A $70.00

About the Editors (continued) V About the Editors I 1. Avian Ecology and Conservation: A Focus with National Implications, 2010. A N Shyamal K. Majumdar, Ph.D., is a Kreider ISBN: 978-0-945809-20-3/0-945809-20-4.

A Professor Emeritus of Biology at ,

, particularly herons and cormorants. He E 2. Wildlife Diseases: Landscape Epidemiology, Spatial Distribution and Utilization of Remote AVIAN ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION played a leading role in determining the diet of Pennsylvania Easton, PA. Dr. Majumdar received his M.S. and C Sensing Technology, 2005. ISBN: 0-945809-19-0. National double-crested cormorants in the lower Great 3. Renewable Energy: Trends and Prospects, 2002. ISBN: 0-945809-17-4. O Ph.D. from the University of Kentuky. He has been Lakes and its impact on fisheries during the recent 4. Science, Technology and National Security, 2002. ISBN: 0-945809-18-2. L the editor of the Journal of the Pennsylvania population expansion of this species in the Eastern O Academy of Science for over 30 years. He was pres-

5. Ethics in Academia, 2000. ISBN: 0-945809-16-6. G . Dr. Ross served as chair, from 2004 ident of the Pennsylvania Academy of Science 6. The Ecology of Wetlands and Associated Systems, 1998. ISBN: 0-945809-14-X. Y to 2008, of the Ornithological Technical Committee 1986–1988 and president of the National Implications 7. The Era of Materials, 1998. ISBN: 0-945809-15-8. A of the Pennsylvania Biological Survey, which advis- 8. —A Global Perspective, 1996. ISBN: 0-945809-13-1. N Associations of Academies of Science 1991–1992. es the Pennsylvania Game Commission on the 9. Environmental Contaminants, Ecosystems and Human Health, 1995. ISBN: 0-945809-12-3. D He is a fellow of the American Association for the Focus Advancement of Science (AAAS) and has authored nongame conservation needs. Dr. Ross has 10 . Medicine and Health Care Into the 21st Century, 1995. ISBN: 0-945809-11-5. C one book and more than 140 articles and research published over 90 research papers. 11. The Oceans: Physical-Chemical Dynamics and Human Impact, 1994. ISBN: 0-945809-10-7. O

12. Biological Diversity: Problems and Challenges, 1994. ISBN: 0-945809-09-3. N reports. In addition, he has edited and co-edited 30 S 13. Conservation and Resource Management, 1993. ISBN: 0-945809-08-5. with books. His research interests include toxicology, Robert S. Mulvihill, M.S., has worked as a field E microbiology, cell biology, and genetics. 14. Global Climate Change: Implications, Challenges and Mitigation Measures, 1992. R ornithologist at Carnegie Museum of ’s ISBN: 0-945809-07-7. V 15. Natural and Technological Disasters: Causes, Effects and Preventive Measures, 1992. A biological research station, Powdermill Nature T

Reserve since 1983. Much of his work there has ISBN: 0-945809-06-9. I Terry L. Master, Ph.D., received his M.S. in 16. Air Pollution: Environmental Issues and Health Effects, 1991. ISBN: 0-945809-05-0. O Biology from East Stroudsburg University in 1980 focused on the collection and analysis of data from N the Reserve’s long-term bird banding program, 17. Science Education in the United States: Issues, Crises, and Priorities, 1991. and Ph.D. in Biology from in 1989. begun in 1961. He received a Masters degree in ISBN: 0-945809-04-2. He is a professor at East Stroudsburg University, 18. Environmental Radon: Occurrence, Control and Health Hazards, 1990. where he teaches courses in ornithology, behavioral Biology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in ISBN: 0-945809-03-4.

The ecology, and predator-prey relationships. His 1993. In 1996 he initiated a study of the effects of 19. Water Resources in Pennsylvania: Availability, Quality and Management, 1990. stream acidification on the breeding ecology of ISBN: 0-945809-02-6. research interests focus on the behavioral ecology of Louisiana waterthrushes. Mr. Mulvihill served as a 20. Wetlands Ecology and Conservation: Emphasis in Pennsylvania, 1989. Pennsylvania wading birds and riparian neotropical migrants, Regional Coordinator and contributing author for ISBN: 0-945809-01-8. including the Louisiana Waterthrush and Acadian

the first Pennsylvania Breeding Bird Atlas 21. Management of Hazardous Materials and Wastes: Treatment, Minimization and A Flycatcher. Dr. Master organizes and conducts class-

(1983–1989) and is the Project Coordinator and edi- Environmental Impacts, 1989. ISBN: 0-9606670-9-1. Publication es and natural history tours to a variety of countries, tor for the 2nd PBBA (2004–2009). He has authored 22. Ecology and Restoration of The Delaware River Basin, 1988. ISBN: 0-9606670-8-3. A Pennsylvania Focus including Kenya, Tanzania, Ecuador, and Costa Rica. more than 25 research articles. 23. Contaminant Problems and Management of Living Chesapeake Bay Resources, 1987. Academy Dr. Master has published over 20 research articles. ISBN: 0-9606670-7-5. 24. Environmental Consequences of Energy Production: Problems and Prospects, 1987. with

ISBN: 0-9606670-6-7. of Jane E. Huffman, Ph.D., is a professor of micro- Margaret C. Brittingham, Ph.D., is a professor of 25. Endangered and Threatened Species Programs in Pennsylvania and Other States: of National Implications biology and graduate student coordinator at East Causes, Issues and Management, 1986. ISBN: 0-9606670-5-9. wildlife resources in the School of Resources Science Stroudsburg University, East Stroudsburg, PA. Dr 26. Management of Radioactive Materials and Wastes: Issues and Progress, 1985. at Penn State University, where she teaches ornithol- Huffman received her M.S. in biology from the ISBN: 0-9606670-4-0. ogy. She received her M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in University of Connecticut and her Ph.D. from 27. Solid and Liquid Wastes: Management, Methods and Socioeconomic Considerations, 1984. wildlife ecology from the University of Wisconsin- Rutgers University. Dr. Huffman has been active in ISBN: 0-9606670-3-2. Madison. Dr. Brittingham has been a member of the Margaret T Shyamal

28. Hazardous and Toxic Wastes: Technology, Management and Health Effects, 1984. e the Pennsylvania Academy of Science for a number rry Pennsylvania Biological Survey’s Ornithological ISBN: 0-9606670-2-4. of years, serving as editor of the newsletter and Technical Committee for over 15 years and currently 29. Pennsylvania Coal: Resources, Technology and Utilization, 1983. ISBN: 0-9606670-1-6. L. president of the Pennsylvania Academy of Science. chairs that committee. Her research focuses on avian Master K.

30. Energy, Environment, and the Economy, 1981. ISBN: 0-9606670-0-8. C. She is a member of the Wildlife Disease Association ecology, human impacts on bird populations, and the Majumdar and the American Society of Parasitologists. She Books Published by The Pennsylvania Academy of Science Brittingham effect of habitat quality on the abundance, distribu- tion, and reproductive success of songbirds. Dr. has authored a number of scientific papers on Editor: Shyamal K. Majumdar • Professor Emeritus of Biology EDIT trematods and co-edited several books. Her Lafayette College, Easton, Pennsylvania 18042 A publication of the Pennsylvania Academy of Science Brittingham has authored over 60 papers on aspects

research interests include infectious diseases of ORS of avian ecology and conservation. wildlife and tick-borne infections. Robert Shyamal K. Majumdar Jane Robert Terry L. Master, Margaret C. Brittingham, Robert M. Ross Robert M. Ross, Ph.D., is a research ecologist E. S. and a recent retiree from the US Department of Huffman Mulvihill

M. Robert S. Mulvihill and Jane E. Huffman Interior. One of Dr. Ross’s principal research inter- ests has been piscivory and feeding ecology in The cover photo of the scarlet tanager was kindly Ross Editors provided by Gerard R. Dewaghe, Langhorne, PA. (continued on backflap) Pennsylvania Avian Ecology and Conservation: A Pennsylvania Focus with National Implications

The intent of Avian Ecology and Conservation: A Pennsylvania Focus with National Implications is to compile recent ornithological research conducted primarily by Pennsylvania ornithologists, wildlife managers and conservation biologists that has important implications for Pennsylvania's avifauna but application far beyond its borders. There are many popular books and field identification guides on the state's birds, a second breeding bird atlas volume will soon be published as will a volume on the conservation status of Pennsylvania birds and other vertebrates, and an excellent book on the life histories of Pennsylvania birds exists but never a volume summarizing the highlights of scientific research being conducted on birds within the state. The book is divided into sections including; (1) an introductory historical perspective of Pennsylvania’s contribution to ornithological study by Pulitzer Prize nominated author Scott Weidensaul; (2) Breeding Birds and their Habitats; (3) Migration and Wintering Ecology; (4) Conservation Issues and Challenges and; (5) Emerging Issues and their Impacts on Birds. Taken together, the chapters provide an overview of the work of a multitude of ornithologists working within the state at academic institutions, non-governmental organizations and state wildlife and conservation agencies. These institutions will obviously find the book very useful but it is also intended for anyone with a keen interest in the ecology, behavior and conservation of Pennsylvania’s birds.

ISBN: 0-945809-20-4, 368 pages, 27 Chapters

$70.00 ea, plus $5.00 Postage and Handling. (Pennsylvania residents, please add 6% sales tax) Nonprofit organization please indicate Tax Exempt Number.

Check payable to: The Pennsylvania Academy of Science c/o Dr. S.K. Majumdar, Editor Department of Biology Lafayette College Easton, Pa 18042 Avian Ecology and Conservation: A Pennsylvania Focus with National Implications Table of Contents

Preface ...... v Acknowledgment ...... vi Foreword Michael DiBerardinis, Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Harrisburg, PA 17101...... xi

Message: Carl G. Roe, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Game Commission, Harrisburg, PA ...... xiii Introduction: Historical Overview of Pennsylvania Ornithology Scott Weidensaul, Author and Naturalist, 778 Swartz Valley Road, Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972 ...... 1

SECTION I. Breeding Birds of Pennsylvania and Their Habitats SECTION OVERVIEW Terry L. Master, Department of Biological Sciences, East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, 200 Prospect St., East Stroudsburg, PA 18301...... 12 CHAPTER 1: BREEDING BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA: FOREST COMMUNITIES Scott H. Stoleson, USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station P.O. Box 267, Irvine, PA 16329 and Jeffery L. Larkin, Department of Biology Indiana University of Pennsylvania, 126 Weyandt Hall, Department of Biology, Indiana, PA 15705-1081...... 14 CHAPTER 2: AVIAN-MEDIATED SEED DISPERSAL: AN OVERVIEW AND SYNTHESIS WITH AN EMPHASIS ON TEMPERATE FORESTS OF CENTRAL AND EASTERN US Michael A. Steele, Department of Biology and Health Sciences, 84 West South St., , Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766, Nathanael Lichti and Robert K. Swihart, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, 715 W State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2033 ...... 28 CHAPTER 3: WETLAND BIRD COMMUNITIES: BOREAL BOGS TO OPEN WATER Douglas A. Gross, Wildlife Biologist and Catherine D. Haffner, Colonial Waterbird Survey Commission, Pennsylvania Game Commission, 2001 Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg, PA 17110-4250 ...... 44 CHAPTER 4: AVIAN COMMUNITY CHARACTERISTICS AND RIPARIAN HABITAT Terry L. Master, Department of Biological Sciences, East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, 200 Prospect St., East Stroudsburg, PA 18301-2999...... 62 CHAPTER 5: EARLY SUCCESSIONAL AND SHRUBLAND COMMUNITIES, WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO FIELD SPARROW (SPIZELLA PUSILLA) BREEDING BIOLOGY Michael D. Carey, Department of Biology, , Scranton, PA 18510-4623 ...... 75

vii Avian Ecology and Conservation: A Pennsylvania Focus with National Implications

CHAPTER 6: RECLAIMED SURFACE MINE HABITAT AND GRASSLAND BIRD POPULATIONS Glenn E. Stauffer, School of Forest Resources, 422 Forest Resource Bldg., Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802; Matthew R. Marshall, National Park Service, University Park, PA 16802; Duane R. Diefenbach, USGS, Pennsylvania Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University Park, PA 16802 and Daniel W. Brauning, Pennsylvania Game Commission, 2001 Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg, PA 17110-4250...... 86

SECTION II. Migration and Wintering Ecology SECTION OVERVIEW Paul Hess, Pennsylvania Ornithological Records Committee, 1412 Hawthorne St., Natrona Heights, PA 15065-1629...... 97 CHAPTER 7: DIURNAL RAPTOR MIGRATION Keith Bildstein, Sarkis Acopian Director of Conservation Science, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, 1700 Hawk Mountain Road, Kempton, PA 19529 ...... 99 CHAPTER 8: GOLDEN EAGLE MIGRATION AND WINTER BEHAVIOR IN PENNSYLVANIA Trish A. Miller, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1847 Route 381, Rector, PA 15677, D. Brandes, Dept of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Acopian Engineering Center, Lafayette College, Easton, PA 18042, Michael J. Lanzone, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1847 Route 381, Rector, PA 15677, D. Ombalski, Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch, Mulberry Street, Unionville, PA 16844, C. Maisonneuve, Ministere des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune, 92 2e rue Ouest, Rimouski, QC G5L 8B3, , Todd E. Katzner, Department of Conservation and Field Research, , 700 Arch St., Allegheny Commons West, Pittsburgh, PA 15212...... 111 CHAPTER 9: WINTER RAPTOR SURVEY Gregory W. Grove, State College Bird Club, 4343 McAlevys Fort Road, Petersburg, PA 16669...... 126 CHAPTER 10: MIGRATION AND WINTERING ECOLOGY OF SAW-WHET OWL Scott Weidensaul, Author and Naturalist, 778 Swartz Valley Road, Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972...... 137 CHAPTER 11: BIRD DISTRIBUTIONS IN THE CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT Nick C. Bolgiano, State College Bird Club, 711 W. Foster Avenue, State College, PA 16801 ...... 148 CHAPTER 12: STOPOVER ECOLOGY OF LANDBIRD MIGRANTS IN PENNSYLVANIA Robert J. Smith and Margret I. Hatch, Department of Biology, University of Scranton, Scranton, PA 18510-4623...... 161 CHAPTER 13: USE OF GENETIC MARKERS AND STABLE ISOTOPE TECHNOLOGY TO DETERMINE MIGRATORY AND DISPERSAL PATTERNS AND GEOGRAPHIC VARIATIONS IN AVIAN POPULATIONS Fred Brenner, Grove City College, Grove City, PA 16127, Christina A. Genarea, Grove City College, Grove City, PA 16127 and Shawn M. Rummel, School of Forest Resources, 136 Land and Water Resources Building, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802 ...... 175

SECTION III. Conservation Issues and Challenges SECTION OVERVIEW Margaret C. Brittingham, School of Forest Resources, 409 Forest Resource Bldg., Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802 ...... 188

viii Table of Contents

CHAPTER 14: MANAGEMENT AND RECOVERY OF THREATENED AND ENDANGERED BIRD SPECIES Daniel W. Brauning, Pennsylvania Game Commission, 2001 Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg, PA 17110 and Jerry D. Hassinger, 105 Adams Lane, Millersburg, PA 17061...... 191 CHAPTER 15: HABITAT FRAGMENTATION: A THREAT TO PENNSYLVANIA’S FOREST BIRDS Margaret C. Brittingham, School of Forest Resources, 409 Forest Resource Bldg., P enn State University, University Park, PA 16802 and Laurie J. Goodrich, Acopian Center for Conservation Learning, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, 410 Summer Valley Road, Orwigsburg, PA 17961...... 204 CHAPTER 16: THE STATUS AND CONSERVATION OF FARMLAND BIRDS IN PENNSYLVANIA Andrew M. Wilson, School of Forest Resources, 414 Forest Resources Bldg., Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802...... 217 CHAPTER 17: EASTERN HEMLOCK DECLINE AND ITS EFFECTS ON PENNSYLVANIA’S BIRDS Michael C. Allen, Department of Biological Sciences, East Stroudsburg University, 200 Prospect St., East Stroudsburg, PA 18301 and James Sheehan, Jr., Division of Forestry and Natural Resources, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506-6125...... 232 CHAPTER 18: THE LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH AS AN INDICATOR OF HEADWATER STREAM QUALITY IN PENNSYLVANIA Steven C. Latta, Department of Conservation and Field Research, National Aviary, 700 Arch St., Allegheny Commons West, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 and Robert S. Mulvihill, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Powdermill Avian Research Center, 1847 Route 381, Rector, PA 15677...... 246 CHAPTER 19: COLONIALLY NESTING WADERS Robert M. Ross, Ecologist, Northern Appalachian Research Laboratory, United States Geological Survey (retired), 146 Cattail Lane, Wellsboro, PA 16901 ...... 259 CHAPTER 20: SHEET GLASS AS A PRINCIPAL HUMAN-ASSOCIATED AVIAN MORTALITY FACTOR Daniel Klem, Acopian Center for Ornithology, Biology Department, , 2400 Chew St., Allentown, PA 18104-5586...... 276

SECTION IV: Emerging Issues and their Impacts on Birds SECTION OVERVIEW Shyamal K. Majumdar and Ioana A. Marin, Department of Biology, Lafayette College, Easton, PA 18042...... 290 CHAPTER 21: GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE: CONSERVATION CHALLENGES AND IMPACTS ON BIRDS Terry L. Root, Woods Institute for the Environment, 473 Via Ortega Drive, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 and Elizabeth S. Goldsmith, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, MSOB X3C01, Stanford, CA 94304 ...... 292 CHAPTER 22: WIND POWER MORTALITY D. Brandes, Dept of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Acopian Engineering Center, Lafayette College, Easton, PA 18042, Trish A. Miller, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1847 Route 381, Rector, PA 15677, Todd E. Katzner, National Aviary, 700 Arch St., Allegheny Commons West, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 ...... 300

ix Avian Ecology and Conservation: A Pennsylvania Focus with National Implications

CHAPTER 23: EPIZOOTIOLOGY OF WEST NILE VIRUS IN WILD BIRDS Jennifer C. Owen, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, State University, 13 Natural Resources, East Lansing, MI 48824 and Mary Garvin, Science Center K123, Oberlin College, 119 Woodland St., Oberlin, OH, 44074-1097 ...... 304 CHAPTER 24: WEST NILE VIRUS IN RAPTORS Jane E. Huffman, Department of Biological Sciences, East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301-2999, and Douglas E. Roscoe, NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife, Office of Fish and Wildlife Health and Forensics, 141 Van Syckels Road, Hampton, NJ 08827 ...... 315 CHAPTER 25: AVIAN INFLUENZA IN BIRDS: DISEASE TRANSMISSION, SPREAD, AND ECONOMICAL IMPACTS Aviva Goel, Michael Favara, and Shyamal K. Majumdar, Department of Biology, Lafayette College, Easton, PA 18042 ...... 323 CHAPTER 26: IMPACTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION ON BIRD POPULATION ECOLOGY Nancy M. Waters, Department of Biology, Lafayette College, Easton, PA 18042...... 332 CHAPTER 27: THE EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINANTS ON AVIAN POPULATIONS Jeffrey A. Stratford, Department of Biology and Health Sciences, Wilkes University, 84 West South Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766...... 340 Subject Index ......

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