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The Ecological and Toxicological Significance of Altitudinal Migration by the American Dipper (Cinclus Mexicanus)

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The Ecological and Toxicological Significance of Altitudinal Migration by the American Dipper (Cinclus Mexicanus) THE ECOLOGICAL AND TOXICOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF ALTITUDINAL MIGRATION BY THE AMERICAN DIPPER (CINCLUS MEXICANUS) Christy Ann Morrissey BSc. University of British Columbia, 1997 THESIS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY In the Department of Biological Sciences 0Christy Morrissey 2003 SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY September 2003 All rights reserved. This work may not be reproduced in whole or in part, by photocopy or other means, without permission of the author. APPROVAL Name: Christy Ann Morrissey Degree: Doctor of Philosophy Title of Thesis: The ecological and toxicological significance of altitudinal migration by the American Dipper (Cinclus mexicanus). Examining Committee: Chair: Dr. A. Harestad Dr. L. Ben&H%ung, Professor, Senior Supervimr Department of Biological Sciences, S.F.U. Dr. J. Elliott, Senior Research Scientist Canadian WiME%rvice, Environment Canada Canada Dr. R. Ydenberg, Passor Department of Biological Sciences, S.F.U. Dr. T. Williams, professor Department of Biological Sciences, S.F.U. Public Examiner Dr. S. Ormerod, Professor School of Biosciences, Cardiff Universify External Examiner PARTIAL COPYRIGHT LICENCE I hereby grant to Simon Fraser University the right to lend my thesis, project or extended essay (the title of which is shown below) to users of the Simon Fraser University Library, and to make partial or single copies only for such users or in response to a request from the library of any other university, or other educational institution, on its own behalf or for one of its users. I further agree that permission for multiple copying of this work for scholarly purposes may be granted by me or the Dean of Graduate Studies. It is understood that copying or publication of this work for financial gain shall not be allowed without my written permission. Title of ThesislProjectlExtended Essay The ecological and toxicological significance of altitudinal migration by the American Dipper (Cinchmexicanus). Author: (signature) Christy Ann Morrissey (name) Septcmhcr 2s,2a33 (date) ABSTRACT American dippers (Cinclus mexicanus) appear to concentrate at low elevation streams in fall and winter, implying some degree of migratory behavior in this species. Knowledge about the composition, origin and movement patterns of dipper populations are necessary to use this species as an effective biomonitor of trace contaminants in watersheds. During 1999- 2002, I color banded 522 dippers and radio-tagged 14 in the Chilliwack River watershed, British Columbia, to follow their movements during the breeding and non-breeding seasons. During the annual cycle, most individuals (84-89 %) moved from the main river to higher elevation tributaries to breed, while small numbers (1 1- 16%) remained resident on the main river year round. Resident birds on the river initiated nests earlier, had greater proportions of second broods, and benefited from marginally higher rates of nest success and annual productivity than migrants on creeks. Later initiation of breeding by altitudinal migrants reduced productivity by increasing predation or flooding risk and prevented opportunities for initiating second clutches. Residue analysis of dipper eggs and prey items (benthic invertebrates and salmon fry) revealed DDE, hexachlorobenzene, trans-nonachlor and PCBs as the most prevalent organic contaminants detected. PCB and organochlorine patterns were highly consistent across sites in the Georgia Basin and between dipper eggs and prey, indicating common atmospheric sources to the region that were biomagnified in lotic food chains. Organochlorines, PCBs and mercury were all significantly higher in eggs from river residents compared to creek migrants. Feathers of residents also had higher concentrations of mercury, cadmium, and copper relative to migrants. However, levels of organic and metal contaminants in invertebrates differed minimally between the river and creeks. Observed differences in contaminant concentrations were primarily related to the proportion of salmon fry in dipper diets. Stable isotope analysis revealed that residents consumed significantly more fish than migrants. Blood 6'5~values were positively correlated with total organochlorines and total DDT in eggs suggesting that fish were the primary source of organic contamination. However, daily exposure to metals that exceeded tolerable daily intake levels (selenium, aluminum and zinc) was of greater concern to migrants consuming primarily invertebrate diets. DEDICATION ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This thesis is a product of many people's assistance and without each and everyone's contribution; it would not have been possible. I would like to first acknowledge my co-supervisors Leah Bendell-Young and John Elliott, who have mentored me through all stages of the learning process. In particular, John Elliott was instrumental to my success as he not only gave me the opportunity to take on this project, but also offered continuous encouragement and arranged substantial financial support. Other committee members including Rob Butler, Fred Cooke and Ron Ydenberg were a generous source of ideas, constructive criticism and editorial assistance. Over the course of the 4-year study, the field component took up almost 2 full years. I wish to give special thanks to my fellow "dipper chicks" Ingrid Pollet, RenC McKibbin and Holly Middleton, who often risked life over limb in the field and deserve credit for much of the data presented here. Both Ingrid and RenC became passionate in the dipper study often taking time away from their other work to volunteer on winter surveys. I not only appreciate their hard work in the field, but their dedication to the project, and their continuing friendship. Several others volunteered with field data collection including Jason Morrissey, Harp Gill, Sandi Lee, Pippa Sheppard, Darren Fergusen, David Vockeroth, Nicole Tennant, Brent Matsuda, and Gabi Kardosi. I further wish to thank the Chilliwack River Rafting Company especially Russ Brown for "saving" us on many occasions by paddling to many difficult nests during the study. I am also grateful to the many Canadian Wildlife Service staff including Sandi Lee, Laurie Wilson, Barry Smith, Jason Komaromi, Steve Shisko, Sean Boyd, AndrC Breault, and Wendy Easton for advice and assistance on many details of the project from banding to mounting radios, sample storage and shipments, as well as statistical and GIs help. The project involved considerable laboratory work; therefore, I wish to thank several individuals for their technical contributions including the staff at the National Wildlife Research Centre, Levelton Engineering especially Brent Mussato, CanTest Laboratories, Cavendish Laboratories, and the Pacific Environmental Research Centre especially Mark Saffari and Ron Leary. I thank David Harris at the University of California-Davis who performed the stable isotope analysis as well as Keith Hobson and Don Phillips who provided insight and advice on the study design and results of the stable isotope work. To no ones surprise, good research is only possible with strong financial support. I am truly grateful to the Canadian Wildlife Service for their large contributions of financial and logistical support throughout the project. Major funding for this project was provided by the Georgia Basin Ecosystem Initiative through Environment Canada (CWS). The Canadian Wildlife Service, Simon Fraser University, and Leah Bendell- Young provided additional funding for the research. Throughout my time at the university, I have had the pleasure of knowing and developing friendships with other SFU students and staff, many of which have made my experiences at SFU more enjoyable. I wish to thank the past and present students of the Bendell-Young Lab, especially Joline King, and the Moore Lab for their friendship and encouragement. I also would like to thank all the other students and faculty of the Centre for Wildlife Ecology who have been a valuable resource for exchanging ideas. I further thank David Green, who although I have only known for a short time at SFU, has been an incredible help in manuscript reviews, providing words of advice, presenting insightful ideas about avian ecology and ultimately for being a new foster parent for my banded birds. Thank you also to staff in the biology office including Sylvia Foran, Marlene Nguyen, Barb Sherman and Carole Conlin for your cheerful and knowledgeable assistance in all aspects of grad school and defense preparation. I save a special place here at the end to thank my family and fhends who have probably done the most to support me in all aspects of my academic endeavors. I especially thank my husband, Jason, who has done more than his share of research volunteer work, but mainly for his continuous love and support. Without them, this thesis would not have been possible.. vii TABLE OF CONTENTS Approval ............................................................................................................................. ii ... Abstract ............................................................................................................................. rrr Dedication ...........................................................................................................................v Acknowledgements .............................................................................................................vi ... Table of Contents ...........................................................................................................
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