Michael N. Kochert
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
Abundance, behavior and mortality of Buteo swainsoni near San Francisco, Cordoba, Argentina in 1997
No abstract available.
Authors
Michael I. Goldstein, Marc J. Bechard, Melissa L. Parker, Michael N. Kochert, Agustin E. Lanusse
Turnover and dispersal of prairie falcons in southwestern Idaho
We studied Prairie Falcon (Falco mexicanus) breeding dispersal, natal dispersal, and turnover
at nesting areas in the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area (NCA) from 1971-
95. Of 61 nesting areas where falcons identified one year were known to be present or absent the following year, 57% had a different falcon. This turnover rate was 2-3 times higher than that reported elsewhere
Authors
Robert N. Lehman, Karen Steenhof, L.B. Carpenter, Michael N. Kochert
Effects of wildfires and military training on raptors
No abstract available.
Authors
K. Steenhof, Michael N. Kochert, L.B. Carpenter, R.N. Lehman, J.M. Marzluff
Creating raptor benefits from powerline problems
Powerlines benefit raptors by providing enhanced nesting and roosting sites. However, they
also can kill raptors by electrocution and raptors can interfere with power transmission. The electrocution problem has been reduced by correcting existing lethal lines and implementing electrocution safe designs for new lines. Remedial actions include pole modifications, perch management and insulation of
Authors
Michael N. Kochert, R.R. Olendorff
Long-term prairie falcon population changes in relation to prey abundance, weather, land uses, and habitat conditions
We studied a nesting population of Prairie Falcons (Falco mexicanus) in the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area (NCA) from 1974-1997 to identify factors that influence abundance and reproduction. Our sampling period included two major droughts and associated crashes in Townsend's ground squirrel (Spermophilus townsendii) populations. The number of Prairie Falcon pairs found on lon
Authors
Karen Steenhof, Michael N. Kochert, L.B. Carpenter, Robert N. Lehman
Effects of fire on golden eagle territory occupancy and reproductive success
We examined effects of fire on golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) territory occupancy and reproductive success in southwestern Idaho because wildfires since 1980 have resulted in large-scale losses of shrub habitat in the Snake River Plain. Success (percentage of pairs that raised young) at burned territories declined after major fires (P = 0.004). Pairs in burned areas that could expand into adjace
Authors
Michael N. Kochert, Karen Steenhof, J.M. Marzluff, L.B. Carpenter
Effects of military training activities on shrub-steppe raptors in southwestern Idaho, USA
), northern harriers (Circus cyaneus), burrowing owls (Athene cunicularia), and short-eared owls (Asio flammeus) inside and outside a military training site in the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area, southwestern Idaho. The Orchard Training Area is used primarily for armored vehicle training and artillery firing by the Idaho Army National Guard. Relative abundance of nesting pair
Authors
Robert N. Lehman, Karen Steenhof, Michael N. Kochert, L.B. Carpenter
Relevance of research to resource managers and policy makers
No abstract available.
Authors
Michael N. Kochert, Michael W. Collopy
Assessing relative abundance and reproductive success of shrubsteppe raptors
From 1991-1994, we quantified relative abundance and reproductive success of
the Ferruginous Hawk (Buteo regalis), Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus), Burrowing Owl
(Speotytoc unicularia), and Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) on the shrubsteppe plateaus
(benchlands) in and near the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area in
southwestern Idaho. To assess relative abundance, we search
Authors
Robert N. Lehman, L.B. Carpenter, Karen Steenhof, Michael N. Kochert
Productivity of golden eagles wearing backpack radiotransmitters
We examined the association between the presence of backpack radiotransmitters and Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) reproduction (percentage of occupied territories producing young, and number of nestlings produced) over three years. The association between radio-tagging and nesting success and the number of nestlings produced varied significantly among years. A negative association with tagging w
Authors
J.M. Marzluff, M.S. Vekasy, Michael N. Kochert, Karen Steenhof
Interactive effects of prey and weather on golden eagle reproduction
1. The reproduction of the golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos was studied in southwestern Idaho for 23 years, and the relationship between eagle reproduction and jackrabbit Lepus californicus abundance, weather factors, and their interactions, was modelled using general linear models. Backward elimination procedures were used to arrive at parsimonious models.2. The number of golden eagle pairs occupyi
Authors
Karen Steenhof, Michael N. Kochert, T. L. McDonald
Effectiveness of artificial nesting structures for Ferruginous Hawks in Wyoming
No abstract available.
Authors
James R. Tigner, Mayo W. Call, Michael N. Kochert
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: 40Abundance, behavior and mortality of Buteo swainsoni near San Francisco, Cordoba, Argentina in 1997
No abstract available.AuthorsMichael I. Goldstein, Marc J. Bechard, Melissa L. Parker, Michael N. Kochert, Agustin E. LanusseTurnover and dispersal of prairie falcons in southwestern Idaho
We studied Prairie Falcon (Falco mexicanus) breeding dispersal, natal dispersal, and turnover at nesting areas in the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area (NCA) from 1971- 95. Of 61 nesting areas where falcons identified one year were known to be present or absent the following year, 57% had a different falcon. This turnover rate was 2-3 times higher than that reported elsewhereAuthorsRobert N. Lehman, Karen Steenhof, L.B. Carpenter, Michael N. KochertEffects of wildfires and military training on raptors
No abstract available.AuthorsK. Steenhof, Michael N. Kochert, L.B. Carpenter, R.N. Lehman, J.M. MarzluffCreating raptor benefits from powerline problems
Powerlines benefit raptors by providing enhanced nesting and roosting sites. However, they also can kill raptors by electrocution and raptors can interfere with power transmission. The electrocution problem has been reduced by correcting existing lethal lines and implementing electrocution safe designs for new lines. Remedial actions include pole modifications, perch management and insulation ofAuthorsMichael N. Kochert, R.R. OlendorffLong-term prairie falcon population changes in relation to prey abundance, weather, land uses, and habitat conditions
We studied a nesting population of Prairie Falcons (Falco mexicanus) in the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area (NCA) from 1974-1997 to identify factors that influence abundance and reproduction. Our sampling period included two major droughts and associated crashes in Townsend's ground squirrel (Spermophilus townsendii) populations. The number of Prairie Falcon pairs found on lonAuthorsKaren Steenhof, Michael N. Kochert, L.B. Carpenter, Robert N. LehmanEffects of fire on golden eagle territory occupancy and reproductive success
We examined effects of fire on golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) territory occupancy and reproductive success in southwestern Idaho because wildfires since 1980 have resulted in large-scale losses of shrub habitat in the Snake River Plain. Success (percentage of pairs that raised young) at burned territories declined after major fires (P = 0.004). Pairs in burned areas that could expand into adjaceAuthorsMichael N. Kochert, Karen Steenhof, J.M. Marzluff, L.B. CarpenterEffects of military training activities on shrub-steppe raptors in southwestern Idaho, USA
), northern harriers (Circus cyaneus), burrowing owls (Athene cunicularia), and short-eared owls (Asio flammeus) inside and outside a military training site in the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area, southwestern Idaho. The Orchard Training Area is used primarily for armored vehicle training and artillery firing by the Idaho Army National Guard. Relative abundance of nesting pairAuthorsRobert N. Lehman, Karen Steenhof, Michael N. Kochert, L.B. CarpenterRelevance of research to resource managers and policy makers
No abstract available.AuthorsMichael N. Kochert, Michael W. CollopyAssessing relative abundance and reproductive success of shrubsteppe raptors
From 1991-1994, we quantified relative abundance and reproductive success of the Ferruginous Hawk (Buteo regalis), Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus), Burrowing Owl (Speotytoc unicularia), and Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) on the shrubsteppe plateaus (benchlands) in and near the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area in southwestern Idaho. To assess relative abundance, we searchAuthorsRobert N. Lehman, L.B. Carpenter, Karen Steenhof, Michael N. KochertProductivity of golden eagles wearing backpack radiotransmitters
We examined the association between the presence of backpack radiotransmitters and Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) reproduction (percentage of occupied territories producing young, and number of nestlings produced) over three years. The association between radio-tagging and nesting success and the number of nestlings produced varied significantly among years. A negative association with tagging wAuthorsJ.M. Marzluff, M.S. Vekasy, Michael N. Kochert, Karen SteenhofInteractive effects of prey and weather on golden eagle reproduction
1. The reproduction of the golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos was studied in southwestern Idaho for 23 years, and the relationship between eagle reproduction and jackrabbit Lepus californicus abundance, weather factors, and their interactions, was modelled using general linear models. Backward elimination procedures were used to arrive at parsimonious models.2. The number of golden eagle pairs occupyiAuthorsKaren Steenhof, Michael N. Kochert, T. L. McDonaldEffectiveness of artificial nesting structures for Ferruginous Hawks in Wyoming
No abstract available.AuthorsJames R. Tigner, Mayo W. Call, Michael N. KochertNon-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