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Steven C Houdek

Steven Houdek

Science and Products

Lake Michigan Sea Duck Survey 2009-2014

These data contain observation and null polygons for waterfowl aerial surveys of Lake Michigan collected through the years 2009-2014. Polygons were created adjacent to either side of the flight lines (transects). The right and left offset of the polygons from the flight path, was determined using the average altitude of the plane along the transect and the observation angle through the plane's win
By
Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center

Migration patterns and wintering distribution of common loons breeding in the Upper Midwest

Identification of geographic linkages among breeding, migratory and wintering common loon Gavia immer populations is needed to inform regional and national conservation planning efforts and compensation of loons lost during marine oil spill events. Satellite telemetry and archival geolocator tags were used to determine the migration patterns and wintering locations of breeding adult and young of t
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Ecosystems, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center

Patterns of mercury and selenium exposure in Minnesota common loons

Common loons (Gavia immer) are at risk of elevated dietary mercury (Hg) exposure in portions of their breeding range. To assess the level of risk among loons in Minnesota (USA), we investigated loon blood Hg concentrations in breeding lakes across Minnesota. Loon blood Hg concentrations were regressed on predicted Hg concentrations in standardized 12‐cm whole‐organism yellow perch (Perca flavescen
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Ecosystems, Contaminant Biology, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center

Distribution and foraging patterns of common loons on Lake Michigan with implications for exposure to type E avian botulism

Common loons (Gavia immer) staging on the Great Lakes during fall migration are at risk to episodic outbreaks of type E botulism. Information on distribution, foraging patterns, and exposure routes of loons are needed for understanding the physical and ecological factors that contribute to avian botulism outbreaks. Aerial surveys were conducted to document the spatiotemporal distribution of common
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Ecosystems, Energy & Wildlife, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center

Identifying the origin of waterbird carcasses in Lake Michigan using a neural network source tracking model

Avian botulism type E is responsible for extensive waterbird mortality on the Great Lakes, yet the actual site of toxin exposure remains unclear. Beached carcasses are often used to describe the spatial aspects of botulism mortality outbreaks, but lack specificity of offshore toxin source locations. We detail methodology for developing a neural network model used for predicting waterbird carcass m
By
Ecosystems, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center

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