Dr. Glenn Olsen is performing surgery on a female Common Eider to implant a small satellite tracking device in the duck. The surgery is done under sterile conditions and general anesthetic.
Glenn Olsen, Ph.D.
Glenn is the Veterinary Medical Officer at the Eastern Ecological Science Center in Laurel, MD.
Captive Wildlife Health Program
- Developed vaccination programs for West Nile virus and aspergillosis for captive wildlife
- Veterinarian member of Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee under the Animal Welfare Act
- Treat a variety of wildlife species, mostly avian and reptile for illness and injuries
- Co-located on National Wildlife Refuge, run rehabilitation program for injured and ill wildlife brought in from the refuge
Sea Duck Research Program
- Developed and continually refine and update surgical techniques for implanting transmitters in diving ducks
- Developed techniques for sedating birds to test hearing for ABRs both in air and under water
- Testing pentosodine as a technique for aging long-lived sea ducks
Crane Research Program
- Developed health network to support ultralight led migrations of whooping cranes
- Developed techniques for parent-rearing whooping cranes for release in Wisconsin
- Conducted 5 years of released of parent-reared whooping cranes in Wisconsin
- Conducted vaccination and challenge studies in a BSL-3 laboratory setting for West Nile virus in cranes
- Conducted vaccination and challenge studies for a coccidia vaccination in cranes and endangered masked bobwhite quail
Professional Experience
2020-present USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center
1996-2020 USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
1994-1996 National Biological Survey
1987-1994 US Fish and Wildlife Service, Technical Services Branch, Refuge Management Branch at Patuxent Research Refuge
1983-1987 Assistant Professor, Louisiana State University, School of Veterinary Medicine
Education and Certifications
PhD Wildlife and Fisheries Biology, University of Massachusetts
MS Wildlife Biology, University of Massachusetts
DVM University of Illinois
BS Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois
Affiliations and Memberships*
Association of Avian Veterinarians
North American Crane Working Group
Wildlife Disease Association
American Veterinary Medical Association
Science and Products
Egg production and endocrine profiles of female whooping cranes (Grus americana) maintained ex situ are improved in naturalized enclosures
Low estradiol production of non-laying whooping cranes (Grus americana) is associated with the failure of small follicles to enter follicular hierarchy
Effects of release techniques on parent-reared whooping cranes in the eastern migratory population
Underwater hearing in sea ducks with applications for reducing gillnet bycatch through acoustic deterrence
A lesser scaup (Aythya affinis ) naturally infected with Eurasian 2.3.4.4 highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus – Movement ecology and host factors
Observations on Whooping Crane parental provisioning of chicks
Annual-cycle movements and phenology of black scoters in eastern North America
Wetland selection by female Ring-Necked Ducks (Aythya collaris) in the Southern Atlantic Flyway
Wetland selection by female Ring-Necked Ducks (Aythya collaris) in the Southern Atlantic Flyway
Assessing year‐round habitat use by migratory sea ducks in a multi‐species context reveals seasonal variation in habitat selection and partitioning
Winter survival of female Ring-Necked Ducks in the Southern Atlantic Flyway
Implanted satellite transmitters affect sea duck movement patterns at short- and long-term time scales
Whooping Crane Restoration
A Vaccination Program to Protect Endangered Whooping Cranes from Encephalitis Virus
The Release of Parent-reared Whooping Crane Colts into the Eastern Migratory Population
Migration and Habitat Use by Seabirds in the Atlantic Flyway: Evaluation of Potential Impacts of Proposed Wind Farms
Effects of Dorsally Mounted Solar-powered Cellular GPS Transmitters on Diving and Foraging in Surf Scoters and Red-throated Loons
In-Air and Underwater Hearing Abilities of Seabirds
Telemetry data of a Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis) positive for 2.3.4.4 Highly Pathogenic H5N1
Great Blue Heron collection at Poplar Island Complex and Chesapeake Marshlands National Wildlife Refuge Complex
Dr. Glenn Olsen is performing surgery on a female Common Eider to implant a small satellite tracking device in the duck. The surgery is done under sterile conditions and general anesthetic.
Male adult Ring-necked Duck part of a multi-state, multi-year research project looking at migration routes and breeding area for Ring-necked Ducks that winter on freshwater wetlands in the southeastern US.
Male adult Ring-necked Duck part of a multi-state, multi-year research project looking at migration routes and breeding area for Ring-necked Ducks that winter on freshwater wetlands in the southeastern US.
A Whooping crane chick is released into a temporary pen to acclimate before being released into the wild. Four of the endangered chicks, hatched and raised by their parents at the U.S. Geological Survey’s Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Laurel, Maryland, were released on Necedah National Wildlife Refuge in Wisconsin.
A Whooping crane chick is released into a temporary pen to acclimate before being released into the wild. Four of the endangered chicks, hatched and raised by their parents at the U.S. Geological Survey’s Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Laurel, Maryland, were released on Necedah National Wildlife Refuge in Wisconsin.
Science and Products
- Publications
Filter Total Items: 119
Egg production and endocrine profiles of female whooping cranes (Grus americana) maintained ex situ are improved in naturalized enclosures
Whooping cranes (Grus americana) are naturally seasonal breeders and rely on wetland habitats throughout the annual cycle. However, captive cranes are commonly housed in dry outdoor pens, which may lack key environmental stimuli that in turn compromise reproduction. Our study sought to first, assess seasonal patterns of reproductive hormones in successful versus non-successful bird pairs and seconAuthorsMegan E. Brown, Glenn H. Olsen, Carol L. Keefer, Nucharin SongsasenLow estradiol production of non-laying whooping cranes (Grus americana) is associated with the failure of small follicles to enter follicular hierarchy
For endangered species managed ex situ, production of offspring is a key factor to ensure healthy and self-sustaining populations. However, current breeding goals for the whooping crane (Grus americana) are impeded by poor reproduction. Our study sought to better understand mechanisms regulating ovarian function in ex situ managed whooping cranes and the regulatory function of the hypothalamic-pitAuthorsMegan E. Brown, Budhan Pukazhenthi, Glenn H. Olsen, Chris Crowe, Warren Lynch, David E Wildt, Nucharin SongsasenEffects of release techniques on parent-reared whooping cranes in the eastern migratory population
Reintroduction of an Eastern Migratory Population (EMP) of whooping cranes (Grus americana) in the United States by release of captive-reared individuals began in 2001. As of 2020, the EMP has approximately 21 breeding pairs and has had limited recruitment of wild-hatched individuals, thus captive-reared juveniles continue to be released into breeding areas in Wisconsin to maintain the population.AuthorsHillary L. Thompson, M. Susanna Mann, Marianne Wellington, Kim H. Boardman, Glenn H. OlsenUnderwater hearing in sea ducks with applications for reducing gillnet bycatch through acoustic deterrence
As diving foragers, sea ducks are vulnerable to underwater anthropogenic activity, including ships, underwater construction, seismic surveys and gillnet fisheries. Bycatch in gillnets is a contributing source of mortality for sea ducks, killing hundreds of thousands of individuals annually. We researched underwater hearing in sea duck species to increase knowledge of underwater avian acoustic sensAuthorsKathleen A. McGrew, Sara E. Crowell, Jonathan Fiely, Alicia Berlin, Glenn H. Olsen, Jennifer James, Heather Hopkins, Christopher J. WilliamsA lesser scaup (Aythya affinis ) naturally infected with Eurasian 2.3.4.4 highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus – Movement ecology and host factors
Despite the recognized role of wild waterfowl in the potential dispersal and transmission of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus, little is known about how infection affects these birds. This lack of information limits our ability to estimate viral spread in the event of an HPAI outbreak, thereby limiting our abilities to estimate and communicate risk. Here we present telemetry data froAuthorsDiann Prosser, Hannah Schley, Nathan Simmons, Jeffery D. Sullivan, Josh Homyack, Matthew M. Weegman, Glenn H. Olsen, Alicia Berlin, Rebecca L. Poulson, David E. Stallknecht, Christopher K. WilliamsObservations on Whooping Crane parental provisioning of chicks
Crane chicks are dependent on parent birds for provisioning during the first few months of life, but no study has examined this provisioning in detail. In 2014 research staff at the U.S. Geological Survey, Eastern Ecological Science Center (formerly Patuxent Wildlife Research Center), in Laurel, Maryland, made multiple observations of parent whooping cranes (Grus americana) feeding or interactingAuthorsGlenn H. OlsenAnnual-cycle movements and phenology of black scoters in eastern North America
Sea ducks exhibit complex movement patterns throughout their annual cycle; most species use distinct molting and staging sites during migration and disjunct breeding and wintering sites. Although research on black scoters (Melanitta americana) has investigated movements and habitat selection during winter, little is known about their annual-cycle movements. We used satellite telemetry to identifyAuthorsJuliet S. Lamb, Scott G. Gilliland, Jean-Pierre L. Savard, Pamela H. Loring, Scott R. McWilliams, Glenn H. Olsen, Jason E. Osenkowski, Peter W. C. Paton, Matthew Perry, Timothy D. BowmanWetland selection by female Ring-Necked Ducks (Aythya collaris) in the Southern Atlantic Flyway
On the wintering grounds, wetland selection by waterfowl is influenced by spatiotemporal resource distribution. The ring-necked duck (Aythya collaris) winters in the southeastern United States where a disproportionate amount of Atlantic Flyway ring-necked duck harvest occurs. We quantified female ring-necked duck selection for wetland characteristics during and after the 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 waAuthorsTori D. Mezebish, Richard B. Chandler, Glenn H. Olsen, Michele Goodman, Frank C. Rohwer, Nicholas J. MengWetland selection by female Ring-Necked Ducks (Aythya collaris) in the Southern Atlantic Flyway
On the wintering grounds, wetland selection by waterfowl is influenced by spatiotemporal resource distribution. The ring-necked duck (Aythya collaris) winters in the southeastern United States where a disproportionate amount of Atlantic Flyway ring-necked duck harvest occurs. We quantified female ring-necked duck selection for wetland characteristics during and after the 2017–2018 and 2018–2019 waAuthorsTori D. Mezebish, Richard Chandler, Glenn H. Olsen, Michele Goodman, Frank C. Rohwer, Nicholas J. Meng, Mark D. McConnellAssessing year‐round habitat use by migratory sea ducks in a multi‐species context reveals seasonal variation in habitat selection and partitioning
Long‐distance migration presents complex conservation challenges, and migratory species often experience shortfalls in conservation due to the difficulty of identifying important locations and resources throughout the annual cycle. In order to prioritize habitats for conservation of migratory wildlife, it is necessary to understand how habitat needs change throughout the annual cycle, as well as tAuthorsJuliet S. Lamb, Peter WC Paton, Jason E. Osenkowski, Shannon S. Badzinski, Alicia Berlin, Timothy D. Bowman, Chris Dwyer, Luke J. Fara, Scott G. Gilliland, Kevin P. Kenow, Christine Lepage, Mark L. Mallory, Glenn H. Olsen, Matthew Perry, Scott A. Petrie, Jean-Pierre L. Savard, Lucas Savoy, Michael L. Schummer, Caleb S. Spiegel, Scott R. McWilliamsWinter survival of female Ring-Necked Ducks in the Southern Atlantic Flyway
North American waterfowl harvest regulations are largely guided by the status of breeding populations. Nonetheless, understanding the demographics of wintering waterfowl populations can elucidate the effects of hunting pressure on population dynamics. The ring‐necked duck (Aythya collaris) breeds and winters in all North American administrative flyways and is one of the most abundant and most harvAuthorsTori D. Mezebish, Glenn H. Olsen, Michele Goodman, Frank C. Rohwer, Mark D. McConnellImplanted satellite transmitters affect sea duck movement patterns at short- and long-term time scales
Studies of the effects of transmitters on wildlife often focus on survival. However, non-lethal behavioral changes resulting from radiomarking have the potential to affect inferences from telemetry data and may vary based on individual and environmental characteristics. We used a long-term, multi-species tracking study of sea ducks to assess behavioral patterns at multiple temporal scales followinAuthorsJuliet S. Lamb, Peter WC Paton, Jason E. Osenkowski, Shannon S. Badzinski, Alicia Berlin, Timothy D. Bowman, Chris Dwyer, Luke J. Fara, Scott G. Gilliland, Kevin P. Kenow, Christine Lepage, Mark L. Mallory, Glenn H. Olsen, Matthew Perry, Scott A. Petrie, Jean-Pierre L. Savard, Lucas Savoy, Michael L. Schummer, Caleb S. Spiegel, Scott R. McWilliams - Science
Whooping Crane Restoration
At more than five feet tall with brilliant white plumage, black primary feathers, a red cap, and yellow eyes, the highly endangered Whooping Crane ( Grus americana ) is one of the most spectacular birds native to North America. In 1942 there were fewer than 20 birds in the flock that migrates from Wood Buffalo National Park in Canada to Aransas National Wildlife Refuge in Texas. An additional six...A Vaccination Program to Protect Endangered Whooping Cranes from Encephalitis Virus
The Challenge: In eastern North America there is a viral disease called Eastern Equine Encephalitis, or EEE. This virus is transmitted among native bird species by the mosquito, Culiseta melanura, but does not cause disease in these passerine species. However, the virus is capable of causing severe disease or death in horses, some game bird species, humans and whooping cranes. In the fall of 1984...The Release of Parent-reared Whooping Crane Colts into the Eastern Migratory Population
The Challenge: Whooping cranes have been successfully introduced using costume rearing techniques in either a direct autumn release or in an ultralight led migration from Wisconsin to Florida. In Florida, we have also released parent-reared whooping cranes. Not much is known about the learning that takes place in this K-selected species over the almost one year that the young whooping crane colt...Migration and Habitat Use by Seabirds in the Atlantic Flyway: Evaluation of Potential Impacts of Proposed Wind Farms
Overall, this study tracked movements of over 400 individuals of three species over the course of five years; one of the most comprehensive satellite tracking studies of marine birds ever conducted in Atlantic North America. Results provide a better understanding of how diving birds use offshore areas of the mid-Atlantic U.S. and beyond, and, in combination with results from other types of...Effects of Dorsally Mounted Solar-powered Cellular GPS Transmitters on Diving and Foraging in Surf Scoters and Red-throated Loons
Several types of experimental attachment techniques were tested on each study species (Surf Scoters ( Melanitta perspicillata ), Red-throated Loon ( Gavia stellata ), and Northern Gannet ( Morus bassanus )), including traditional Teflon-ribbon style harnesses, sutures, and harnesses made of silicone moulding. Silicone harnesses, which were deployed in 2014 and 2015, offered the best balance...In-Air and Underwater Hearing Abilities of Seabirds
As diving foragers, sea ducks are vulnerable to underwater anthropogenic activities, including naval sonar activity and gillnet fisheries. Bycatch in gillnets is a principle driver of mortality for sea ducks, killing hundreds of thousands of seabirds annually. To reduce gillnet bycatch, underwater hearing tests were conducted on affected sea duck species to assist with possible development of... - Data
Telemetry data of a Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis) positive for 2.3.4.4 Highly Pathogenic H5N1
Wild lesser scaup from the Chesapeake Bay, captured and implanted with satellite transmitters for a separate ecology study, were opportunistically sampled for avian influenza. These data detail the virological sampling results, obtained post release, which include a single positive for clade 2.3.4.4 H5N1 virus of the A/goose/Guangdong/1/1996 (Gs/GD) H5N1 lineage of highly pathogenic IAV. These datGreat Blue Heron collection at Poplar Island Complex and Chesapeake Marshlands National Wildlife Refuge Complex
In the fall of 2005, dead and dying great blue herons (Ardea herodias) exhibiting emaciation, lethargy, inability to fly and a hard abdomen (steatitis confirmed at necropsy) were observed at Poplar Island and nearby Coaches Island (Rattner et al. 2006). Birds were hand captured at or near impoundments (cells) and ponds that contained large algal blooms, and because of poor prognosis were euthanize - Multimedia
Common Eider implant surgery in Maine
Dr. Glenn Olsen is performing surgery on a female Common Eider to implant a small satellite tracking device in the duck. The surgery is done under sterile conditions and general anesthetic.
Dr. Glenn Olsen is performing surgery on a female Common Eider to implant a small satellite tracking device in the duck. The surgery is done under sterile conditions and general anesthetic.
Ring-necked Duck photo by Glenn H. OlsenMale adult Ring-necked Duck part of a multi-state, multi-year research project looking at migration routes and breeding area for Ring-necked Ducks that winter on freshwater wetlands in the southeastern US.
Male adult Ring-necked Duck part of a multi-state, multi-year research project looking at migration routes and breeding area for Ring-necked Ducks that winter on freshwater wetlands in the southeastern US.
Whoopers ReleasedA Whooping crane chick is released into a temporary pen to acclimate before being released into the wild. Four of the endangered chicks, hatched and raised by their parents at the U.S. Geological Survey’s Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Laurel, Maryland, were released on Necedah National Wildlife Refuge in Wisconsin.
A Whooping crane chick is released into a temporary pen to acclimate before being released into the wild. Four of the endangered chicks, hatched and raised by their parents at the U.S. Geological Survey’s Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Laurel, Maryland, were released on Necedah National Wildlife Refuge in Wisconsin.
*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