Yellowstone Bird Report 2002
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Bird Report 1999
YELLOWSTONE BIRD REPORT 1999 Terry McEneaney Yellowstone Center for Resources National Park Service Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming YCR–NR–2000–02 Suggested citation: McEneaney, T. 2000. Yellowstone Bird Report, 1999. National Park Service, Yellowstone Center for Resources, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, YCR–NR–2000–02. Cover: Special thanks to my wife, Karen McEneaney, for the stunning pencil drawing of a Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) talon. The Golden Eagle is one of Yellowstone’s most formidable avian predators. When viewing Golden Eagle talons up close, one soon realizes why the bird is a force to be reckoned with in the natural world. Title page: Great Horned Owlet. The photographs in this report are courtesy of Terry McEneaney. ii CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ..................................................................... 5 Bird Impression .............................................................. 20 Weather Patterns and Summary ....................................... 5 National Geographic Field Guide .................................... 21 THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES .............................. 7 Retirement of Yellowstone Pilot Dave Stradley .............. 21 Peregrine Falcon ............................................................... 7 Yellowstone Birds: Their Ecology and Distribution ....... 21 Bald Eagle ........................................................................ 7 Computerized Database ................................................. 21 Whooping Crane ............................................................. -
V Review of Bufflehead Sex and Age Criteria with Notes on Weights :HARLES J
V review of Bufflehead sex and age criteria with notes on weights :HARLES J. HENNY, JOHN L. CARTER, and BETTE J. CARTER The Bufflehead Bucephaia albeola is the stated that any duck, goose, or swan, re mallest diving duck in North America. A gardless of age or plumage, may be sexed ecent review by Palmer (1976) noted by the presence or absence of the penis. )otential problems regarding sex and age However, in the Bufflehead, we found that letermination which in turn leads to the penis of immatures (first-year males) loubts about the relative size among sex was very small and sometimes difficult to md age classes. The present study was ascertain; therefore, an internal check of lesigned to check the reliability of several the gonads was made for verification. In nethods used for sex and age determina- adults, the penis is larger and enclosed ion in this species. within a conspicuous sheath. We collected 87 birds during two duck In the female, the criterion of age is the lunting seasons (24 November 1978 to 14 left oviduct which empties into the cloacal anuary 1979 and 4 N ovember 1979 to 6 chamber through the left cloacal wall. In ianuary 1980) at the Salmon River estuary, immature females, the oviduct is closed by incoin County, Oregon. a membrane; the left cloacal wall is un broken. In adult females, the occluding membrane is absent; the oviduct may be »ex and age determination seen as a conspicuous slit on the left cloacal wall. >ex and/or age may be determined in In both sexes another criterion of age waterfowl in several ways: (1) general exists in the cloaca, the bursa of Fabricius. -
Air Speeds of Migrating Birds Observed by Ornithodolite and Compared with Predictions from Flight Theory Rsif.Royalsocietypublishing.Org C
Air speeds of migrating birds observed by ornithodolite and compared with predictions from flight theory rsif.royalsocietypublishing.org C. J. Pennycuick1, Susanne A˚kesson2 and Anders Hedenstro¨m2 1School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1UG, UK 2Department of Biology, Centre for Animal Movement Research, Lund University, Ecology Building, 223 62 Lund, Sweden Research We measured the air speeds of 31 bird species, for which we had body mass Cite this article: Pennycuick CJ, A˚kesson S, and wing measurements, migrating along the east coast of Sweden in Hedenstro¨m A. 2013 Air speeds of migrating autumn, using a Vectronix Vector 21 ornithodolite and a Gill WindSonic anem- ometer. We expected each species’ average air speed to exceed its calculated birds observed by ornithodolite and compared minimum-power speed (Vmp), and to fall below its maximum-range speed with predictions from flight theory. J R Soc (Vmr), but found some exceptions to both limits. To resolve these discrepancies, Interface 10: 20130419. we first reduced the assumed induced power factor for all species from 1.2 to http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsif.2013.0419 0.9, attributing this to splayed and up-turned primary feathers, and then assigned body drag coefficients for different species down to 0.060 for small waders, and up to 0.12 for the mute swan, in the Reynolds number range 25 000–250 000. These results will be used to amend the default values in exist- Received: 8 May 2013 ing software that estimates fuel consumption in migration, energy heights on Accepted: 31 May 2013 arrival and other aspects of flight performance, using classical aeronautical theory. -
April 2018 VOL XXVIII No. 1
TRUMPETINGS Voice of The Trumpeter Swan Society 12615 Rockford Rd., Plymouth, MN 55441-1248 715-441-1994 www.trumpeterswansociety.org [email protected] Since 1968: Assuring the vitality and welfare of wild Trumpeter Swans VOL. XXVIII No. 1 APRIL 2018 Changes to Migratory Bird Treaty Act weaken bird protections The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), signed into law in 1918, is among the oldest and most effective wildlife protection laws on the books. When Congress passed the MBTA in 1918, it codified a treaty already signed with Canada, then part of Great Britain. The Treaty was in response to the serious overharvest of numerous bird species that had resulted in extinction in a few instances and near extinction in some species. Since 1918, the MBTA has broadened its international scope through treaties with Mexico, Japan, and Russia. The MBTA is credited with saving numerous species from extinction, including Trumpeter Swans. It continues to protect nearly all native birds in the U.S. covering more than 1,000 species, including Trumpeter Swans. The Department of Interior made significant changes to the Legislation in Congress (HR 4239), and a new interpretation interpretation of the century-old Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Photo by Margaret Smith of the law by the Administration, would end the ability to hold industries accountable for bird deaths. Industries would only be held accountable if their intention or purpose was to harm birds through their activities. This rolls back decades of bipartisan support and interpretation of the MBTA. It also removes industry incentives to prevent bird deaths and its associated penalties. -
Trumpeter Swan
Alaska Species Ranking System - Trumpeter Swan Trumpeter Swan Class: Aves Order: Anseriformes Cygnus buccinator Review Status: Peer-reviewed Version Date: 20 February 2018 Conservation Status NatureServe: Agency: G Rank:G4 ADF&G: Species of Greatest Conservation Need IUCN:Least Concern Audubon AK: S Rank: S4B,S3N USFWS: BLM: Watch Final Rank Conservation category: IX. Blue low status and low biological vulnerability and action need Category Range Score Status -20 to 20 -8 Biological -50 to 50 -24 Action -40 to 40 0 Higher numerical scores denote greater concern Status - variables measure the trend in a taxon’s population status or distribution. Higher status scores denote taxa with known declining trends. Status scores range from -20 (increasing) to 20 (decreasing). Score Population Trend in Alaska (-10 to 10) 2 Trumpeter swans were nearly driven to extinction in the early 1900s due to overhunting. They have recovered since then, and in Alaska have exhibited an average annual increase of +5.3% per year from 1968 to 2015 (i.e. since USFWS surveys began; Groves 2017). This growth rate has slowed in recent decades and the population appears to have stabilized since 2005 (Groves 2017; D. Groves, pers. comm.). Distribution Trend in Alaska (-10 to 10) -10 Over the past 50 years, trumpeter swans have expanded their distribution, both within the core and the peripheries of their Alaskan range (Conant et al. 2002). The population now occupies much of the suitable habitat within Alaska's boreal forest and appears to be reaching carrying capacity in some parts of the state (Groves 2017). Further significant expansion within their core breeding range is unlikely; however, the population has continued to expand into peripheral boreal-tundra ecotone habitat (Bryant et al. -
Free Download! the Trumpeter Swan
G3647 The Trumpeter Swan by Sumner Matteson, Scott Craven and Donna Compton Snow-white Trumpeter Swans present a truly spectac- Swans of the Midwest ular sight. With a wingspan of more than 7 feet and a rumpeter Swans, along with ducks and geese, belong height of about 4 feet, the Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buc- to the avian Order Anseriformes, Family Anatidae. cinator) ranks as the largest native waterfowl species in T Trumpeters have broad, flat bills with fine tooth-like North America. serrations along the edges which allow them to strain Because the Trumpeter Swan disappeared as a breed- aquatic plants and water. The birds’ long necks and ing bird in the Midwest, several states have launched strong feet allow them to uproot plants in water up to 4 restoration programs to reintroduce it to the region. This feet deep. publication will provide you with background informa- Most Trumpeter Swans weigh 21–30 pounds, tion on the Trumpeter Swan’s status and life history, and although some males exceed the average weight. The on restoration efforts being conducted in the upper male is called a cob; the female is called a pen; and a swan Midwest. in its first year is called a cygnet or juve- nile. The Trumpeter is often con- fused with the far more common Tundra Swan (formerly Whistling Swan, Cygnus columbianus), the only other native swan found routinely in North America. Tundra Swans can be seen in the upper Trumpeter Swan Midwest only during spring and fall migration. You can distinguish between the two native species most accurately by listening to their calls. -
Mute Swans Make Noise: Lower Great Lakes Population Scrutinized
Mute Swans Make Noise: Lower Great Lakes Population Scrutinized Scott A. Petrie* Introduction and 10 to15 percent per year. At this growth Population Status rate, the southern Ontario population Mute Swans (Cygnus olor), endemic to will double every seven to eight years. Eurasia, were introduced to North Also, given that the lower Great Lakes American city parks, zoos, avicultural includes about 116,000 acres of coastal collections, and estates in the late 1800s wetland habitat, the population could and early 1900s. The intentional releas- potentially reach 30,000 swans. If Mute es and accidental escape of these birds Swans populations increase to the point and their progeny resulted in a rapidly that they begin nesting on inland wet- expanding free-flying feral population lands and man-made waterbodies, as along the northeastern Atlantic Coast of they have in Poland and along the the United States, portions of the Pacific Atlantic Coast of the United States, we Coast, and more recently, much of the could expect that the southern Ontario southern half of the Great Lakes basin. population could even surpass 30,000 It is well known that exotic waterfowl birds. can have negative ecological impacts on The rapid growth rate of southern native species, particularly if the intro- Ontario’s feral Mute Swans can probably duced species is aggressive, competes be attributed to a number of factors. with other waterfowl for food or habi- The lower Great Lakes is climatically tat, and/or hybridizes with native similar to the native Eurasian range of species. Although hybridization is not Mute Swans. -
Wild Discover Zone SWAN LAKE
Wild Discover Zone SWAN LAKE This activity is designed to engage all ages of Zoo visitors. Your duty as an excellent educator, and interpreter is to adjust your approach to fit each group you interact with. Be aware that all groups are on some kind of a time limit. There are no set time requirements for this interaction. Read their behavior and end the interaction when they seem ready to move on. Theme:. It is easy to observe wildlife all around us including our own backyards, parks, and green spaces. Summary: Educators will help visitors observe local wildlife and learn techniques to identify several species of animals on Swan Lake with the help of field guides and technology. Objectives: At the end of the encounter, guests will: Appreciate that wildlife is a part of our communities and accessible to all Use observation skills to compare and contrast field marks on local animals Be able to identify several different species on Swan Lake Engage with technology through the use of binoculars and spotting scope to make observations Location: Cart near Swan Lake between Gibbon Island and Admin Building Materials: Binoculars, spotting scope with tripod, Swan Lake field guides, bird feeder with seed, several hummingbird feeders Background Information: While many visitors consider “wildlife” the exotic animals we have in the Zoo, there is actually native wildlife happening all around us too! One of the most observable types of local wildlife is birds. Correctly identifying birds and other types of plants and animals is possible with a few techniques and tools paired with simple observation. -
Trumpeter Swans Return to Michigan, by Joe Johnson (Pdf)
Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) W.C. Joe Johnson Status: State Threatened Seney National Wildlife Refuge, Schoolcraft Co., MI June, 2009 © Al Menk This species sponsored by Bryce & Paula Dreezen and Not found in MBBA I. also by Joe Johnson. Banko (1960) presents some compelling through the Great Lakes States to Eastern Ontario and New York. evidence that this species was once abundant and widespread on the North American All of the swans in the Interior Population are Continent; from the Atlantic to the Pacific and the result of restoration projects by federal, state the Arctic to the Gulf coast. The population was and provincial biologists between 1962 and severely depleted by subsistence hunting and 2008. Biologists began the Michigan effort in over 125 years of commercial swan skin harvest 1986 and finished releasing swans in 1993. A by hunters and trappers for the Hudson Bay total of 124 Trumpeters were released as two Company. Many thousands of skins were year olds. About a third of the swans were shipped to Europe between 1772 and the late released in the eastern UP, another third in the 1800s (Banko 1960). By 1933 there were NLP and the remainder in the southwestern LP. thought to be only 66 Trumpeters alive in North Many of the swans were hatched and reared America and thus nearly extinct (Banko 1960). from eggs collected in Alaska; many others Unknown and unrecorded remnant populations were donated by major zoos and private existed in Canada and Alaska (Mitchell 1994). aviculturists. From 1994 to 2005, 122 more were released in the western UP, northeastern Major conservation efforts have resulted in a LP, northwestern LP and southeastern LP by significant recovery of this species. -
Colorado Field Ornithologists the Colorado Field Ornithologists' Quarterly
Journal of the Colorado Field Ornithologists The Colorado Field Ornithologists' Quarterly VOL. 36, NO. 1 Journal of the Colorado Field Ornithologists January 2002 Vol. 36, No. 1 Journal of the Colorado Field Ornithologists January 2002 TABLE OF C ONTENTS A LETTER FROM THE E DITOR..............................................................................................2 2002 CONVENTION IN DURANGO WITH KENN KAUFMANN...................................................3 CFO BOARD MEETING MINUTES: 1 DECEMBER 2001........................................................4 TREE-NESTING HABITAT OF PURPLE MARTINS IN COLORADO.................................................6 Richard T. Reynolds, David P. Kane, and Deborah M. Finch OLIN SEWALL PETTINGILL, JR.: AN APPRECIATION...........................................................14 Paul Baicich MAMMALS IN GREAT HORNED OWL PELLETS FROM BOULDER COUNTY, COLORADO............16 Rebecca E. Marvil and Alexander Cruz UPCOMING CFO FIELD TRIPS.........................................................................................23 THE SHRIKES OF DEARING ROAD, EL PASO COUNTY, COLORADO 1993-2001....................24 Susan H. Craig RING-BILLED GULLS FEEDING ON RUSSIAN-OLIVE FRUIT...................................................32 Nicholas Komar NEWS FROM THE C OLORADO BIRD R ECORDS COMMITTEE (JANUARY 2002).........................35 Tony Leukering NEWS FROM THE FIELD: THE SUMMER 2001 REPORT (JUNE - JULY)...................................36 Christopher L. Wood and Lawrence S. Semo COLORADO F IELD O -
Bufflehead Bucephala Albeola ILLINOIS RANGE
bufflehead Bucephala albeola Kingdom: Animalia FEATURES Phylum: Chordata The bufflehead is about 13 and one-half to 14 inches Class: Aves long (bill tip to tail tip in preserved specimen). The Order: Anseriformes male has black, back and wing feathers and white feathers on the remainder of the body and onto the Family: Anatidae part of the wings closest to the body. A large white ILLINOIS STATUS patch of feathers is present from below the eye to the top of the head. The remainder of the head common, native feathers are green, purple and brown. The female has dark, gray-brown feathers on her wings and body with a white-feathered cheek patch, a small, white wing patch and white belly feathers. The hind toe has a flap. The legs are located close to the tail. BEHAVIORS The bufflehead can be seen at lakes, ponds, rivers and sewage lagoons. It is a diving duck. It must run across the water's surface to take flight. This species eats small invertebrates and fishes. It is a common migrant and uncommon winter resident in Illinois. It nests in Alaska, Canada and the northern United States. ILLINOIS RANGE © Illinois Department of Natural Resources. 2020. Biodiversity of Illinois. Unless otherwise noted, photos and images © Illinois Department of Natural Resources. male female pair © Illinois Department of Natural Resources. 2020. Biodiversity of Illinois. Unless otherwise noted, photos and images © Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Aquatic Habitats bottomland forests; marshes; rivers and streams; swamps; lakes, ponds and reservoirs Woodland Habitats bottomland forests; southern Illinois lowlands Prairie and Edge Habitats edge © Illinois Department of Natural Resources. -
Energy-Based Carrying Capacities of Bufflehead Bucephala Albeola Wintering Habitats Richard A
University of Rhode Island DigitalCommons@URI Natural Resources Science Faculty Publications Natural Resources Science 2012 Energy-Based Carrying Capacities of Bufflehead Bucephala albeola Wintering Habitats Richard A. McKinney Scott R. McWilliams University of Rhode Island, [email protected] Creative Commons License Creative Commons License This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 License Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/nrs_facpubs Citation/Publisher Attribution McKinney, R. A., & McWilliams, S. R. (2012). Energy-Based Carrying Capacities of Bufflehead Bucephala albeola Wintering Habitats. The Open Ornithology Journal, 5, 5-17. doi: 10.2174/1874453201205010005 Available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1874453201205010005 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Natural Resources Science at DigitalCommons@URI. It has been accepted for inclusion in Natural Resources Science Faculty Publications by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@URI. For more information, please contact [email protected]. The Open Ornithology Journal, 2012, 5, 5-17 5 Open Access Energy-Based Carrying Capacities of Bufflehead Bucephala albeola Wintering Habitats Richard A. McKinney*,1 and Scott R. McWilliams2 1US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Atlantic Ecology Division, 27 Tarzwell Drive, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA 2Department of Natural Resources Science, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA Abstract: We present a model for calculating energy-based carrying capacities for bufflehead (Bucephala albeola), a small North American sea duck wintering in coastal and estuarine habitats. Our model uses estimates of the seasonal energy expenditures that incorporate site-specific energetic costs of thermoregulation, along with available prey energy densities to calculate carrying capacities in numbers of birds per winter.