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Robb Diehl, Ph.D.

My research explores the behavior and ecology of migratory birds and seeks to inform on their conservation and management.

Education

PhD and MS, Ecology, University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, IL

BS, Wildlife Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN


Research Interest

Migratory birds matter. They are a remarkable part of our cultural, historical, and natural heritage; they provide ecosystem services including pest control and pollination; they are a source of recreation for tens of millions of people who feed, watch, and landscape their yards for birds; and they help support a vigorous wildlife watching industry.

My work follows three broad themes: 1) understanding the behavior, ecology, and conservation of migrating birds, 2) determining how flying animals may be influenced by anthropogenic activity, especially in relation to energy development, and 3) advancing the remote sensing technologies biologists use to study birds and other wildlife.

Science and Products

link
Sandhill Cranes fly in close proximity to wind turbines near Horicon National Wildlife Refuge in east-central Wisconsin.

Energy development and the airspace

Today, the alternative energy and telecommunications industries are developing the airspace much the way metropolitan growth and mechanized agriculture develop the landscape. NOROCK scientists and partners are using both historical and traditional technologies in new and innovative ways to observe wildlife behaviors in response to these changing habitats.
By
Ecosystems, Energy & Wildlife, Wildlife Program, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center
link

Energy development and the airspace

Today, the alternative energy and telecommunications industries are developing the airspace much the way metropolitan growth and mechanized agriculture develop the landscape. NOROCK scientists and partners are using both historical and traditional technologies in new and innovative ways to observe wildlife behaviors in response to these changing habitats.
Learn More
link
USGS

USGS Radar Products

See below and the "Publications" tab for USGS publications and products associated with radar research.
By
Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center
link

USGS Radar Products

See below and the "Publications" tab for USGS publications and products associated with radar research.
Learn More
link
Weather radar reflecting songbirds over central and eastern North America.

Realizing the biological potential of weather radar

The modern use of field deployed remote sensors generates large amounts of environmental data on natural systems, and this benefits natural sciences. Today’s automated sensors are fast, run nearly continuously, eliminate the need for “people power”, are cost effective to operate and maintain, and monitor the environment in ways humans cannot. The US network of more than 200 weather radars, the...
By
Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center
link

Realizing the biological potential of weather radar

The modern use of field deployed remote sensors generates large amounts of environmental data on natural systems, and this benefits natural sciences. Today’s automated sensors are fast, run nearly continuously, eliminate the need for “people power”, are cost effective to operate and maintain, and monitor the environment in ways humans cannot. The US network of more than 200 weather radars, the...
Learn More
link
Researchers set up radar equipment at dusk near Horicon National Wildlife Refuge in east-central Wisconsin.

Remote sensing flying animals

NOROCK scientists and collaborators are working to advance their tools of the trade. Specifically, weather radars, portable radars, thermal imaging cameras, and automated radio tracking are capable mature technologies, able to detect the movement patterns and other behaviors of flying animals at night and at distances far beyond the limits of human vision.
By
Energy & Wildlife, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center
link

Remote sensing flying animals

NOROCK scientists and collaborators are working to advance their tools of the trade. Specifically, weather radars, portable radars, thermal imaging cameras, and automated radio tracking are capable mature technologies, able to detect the movement patterns and other behaviors of flying animals at night and at distances far beyond the limits of human vision.
Learn More
link
Thrush feeding babies.

The ecology, behavior, and conservation of migratory birds

U.S. Geological Survey research contributes to conservation measures and improved management of migratory bird populations and their habitats across the United States. Migratory birds provide ecosystem benefits that include pest control, pollination of plants and serve as food sources for other wildlife. They are also a source of recreation for millions of bird watchers and enthusiasts who provide...
By
Ecosystems, Wildlife Program, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center
link

The ecology, behavior, and conservation of migratory birds

U.S. Geological Survey research contributes to conservation measures and improved management of migratory bird populations and their habitats across the United States. Migratory birds provide ecosystem benefits that include pest control, pollination of plants and serve as food sources for other wildlife. They are also a source of recreation for millions of bird watchers and enthusiasts who provide...
Learn More
link
This radar image from May 16, 1999, captures the distribution of birds in the airspace shortly after the onset of nocturnal migr

Radar Technology - A Tool for Understanding Migratory Aerofauna

Understanding the factors affecting migratory bird and bat populations during all three phases of their life cycle—breeding, non-breeding, and migration—is critical to species conservation planning. This includes the need for information about these species’ responses to natural challenges, as well as information about the impact of human activities that alter resources critical to migrants during...
By
Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center
link

Radar Technology - A Tool for Understanding Migratory Aerofauna

Understanding the factors affecting migratory bird and bat populations during all three phases of their life cycle—breeding, non-breeding, and migration—is critical to species conservation planning. This includes the need for information about these species’ responses to natural challenges, as well as information about the impact of human activities that alter resources critical to migrants during...
Learn More
link
UAV launch

NOROCK's Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) Program

Scientists at NOROCK are actively exploring the use of small unmanned aerial system (sUAS) for sensor testing and scientific data collection. We are using the same sUAS deployed by the US Department of Defense. These systems have proven their utility in reconnaissance missions and are now finding a second life in scientific research.
By
Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center
link

NOROCK's Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) Program

Scientists at NOROCK are actively exploring the use of small unmanned aerial system (sUAS) for sensor testing and scientific data collection. We are using the same sUAS deployed by the US Department of Defense. These systems have proven their utility in reconnaissance missions and are now finding a second life in scientific research.
Learn More
link
USGS science for a changing world logo

Summarization of National NEXRAD Data for use in Biological Applications

The U.S. network of 160 weather radars known as NEXRAD (NEXt generation RADar) is one of the largest and most comprehensive terrestrial sensor networks in the world. To date, the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) has archived about 2 petabytes data from this system. Although designed for meteorological applications, these radars readily detect the movements of birds, bats, and insects. Many
By
Community for Data Integration (CDI)
link

Summarization of National NEXRAD Data for use in Biological Applications

The U.S. network of 160 weather radars known as NEXRAD (NEXt generation RADar) is one of the largest and most comprehensive terrestrial sensor networks in the world. To date, the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) has archived about 2 petabytes data from this system. Although designed for meteorological applications, these radars readily detect the movements of birds, bats, and insects. Many
Learn More
link
Filter Total Items: 20

Retreat, detour or advance? Understanding the movements of birds confronting the Gulf of Mexico

During migration, birds must locate stopover habitats that provide sufficient resources to rest and refuel while en route to the breeding or non-breeding area. Long-distance migrants invariably encounter inhospitable geographic features, the edges of which are often characterized by habitat limited in food and safety. In response, they often depart in directions inconsistent with reaching their de
By
Ecosystems, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Perspectives and challenges for the use of radar in biological conservation

Radar is at the forefront for the study of broad‐scale aerial movements of birds, bats and insects and related issues in biological conservation. Radar techniques are especially useful for investigating species which fly at high altitudes, in darkness, or which are too small for applying electronic tags. Here, we present an overview of radar applications in biological conservation and highlight it
By
Ecosystems, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center

Linking animals aloft with the terrestrial landscape

Despite using the aerosphere for many facets of their life, most flying animals (i.e., birds, bats, some insects) are still bound to terrestrial habitats for resting, feeding, and reproduction. Comprehensive broad-scale observations by weather surveillance radars of animals as they leave terrestrial habitats for migration or feeding flights can be used to map their terrestrial distributions either
By
Ecosystems, Energy & Wildlife, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center

Songbirds are resilient to hurricane disturbed habitats during spring migration

The Gulf of Mexico is a conspicuous feature of the Neotropical–Nearctic bird migration system. Traveling long distances across ecological barriers comes with considerable risks, and mortality associated with intercontinental migration may be substantial, including that caused by storms or other adverse weather events. However, little, if anything, is known about how migratory birds respond to dist
By
Ecosystems, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center , Bird Banding Laboratory

Partly cloudy with a chance of migration: Weather, radars, and aeroecology

Aeroecology is an emerging scientific discipline that integrates atmospheric science, Earth science, geography, ecology, computer science, computational biology, and engineering to further the understanding of biological patterns and processes. The unifying concept underlying this new transdisciplinary field of study is a focus on the planetary boundary layer and lower free atmosphere (i.e., the a
By
Ecosystems, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center

Evaluating the effectiveness of wildlife detection and observation technologies at a solar power tower facility

Solar power towers produce electrical energy from sunlight at an industrial scale. Little is known about the effects of this technology on flying animals and few methods exist for automatically detecting or observing wildlife at solar towers and other tall anthropogenic structures. Smoking objects are sometimes observed co-occurring with reflected, concentrated light (“solar flux”) in the airspace
By
Ecosystems, Energy & Wildlife, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center

Fat, weather, and date affect migratory songbirds’ departure decisions, routes, and time it takes to cross the Gulf of Mexico

Approximately two thirds of migratory songbirds in eastern North America negotiate the Gulf of Mexico (GOM), where inclement weather coupled with no refueling or resting opportunities can be lethal. However, decisions made when navigating such features and their consequences remain largely unknown due to technological limitations of tracking small animals over large areas. We used automated radio
By
Ecosystems, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center

Community for Data Integration 2014 annual report

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) researches Earth science to help address complex issues affecting society and the environment. In 2006, the USGS held the first Scientific Information Management Workshop to bring together staff from across the organization to discuss the data and information management issues affecting the integration and delivery of Earth science research and investigate the use
By
Ecosystems, Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, Science Analytics and Synthesis (SAS), Community for Data Integration (CDI), Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Spring resource phenology and timing of songbird migration across the Gulf of Mexico

Migratory songbirds are advancing their arrival to breeding areas in response to climatic warming at temperate latitudes. Less is understood about the impacts of climate changes outside the breeding period. Every spring, millions of migrating songbirds that overwinter in the Caribbean and Central and South America stop to rest and refuel in the first available habitats after crossing the Gulf of M
By
Ecosystems, Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center, Bird Banding Laboratory

Behavior of bats at wind turbines

Wind turbines are causing unprecedented numbers of bat fatalities. Many fatalities involve tree-roosting bats, but reasons for this higher susceptibility remain unknown. To better understand behaviors associated with risk, we monitored bats at three experimentally manipulated wind turbines in Indiana, United States, from July 29 to October 1, 2012, using thermal cameras and other methods. We obser
By
Ecosystems, Energy & Wildlife, Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Fort Collins Science Center

Bird mortality during nocturnal migration over Lake Michigan: A case study

Millions of birds die each year during migration. Most of this mortality goes unobserved and conditions surrounding the actual events are often not thoroughly documented. We present a case study of substantial migrant casualties along the shores of southwestern Lake Michigan during May 1996 when we found 2,981 dead birds of 114 species, mostly migrant passerines. An unusual sequence of events allo
By
Ecosystems, Energy & Wildlife, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center

Factors influencing the movement biology of migrant songbirds confronted with an ecological barrier

Whether or not a migratory songbird embarks on a long-distance flight across an ecological barrier is likely a response to a number of endogenous and exogenous factors. During autumn 2008 and 2009, we used automated radio tracking to investigate how energetic condition, age, and weather influenced the departure timing and direction of Swainson’s thrushes (Catharus ustulatus) during migratory stopo
By
Ecosystems, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center

Pre-USGS Publications

Larkin, R. P. and R. H. Diehl. 2012. Radar techniques for wildlife biology. Pp. 319–335 in N. Silvy, editor. Techniques for wildlife investigations and management, 7th edition. Wildlife Society, Bethesda, Maryland.
Chilson, P. B., W. F. Frick, J. F. Kelly, K. W. Howard, R. P. Larkin, R. H. Diehl, J. K. Westbrook, T. A. Kelly, and T. H. Kunz. 2012. Partly cloudy with a chance of migration: weather, radars, and aeroecology. Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society 93:669-686.
Bridge, E. S., K. Thorup, M. S. Bowlin, P. B. Chilson, R. H. Diehl, R. W. Fléron, P. Hartl, R. Kays, J. F. Kelly, W. D. Robinson, and M. Wikelski. 2011. Technology on the move: Recent and forthcoming innovations for tracking migratory birds. BioScience. 61:689-698.
Randall, L. A., R. H. Diehl, B. C. Wilson, W. C. Barrow, and C. W. Jeske. 2011. Use of weather radar to study movement of wintering waterfowl. Journal of Wildlife Management. 75:1324-1329.
Kirsch, E. M., R. S. Sojda, R. H. Diehl, and M. Suarez. 2010. A crane movement model parameterized using portable radar for evaluating response to wind energy development. Proceedings of iEMSS 5th Biennial meeting: International Congress on Environmental Modeling and Software Society, Ottawa, Canada, July 2010.
Robinson, W., M. Bowlin, I. Bisson, J. Shamoun-Baranes, K. Thorup, R. Diehl, T. Kunz, S. Mabey, and D. Winkler. 2009. Integrating concepts and technologies at the frontiers of bird migration. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment. 8: 354–361.
Cryan, P. and R. Diehl. 2009. Analyzing bat migration. in Ecological and Behavioral methods for the study of bats. (T.H. Kunz and S. Parsons, eds.). pp. 476-488. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, Maryland.
Buler, J. J. and R. H. Diehl. 2009. Quantifying bird density during migratory stopover using weather surveillance radar. IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing. 47:2741-2751.
Diehl, R. H., and R. P. Larkin. 2005. Introduction to the WSR-88D (NEXRAD) for ornithological research. in C. J. Ralph and T. D. Rich, editors. Bird Conservation Implementation and Integration in the Americas: Proceedings of the Third International Partners in Flight Conference 2002. Pacific Southwest Research Station, Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Albany, California
Diehl, R. H., R. P. Larkin, and J. E. Black. 2003. Radar observations of bird migration over the Great Lakes. Auk. 120:278-290.
Wikelski, M., E. Tarlow, A. Raim, R. H. Diehl, H. Visser, and R. P. Larkin. 2003. Migration behavior and energetics of songbird migration in the wild. Nature. 423:704.
Larkin, R. P., W. R. Evans, and R. H. Diehl. 2002. Nocturnal flight calls of Dickcissels and Doppler radar echoes over south Texas in spring. Journal of Field Ornithology. 73:2-8.
Diehl, R. H. and R. P. Larkin. 1998. Providing resources for researchers on the world wide web: some perspectives. BioScience. 48:313-315.
Diehl, R. H. and R. P. Larkin. 1998. Wing beat frequency of thrushes during nocturnal migration, measured via radio telemetry. Auk. 115:591-601.
Larkin, R. P., A. Raim, and R. H. Diehl. 1996. Performance of a non-rotating direction-finder for automatic radio tracking of wildlife. Journal of Field Ornithology. 67:59-71.

link

Videos Reveal Birds, Bats and Bugs near Solar Project Power Towers

Video surveillance is the most effective method for detecting animals flying around solar power towers, according to a study of various techniques by...

Read Article

Science and Products

  • Science
    link
    Sandhill Cranes fly in close proximity to wind turbines near Horicon National Wildlife Refuge in east-central Wisconsin.

    Energy development and the airspace

    Today, the alternative energy and telecommunications industries are developing the airspace much the way metropolitan growth and mechanized agriculture develop the landscape. NOROCK scientists and partners are using both historical and traditional technologies in new and innovative ways to observe wildlife behaviors in response to these changing habitats.
    By
    Ecosystems, Energy & Wildlife, Wildlife Program, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center
    link

    Energy development and the airspace

    Today, the alternative energy and telecommunications industries are developing the airspace much the way metropolitan growth and mechanized agriculture develop the landscape. NOROCK scientists and partners are using both historical and traditional technologies in new and innovative ways to observe wildlife behaviors in response to these changing habitats.
    Learn More
    link
    USGS

    USGS Radar Products

    See below and the "Publications" tab for USGS publications and products associated with radar research.
    By
    Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center
    link

    USGS Radar Products

    See below and the "Publications" tab for USGS publications and products associated with radar research.
    Learn More
    link
    Weather radar reflecting songbirds over central and eastern North America.

    Realizing the biological potential of weather radar

    The modern use of field deployed remote sensors generates large amounts of environmental data on natural systems, and this benefits natural sciences. Today’s automated sensors are fast, run nearly continuously, eliminate the need for “people power”, are cost effective to operate and maintain, and monitor the environment in ways humans cannot. The US network of more than 200 weather radars, the...
    By
    Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center
    link

    Realizing the biological potential of weather radar

    The modern use of field deployed remote sensors generates large amounts of environmental data on natural systems, and this benefits natural sciences. Today’s automated sensors are fast, run nearly continuously, eliminate the need for “people power”, are cost effective to operate and maintain, and monitor the environment in ways humans cannot. The US network of more than 200 weather radars, the...
    Learn More
    link
    Researchers set up radar equipment at dusk near Horicon National Wildlife Refuge in east-central Wisconsin.

    Remote sensing flying animals

    NOROCK scientists and collaborators are working to advance their tools of the trade. Specifically, weather radars, portable radars, thermal imaging cameras, and automated radio tracking are capable mature technologies, able to detect the movement patterns and other behaviors of flying animals at night and at distances far beyond the limits of human vision.
    By
    Energy & Wildlife, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center
    link

    Remote sensing flying animals

    NOROCK scientists and collaborators are working to advance their tools of the trade. Specifically, weather radars, portable radars, thermal imaging cameras, and automated radio tracking are capable mature technologies, able to detect the movement patterns and other behaviors of flying animals at night and at distances far beyond the limits of human vision.
    Learn More
    link
    Thrush feeding babies.

    The ecology, behavior, and conservation of migratory birds

    U.S. Geological Survey research contributes to conservation measures and improved management of migratory bird populations and their habitats across the United States. Migratory birds provide ecosystem benefits that include pest control, pollination of plants and serve as food sources for other wildlife. They are also a source of recreation for millions of bird watchers and enthusiasts who provide...
    By
    Ecosystems, Wildlife Program, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center
    link

    The ecology, behavior, and conservation of migratory birds

    U.S. Geological Survey research contributes to conservation measures and improved management of migratory bird populations and their habitats across the United States. Migratory birds provide ecosystem benefits that include pest control, pollination of plants and serve as food sources for other wildlife. They are also a source of recreation for millions of bird watchers and enthusiasts who provide...
    Learn More
    link
    This radar image from May 16, 1999, captures the distribution of birds in the airspace shortly after the onset of nocturnal migr

    Radar Technology - A Tool for Understanding Migratory Aerofauna

    Understanding the factors affecting migratory bird and bat populations during all three phases of their life cycle—breeding, non-breeding, and migration—is critical to species conservation planning. This includes the need for information about these species’ responses to natural challenges, as well as information about the impact of human activities that alter resources critical to migrants during...
    By
    Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center
    link

    Radar Technology - A Tool for Understanding Migratory Aerofauna

    Understanding the factors affecting migratory bird and bat populations during all three phases of their life cycle—breeding, non-breeding, and migration—is critical to species conservation planning. This includes the need for information about these species’ responses to natural challenges, as well as information about the impact of human activities that alter resources critical to migrants during...
    Learn More
    link
    UAV launch

    NOROCK's Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) Program

    Scientists at NOROCK are actively exploring the use of small unmanned aerial system (sUAS) for sensor testing and scientific data collection. We are using the same sUAS deployed by the US Department of Defense. These systems have proven their utility in reconnaissance missions and are now finding a second life in scientific research.
    By
    Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center
    link

    NOROCK's Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) Program

    Scientists at NOROCK are actively exploring the use of small unmanned aerial system (sUAS) for sensor testing and scientific data collection. We are using the same sUAS deployed by the US Department of Defense. These systems have proven their utility in reconnaissance missions and are now finding a second life in scientific research.
    Learn More
    link
    USGS science for a changing world logo

    Summarization of National NEXRAD Data for use in Biological Applications

    The U.S. network of 160 weather radars known as NEXRAD (NEXt generation RADar) is one of the largest and most comprehensive terrestrial sensor networks in the world. To date, the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) has archived about 2 petabytes data from this system. Although designed for meteorological applications, these radars readily detect the movements of birds, bats, and insects. Many
    By
    Community for Data Integration (CDI)
    link

    Summarization of National NEXRAD Data for use in Biological Applications

    The U.S. network of 160 weather radars known as NEXRAD (NEXt generation RADar) is one of the largest and most comprehensive terrestrial sensor networks in the world. To date, the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) has archived about 2 petabytes data from this system. Although designed for meteorological applications, these radars readily detect the movements of birds, bats, and insects. Many
    Learn More
  • Multimedia
    link
  • Publications
    Filter Total Items: 20

    Retreat, detour or advance? Understanding the movements of birds confronting the Gulf of Mexico

    During migration, birds must locate stopover habitats that provide sufficient resources to rest and refuel while en route to the breeding or non-breeding area. Long-distance migrants invariably encounter inhospitable geographic features, the edges of which are often characterized by habitat limited in food and safety. In response, they often depart in directions inconsistent with reaching their de
    By
    Ecosystems, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

    Perspectives and challenges for the use of radar in biological conservation

    Radar is at the forefront for the study of broad‐scale aerial movements of birds, bats and insects and related issues in biological conservation. Radar techniques are especially useful for investigating species which fly at high altitudes, in darkness, or which are too small for applying electronic tags. Here, we present an overview of radar applications in biological conservation and highlight it
    By
    Ecosystems, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center

    Linking animals aloft with the terrestrial landscape

    Despite using the aerosphere for many facets of their life, most flying animals (i.e., birds, bats, some insects) are still bound to terrestrial habitats for resting, feeding, and reproduction. Comprehensive broad-scale observations by weather surveillance radars of animals as they leave terrestrial habitats for migration or feeding flights can be used to map their terrestrial distributions either
    By
    Ecosystems, Energy & Wildlife, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center

    Songbirds are resilient to hurricane disturbed habitats during spring migration

    The Gulf of Mexico is a conspicuous feature of the Neotropical–Nearctic bird migration system. Traveling long distances across ecological barriers comes with considerable risks, and mortality associated with intercontinental migration may be substantial, including that caused by storms or other adverse weather events. However, little, if anything, is known about how migratory birds respond to dist
    By
    Ecosystems, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center , Bird Banding Laboratory

    Partly cloudy with a chance of migration: Weather, radars, and aeroecology

    Aeroecology is an emerging scientific discipline that integrates atmospheric science, Earth science, geography, ecology, computer science, computational biology, and engineering to further the understanding of biological patterns and processes. The unifying concept underlying this new transdisciplinary field of study is a focus on the planetary boundary layer and lower free atmosphere (i.e., the a
    By
    Ecosystems, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center

    Evaluating the effectiveness of wildlife detection and observation technologies at a solar power tower facility

    Solar power towers produce electrical energy from sunlight at an industrial scale. Little is known about the effects of this technology on flying animals and few methods exist for automatically detecting or observing wildlife at solar towers and other tall anthropogenic structures. Smoking objects are sometimes observed co-occurring with reflected, concentrated light (“solar flux”) in the airspace
    By
    Ecosystems, Energy & Wildlife, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center

    Fat, weather, and date affect migratory songbirds’ departure decisions, routes, and time it takes to cross the Gulf of Mexico

    Approximately two thirds of migratory songbirds in eastern North America negotiate the Gulf of Mexico (GOM), where inclement weather coupled with no refueling or resting opportunities can be lethal. However, decisions made when navigating such features and their consequences remain largely unknown due to technological limitations of tracking small animals over large areas. We used automated radio
    By
    Ecosystems, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center

    Community for Data Integration 2014 annual report

    The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) researches Earth science to help address complex issues affecting society and the environment. In 2006, the USGS held the first Scientific Information Management Workshop to bring together staff from across the organization to discuss the data and information management issues affecting the integration and delivery of Earth science research and investigate the use
    By
    Ecosystems, Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, Science Analytics and Synthesis (SAS), Community for Data Integration (CDI), Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

    Spring resource phenology and timing of songbird migration across the Gulf of Mexico

    Migratory songbirds are advancing their arrival to breeding areas in response to climatic warming at temperate latitudes. Less is understood about the impacts of climate changes outside the breeding period. Every spring, millions of migrating songbirds that overwinter in the Caribbean and Central and South America stop to rest and refuel in the first available habitats after crossing the Gulf of M
    By
    Ecosystems, Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center, Bird Banding Laboratory

    Behavior of bats at wind turbines

    Wind turbines are causing unprecedented numbers of bat fatalities. Many fatalities involve tree-roosting bats, but reasons for this higher susceptibility remain unknown. To better understand behaviors associated with risk, we monitored bats at three experimentally manipulated wind turbines in Indiana, United States, from July 29 to October 1, 2012, using thermal cameras and other methods. We obser
    By
    Ecosystems, Energy & Wildlife, Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Fort Collins Science Center

    Bird mortality during nocturnal migration over Lake Michigan: A case study

    Millions of birds die each year during migration. Most of this mortality goes unobserved and conditions surrounding the actual events are often not thoroughly documented. We present a case study of substantial migrant casualties along the shores of southwestern Lake Michigan during May 1996 when we found 2,981 dead birds of 114 species, mostly migrant passerines. An unusual sequence of events allo
    By
    Ecosystems, Energy & Wildlife, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center

    Factors influencing the movement biology of migrant songbirds confronted with an ecological barrier

    Whether or not a migratory songbird embarks on a long-distance flight across an ecological barrier is likely a response to a number of endogenous and exogenous factors. During autumn 2008 and 2009, we used automated radio tracking to investigate how energetic condition, age, and weather influenced the departure timing and direction of Swainson’s thrushes (Catharus ustulatus) during migratory stopo
    By
    Ecosystems, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center

    Pre-USGS Publications

    Larkin, R. P. and R. H. Diehl. 2012. Radar techniques for wildlife biology. Pp. 319–335 in N. Silvy, editor. Techniques for wildlife investigations and management, 7th edition. Wildlife Society, Bethesda, Maryland.
    Chilson, P. B., W. F. Frick, J. F. Kelly, K. W. Howard, R. P. Larkin, R. H. Diehl, J. K. Westbrook, T. A. Kelly, and T. H. Kunz. 2012. Partly cloudy with a chance of migration: weather, radars, and aeroecology. Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society 93:669-686.
    Bridge, E. S., K. Thorup, M. S. Bowlin, P. B. Chilson, R. H. Diehl, R. W. Fléron, P. Hartl, R. Kays, J. F. Kelly, W. D. Robinson, and M. Wikelski. 2011. Technology on the move: Recent and forthcoming innovations for tracking migratory birds. BioScience. 61:689-698.
    Randall, L. A., R. H. Diehl, B. C. Wilson, W. C. Barrow, and C. W. Jeske. 2011. Use of weather radar to study movement of wintering waterfowl. Journal of Wildlife Management. 75:1324-1329.
    Kirsch, E. M., R. S. Sojda, R. H. Diehl, and M. Suarez. 2010. A crane movement model parameterized using portable radar for evaluating response to wind energy development. Proceedings of iEMSS 5th Biennial meeting: International Congress on Environmental Modeling and Software Society, Ottawa, Canada, July 2010.
    Robinson, W., M. Bowlin, I. Bisson, J. Shamoun-Baranes, K. Thorup, R. Diehl, T. Kunz, S. Mabey, and D. Winkler. 2009. Integrating concepts and technologies at the frontiers of bird migration. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment. 8: 354–361.
    Cryan, P. and R. Diehl. 2009. Analyzing bat migration. in Ecological and Behavioral methods for the study of bats. (T.H. Kunz and S. Parsons, eds.). pp. 476-488. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, Maryland.
    Buler, J. J. and R. H. Diehl. 2009. Quantifying bird density during migratory stopover using weather surveillance radar. IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing. 47:2741-2751.
    Diehl, R. H., and R. P. Larkin. 2005. Introduction to the WSR-88D (NEXRAD) for ornithological research. in C. J. Ralph and T. D. Rich, editors. Bird Conservation Implementation and Integration in the Americas: Proceedings of the Third International Partners in Flight Conference 2002. Pacific Southwest Research Station, Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Albany, California
    Diehl, R. H., R. P. Larkin, and J. E. Black. 2003. Radar observations of bird migration over the Great Lakes. Auk. 120:278-290.
    Wikelski, M., E. Tarlow, A. Raim, R. H. Diehl, H. Visser, and R. P. Larkin. 2003. Migration behavior and energetics of songbird migration in the wild. Nature. 423:704.
    Larkin, R. P., W. R. Evans, and R. H. Diehl. 2002. Nocturnal flight calls of Dickcissels and Doppler radar echoes over south Texas in spring. Journal of Field Ornithology. 73:2-8.
    Diehl, R. H. and R. P. Larkin. 1998. Providing resources for researchers on the world wide web: some perspectives. BioScience. 48:313-315.
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