[Book review] Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Ontario, 2001-2005. 2007
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Ontario Birds↗
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Body size and condition of male mallard during mid-winter in North Dakota, USA
Mallard ( Anas platyrhynchos ) may winter in northern areas if they have access to adequate food and open water. We compared individual body size (indexed by first principal component scores from three morphometric measurements) and body condition (body mass adjusted for body size) of male Mallard wintering in North Dakota, USA during 1996-99 with a baseline reference group of Mallard from Ontario, Canada measured during late summer. Size and condition of Mallard wintering in North Dakota was also compared, using a sample from a traditional wintering area in Arkansas, USA. Male Mallard body size and condition in North Dakota relative to weather severity during mid-winter was assessed. Body size of adult males in North Dakota was significantly greater than that of birds from Ontario, but similar to those from Arkansas. Adult males remaining in North Dakota during the coldest winter were not larger than those remaining in North Dakota during milder winters. Immature males in North Dakota were significantly smaller than those from Arkansas, and the former were not larger during the coldest winter. Body condition of adult males in North Dakota was greater than that of those from Ontario and Arkansas and mean body mass of adult males in North Dakota during winter was greater than that of those wintering elsewhere. Further, adult males in North Dakota were in the best condition during the coldest winter. Mean body condition of immature males in North Dakota was similar to that of those from Arkansas. Body mass of immatures in North Dakota was similar to that of immatures wintering elsewhere. These findings indicate that maintenance of high fat reserves, not large body size, is the primary factor allowing adult males to winter in the extremely cold conditions of North Dakota. The small size of immature males in North Dakota, combined with the lack of evidence of their superior condition as compared to those wintering elsewhere, suggests that immatures wintering in North Dakota are mainly late-hatched individuals that may not have been able to store sufficient fat reserves to migrate before freeze-up.
North Dakota↗
Questions about Thayer's Gull
In response to recently published articles about the taxonomic status of Thayer's Gull, Larus thayeri, we pose several questions that should be answered before a taxonomic decision can be made.
Ontario Birds↗
Canada geese of the Mississippi flyway with special reference to an Illinois flock
This Canada goose study is based on data from three primary sources : data collected at Horseshoe Lake, Alexander County, Illinois ; surveys by the authors on the distribution, habitat, and behavior of the population elsewhere in the Mississippi flyway ; and banding records of the Jack Miner Bird Sanctuary, Kingsville, Ontario. Data from other sources have been used as indicated in the text.
Illinois↗
Promoting wildness in sandhill cranes conditioned to follow an ultralight aircraft
During the 1998 field season, we developed and tested a new protocol to teach sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis) to follow ultralight aircraft yet avoid humans. Although successful in teaching the cranes a migration route, our previous migration (1997) resulted in birds that were overly tame and sought association with humans. For this study, 16 sandhill cranes were costume-reared at USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center and transported to Ontario shortly before fledging. After the birds learned to follow the aircraft, 14 were transported to an isolated wintering site in South Carolina, 1300 km south of the training area. Twelve arrived safely. Eleven of 12 birds survived the winter. All of these 11 cranes moved north to Cape Hatteras in early May. Thereafter, 6 of the cranes were captured and translocated to northern New York state. The remaining 5 returned to South Carolina, autumn 1999. Prior to capture, although the cranes sometimes allowed humans to approach them, none of the cranes approached buildings or humans.
Book chapter↗
Implications of historical and contemporary processes on genetic differentiation of a declining boreal songbird: The rusty blackbird
The arrangement of habitat features via historical or contemporary events can strongly influence genomic and demographic connectivity, and in turn affect levels of genetic diversity and resilience of populations to environmental perturbation. The rusty blackbird ( Euphagus carolinus ) is a forested wetland habitat specialist whose population size has declined sharply (78%) over recent decades. The species breeds across the expansive North American boreal forest region, which contains a mosaic of habitat conditions resulting from active natural disturbance regimes and glacial history. We used landscape genomics to evaluate how past and present landscape features have shaped patterns of genetic diversity and connectivity across the species’ breeding range. Based on reduced-representation genomic and mitochondrial DNA, genetic structure followed four broad patterns influenced by both historical and contemporary forces: (1) an east–west partition consistent with vicariance during the last glacial maximum; (2) a potential secondary contact zone between eastern and western lineages at James Bay, Ontario; (3) insular differentiation of birds on Newfoundland; and (4) restricted regional gene flow among locales within western and eastern North America. The presence of genomic structure and therefore restricted dispersal among populations may limit the species’ capacity to respond to rapid environmental change.
Diversity↗
Dynamics of the double-crested cormorant population on Lake Ontario
After nearly 30 years of recolonization and expansion across North America, the double-crested cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) occupies the role of a perceived and, in some situations, realized threat to fish stocks and other resources. However, population data necessary to plan, defend, and implement management of this species are few. Our purpose was to gain insight into the relative contribution of various population parameters to the overall rate of population growth and identify data needs critical to improving our understanding of the dynamics of double-crested cormorant populations. We demonstrated the construction of a biologically reasonable representation of cormorant population growth on Lake Ontario (1979-2000) by referencing literature values for fertility, age at first breeding, and survival. These parameters were incorporated into a deterministic stage-classified matrix model. By calculating the elasticity of matrix elements (i.e., statgspecific fertility and survival), we found that cormorant population growth on Lake Ontario was most sensitive to survival of birds about to turn age 3 and older. Finally, we demonstrated how this information could be used to evaluate management scenarios and direct future research by simulating potential environmental effects on fertility and survival, as well as a 5-year egg-oiling program. We also demonstrated that survival of older birds exerts more effective population control than changes in fertility.
Wildlife Society Bulletin↗
Migration and wintering areas of American Bitterns ( Botaurus lentiginosus ) that summer in central North America as determined by satellite and radio telemetry, 1998-2003
Twenty adult male American Bitterns (Botaurus lentiginosus) were marked on summer range in central North America with satellite tracking Platform Transmitter Terminals (PTTs) to document migration routes and wintering range. Nineteen complete fall migration routes were documented for 17 individuals. Of the successful migrations, 63% (n = 12) went to southern Florida, 32% (n = 6) to southern Louisiana, and 5% (n = 1) to the Gulf coast of Texas. Spring migrations for nine birds were documented, and 78% (n = 7) showed fidelity to breeding range. Two complete migrations for two individuals were documented, and they demonstrated fidelity to winter range. The longest, fastest movement documented was 2,300 km in less than 74 hr. Extensive, post-breeding dispersal was not observed in the adult male American Bitterns in this study. Six male American Bitterns were marked with PTTs on winter range in Florida and Texas. Spring migration for these birds was documented to Nebraska, North Dakota, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. Sixty-seven American Bitterns were marked with Very High Frequency radio transmitters on summer ranges, and 16% (n = 11) were located on wintering grounds used by the satellite-tracked birds, further documenting the importance of the Everglades and the Louisiana coast as winter habitat for American Bitterns that breed in Central North America.
Waterbirds↗
Halogenated diphenyl ethers identified in avian tissues and eggs by GC/MS
Chlorinated and brominated diphenyl ether compounds (DPEs) have been detected by gas Chromatography/ mass spectrometry (GC/MS) in eggs and carcasses of fish-eating birds from Louisiana, Michigan, Ohio, Rhode Island, Texas, Virginia, and Ontario, Canada. Three of these compounds were quantified; the highest concentration of 0.90 ppm tetrachloro DPE was found in a common tern carcass (Sterna hirundo) from Rhode Island. This is the first time that the halogenated DPEs have been reported in avian tissues. The significance of these residues is unknown.
Chemosphere↗
Results of the first ultralight-led sandhill crane migration in eastern North America
In 1997, we led 8 sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis) south from Ontario, Canada by ultralight aircraft to a wintering area near Warrenton, Virginia, an area without a wild population. Six others were transported south in a trailer in hopes they would return north with those that flew. The migration was 863 km long, included 14 stops, and took 21 days to complete. All 13 surviving birds were wintered together. In March 1998, the surviving 7 'aircraft-led' birds departed the wintering site. The following day, 6 of the 7 were reported on the south shore of Lake Ontario. The flock then moved around the western tip of Lake Ontario. On 5 April 1998, we used 2 aircraft to lead the birds 104 km directly east to the rearing area. The flock soon moved off the fledging grounds, continued to associate with people, and was eventually removed from the flyway. Because no wild cranes are known to fly our chosen route, this study demonstrated not only the effectiveness of ultralight aircraft to lead cranes on migration, but it also proved that cranes so led can return from their wintering site to the general vicinity of their fledging area unassisted. The birds did not follow our indirect route south but rather flew north to the latitude of the fledging area, then wandered.
Book chapter↗
Survival of hatchery-reared lake trout stocked near shore and off shore in Lake Ontario
Establishing a stock of mature, hatchery-reared fish is necessary to restore a self-sustaining population of lake trout Salvelinus namaycush in Lake Ontario. Stocking fish off shore rather than near shore to reduce predation on these fish by large lake trout or piscivorous birds may enhance survival of hatchery-reared fish and accelerate establishment of a population of adults. Results of an earlier study did not support routinely stocking fish off shore by helicopter in Lake Ontario, but stresses associated with helicopter stocking suggested another method of transporting fish off shore might enhance survival. I conducted this study to determine whether stocking lake trout off shore by barge would enhance first-year survival. Two lots of yearling lake trout were stocked at each of four locations in Lake Ontario in May 1992. One lot was stocked from shore, and an identical lot was transported by barge 3.4–10.4 km off shore of nearshore locations and stocked in water 46–52 m deep. Fish were recovered during trawl, gillnet, and creel surveys in 1992–1996. First-year survival of lake trout stocked off shore tended to be better than that of fish stocked near shore. Predation by double-crested cormorants Phalacrocorax auritus likely affected survival of fish stocked near shore at two locations, 7 and 37 km, respectively, from a nesting colony of 5,443 pairs of double-crested cormorants. Predation by large lake trout remains a viable hypothesis, which explains, at least partially, lower survival of lake trout stocked near shore at two other locations. Stocking lake trout off shore of traditional nearshore stocking sites likely will enhance first-year survival of hatchery-reared fish and promote accumulation of an adult population, especially for those occassions where nearshore stocking locations are near nesting colonies of double-crested cormorants.
North American Journal of Fisheries Management↗
A study of gizzard nematodes and renal coccidiosis in Canada geese (Branta canadensis interior) of the Mississippi Valley population
A total of 309 Mississippi Valley Population Canada geese, Branta canadensis interior , of different sex and age groups was collected from three locations in the Mississippi Flyway from 1979-1981 and examined for gizzard nematodes and renal coccidia. Three species of nematodes were removed from the gizzards, Amidostomum anseris, A. spatulatum, and Epomidiostomum crami. The latter two species are reported from this population of geese for the first time. Gizzard nematodes were found in 95.2% of all Canada geese examined, with A. anseris being the most abundant of the three species. There was no statistically significant difference between immatures and adults in the abundance of total nematodes species however, immature geese carried significantly more A. anseris and adult geese harbored significantly more A. spatulatum and E. crami infections. No significant difference in gizzard worm infections between male and female birds was observed. The abundance of overall gizzard nematodes was greatest in Canada geese from Winisk, Ontario (11.9), but the abundance of worms in southern Illinois geese (10.0) was similar. Geese from Horicon National Wildlife Refuge had the lowest abundance of infection, 7.5. The overall abundance of nematodes showed a general increase the second year of the study in each sex and age group and at each collection area. Each of three species of nematodes was responsible for some degree of damage to the gizzard lining and koilin, but E. crami was the most pathogenic of the species recovered. The occurrence of renal coccidiosis in Canada geese of this flyway is reported for the first time; the etiologic agent is Eimeria clarkei. The oocysts and/or endogenous stages of E. clarkei were present in 6.8% of the Canada geese sampled and this was the only species found. Male and female geese showed no significant differences in E. clarkei infections, however, significantly more immature geese than adult geese were infected with this species. A cell mediated response to the presence of E. clarkei oocysts and endogenous stages was seen in 83.3% of infected adult geese, but only 20% of immature geese showed a macrophage response to the infective stages of this parasite. A massive E. clarkei infection caused the death of one goose collected at Horicon National Wildlife Refuge. Amidostomiasis, epomidiostomiasis, and renal coccidiosis were important pathogenic diseases in the Mississippi Valley Population Canada geese but did not directly cause significant mortality in the population.
Illinois, Ontario, Wisconsin↗
Effects of flow modification on a cattail wetland at the mouth of Irondequoit Creek near Rochester, New York: Water levels, wetland biota, sediment, and water quality
An 11-year (1990-2001) study of the Ellison Park wetland, a 423-acre, predominantly cattail (Typha glauca) wetland at the mouth of Irondequoit Creek, was conducted to document the effects that flow modifications, including installation of a flow-control structure (FCS) in 1997 and increased diversion of stormflows to the backwater areas of the wetland, would have on the wetland's ability to decrease chemical loads transported by Irondequoit Creek into Irondequoit Bay on Lake Ontario. The FCS was designed to raise the water-surface elevation and thereby increase the dispersal and detention of stormflows in the upstream half of the wetland; this was expected to promote sedimentation and microbial utilization of nutrients, and thereby decrease the loads of certain constituents, primarily phosphorus, that would otherwise be carried into Irondequoit Bay. An ecological monitoring program was established to document changes in the wetland's water levels, biota, sedimentation rates, and chemical quality of water and sediment that might be attributable to the flow modifications. Water-level increases during storms were mostly confined to the wetland area, within about 5,000 ft upstream from the FCS. Backwater at a point of local concern, about 13,000 ft upstream, was due to local debris jams or constriction of flow by bridges and was not attributable to the FCS. Plant surveys documented species richness, concentrations of nutrients and metals in cattail tissues, and cattail productivity. Results indicated that observed differences among survey periods and between the areas upstream and downstream from the FCS were due to seasonal changes in water levels—either during the current year or at the end of the previous year's growing season—that reflected the water-surface elevation of Lake Ontario, rather than water-level control by the FCS. Results showed no adverse effects from the naturally high water levels that prevail annually during the spring and summer in the wetland, nor from the short-duration increases in water levels that result from FCS operation. Fish surveys documented the use of the wetland by 44 species, of which 25 to 29 species were found in any given year. Community composition was relatively consistent during the study, but seasonal and year-to-year variations in dominant resident and nonresident species were noted, and probably reflected natural or regional population patterns in Lake Ontario and Irondequoit Bay. The FCS allowed fish passage at all water levels and had no discernible adverse effect on the fish community. Bird surveys documented the use of the wetland by more than 90 species for breeding, feeding, and migration. Ground-nesting birds were unaffected by the FCS. Seasonally high water levels, rather than short-duration increases caused by the FCS, might have caused the scarcity or absence of certain wetland species by limiting the extent of breeding habitat for some species and the exposure of mud flats that attracted other species. Some noticeably scarce or absent species also were rare or absent elsewhere along the south-central shore of Lake Ontario. Benthic-macroinvertebrate studies were of minimal use for evaluating the effect of the FCS because no surveys were conducted after FCS installation. The precontrol results allowed assessment of the ecological quality of the wetland on the basis of biotic indices, and generally indicated moderately to severely impaired conditions. Differences between the macroinvertebrate communities in the southern part of the wetland and those in the northern part were attributed to habitat differences, such as substrate composition, water depth, and density of submerged aquatic vegetation. Sedimentation rates in the areas upstream and downstream from the FCS increased after the flow modifications, more in the area upstream from the FCS than in the downstream area. The concurrent downstream increase and the dynamic patterns of deposition and scour indicated that although the FCS and the other flow modifications undoubtedly were major factors in the postcontrol upstream increase in sedimentation rates, other factors, such as the magnitude, frequency, and the timing (season) of peak flows, might also have contributed. Periodic analyses of sediment samples from three longterm depositional sites in the wetland documented the concentrations of major and trace elements, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and organochlorine and organophosphate compounds. The concentrations of most constituents showed no substantial fluctuation or consistent upward or downward trend during the years sampled, nor did they identify any change after FCS installation. Comparison of the measured concentrations with sediment-quality guidelines that are used to assess the ecological quality of substrate environments indicated that the wetland was moderately to severely impaired—an assessment consistent with the benthic-macroinvertebrate biotic indices. During the precontrol period (1990–96), the wetland was a sink for particulate constituents (removal efficiencies for total phosphorus and total suspended solids were 28 and 47 percent, respectively), but had little effect on conservative constituents (chloride and sulfate). The wetland was a source of orthophosphate and ammonia (removal efficiencies were -38 and -84 percent, respectively). During the postcontrol period (1997–2001), the wetland continued to be a sink for particulate constituents (removal efficiencies for total phosphorus and total suspended solids were 45 and 52 percent, respectively); the exportation of orthophosphate by the wetland decreased (by 7 percent), whereas that of ammonia increased (by about 70 percent). The outflow loads of orthophosphate and ammonia represented about 15 and 2.3 percent of total phosphorus and total nitrogen loads, respectively. Changes in the loads of conservative constituents were negligible, and the overall removal efficiencies for other constituents during the precontrol period differed from those of the postcontrol period by no more than 5.4 percent. Statistical analyses of monthly inflow and outflow loads indicated significant differences between inflow and outflow loads of most constituents during the pre- and postcontrol periods. Load data were adjusted to remove the effects of dissimilar hydrologic conditions that prevailed during the pre- and postcontrol periods, and to isolate the water-quality-improvement effect that could be attributed solely to the FCS. Results indicated that the FCS contributed significantly to the decrease in total phosphorus loads, and slightly to a decrease in ammonia-plus-organic nitrogen loads, but had little or no significant effect on loads of other constituents.
New York↗
Pellets versus feces: their relative importance describing the food habits of double-crested cormorants
We compared the amount of taxonomically identifiable (diagnostic) fish remains in double-crested cormorant ( Phalacrocorax auritus ) feces to that exiting the birds via regurgitated pellets. Feces and pellets were collected concurrently during June 1994 from cormorant colonies on Little Galloo Island, eastern Lake Ontario. About 90% of the diagnostic fish remains were found in pellets and 10% in feces. However, only 4% of the diagnostic remains in the feces represented fish that could not be accounted for in the pellets. Pellets provided better information than feces for determining diet composition. Because of the increased effort to collect and analyze fecal material, and the limited amount of additional information provided, examination of feces in addition to pellets is probably not necessary in most studies of double-crested cormorant feeding ecology.
Journal of Great Lakes Research↗
Double-crested Cormorant studies at Little Galloo Island, Lake Ontario in 2013: Diet composition, fish consumption and the efficacy of management activities in reducing fish predation
For almost two decades Little Galloo Island (LGI) has supported a large colony of Double-crested Cormorants ( Phalacrocorax auritus ) in the eastern basin of Lake Ontario. Cormorant nest counts on the island since the early 1990's have averaged 4,297 per year. However, less than 2,000 pairs have nested on the island in three of the past five years. The highest count was reached in 1996 with 8,410 nesting pairs on the island. Johnson et al. (2013) estimated that cormorants from LGI alone have consumed 504 million fish since 1992. The proliferation of cormorants in the eastern basin of Lake Ontario coincided with declines in two important recreational fish species, smallmouth bass ( Micropterus dolemieu ) and yellow perch ( Perca falvescens ). Lantry et al. (2002) and Burnett et al. (2002) provide convincing evidence linking cormorant population increases to declining eastern basin smallmouth bass and yellow perch stocks. Decline of these fish stocks was evident only in the eastern basin, suggesting a localized problem, which is consistent with the halo effect where large piscivorous waterbird colonies may deplete local fish stocks (Birt et al. 1987). The year 2013 marked the twenty second consecutive year of study of the food habits and fish consumption of LGI cormorants and the fifteenth consecutive year evaluating the efficacy of management activities to control the reproductive success of cormorants nesting at LGI. The program consists mainly of spraying cormorant eggs with food grade vegetable oil as well as the culling of adult and immature birds. This paper reports the findings of work carried out in 2013 at LGI.
New York↗
Eastward migration of blue-winged teal
Of 3,789 recoveries of blue-winged teal ( Anas discors ) banded prior to the hunting season in the prairie pothole region, 183 (4.8 percent) were recovered, due east in New England, Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritime Provinces during the subsequent hunting season. Of 19 recoveries looked at in detail, all were banded as either hatching-year (flying young) or local (flightless young) birds. A blue-winged teal banded in Minnesota in September was retrapped in October in South Carolina, before being shot later that month in Colombia, South America.
North Dakota, Minnesota↗
Diet composition and fish consumption of double-crested cormorants from three St. Lawrence River colonies in 2013
Double-crested Cormorants ( Phalacrocorax auritus ) were first observed nesting in the upper St. Lawrence River at Strachan Island in 1992. Cormorants now nest at a number of islands in the Thousand Islands section of the river. Griswold, McNair, and Strachan islands are among the largest colonies in the upper river. Until 2011, nest counts had remained relatively stable, ranging from 200 to 603 nests per colony. However, since 2011 the number of nests at McNair Island have exceeded 700 each year. Although the size of cormorant colonies in the upper St. Lawrence River is smaller than those in the eastern basin of Lake Ontario, the close proximity of islands in the upper river that have colonies may cause a cumulative fish consumption effect similar to a larger colony. Because of increasing numbers of Double-crested Cormorants in the upper St. Lawrence River and the possible effects on fish populations, studies were initiated in 1999 to quantify cormorant diet and fish consumption at the three largest colonies. From 1999 to 2012, these studies have shown that cormorants consumed about 128.6 million fish including 37.5 million yellow perch ( Perca flavescens ), 17.4 million rock bass ( Ambloplites rupestris ) and 1.0 million smallmouth bass ( Micropterus dolemieu ) (Johnson et al. 2012). During this same time period fish assessment studies near some of these islands have shown a major decrease in yellow perch populations (Klindt 2007). This occurrence is known as the halo effect and happens when piscivorous birds deplete local fish populations in areas immediately surrounding the colony (Ashmole 1963). This paper describes the diet and fish consumption of cormorants in the upper St. Lawrence River in 2013.
New York↗
Environmental factors influence lesser scaup migration chronology and population monitoring
Identifying environmental metrics specific to lesser scaup ( Aythya affinis ; scaup) spring migration chronology may help inform development of conservation, management and population monitoring. Our objective was to determine how environmental conditions influence spring migration of lesser scaup to assess the effectiveness of the Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey in accurately estimating scaup populations. We first compared peak timing of mallard ( Anas platyrhynchos ) and scaup migration from weekly ground surveys in North Dakota, USA because the Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey is designed to capture annual mallard migration. As predicted, we detected that peak timing of scaup and mallard migrations differed in 25 of 36 years investigated (1980–2010). We marked scaup with satellite transmitters ( n = 78; 7,403 locations) at Long Point, Lake Erie, Ontario, Canada; Pool 19 of the Mississippi River, Iowa and Illinois, USA; and Presque Isle Bay, Lake Erie, Pennsylvania, USA. We tested the assumption that our marked scaup were representative of the continental population using the traditional survey area by comparing timing of migration of marked birds and scaup counted in the North Dakota Game and Fish Department survey. We detected a strong positive correlation between marked scaup and the survey data, which indicated that marked scaup were representative of the population. We subsequently used our validated sample of marked scaup to investigate the effects of annual variation in temperature, precipitation, and ice cover on spring migration chronology in the traditional and eastern survey areas of the Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey, 2005–2010. We evaluated competing environmental models to explain variation in timing and rate of scaup migration at large-scale and local levels. Spring migration of scaup occurred earlier and faster during springs with warmer temperatures and greater precipitation, variables known to influence energy budgets and wetland availability. Our results suggest that surveys designed to index abundance of breeding mallards is imprecise for estimating scaup abundance, and inaccurate at estimating breeding population size by survey stratum.
Journal of Wildlife Management↗