I am a Scientist Emeritus at the USGS Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center.
My entire career has focused on the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area (NCA), located south of Boise. I’m most proud of my work in designing and directing the research that provided the biological basis to the Secretary of the Interior for establishing the NCA and its boundary. I am currently engaged in two major areas of work: 1) I still work on the long-term ecological assessments of the golden eagle nesting population in southwestern Idaho as a partner with Julie Heath’s lab at BSU. I have five decades of knowledge of the eagles and the area. 2) I am working on a project with Todd Katzner (USGS, FRESC), Jim Belthoff (BSU), and Karen Steenhof on the long-term monitoring of the nesting prairie falcon population in the NCA.
Affiliations and Memberships*
Adjunct faculty member at Boise State University, Boise, ID
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.
Filter Total Items: 40
Golden Eagle dietary shifts following wildfire and shrub loss have negative consequences for nestling survivorship
Wildfires and invasive species have caused widespread changes in western North America’s shrub-steppe landscapes. The bottom–up consequences of degraded shrublands on predator ecology and demography remain poorly understood. We used a before–after paired design to study whether Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) diet and nestling survivorship changed following wildfires in southwestern Idaho, USA. W
Golden Eagle
The Golden Eagle inhabits a wide range of latitudes and habitats throughout the Palearctic and into northern Africa, where it is largely resident. In North America, its breeding distribution includes most of Canada and Alaska, as well as the western half of the United States and northern and western Mexico. Most eagles that nest in northern Canada and interior and northern Alaska migrate thousands
Ecological insights from three decades of animal movement tracking across a changing Arctic
The Arctic is entering a new ecological state, with alarming consequences for humanity. Animal-borne sensors offer a window into these changes. Although substantial animal tracking data from the Arctic and subarctic exist, most are difficult to discover and access. Here, we present the new Arctic Animal Movement Archive (AAMA), a growing collection of more than 200 standardized terrestrial and mar
Marking techniques
No abstract available.
Using motion-activated cameras to study diet and productivity of cliff-nesting Golden Eagles
Studies of cliff-nesting raptors can be challenging because direct observations of nest
contents are difficult. Our goals were to develop a protocol for installing motionactivated
trail cameras at Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) nests to record diet
information and productivity, and to estimate prey detection probability using different
diet study methods. In 2014 and 2015, we installed cameras a
Effects of nest exposure and spring temperatures on golden eagle brood survival: An opportunity for mitigation
We examined Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) brood survival in relation to spring temperatures and exposure of nests to afternoon sun in southwestern Idaho from 1970 through 2012. Most (77%) nests classified as shaded in a subset of 96 nests had northwest to east aspects, and most (71%) nests classified as exposed had south to west aspects. We analyzed survival of 1154 Golden Eagle broods in 64 te
Prevalence and risk factors of Trichomonas gallinae and trichomonosis in golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) nestlings in western North America
Avian trichomonosis, caused by the protozoan Trichomonas gallinae, affects bird-eating raptors worldwide. Raptors can develop trichomonosis by feeding on infected prey, particularly Rock Pigeons (Columba livia), which are a reservoir for T. gallinae. Raptors may be particularly vulnerable to T. gallinae infection in degraded habitats, where changes in resources may cause raptors to switch from for
Spatial and temporal patterns in golden eagle diets in the western United States, with implications for conservation planning
Detailed information on diets and predatory ecology of Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) is essential to prioritize prey species management and to develop landscape-specific conservation strategies, including mitigation of the effects of energy development across the western United States. We compiled published and unpublished data on Golden Eagle diets to (1) summarize available information on Go
Coming to terms about describing Golden Eagle reproduction
Clearly defined terms are essential for reporting and understanding research findings, and inconsistent terminology can complicate efforts to compare findings from different studies. In this article, we reiterate and clarify recommended terms for describing Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) territory occupancy and reproduction. Several authors have provided recommendations for reporting data on rap
Temporal and spatial changes in golden eagle reproduction in relation to increased off highway vehicle activity
We used >40 years of data on golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) nesting in southwestern Idaho, USA, to assess whether the proportion of territories and pairs producing young has changed over time, and whether territories in areas where off highway vehicle (OHV) use has increased significantly were less likely to be productive than those in areas that continued to have little or no motorized recreat
Interactions between a group of Golden Eagles and a herd of North American elk
Raptors are generally considered solitary predators (Schoener 1969), but occasionally they interact socially (Brown and Amadon 1968). Certain raptor species (e.g., Swallow-tailed Kites [Elanoides forficatus] and Swainson's Hawks [Buteo swainsoni]) concentrate in aggregations in response to localized, abundant food sources (Ellis et al. 1993). Many raptor species engage in group hunting (Ellis et a
Non-USGS Publications**
Marti, C.D., Kochert, M.N., 1996, Diet and trophic characteristics of great horned owls in southwestern Idaho: Journal of Field Ornithology, v. 67, no. 4, p. 499-506.
Tigner, J.R., Call, M.W., Kochert, M.N., 1996, Effectiveness of artificial nesting structures for ferruginous hawks in Wyoming In: Bird, D.M., Varland, D.E., Negro, J.J., eds., Raptors in Human Landscapes: London, UK, Academic Press Ltd., p. 137-144.
Vekasy, M.S., Marzluff, J.M., Kochert, M.N., Lehman, R.N., Steenhof, K., 1996, Influence of radio transmitters on prairie falcons (Falco mexicanus): Journal of Field Ornithology, v. 67, no. 4, p. 680-690.
Marti, C.D., Kochert, M.N., 1995, Are red-tailed hawks and great horned owls diurnal-nocturnal dietary counterparts?: Wilson Bulletin, v. 107, no. 4, p. 615-628.
Marti, C.D., Steenhof, K., Kochert, M.N., Marks, J.S., 1993, Community trophic structure- the roles of diet, body size, and activity time in vertebrate predators: Oikos, v. 67, no. 1, p. 6-18.
Steenhof, K., Kochert, M.N., Roppe, J.A., 1993, Nesting by raptors and common ravens on electrical transmission line towers: Journal of Wildlife Management, v. 57, no. 2, p. 271-281.
Engel, K.A., Young, L.S., Roppe, J.A., Kochert, M.N., 1992, Communal roosting of common ravens in southwestern Idaho: Wilson Bulletin, v. 104, no. 1, p. 105-121.
Olendorff, R.R., Kochert, M.N., 1992, Raptor habitat management on public lands- A strategy for the future: US Bureau of Land Management BLM/SC/PT-92/009+6635, p. 46.
Holthuijzen, A.M., Eastland, W.G., Ansell, A.R., Kochert, M.N., Williams, R.D., Young, L.S., 1990, Effects of blasting on behavior and productivity of nesting prairie falcons: Wildlife Society Bulletin, v. 18, p. 270-281.
Olendorff, R.R., Bibles, D., Dean, M., Haugh, J.R., Kochert, M.N., 1989, Raptor Habitat Management Under the U.S. Bureau of Land Management Multiple-use Mandate: Boise, ID, The Raptor Research Foundation, p. 1-80.
Kochert, M.N., 1989, Responses of raptors to livestock grazing in the western United States Ineds., B.G. Pendleton [ed] Proceedings of the western raptor management symposium and workshop: Washington, DC, National Wildlife Federation, p. 194-203.
Steenhof, K., Kochert, M.N., 1988, Dietary responses of three raptor species to changing prey densities in a natural environment: Journal of Animal Ecology, v. 57, p. 37-48.
Edwards, T.C., Collopy, M.W., Steenhof, K., Kochert, M.N., 1988, Sex ratios of fledgling Golden Eagles: Auk, v. 105, no. 4, p. 793-796.
Kochert, M.N., Pellant, M., 1986, Multiple Use in the Snake River Birds of Prey Area: Bureau of Land Management, v. 8, no. 5, p. 217-220.
Kochert, M.N., 1986, Raptors InBoyd, R., Stuart, H.R., eds., Inventory and Monitoring of Wildlife Habitat: Denver, CO, USDOI, BLM Service Center, p. 313-349.
Steenhof, K., Kochert, M.N., 1985, Dietary shifts of sympatric buteos during a prey decline: Oecologia, v. 66, p. 6-16.
Steenhof, K., Kochert, M.N., Moritsch, M.Q., 1984, Dispersal and migration of southwestern Idaho raptors: Journal of Field Ornithology, v. 55, no. 3, p. 357-368.
Kochert, M.N., Steenhof, K., Moritsch, M.Q., 1983, Evaluation of patagial markers for raptors and ravens: Wildlife Society Bulletin, v. 11, no. 3, p. 271-281.
Steenhof, K., Kochert, M.N., Doremus, J.H., 1983, Nesting of subadult Golden Eagles in Southwestern Idaho: Auk, v. 100, no. 3, p. 743-747.
Steenhof, K., Kochert, M.N., 1982, An evaluation of methods used to estimate raptor nesting success: Journal of Wildlife Management, v. 46, no. 4, p. 885-893.
Kochert, M.N., 1980, Workshop on Raptors and Energy Developments: Boise, ID, The Idaho Chapter of the Wildlife Society, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bonneville Power Administration and the Idaho Power Company, p. 1-125.
**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.
Science and Products
- Publications
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: 40Golden Eagle dietary shifts following wildfire and shrub loss have negative consequences for nestling survivorship
Wildfires and invasive species have caused widespread changes in western North America’s shrub-steppe landscapes. The bottom–up consequences of degraded shrublands on predator ecology and demography remain poorly understood. We used a before–after paired design to study whether Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) diet and nestling survivorship changed following wildfires in southwestern Idaho, USA. WGolden Eagle
The Golden Eagle inhabits a wide range of latitudes and habitats throughout the Palearctic and into northern Africa, where it is largely resident. In North America, its breeding distribution includes most of Canada and Alaska, as well as the western half of the United States and northern and western Mexico. Most eagles that nest in northern Canada and interior and northern Alaska migrate thousandsEcological insights from three decades of animal movement tracking across a changing Arctic
The Arctic is entering a new ecological state, with alarming consequences for humanity. Animal-borne sensors offer a window into these changes. Although substantial animal tracking data from the Arctic and subarctic exist, most are difficult to discover and access. Here, we present the new Arctic Animal Movement Archive (AAMA), a growing collection of more than 200 standardized terrestrial and marMarking techniques
No abstract available.Using motion-activated cameras to study diet and productivity of cliff-nesting Golden Eagles
Studies of cliff-nesting raptors can be challenging because direct observations of nest contents are difficult. Our goals were to develop a protocol for installing motionactivated trail cameras at Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) nests to record diet information and productivity, and to estimate prey detection probability using different diet study methods. In 2014 and 2015, we installed cameras aEffects of nest exposure and spring temperatures on golden eagle brood survival: An opportunity for mitigation
We examined Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) brood survival in relation to spring temperatures and exposure of nests to afternoon sun in southwestern Idaho from 1970 through 2012. Most (77%) nests classified as shaded in a subset of 96 nests had northwest to east aspects, and most (71%) nests classified as exposed had south to west aspects. We analyzed survival of 1154 Golden Eagle broods in 64 tePrevalence and risk factors of Trichomonas gallinae and trichomonosis in golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) nestlings in western North America
Avian trichomonosis, caused by the protozoan Trichomonas gallinae, affects bird-eating raptors worldwide. Raptors can develop trichomonosis by feeding on infected prey, particularly Rock Pigeons (Columba livia), which are a reservoir for T. gallinae. Raptors may be particularly vulnerable to T. gallinae infection in degraded habitats, where changes in resources may cause raptors to switch from forSpatial and temporal patterns in golden eagle diets in the western United States, with implications for conservation planning
Detailed information on diets and predatory ecology of Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) is essential to prioritize prey species management and to develop landscape-specific conservation strategies, including mitigation of the effects of energy development across the western United States. We compiled published and unpublished data on Golden Eagle diets to (1) summarize available information on GoComing to terms about describing Golden Eagle reproduction
Clearly defined terms are essential for reporting and understanding research findings, and inconsistent terminology can complicate efforts to compare findings from different studies. In this article, we reiterate and clarify recommended terms for describing Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) territory occupancy and reproduction. Several authors have provided recommendations for reporting data on rapTemporal and spatial changes in golden eagle reproduction in relation to increased off highway vehicle activity
We used >40 years of data on golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) nesting in southwestern Idaho, USA, to assess whether the proportion of territories and pairs producing young has changed over time, and whether territories in areas where off highway vehicle (OHV) use has increased significantly were less likely to be productive than those in areas that continued to have little or no motorized recreatInteractions between a group of Golden Eagles and a herd of North American elk
Raptors are generally considered solitary predators (Schoener 1969), but occasionally they interact socially (Brown and Amadon 1968). Certain raptor species (e.g., Swallow-tailed Kites [Elanoides forficatus] and Swainson's Hawks [Buteo swainsoni]) concentrate in aggregations in response to localized, abundant food sources (Ellis et al. 1993). Many raptor species engage in group hunting (Ellis et aNon-USGS Publications**
Marti, C.D., Kochert, M.N., 1996, Diet and trophic characteristics of great horned owls in southwestern Idaho: Journal of Field Ornithology, v. 67, no. 4, p. 499-506.Tigner, J.R., Call, M.W., Kochert, M.N., 1996, Effectiveness of artificial nesting structures for ferruginous hawks in Wyoming In: Bird, D.M., Varland, D.E., Negro, J.J., eds., Raptors in Human Landscapes: London, UK, Academic Press Ltd., p. 137-144.Vekasy, M.S., Marzluff, J.M., Kochert, M.N., Lehman, R.N., Steenhof, K., 1996, Influence of radio transmitters on prairie falcons (Falco mexicanus): Journal of Field Ornithology, v. 67, no. 4, p. 680-690.Marti, C.D., Kochert, M.N., 1995, Are red-tailed hawks and great horned owls diurnal-nocturnal dietary counterparts?: Wilson Bulletin, v. 107, no. 4, p. 615-628.Marti, C.D., Steenhof, K., Kochert, M.N., Marks, J.S., 1993, Community trophic structure- the roles of diet, body size, and activity time in vertebrate predators: Oikos, v. 67, no. 1, p. 6-18.Steenhof, K., Kochert, M.N., Roppe, J.A., 1993, Nesting by raptors and common ravens on electrical transmission line towers: Journal of Wildlife Management, v. 57, no. 2, p. 271-281.Engel, K.A., Young, L.S., Roppe, J.A., Kochert, M.N., 1992, Communal roosting of common ravens in southwestern Idaho: Wilson Bulletin, v. 104, no. 1, p. 105-121.Olendorff, R.R., Kochert, M.N., 1992, Raptor habitat management on public lands- A strategy for the future: US Bureau of Land Management BLM/SC/PT-92/009+6635, p. 46.Holthuijzen, A.M., Eastland, W.G., Ansell, A.R., Kochert, M.N., Williams, R.D., Young, L.S., 1990, Effects of blasting on behavior and productivity of nesting prairie falcons: Wildlife Society Bulletin, v. 18, p. 270-281.Olendorff, R.R., Bibles, D., Dean, M., Haugh, J.R., Kochert, M.N., 1989, Raptor Habitat Management Under the U.S. Bureau of Land Management Multiple-use Mandate: Boise, ID, The Raptor Research Foundation, p. 1-80.Kochert, M.N., 1989, Responses of raptors to livestock grazing in the western United States Ineds., B.G. Pendleton [ed] Proceedings of the western raptor management symposium and workshop: Washington, DC, National Wildlife Federation, p. 194-203.Steenhof, K., Kochert, M.N., 1988, Dietary responses of three raptor species to changing prey densities in a natural environment: Journal of Animal Ecology, v. 57, p. 37-48.Edwards, T.C., Collopy, M.W., Steenhof, K., Kochert, M.N., 1988, Sex ratios of fledgling Golden Eagles: Auk, v. 105, no. 4, p. 793-796.Kochert, M.N., Pellant, M., 1986, Multiple Use in the Snake River Birds of Prey Area: Bureau of Land Management, v. 8, no. 5, p. 217-220.Kochert, M.N., 1986, Raptors InBoyd, R., Stuart, H.R., eds., Inventory and Monitoring of Wildlife Habitat: Denver, CO, USDOI, BLM Service Center, p. 313-349.Steenhof, K., Kochert, M.N., 1985, Dietary shifts of sympatric buteos during a prey decline: Oecologia, v. 66, p. 6-16.Steenhof, K., Kochert, M.N., Moritsch, M.Q., 1984, Dispersal and migration of southwestern Idaho raptors: Journal of Field Ornithology, v. 55, no. 3, p. 357-368.Kochert, M.N., Steenhof, K., Moritsch, M.Q., 1983, Evaluation of patagial markers for raptors and ravens: Wildlife Society Bulletin, v. 11, no. 3, p. 271-281.Steenhof, K., Kochert, M.N., Doremus, J.H., 1983, Nesting of subadult Golden Eagles in Southwestern Idaho: Auk, v. 100, no. 3, p. 743-747.Steenhof, K., Kochert, M.N., 1982, An evaluation of methods used to estimate raptor nesting success: Journal of Wildlife Management, v. 46, no. 4, p. 885-893.Kochert, M.N., 1980, Workshop on Raptors and Energy Developments: Boise, ID, The Idaho Chapter of the Wildlife Society, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bonneville Power Administration and the Idaho Power Company, p. 1-125.**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