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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.

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.

Education and Certifications

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

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

Science and Products

Antenna of radar near base of wind turbine

Use of Portable Radar to Monitor Flying Animals in the Offshore Environment

USGS will deploy a small, portable radar aboard a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration research vessel to measure the abundance, geographic distribution, and flight altitude of birds migrating across the continental shelf of the northern Gulf.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Use of Portable Radar to Monitor Flying Animals in the Offshore Environment

Use of Portable Radar to Monitor Flying Animals in the Offshore Environment

USGS will deploy a small, portable radar aboard a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration research vessel to measure the abundance, geographic distribution, and flight altitude of birds migrating across the continental shelf of the northern Gulf.
Learn More
Wind turbines with blue sky in background

USGS research on the effects of renewable energy on wildlife

Renewable energy development, such as solar and wind energy, is growing in the United States and is expected to continue expanding for the foreseeable future. However, renewable energy infrastructure can be a risk to some wildlife including threatened and endangered species. Wildlife managers and energy developers need wildlife risks to be assessed and effective strategies to mitigate those risks...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center
USGS research on the effects of renewable energy on wildlife

USGS research on the effects of renewable energy on wildlife

Renewable energy development, such as solar and wind energy, is growing in the United States and is expected to continue expanding for the foreseeable future. However, renewable energy infrastructure can be a risk to some wildlife including threatened and endangered species. Wildlife managers and energy developers need wildlife risks to be assessed and effective strategies to mitigate those risks...
Learn More
An adult Common tern flying

New Wildlife Tag Enabling Animal Tracking Using Weather Radar

The availability of a bird or bat tracking system that uses a preexisting sensor network is a highly desirable capability, especially where cost, design, and operational constraints severely limit the application of GPS, geolocator, and other wildlife tags.
By
National Innovation Center, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center
New Wildlife Tag Enabling Animal Tracking Using Weather Radar

New Wildlife Tag Enabling Animal Tracking Using Weather Radar

The availability of a bird or bat tracking system that uses a preexisting sensor network is a highly desirable capability, especially where cost, design, and operational constraints severely limit the application of GPS, geolocator, and other wildlife tags.
Learn More
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 Mission Area, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center
Energy development and the airspace

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
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
USGS Radar Products

USGS Radar Products

See below and the "Publications" tab for USGS publications and products associated with radar research.
Learn More
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
Realizing the biological potential of weather radar

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
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
Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center
Remote sensing flying animals

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
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 Mission Area, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center
The ecology, behavior, and conservation of migratory birds

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
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
Radar Technology - A Tool for Understanding Migratory Aerofauna

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
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
NOROCK's Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) Program

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
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...
By
Community for Data Integration (CDI)
Summarization of National NEXRAD Data for use in Biological Applications

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
What's the Big Idea?—Using Weather Equip. to Monitor Animal Movement
What's the Big Idea?—Using Weather Equip. to Monitor Animal Movement

What's the Big Idea?—Using Weather Equip. to Monitor Animal Movement

What's the Big Idea?—Using Weather Equip. to Monitor Animal Movement

Robb Diehl, research ecologist at the USGS Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, explains how he uses remote sensing technology — particularly weather radar — to better understand  how flying animals affect human activities.

Producer: Jacob Massey, USGS
Camera: Paul Laustsen, USGS

 

By
Ecosystems, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Communications and Publishing

What's the Big Idea?—Using Weather Equip. to Monitor Animal Movement

What's the Big Idea?—Using Weather Equip. to Monitor Animal Movement

Robb Diehl, research ecologist at the USGS Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, explains how he uses remote sensing technology — particularly weather radar — to better understand  how flying animals affect human activities.

Producer: Jacob Massey, USGS
Camera: Paul Laustsen, USGS

 

By
Ecosystems, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Communications and Publishing
Filter Total Items: 31

Vital sign monitoring is good medicine for parks Vital sign monitoring is good medicine for parks

Nearly 70 years ago a young ranger naturalist working in Yellowstone National Park (YNP), Frederick B. Turner, became fascinated with the abundance of frogs next to his cabin at “Soldier Creek” (known as Lodge Creek today). This interest blossomed into Turner’s PhD research and his publication in 1960 about the local population of Columbia spotted frogs (shown to right) became a classic...
Authors
Andrew Ray, David Thoma, Kristin Legg, Robert Diehl, Adam Sepulveda, Mike Tercek, Robert Al-Chokhachy
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center

Beyond presence mapping: Predicting fractional cover of non-native vegetation in Sentinel-2 imagery using an ensemble of MaxEnt models Beyond presence mapping: Predicting fractional cover of non-native vegetation in Sentinel-2 imagery using an ensemble of MaxEnt models

Non-native species maps are important tools for understanding and managing biological invasions. We demonstrate a novel approach to extend presence modeling to map fractional cover (FC) of non-native yellow sweet clover Melilotus officinalis in the Northern Great Plains, USA. We used ensembles of MaxEnt models to map FC across landscapes from satellite imagery trained from regional...
Authors
Todd Preston, Aaron Johnston, Kyle Ebenhoch, Robert Diehl
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center

Retreat, detour or advance? Understanding the movements of birds confronting the Gulf of Mexico 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...
Authors
Theodore Zenzal, Michael Ward, Robert Diehl, Jeffrey Buler, Jaclyn Smolinsky, Jill Deppe, Rachel Bolus, Antonio Celis-Murillo, Frank Moore
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center , Gulf of America

Discrimination of biological scatterers in polarimetric weather radar data: Opportunities and challenges Discrimination of biological scatterers in polarimetric weather radar data: Opportunities and challenges

For radar aeroecology studies, the identification of the type of scatterer is critically important. Here, we used a random forest (RF) algorithm to develop a variety of scatterer classification models based on the backscatter values in radar resolution volumes of six radar variables (reflectivity, radial velocity, spectrum width, differential reflectivity, correlation coefficient, and...
Authors
Sidney Gauthreaux, Robert Diehl
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center

Yellowstone’s birds are vital Yellowstone’s birds are vital

Traveling through Yellowstone National Park (YNP), visitors frequently stop to enjoy the park’s birds: small songbirds flitting about the willows, sandhill cranes engaged in their ritual mating dances, or myriad species of waterfowl loafing in one of the park's many wetlands. Typically while driving the roads of YNP, a majority of visitors consider a stopped car and raised binoculars a...
Authors
Robert Diehl, Douglas W. Smith
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center

Perspectives and challenges for the use of radar in biological conservation 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...
Authors
Ommo Huppop, Michal Ciach, Robert Diehl, Don Reynolds, Phillip Stepanian, Myles Menz
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center

Estimating apparent survival of songbirds crossing the Gulf of Mexico during autumn migration Estimating apparent survival of songbirds crossing the Gulf of Mexico during autumn migration

Many migratory bird species are declining, and the migratory period may limit populations because of the risk in traversing large geographical features during passage. Using automated radio-telemetry, we tracked 139 Swainson's thrushes (Catharus ustulatus) departing coastal Alabama, USA and crossing the Gulf of Mexico to arrive in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico during autumn. We estimated...
Authors
Michael Ward, Thomas Benson, JIll Deppe, Theodore J. Zenzal, Robert Diehl, Antonio Celis-Murillo, Rachel Bolus, Frank Moore
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Eastern Ecological Science Center

Using automated radio telemetry to quantify activity patterns of songbirds during stopover Using automated radio telemetry to quantify activity patterns of songbirds during stopover

During migration, birds require stopover habitat to rest and refuel before resuming flight. While long-distance migratory flights represent a large energy investment, stopover accounts for roughly two-thirds of a bird's total energy expenditure during migration. Therefore, birds should minimize energy expenditure while also minimizing time and predation risk during stopover. To...
Authors
Lynn Schofield, Jill Deppe, Theodore J. Zenzal, Michael Ward, Robert Diehl, Rachel Bolus, Frank Moore
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center

Linking animals aloft with the terrestrial landscape 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...
Authors
Jeffrey Buler, Wylie C. Barrow, Matthew Boone, Deanna Dawson, Robert Diehl, Frank Moore, Lori Randall, Timothy Schreckengost, Jaclyn Smolinsky
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Migratory hummingbirds make their own rules: The decision to resume migration along a barrier Migratory hummingbirds make their own rules: The decision to resume migration along a barrier

Knowing how naïve migrants respond to intrinsic and extrinsic factors experienced en route will allow a more thorough understanding of the endogenous migratory programme. To understand how inexperienced individuals respond to ecological features, we tracked the migratory departures of juvenile ruby-throated hummingbirds, Archilochus colubris, one of the smallest (∼ 3 g) and least-studied...
Authors
Theodore J. Zenzal, Frank Moore, Robert Diehl, Michael Ward, JIll Deppe
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Occurrence of quiescence in free-ranging migratory songbirds Occurrence of quiescence in free-ranging migratory songbirds

Quiescence is a period of inactivity that occurs before the onset of migratory activity in nocturnally migrating birds. This behavior has been observed in captive birds in migratory disposition, but its occurrence in free-ranging migratory birds has been documented only anecdotally, and causal factors and function(s), if any, are unknown. In this study, we documented and characterized...
Authors
Lynn Schofield, Jill Deppe, Robert Diehl, Michael Ward, Rachel Bolus, Theodore J. Zenzal, Jaclyn Smolinsky, Frank Moore
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center

Fine-scale heterogeneity drives forest use by spring migrant landbirds across a broad, contiguous forest matrix Fine-scale heterogeneity drives forest use by spring migrant landbirds across a broad, contiguous forest matrix

Much of our understanding of en route landbird habitat use comes from research performed at local scales, ignoring effects at larger spatial scales. We used a multiscale approach to investigate stopover habitat use by landbirds using transect surveys in 68 forested sites in southwestern Michigan, USA, during the springs of 2002 and 2003. We modeled relationships of bird density and...
Authors
Theodore J. Zenzal, Robert J. Smith, David Ewert, Robert Diehl, Jeffrey Buler
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center

Non-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.

**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.

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

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

Antenna of radar near base of wind turbine

Use of Portable Radar to Monitor Flying Animals in the Offshore Environment

USGS will deploy a small, portable radar aboard a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration research vessel to measure the abundance, geographic distribution, and flight altitude of birds migrating across the continental shelf of the northern Gulf.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Use of Portable Radar to Monitor Flying Animals in the Offshore Environment

Use of Portable Radar to Monitor Flying Animals in the Offshore Environment

USGS will deploy a small, portable radar aboard a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration research vessel to measure the abundance, geographic distribution, and flight altitude of birds migrating across the continental shelf of the northern Gulf.
Learn More
Wind turbines with blue sky in background

USGS research on the effects of renewable energy on wildlife

Renewable energy development, such as solar and wind energy, is growing in the United States and is expected to continue expanding for the foreseeable future. However, renewable energy infrastructure can be a risk to some wildlife including threatened and endangered species. Wildlife managers and energy developers need wildlife risks to be assessed and effective strategies to mitigate those risks...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center
USGS research on the effects of renewable energy on wildlife

USGS research on the effects of renewable energy on wildlife

Renewable energy development, such as solar and wind energy, is growing in the United States and is expected to continue expanding for the foreseeable future. However, renewable energy infrastructure can be a risk to some wildlife including threatened and endangered species. Wildlife managers and energy developers need wildlife risks to be assessed and effective strategies to mitigate those risks...
Learn More
An adult Common tern flying

New Wildlife Tag Enabling Animal Tracking Using Weather Radar

The availability of a bird or bat tracking system that uses a preexisting sensor network is a highly desirable capability, especially where cost, design, and operational constraints severely limit the application of GPS, geolocator, and other wildlife tags.
By
National Innovation Center, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center
New Wildlife Tag Enabling Animal Tracking Using Weather Radar

New Wildlife Tag Enabling Animal Tracking Using Weather Radar

The availability of a bird or bat tracking system that uses a preexisting sensor network is a highly desirable capability, especially where cost, design, and operational constraints severely limit the application of GPS, geolocator, and other wildlife tags.
Learn More
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 Mission Area, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center
Energy development and the airspace

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
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
USGS Radar Products

USGS Radar Products

See below and the "Publications" tab for USGS publications and products associated with radar research.
Learn More
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
Realizing the biological potential of weather radar

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
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
Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center
Remote sensing flying animals

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
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 Mission Area, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center
The ecology, behavior, and conservation of migratory birds

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
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
Radar Technology - A Tool for Understanding Migratory Aerofauna

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
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
NOROCK's Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) Program

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
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...
By
Community for Data Integration (CDI)
Summarization of National NEXRAD Data for use in Biological Applications

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
What's the Big Idea?—Using Weather Equip. to Monitor Animal Movement
What's the Big Idea?—Using Weather Equip. to Monitor Animal Movement

What's the Big Idea?—Using Weather Equip. to Monitor Animal Movement

What's the Big Idea?—Using Weather Equip. to Monitor Animal Movement

Robb Diehl, research ecologist at the USGS Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, explains how he uses remote sensing technology — particularly weather radar — to better understand  how flying animals affect human activities.

Producer: Jacob Massey, USGS
Camera: Paul Laustsen, USGS

 

By
Ecosystems, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Communications and Publishing

What's the Big Idea?—Using Weather Equip. to Monitor Animal Movement

What's the Big Idea?—Using Weather Equip. to Monitor Animal Movement

Robb Diehl, research ecologist at the USGS Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, explains how he uses remote sensing technology — particularly weather radar — to better understand  how flying animals affect human activities.

Producer: Jacob Massey, USGS
Camera: Paul Laustsen, USGS

 

By
Ecosystems, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Communications and Publishing
Filter Total Items: 31

Vital sign monitoring is good medicine for parks Vital sign monitoring is good medicine for parks

Nearly 70 years ago a young ranger naturalist working in Yellowstone National Park (YNP), Frederick B. Turner, became fascinated with the abundance of frogs next to his cabin at “Soldier Creek” (known as Lodge Creek today). This interest blossomed into Turner’s PhD research and his publication in 1960 about the local population of Columbia spotted frogs (shown to right) became a classic...
Authors
Andrew Ray, David Thoma, Kristin Legg, Robert Diehl, Adam Sepulveda, Mike Tercek, Robert Al-Chokhachy
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center

Beyond presence mapping: Predicting fractional cover of non-native vegetation in Sentinel-2 imagery using an ensemble of MaxEnt models Beyond presence mapping: Predicting fractional cover of non-native vegetation in Sentinel-2 imagery using an ensemble of MaxEnt models

Non-native species maps are important tools for understanding and managing biological invasions. We demonstrate a novel approach to extend presence modeling to map fractional cover (FC) of non-native yellow sweet clover Melilotus officinalis in the Northern Great Plains, USA. We used ensembles of MaxEnt models to map FC across landscapes from satellite imagery trained from regional...
Authors
Todd Preston, Aaron Johnston, Kyle Ebenhoch, Robert Diehl
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center

Retreat, detour or advance? Understanding the movements of birds confronting the Gulf of Mexico 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...
Authors
Theodore Zenzal, Michael Ward, Robert Diehl, Jeffrey Buler, Jaclyn Smolinsky, Jill Deppe, Rachel Bolus, Antonio Celis-Murillo, Frank Moore
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center , Gulf of America

Discrimination of biological scatterers in polarimetric weather radar data: Opportunities and challenges Discrimination of biological scatterers in polarimetric weather radar data: Opportunities and challenges

For radar aeroecology studies, the identification of the type of scatterer is critically important. Here, we used a random forest (RF) algorithm to develop a variety of scatterer classification models based on the backscatter values in radar resolution volumes of six radar variables (reflectivity, radial velocity, spectrum width, differential reflectivity, correlation coefficient, and...
Authors
Sidney Gauthreaux, Robert Diehl
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center

Yellowstone’s birds are vital Yellowstone’s birds are vital

Traveling through Yellowstone National Park (YNP), visitors frequently stop to enjoy the park’s birds: small songbirds flitting about the willows, sandhill cranes engaged in their ritual mating dances, or myriad species of waterfowl loafing in one of the park's many wetlands. Typically while driving the roads of YNP, a majority of visitors consider a stopped car and raised binoculars a...
Authors
Robert Diehl, Douglas W. Smith
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center

Perspectives and challenges for the use of radar in biological conservation 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...
Authors
Ommo Huppop, Michal Ciach, Robert Diehl, Don Reynolds, Phillip Stepanian, Myles Menz
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center

Estimating apparent survival of songbirds crossing the Gulf of Mexico during autumn migration Estimating apparent survival of songbirds crossing the Gulf of Mexico during autumn migration

Many migratory bird species are declining, and the migratory period may limit populations because of the risk in traversing large geographical features during passage. Using automated radio-telemetry, we tracked 139 Swainson's thrushes (Catharus ustulatus) departing coastal Alabama, USA and crossing the Gulf of Mexico to arrive in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico during autumn. We estimated...
Authors
Michael Ward, Thomas Benson, JIll Deppe, Theodore J. Zenzal, Robert Diehl, Antonio Celis-Murillo, Rachel Bolus, Frank Moore
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Eastern Ecological Science Center

Using automated radio telemetry to quantify activity patterns of songbirds during stopover Using automated radio telemetry to quantify activity patterns of songbirds during stopover

During migration, birds require stopover habitat to rest and refuel before resuming flight. While long-distance migratory flights represent a large energy investment, stopover accounts for roughly two-thirds of a bird's total energy expenditure during migration. Therefore, birds should minimize energy expenditure while also minimizing time and predation risk during stopover. To...
Authors
Lynn Schofield, Jill Deppe, Theodore J. Zenzal, Michael Ward, Robert Diehl, Rachel Bolus, Frank Moore
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center

Linking animals aloft with the terrestrial landscape 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...
Authors
Jeffrey Buler, Wylie C. Barrow, Matthew Boone, Deanna Dawson, Robert Diehl, Frank Moore, Lori Randall, Timothy Schreckengost, Jaclyn Smolinsky
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Migratory hummingbirds make their own rules: The decision to resume migration along a barrier Migratory hummingbirds make their own rules: The decision to resume migration along a barrier

Knowing how naïve migrants respond to intrinsic and extrinsic factors experienced en route will allow a more thorough understanding of the endogenous migratory programme. To understand how inexperienced individuals respond to ecological features, we tracked the migratory departures of juvenile ruby-throated hummingbirds, Archilochus colubris, one of the smallest (∼ 3 g) and least-studied...
Authors
Theodore J. Zenzal, Frank Moore, Robert Diehl, Michael Ward, JIll Deppe
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Occurrence of quiescence in free-ranging migratory songbirds Occurrence of quiescence in free-ranging migratory songbirds

Quiescence is a period of inactivity that occurs before the onset of migratory activity in nocturnally migrating birds. This behavior has been observed in captive birds in migratory disposition, but its occurrence in free-ranging migratory birds has been documented only anecdotally, and causal factors and function(s), if any, are unknown. In this study, we documented and characterized...
Authors
Lynn Schofield, Jill Deppe, Robert Diehl, Michael Ward, Rachel Bolus, Theodore J. Zenzal, Jaclyn Smolinsky, Frank Moore
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center

Fine-scale heterogeneity drives forest use by spring migrant landbirds across a broad, contiguous forest matrix Fine-scale heterogeneity drives forest use by spring migrant landbirds across a broad, contiguous forest matrix

Much of our understanding of en route landbird habitat use comes from research performed at local scales, ignoring effects at larger spatial scales. We used a multiscale approach to investigate stopover habitat use by landbirds using transect surveys in 68 forested sites in southwestern Michigan, USA, during the springs of 2002 and 2003. We modeled relationships of bird density and...
Authors
Theodore J. Zenzal, Robert J. Smith, David Ewert, Robert Diehl, Jeffrey Buler
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center

Non-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.

**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.

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

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...

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