DOCSLIB.ORG

COR 089-2015, Starling Trapping Program

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
COR 089-2015, Starling Trapping Program Se '~A COUNCIL REPORT ABBOTSFORD Report No. COR 089-2015 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Date: December 10, 2015 File No: 3900-20 To: Mayor and Council From: Bill Flitton, Director, Legislative Services/City Clerk Subject: Starling Trapping Program RECOMMENDATIONS 1. THAT the City of Abbotsford contribute $30,000 for a pilot Starling Management Program, operated by the local berry farming industry; 2. THAT staff be directed to engage the BC Blueberry Council, the BC Blueberry Growers Association, and other relevant agencies, to implement an industry operated Starling Management Program; and 3. THAT the operators of the program be requested to report back to Council in the Fall of 2016 regarding the effectiveness of the program. SUMMARY OF THE ISSUE Council, in March 2015, adopted an Audible Bird Scare Device Bylaw to deter Starlings from damaging crops; however, audible bird scare devices have limited effect on Starlings. Other options to deter Starlings include other bird scare devices or trapping of live birds. In February 2015, when considering further amendments and Three Readings of the Audible Bird Scare Device Bylaw, Council directed staff to report back to Council on a strategy on trapping juvenile Starlings. Staff waited until the end of the season and confirmation of trapping results before bringing forward a Starling trapping update to Council. BACKGROUND Starlings were originally a non-native species of bird to North America until in the late 1800s when some were released in Central Park in New York as part of the promotion of a William Shakespeare play. Eventually Starlings migrated to the west. Starlings began to re-emerge, after a brief absence, in the Pacific Northwest in the 1940s and now number in the millions. Starlings are now responsible, annually, for damage to local berry crops, other fruit crops, and animal feed, etc. ranging from thousands of dollars to millions of dollars. Farmers through their frustration have relied on various deterrents; however, the most effective is believed to be propane cannons. An alternative to the propane cannon, aside from other forms of deterrents, is live trapping of Starlings. Report No. COR 089 -2015 Page 2 of 4 DISCUSSION Numerous studies have been undertaken to study the effectiveness of a wide variety of Starling deterrents limited to, but not including the following: Propane cannons, netting, falconry, streamers, bird distress alarms, ATVs, drones, lasers, other audible bird-scare devices, kites, bird repellent sprays, air dancers, animals, people, etc. The difficulty with the studies is that they largely have not been able to empirically determine the effectiveness of any one device, other than to suggest that they all seem to have some effect. This includes Starling Trapping Programs. This evidenced by research contained in the study "Investigation of Starling Populations in BC (2010)", referenced as Attachment "A". There are two key trapping programs within a reasonable distance of Abbotsford: (1) the trapping program operated in the Okanagan by the BC Grapegrowers Association; and (2) the trapping program operated in Whatcom County by the Whatcom Farm Friends organization. Both programs offer a glimpse into the potential number of Starlings that could be captured. Whatcom Farm Friends (operating since 1997) Cost is about $30,000 per year contributed by local farmers and the Federal government 50-60 farms participate in program 35-40 traps in current program located in strategic areas Program supported and managed by US Department of Agriculture, Wildlife Services One contracted trapper to administer traps in targeted areas. Starlings captured: 2015 16,190 2014 14,272 Captured over 500,000 Starlings since inception of program BC Grapegrowers Association (operating since 2003) Cost is approximately $115,000 per year Program funded by each Regional District in the Okanagan Similkameen, BC Fruit Growers Association, BC Cherry Association, BC Tree Fruits Co-op, and the BC Grapegrowers Association Five trappers contracted to administer traps, in strategic locations throughout the area. Starlings captured: 2015 49,260 2014 71,921 2013 46,899 2012 54,848 2011 78,360 Captured over 650,000 birds since commencement of program; history of program shown on Attachment "B". Control program successes indicated by the BC Grapegrowers Association: Reduction in the use of propane cannons & other birds scaring devices; Reduction in the cost of bird control measures for farmers; Reduction in the amount of bird damage to crops; and Return of native songbirds to the region. Comment from Program Administrator - "the fact that the industry continues to invest in the program speaks to the confidence in the program and its effectiveness". Report No. COR 089 -2015 Page 3 of 4 ---- --·· -~- - ------------=------- Previously, Abbotsford City Council referred the concept of a regional Starling Trapping Program to the Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD) for its consideration. FVRD staff hosted a discussion on the topic comprising numerous people, including representatives from Metro Vancouver Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Delta, Langley Township, Kent, BC Blueberry Council, BC Dairy Association and Ministry of Agriculture. The general consensus of the meeting was that most jurisdictions, with the exception of Abbotsford, do not seem to have significant problems related to Starlings. Abbotsford continues to be the only jurisdiction that expressed interest in funding a Starling Trapping Program. Eventually, the FVRD determined not to proceed with a regional program. The FVRD staff memo in this regard is Attachment "C" of this report. Staff recommends that the City work together with local farming organizations including BC Blueberry Council, BC Blueberry Growers Association, BC Dairy Association and BC Mink Producers Association in an effort to launch a local Starling Trapping Program. These groups have expressed to staff previously concerns regarding damage to crops or feed and may be interested in such a Starling Trapping Program. Such a program is not likely to reduce the total number of Starlings. However, based on anecdotal evidence it could likely decrease the number of Starlings at certain times of the year thereby potentially reducing crop damage and more importantly potentially reducing the reliance on propane cannons. It is also recommended that, similar to the two programs mentioned in this report, the local organizations implement and manage the program with an expectation to report back to Council on the effectiveness of it. However, staff should remain part of the oversight group as a partner in the program. While the Whatcom program administration is more ad-hoc, the Okanagan program consists of members from BC Grapegrowers' Association, BC Cherry Association, BC Fruit Growers Association, BC Ministry of Agriculture, Regional District of the Okanagan Similkameen, and a private grower. FINANCIAL PLAN IMPLICATION The City has allocated one time funding of $30,000 to go towards a Starling Trapping Program. If the program proves successful it is recommended that $30,000 annually be budgeted for such a program. Reviewed and approved by the: Chief Financial Officer Report No. COR 089 -2015 Page 4 of 4 - --··--- --- - - ----------- ----- - ------- - -------------°''------- IMPACTS ON COUNCIL POLICIES, STRATEGIC PLAN AND/OR COUNCIL DIRECTION This proposal helps support, in general, the City's Cornerstone of Vibrant Economy regarding partnerships for innovation and innovative approaches to complement agriculture. SUBSTANTIATION OF RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that Council provide funding of $30,000 to an industry led Starling Trapping Program. Based on the potential success of a program it is recommended that the City consider funding of $30,000, on an annual basis, towards a permanent Starling Trapping Program. Bill Flitton Jak dolpl'l Director, Legislative Services/City Clerk Dep y ~-y Manager Attachment "A": Investigation of Starling Populations in B (2010 Attachment "B": BC Grapegrowers presentation to Region · tricts in the Okanagan (Nov. 2015) Attachment "C": Update on Investigating Interest in a Possible Regional Starling Control Program BC CHERRY ASSOCIATION OKANAGAN SIMILKAMEEN STARLING CONTROL PRO GRAM NOVEMBER, 2015 Funding Each Regional District in the Okanagan Similkameen contributes $25,000 annually to the trapping program. Funding is also received from the BC Fruit Growers’ Association, BC Cherry Association, BC Tree Fruits Co-op and the BC Grapegrowers’ Association. Trapping program costs average $115,000/year. Trapping Trapping is currently carried out by a team of 4 contracted trappers – one in the RDNO, one in the RDCO and two in the RDOS. In the period January 1 – September 30, 2015 a total of 49,260 birds were captured – 12,340 in the RDSO, 13,730 in the RDCO and 23,290 in the RDNO. Starling Control Program Bird Counts 2003 - 2014 Okanagan Central North Totals Similkameen Okanagan Okanagan 2003 15,369 - - 15,369 2004 26,197 7,359 8,878 42,434 2005 22,249 17,686 7,431 47,366 2006 25,206 14,247 1,915 41,368 2007 21,930 10,591 1,510 34,031 2008 18,129 21,471 2,129 41,729 2009 19,336 16,638 17,276 53,250 2010 31,923 20,246 36,121 88,290 2011 27,713 21,366 29,281 78,360 2012 17,637 17,081 20,130 54,848 2013 16,144 13,047 17,708 46,899 2014 23,069 19,339 29,513 71,921 Totals 264,902 179,071 171,892 615,865 Program Management The British Columbia Grapegrowers’ Association has been providing administration & program management since 2006. A management committee made up of representatives from the funding groups oversees the program’s operations. Research A two-year Graduate Student research program carried out at UBC-Okanagan to determine the origins of starlings that make up the Okanagan-Similkameen populations and to better understand the movements & population dynamics locally to evaluate trapping effectiveness was carried out. Results showed that 25% of the birds sampled were from the Kelowna area; 10% from the South Okanagan; 20% from Quesnel and 5% from Grand Forks. About 40% were unaccounted for.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • 1 ID Euring Latin Binomial English Name Phenology Galliformes
    BIRDS OF METAURO RIVER: A GREAT ORNITHOLOGICAL DIVERSITY IN A SMALL ITALIAN URBANIZING BIOTOPE, REQUIRING GREATER PROTECTION 1 SUPPORTING INFORMATION / APPENDICE Check list of the birds of Metauro river (mouth and lower course / Fano, PU), up to September 2020. Lista completa delle specie ornitiche del fiume Metauro (foce e basso corso /Fano, PU), aggiornata ad Settembre 2020. (*) In the study area 1 breeding attempt know in 1985, but in particolar conditions (Pandolfi & Giacchini, 1985; Poggiani & Dionisi, 1988a, 1988b, 2019). ID Euring Latin binomial English name Phenology GALLIFORMES Phasianidae 1 03700 Coturnix coturnix Common Quail Mr, B 2 03940 Phasianus colchicus Common Pheasant SB (R) ANSERIFORMES Anatidae 3 01690 Branta ruficollis The Red-breasted Goose A-1 (2012) 4 01610 Anser anser Greylag Goose Mi, Wi 5 01570 Anser fabalis Tundra/Taiga Bean Goose Mi, Wi 6 01590 Anser albifrons Greater White-fronted Goose A – 4 (1986, february and march 2012, 2017) 7 01520 Cygnus olor Mute Swan Mi 8 01540 Cygnus cygnus Whooper Swan A-1 (1984) 9 01730 Tadorna tadorna Common Shelduck Mr, Wi 10 01910 Spatula querquedula Garganey Mr (*) 11 01940 Spatula clypeata Northern Shoveler Mr, Wi 12 01820 Mareca strepera Gadwall Mr, Wi 13 01790 Mareca penelope Eurasian Wigeon Mr, Wi 14 01860 Anas platyrhynchos Mallard SB, Mr, W (R) 15 01890 Anas acuta Northern Pintail Mi, Wi 16 01840 Anas crecca Eurasian Teal Mr, W 17 01960 Netta rufina Red-crested Pochard A-4 (1977, 1994, 1996, 1997) 18 01980 Aythya ferina Common Pochard Mr, W 19 02020 Aythya nyroca Ferruginous
    [Show full text]
  • Best of the Baltic - Bird List - July 2019 Note: *Species Are Listed in Order of First Seeing Them ** H = Heard Only
    Best of the Baltic - Bird List - July 2019 Note: *Species are listed in order of first seeing them ** H = Heard Only July 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th 12th 13th 14th 15th 16th 17th Mute Swan Cygnus olor X X X X X X X X Whopper Swan Cygnus cygnus X X X X Greylag Goose Anser anser X X X X X Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis X X X Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula X X X X Common Eider Somateria mollissima X X X X X X X X Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula X X X X X X Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator X X X X X Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo X X X X X X X X X X Grey Heron Ardea cinerea X X X X X X X X X Western Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus X X X X White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla X X X X Eurasian Coot Fulica atra X X X X X X X X Eurasian Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus X X X X X X X Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus X X X X X X X X X X X X European Herring Gull Larus argentatus X X X X X X X X X X X X Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus X X X X X X X X X X X X Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus X X X X X X X X X X X X Common/Mew Gull Larus canus X X X X X X X X X X X X Common Tern Sterna hirundo X X X X X X X X X X X X Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea X X X X X X X Feral Pigeon ( Rock) Columba livia X X X X X X X X X X X X Common Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus X X X X X X X X X X X Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto X X X Common Swift Apus apus X X X X X X X X X X X X Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica X X X X X X X X X X X Common House Martin Delichon urbicum X X X X X X X X White Wagtail Motacilla alba X X
    [Show full text]
  • Birdwatching Bingo Identification Sheet Hey Everyone! I Hope You Have Fun Playing Birdwatching Bingo with Your Family
    Birdwatching Bingo Identification Sheet Hey Everyone! I hope you have fun playing Birdwatching Bingo with your family. You can even share it with friends and do it over social media. To help you on your adventure, here is an identification sheet with all the different birds listed on your bingo card. With the help of this sheet and some binoculars, you will be on your way to becoming a fantastic birdwatcher. Most of these birds you can see visiting a birdfeeder, but some you might have to go on a walk and look for with a parent. To play, download and print the bingo cards for each player. Using pennies, pieces of paper, or even a pencil, mark the card when you see and identify the different birds. Don’t be frustrated if you don’t finish the game in one sitting, this game might be completed over a couple days. A great tool to help with IDing birds is the app MERLIN. This is a free bird ID app for your phone from the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology. The website, www.allaboutbirds.org, is a great source too. Blue Jay - Scientific Name: Cyanocitta cristata - Identifiable Markings: o Blue above, light grey below. Black and white markings on wings and tail. Larger than a robin, smaller than a crow. Crest and long tail. - Photo: Females/Males Look Similar Brown-headed Cowbird - Scientific Name: Molothrus ater - Identifiable Markings: o Stout bill. Short tail and stocky body. Males are glossy black with chocolate brown head. Females are grey-brown overall, without bold streaks, but slightly paler throat.
    [Show full text]
  • Stories of the Sky Islands: Exhibit Development Resource Guide for Biology and Geology at Chiricahua National Monument and Coronado National Memorial
    Stories of the Sky Islands: Exhibit Development Resource Guide for Biology and Geology at Chiricahua National Monument and Coronado National Memorial Prepared for the National Park Service under terms of Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Unit Agreement H1200-05-0003 Task Agreement J8680090020 Prepared by Adam M. Hudson,1 J. Jesse Minor,2,3 Erin E. Posthumus4 In cooperation with the Arizona State Museum The University of Arizona Tucson, AZ Beth Grindell, Principal Investigator May 17, 2013 1: Department of Geosciences, University of Arizona ([email protected]) 2: School of Geography and Development, University of Arizona ([email protected]) 3: Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research, University of Arizona 4: School of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of Arizona ([email protected]) Table of Contents Introduction ........................................................................................................................3 Beth Grindell, Ph.D. Ch. 1: Current research and information for exhibit development on the geology of Chiricahua National Monument and Coronado National Memorial, Southeast Arizona, USA..................................................................................................................................... 5 Adam M. Hudson, M.S. Section 1: Geologic Time and the Geologic Time Scale ..................................................5 Section 2: Plate Tectonic Evolution and Geologic History of Southeast Arizona .........11 Section 3: Park-specific Geologic History – Chiricahua
    [Show full text]
  • Are European Starlings Breeding in the Azores Archipelago Genetically Distinct from Birds Breeding in Mainland Europe? Verónica C
    Are European starlings breeding in the Azores archipelago genetically distinct from birds breeding in mainland Europe? Verónica C. Neves, Kate Griffiths, Fiona R. Savory, Robert W. Furness, Barbara K. Mable To cite this version: Verónica C. Neves, Kate Griffiths, Fiona R. Savory, Robert W. Furness, Barbara K. Mable. Are European starlings breeding in the Azores archipelago genetically distinct from birds breeding in mainland Europe?. European Journal of Wildlife Research, Springer Verlag, 2009, 56 (1), pp.95-100. 10.1007/s10344-009-0316-x. hal-00535248 HAL Id: hal-00535248 https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00535248 Submitted on 11 Nov 2010 HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access L’archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est archive for the deposit and dissemination of sci- destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents entific research documents, whether they are pub- scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non, lished or not. The documents may come from émanant des établissements d’enseignement et de teaching and research institutions in France or recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires abroad, or from public or private research centers. publics ou privés. Eur J Wildl Res (2010) 56:95–100 DOI 10.1007/s10344-009-0316-x SHORT COMMUNICATION Are European starlings breeding in the Azores archipelago genetically distinct from birds breeding in mainland Europe? Verónica C. Neves & Kate Griffiths & Fiona R. Savory & Robert W. Furness & Barbara K. Mable Received: 6 May 2009 /Revised: 5 August 2009 /Accepted: 11 August 2009 /Published online: 29 August 2009 # Springer-Verlag 2009 Abstract The European starling (Sturnus vulgaris) has Keywords Azores .
    [Show full text]
  • 1985 Land and Resource Management Plan
    Cibola National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan Table of Contents Page 1. INTRODUCTION Purpose of the Plan . 1 Relationship to Other Planning Levels and Studies . 1 Planning Process. 2 Organization of the Proposed Forest Plan Document . 5-1 Planning Area Description . 5-1 2. PUBLIC ISSUES AND MANAGEMENT CONCERNS Overview. 7 Firewood and Miscellaneous Products . 7 Range Management. 7 Soil and Water. 8 Recreation. 8 Mineral’s Management. 9 Transportation. 9 Electronic Site Management. 10 Wilderness Management . 10 Riparian Management . 10 Unauthorized Use. 11 National Grasslands . 11 Public Information and Education. 11 3. SUMMARY OF THE ANALYSIS OF THE MANAGEMENT SITUATION Overview. 13 Timber and Firewood . 14 Wilderness. 16 Wildlife and Fish . 17 Range . 19 Recreation. 20 Minerals. 22 Soil and Water. 24 Cultural Resources. 24 Research Natural Areas. 25 Diversity . 26 Visual Resources. 26 Lands and Special Uses. 27 Listed Wild, Scenic and Recreational Rivers . 28 Air . 28 Protection. 28 Facilities. 30 4. MANAGEMENT DIRECTION Mission . 33 Goals . 33 Objectives. 34 Management Prescriptions. 54 Management Prescriptions Applicable to all Areas. 56 Management Area 1 (Sandia Mountain Wilderness). 81 Management Area 2 (Sandia Ranger District). 84 Management Area 3 (Manzano Mountain, Apache Kid, and Withington Wildernesses) . 95 Management Area 4 (Black Kettle and McClellan Creek National Grasslands). 99 Management Area 5 (Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands) . 105 Management Area 7 (Langmuir Research site) . 109 Management Area 8 (Mt. Taylor Ranger District). 117 Management Area 9 (Mt. Taylor Ranger District). 127 Management Area 10 (Mt. Talyor Ranger District) . 133 Management Area 11 (Magdalena and Mountainair Ranger Districts) . 141 Management Area 12 (Mountainair and Magdalena Ranger Districts) .
    [Show full text]
  • Niche Analysis and Conservation of Bird Species Using Urban Core Areas
    sustainability Article Niche Analysis and Conservation of Bird Species Using Urban Core Areas Vasilios Liordos 1,* , Jukka Jokimäki 2 , Marja-Liisa Kaisanlahti-Jokimäki 2, Evangelos Valsamidis 1 and Vasileios J. Kontsiotis 1 1 Department of Forest and Natural Environment Sciences, International Hellenic University, 66100 Drama, Greece; [email protected] (E.V.); [email protected] (V.J.K.) 2 Arctic Centre, University of Lapland, 96101 Rovaniemi, Finland; jukka.jokimaki@ulapland.fi (J.J.); marja-liisa.kaisanlahti@ulapland.fi (M.-L.K.-J.) * Correspondence: [email protected] Abstract: Knowing the ecological requirements of bird species is essential for their successful con- servation. We studied the niche characteristics of birds in managed small-sized green spaces in the urban core areas of southern (Kavala, Greece) and northern Europe (Rovaniemi, Finland), during the breeding season, based on a set of 16 environmental variables and using Outlying Mean Index, a multivariate ordination technique. Overall, 26 bird species in Kavala and 15 in Rovaniemi were recorded in more than 5% of the green spaces and were used in detailed analyses. In both areas, bird species occupied different niches of varying marginality and breadth, indicating varying responses to urban environmental conditions. Birds showed high specialization in niche position, with 12 species in Kavala (46.2%) and six species in Rovaniemi (40.0%) having marginal niches. Niche breadth was narrower in Rovaniemi than in Kavala. Species in both communities were more strongly associated either with large green spaces located further away from the city center and having a high vegetation cover (urban adapters; e.g., Common Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs), European Greenfinch (Chloris Citation: Liordos, V.; Jokimäki, J.; chloris Cyanistes caeruleus Kaisanlahti-Jokimäki, M.-L.; ), Eurasian Blue Tit ( )) or with green spaces located closer to the city center Valsamidis, E.; Kontsiotis, V.J.
    [Show full text]
  • Science for Saving Species Research Findings Factsheet Project 4.2
    Science for Saving Species Research findings factsheet Project 4.2 Assessing the impacts of invasive species: Hollow-nesting birds in Tasmania In brief Background Predicting the impacts of invasive Invasive alien birds are found explore the known and theoretical species is difficult at large spatial across many areas of Australia. interaction network between the scales. This is because the interactions Many of these introduced birds cavity breeding birds in Tasmania, between invasive species and native use cavities, an important breeding and to identify which native species species vary across different species, resource for cavity nesting species. are likely impacted by the addition between different locations, over In Tasmania alone there are 27 of non-native species. time and in relation to other pressures species of hollow-nesting birds, We discovered that, overall, such as habitat loss, extensive fires, including three threatened species native hollow-nesting species climatic events and drought. and seven invasive hollow-nesting are likely facing increased levels bird species. The logging of big old Given that conservation and of competition for nesting sites trees with cavities and the addition management work is almost always as a result of non-native species of invasive species has likely led conducted under limited budgets and introductions. Such competition to increased competition over time, being able to quantify where is likely to decrease breeding the limited resource. However, and when invasive species are having opportunities for native species, the impact of most of these a significant impact on local species including some of Tasmania’s invasive species has not been is vital for effectively managing and threatened and endemic species.
    [Show full text]
  • Endangered Species Status for the Florida Bonneted Bat; Final Rule
    Vol. 78 Wednesday, No. 191 October 2, 2013 Part II Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service 50 CFR Part 17 Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for the Florida Bonneted Bat; Final Rule VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:45 Oct 01, 2013 Jkt 232001 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4717 Sfmt 4717 E:\FR\FM\02OCR2.SGM 02OCR2 mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES2 61004 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 191 / Wednesday, October 2, 2013 / Rules and Regulations DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Listing a species as endangered or Previous Federal Actions threatened can only be completed by The Florida bonneted bat (Eumops Fish and Wildlife Service issuing a rule. On October 4, 2012, we floridanus) was previously known as the published a proposed rule to list the Florida mastiff bat (Eumops glaucinus 50 CFR Part 17 Florida bonneted bat as an endangered floridanus). [Docket No. FWS–R4–ES–2012–0078; species (77 FR 60750). After careful Federal actions for the Florida 4500030113] consideration of all public and peer bonneted bat prior to October 4, 2012, reviewer comments we received, we are are outlined in our proposed rule (77 FR RIN 1018–AY15 publishing this final rule to list the 60750), which was published on that Endangered and Threatened Wildlife Florida bonneted bat as an endangered date. Publication of the proposed rule and Plants; Endangered Species species. (77 FR 60750) opened a 60-day comment period, which closed on Status for the Florida Bonneted Bat The basis for our action. Under the December 3, 2012. AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Act, a species may be determined to be Our proposed rule also included a Interior.
    [Show full text]
  • On the Preservation of the Beak in Confuciusornis (Aves: Pygostylia)
    diversity Article On the Preservation of the Beak in Confuciusornis (Aves: Pygostylia) Amanda Falk 1, Jingmai O’Connor 2,3,* , Min Wang 2,3 and Zhonghe Zhou 2,3,* 1 Biology Department, Centre College, 600 W. Walnut St. Danville, KY 40422, USA; [email protected] 2 Key Laboratory of Vertebrate Evolution and Human Origins of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Beijing 100044, China; [email protected] 3 CAS Center for Excellence in Life and Paleoenvironment, Beijing 10010, China * Correspondence: [email protected] (J.O.); [email protected] (Z.Z.) Received: 27 October 2019; Accepted: 10 November 2019; Published: 11 November 2019 Abstract: The Confuciusornithiformes represent the most stem-ward avian occurrence of an edentulous rostrum. Although a keratinous beak is widely considered to have covered the rostrum in confuciusornithiforms, this feature is almost never preserved, having been previously reported only in the holotype of Confuciusornis dui and the holotype of Eoconfuciusornis zhengi. This strongly contrasts with the widespread preservation of the keratinous sheaths that cover the manual and pedal ungual phalanges. Here, we report on a third occurrence of a preserved rhamphotheca in a specimen of Confuciusornis sanctus. We illuminated the preserved traces using laser-stimulated fluorescence. Similarly to E. zhengi, the rhamphotheca has been preserved only as a two-dimensional trace, whereas ungual sheaths are preserved in three dimensions. In contrast to the traces preserved in C. dui, the rhamphotheca in the discussed specimen of C. sanctus is straight rather than upturned. This hints towards hidden morphological diversity within the thousands of Confuciusornis specimens, in which species may be further differentiated by soft tissue features or behaviors, much like many living birds, that cannot be detected in fossils, even with exceptional preservation.
    [Show full text]
  • The Impacts of Rock Climbing on the Selection of Roosts by Bats and the Influence of These Mammals on the Biodiversity and Nutrient Influx of Cliff-Face Ecosystems
    University of Northern Colorado Scholarship & Creative Works @ Digital UNC Dissertations Student Research 12-2019 The Impacts of Rock Climbing on the Selection of Roosts by Bats and the Influence of These Mammals on the Biodiversity and Nutrient Influx of Cliff-Face Ecosystems Ashley Kay Wilson Follow this and additional works at: https://digscholarship.unco.edu/dissertations Recommended Citation Wilson, Ashley Kay, "The Impacts of Rock Climbing on the Selection of Roosts by Bats and the Influence of These Mammals on the Biodiversity and Nutrient Influx of Cliff-Face Ecosystems" (2019). Dissertations. 647. https://digscholarship.unco.edu/dissertations/647 This Text is brought to you for free and open access by the Student Research at Scholarship & Creative Works @ Digital UNC. It has been accepted for inclusion in Dissertations by an authorized administrator of Scholarship & Creative Works @ Digital UNC. For more information, please contact [email protected]. UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN COLORADO Greeley, Colorado The Graduate School THE IMPACTS OF ROCK CLIMBING ON THE SELECTION OF ROOSTS BY BATS AND THE INFLUENCE OF THESE MAMMALS ON THE BIODIVERSITY AND NUTRIENT INFLUX OF CLIFF-FACE ECOSYSTEMS A Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Ashley Kay Wilson College of Natural and Health Sciences School of Biological Sciences Program of Biological Education December 2019 This Dissertation by: Ashley Kay Wilson Entitled: The Impacts of Rock Climbing on the Selection of Roosts by Bats and the Influence of These Mammals on the Biodiversity and Nutrient Influx of Cliff-Face Ecosystems has been approved as meeting the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the College of Natural and Health Sciences, in the School of Biological Sciences, and in the Program of Biological Education.
    [Show full text]
  • The Migrant 35:3
    SEPTEMBER Howwm, 1C you pnfw fine I line to chmore fram am wall H I many lowmr priced blnoculan of goad qualhy. PHOTO SUPPLIES If It's photyrmpk, arl if It's god, WI HAVI IT - SAP SHOP THE MIGRANT Photograph by Lee B. Herndon GOLDEN EAGLE THE MIGRANT Published by the Tennessee Ornitholo~ialSociety, to Record and Encourage the Study of Birds in Tennessee. Issued in March, June, September and December. VOT,. 35 SEPTEMBER 1964 NO. 3 - -- .- -- ---- GOLDEN EAGLE ON RQAN MQUNTAIN By KENNETH H. DUBKE A great deal of interest was created in this area when it was learned that an immature Golden Eagle (AyRila chry.wetosj was captured and in captivity at an abandoned house on the North Carolina side of Roan Moun- tain, below Buckeye Ridge. Dr. Lee R. Herndon first heard of this bird from Kenneth Clark and immediately they went and ascertained its identi- ty and photographed it. (See frontispiece). This was followed by a quick trip by Wallace Coffey and George Craig, Bristol, and the writer to the home of Mr. Herbert Gouge, Jr., Little Rock Creek Road, Bakersville, North Carolina. It was Mr. Gouge who caught the bird and was keeping it in captivity for release at a later date. In the course of conversation with MI-. Gouge a great deal of light was thrown on the activity of eagles at his farm and also his past experiences with them. Mr. Gouge has been raising sheep for twenty years and asserts that he has had trouble with them evcry spring at lambing time.
    [Show full text]