi.org/10.1002/jwmg.728.Hartman, C.A., Ackerman, J.T., Herring, G., Isanhart, J., Herzog, M., 2013, Marsh wrens as bioindicators of mercury in wetlands of Great Salt Lake- do blood and feathers reflect site-specific exposure risk to bird reproduction?: Environmental Science and Technology, v. 47, no. 12, p. 6597-6605, https://doi.org/10.1021/es400910x.Herring, G., Ackerman, J.T., Herzog, M.P., 2012, Mercury exposure may suppress baseline corticosterone levels in juvenile birds: Environmental Science and Technology, v. 46, p. 6339-6346.Hill, N.J., Takekawa, J.Y., Ackerman, J.T., Hobson, K.A., Herring, G., Cardona, C.J., Runstadler, J.A., Boyce, W.M., 2012, Migration strategy affects avian influenza dynamics in mallards (Anas platyrhynchos): Molecular Ecology, p. online, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-294X.2012.05735.x.Herring, G., Ackerman, J.T., 2011, California gull chicks raised near colony edges have elevated stress levels: General and Comparative Endocrinology, v. 173, p. 72-77.Herring, G., Herring, H.K., Gawlik, D.E., 2015, Social Cues and Environmental Conditions Influence Foraging Flight Distances of Breeding Wood Storks (Mycteria americana): Waterbirds, v. 38, no. 1, p. 30-39, https://doi.org/10.1675/063.038.0105.Herring, G., Ackerman, J.T., Takekawa, J.Y., Eagles-Smith, C.A., Eadie, J.M., 2011, Identifying nest predators of American avocets (Recurvirostra americana) and black-necked stilts (Himantopus mexicanus) in San Francisco Bay, California: Southwestern Naturalist, v. 56, no. 1, p. 35-43.Beerens, J.M., Gawlik, D.E., Herring, G., Cook, M.I., 2011, Dynamic habitat selection by two wading bird species with divergent foraging strategies in a seasonally fluctuating wetland: Auk, v. 128, p. 651-662.Herring, G., Ackerman, J.T., Eagles-Smith, C.A., Adelsbach, T.L., Melancon, M.J., Stebbins, K.R., Hoffman, D.J., 2010, Organochlorine and PBDE concentrations in relation to cytochrome P450 activity in livers of Forster's terns (Sterna forsteri)and Caspian terns(Hydroprogne caspia),in San Francisco Bay, California: Sm, v. 58, p. 863-873.Herring, G., Ackerman, J.T., Eagles-Smith, C.A., Takekawa, J.Y., 2010, Sexing California gulls using morphometrics and discriminant function analysis: Waterbirds, v. 33, no. 1, p. 79-85.Herring, G., Collazo, J.A., 2009, Site characteristics and prey abundance at foraging sites used by lesser scaup (Aythya affinis)wintering in Florida: Southeastern Naturalist, v. 8, p. 363-374.Herring, G., Gawlik, D.E., 2012, Differential physiological responses to prey availability by the great egret and white ibis: Journal of Wildlife Management, p. online, https://doi.org/10.1002/jwmg.445.Dorn, N.J., Cook, M.I., Herring, G., Boyle, R.A., Nelson, J., Gawlik, D.E., 2011, Aquatic prey switching and urban foraging by the white ibis Eudocimus albusare determined by wetland hydrological conditions: Ibis, v. 153, p. 323-335.Herring, G., Cook, M.I., Gawlik, D.E., Call, E.M., 2011, Food availability is expressed through physiological stress indicators in nestling white ibis- a food supplementation experiment: Functional Ecology, v. 25, p. 682-690.Herring, G., Gawlik, D.E., 2010, Avian radio-transmitter harness wear and failure: Southeastern Naturalist, v. 9, p. 595-604.Herring, G., Ackerman, J.T., Eagles-Smith, C.A., 2010, Embryo malposition as a potential mechanism for mercury-induced hatching failure in bird eggs: Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, v. 29, no. 8, p. 1788-1794.Herring, G., Gawlik, D.E., Cook, M.I., Beerens, J.M., 2010, Sensitivity of nesting great egrets (Ardea alba)and white ibises(Eudocimus albus)to reduced prey availability: Auk, v. 127, p. 660-670.Herring, G., Gawlik, D.E., Rumbold, D.G., 2009, Feather mercury concentrations and physiological condition of great egret and white ibis nestlings in the Florida Everglades: Science of the Total Environment, v. 407, p. 2641-2649.Herring, G., Gawlik, D.E., 2009, Stability of avian fecal corticosterone metabolite levels in frozen avian feces: Journal of Wildlife Management, v. 73, p. 1010-1013.Dorn, N.J., Herring, G., Gawlik, D.E., 2008, Estimation of crayfish abundance and size-structure in diets of white ibis chicks: Waterbirds, v. 31, p. 417-423.Herring, G., Gawlik, D.E., Beerens, J.M., 2008, Evaluating two new methods for capturing large wetland birds: Journal of Field Ornithology, v. 79, p. 102-110.Herring, G., Gawlik, D.E., 2008, Potential for successful population establishment of the nonindigenous sacred ibis in the Florida Everglades: Biological Invasions, v. 10, p. 969-976.Herring, G., Gawlik, D.E., Beerens, J.M., 2008, Sex determination for the great egret and white ibis: Waterbirds, v. 31, p. 298-303.Marx, D.E., Hejl, S.J., Herring, G., 2008, Wintering grassland bird habitat selection following summer prescribed fire in a Texas Gulf Coast tallgrass prairie: Fire Ecology Special Issue, v. 4, no. 2, p. 46-62.Herring, G., Gawlik, D.E., 2007, The role of stress proteins in the study of allostatic overload in birds- Use and applicability to current studies in avian ecology: The Scientific World Journal, v. 7, p. 1596-1602.Herring, G., Collazo, J.A., 2006, Lesser scaup winter foraging and nutrient reserve acquisition in east-central Florida: Journal of Wildlife Management, v. 70, p. 1682-1689.Rivera-Milan, F.F., Collazo, J.A., Stahala, C., Moore, W.J., Davis, A., Herring, G., Steinkamp, M., Pagliaro, R., Thompson, J.L., Bracey, W., 2005, Estimation of density and population size and recommendations for monitoring trends of Bahama parrots on Great Abaco and Great Inagua: Wildlife Society Bulletin, v. 33, p. 823-834.Herring, G., Collazo, J.A., 2005, Habitat use, movements, and home range of wintering lesser scaup in Florida: Waterbirds, v. 28, p. 71-78.Herring, G., Collazo, J.A., 2004, Winter survival of lesser scaup in east-central Florida: Journal of Wildlife Management, v. 68, p. 1082-1087.Knapton, R.W., Petrie, S.A., Herring, G., 2000, Human disturbance of diving ducks on Long Point Bay, Lake Erie: Wildlife Society Bulletin, v. 28, p. 923-930.**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.
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*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