DOCSLIB.ORG

Pacific Golden-Plovers Pluvialis Fulva in American Samoa: Spring Migration, Fall Return of Marked Birds, and Other Observations OSCAR W

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Pacific Golden-Plovers Pluvialis Fulva in American Samoa: Spring Migration, Fall Return of Marked Birds, and Other Observations OSCAR W Pacific Golden-Plovers Pluvialis fulva in American Samoa: Spring migration, fall return of marked birds, and other observations OSCAR W. JOHNSON', ROGER H. GOODWILL2, ANDREA E. BRUNER2, PATRICIA M. JOHNSON', ROGER S. GOLD2, RUTH B. UTZURRUM3 & JOSHUA 0. SEAMON3 'Department of Ecology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA. owjohnson2105@aotcom 2Department of Biology, Brigham Young University-Hawaii, Laie, HI 96762, USA 3Wildlife Division, Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources American Samoa Government, Pago Pago, AS 96799, USA Johnson, 0.W., Goodwill, R.H., Bruner, A.E., Johnson, P.M., Gold, R.S., Utzurrum, R.B. & Seamon, J.O. 2008. Pacific Golden-Plovers Pluvialis fulva in American Samoa: Spring migration, fall return of marked birds, and other observations. Wader Study Group Bull. 115(1): 20-23. Keywords: Pacific Golden-Plover, Pluvialis fulva, radio-tagging, telemetry, spring migration, American Samoa, Oahu, Alaska, wintering ground fidelity, fall return rates, population estimates on Tutuila Island In spring 2007, we radio-tagged and uniquely color-banded 30 Pacific Golden-Plovers Pluvialis fulva on wintering grounds at Tutuila Island, American Samoa (AS), and ten others on Oahu, Hawaiian Islands. All of these birds were territorial on short-grass (lawn) habitat. Spring migration from AS began during the second week of April well ahead of departure from Oahu which occurred in late April. The average at-capture body mass in both the AS and Oahu sample groups was statistically identical. Two of the birds were detected during subsequent monitoring surveys in Alaska. An AS plover was found on 25 April near the village of Egegik on the Alaska Peninsula, and a plover from Oahu was located on 23 May near Bethel in western Alaska. The route of the AS plover to Alaska is unknown, but from the great circle perspective a mid-Pacific flight traversing the Hawaiian Archipelago seems probable. A large percentage of the birds in both groups returned in the fall (AS 83%, Oahu 80%) and reoccupied previous territories. We estimated that the wintering population of Pacific Golden-Plovers on Tutuila Island was at least 500 birds. This was substantially greater than previous estimates. INTRODUCTION METHODS The winter range of Pacific Golden-Plovers Pluvialis fulva Over the period 28 March-5 April 2007, we captured with covers a vast area of the world (for maps see Byrkjedal & mist nets a total of 30 Pacific Golden-Plovers on Tutuila Thompson 1998, Johnson eta!. 2006, Hayman et a!. 1986). Island, the major landmass of American Samoa. All of the Prior to this investigation the only studies in which wintering birds were territorial individuals wintering on lawns at six plovers were either uniquely banded or banded and also radio- sites: Congregational Church (Kanana Fou Compound, tagged were conducted at Oahu, Johnston Atoll, and Saipan. n= 10), Catholic Church (Fatu-o-aiga Compound, n= 6), Vet- These studies revealed (see Johnson et al. 2006): that there erans Memorial Stadium (ri = 5), Leone High School (n= 5), is major migratory linkage between Oahu wintering grounds LINE Golf Course (n = 3), and Lion's Park (n = 1). The six and Alaska breeding grounds, that matted birds return at high sites are located in south-western Tutuila at approximately rates in the fall and have strong fidelity to specific winter 14°21 1S, 170°46'W. This part of the island is relatively flat territories, and that plovers wintering on Saipan most likely and contains an abundance of low grass habitat (lawns, golf nest in Siberia and migrate there via Japan. The islands of course, etc.) ideal for wintering plovers. The rest of Tutuila American Samoa are situated almost directly south of Alaska is mostly unsuitable for plovers as it is mountainous and at a distance of approximately 9,000 km (Fig. 1). From the forested. Our sample of birds consisted of 16 adult females, global (great circle) perspective, it seems likely that plovers 12 adult males, 1 first-year male and 1 first-year female. All wintering in American Samoa are linked to Alaska via the of the plovers captured on Tutuila were in advanced stages mid-Pacific Flyway. In an effort to demonstrate this connec- of pre-breeding molt. Thus, sexually dimorphic coloration tion, we banded and radio-tagged a sample group of birds on was obvious and the sexes were easily separable. For age Tutuila Island in spring 2007. The birds were captured only a and sex criteria in this species see Johnson & Johnson (1983) few days before they departed on northward migration. This and Johnson & Connors (1996). Methodology concerning investigation also provided an opportunity to estimate the color-banding, the attachment of transmitters, and the type number of plovers wintering on Tutuila relative to previous of transmitters used was identical to that described elsewhere counts by Beichle (2001), and to assess the site fidelity of by Johnson et at (2006). marked birds when they returned to the island in the fall. We monitored the radio-equipped birds at our banding sites 20 Johnson of al.: Pacific Golden-plovers in American Samoa 21 Fig. 1. Arrow indicates the location of Tutuila Island in the Samoan Archipelago. Assuming a northward mid-Pacific migration route, the pathway would likely pass through the Hawaiian Islands. Various potential stopovers lie between Tutuila and Hawaii. Of these, we indicate the approximate locations of the Tokelau Islands (To), Phoenix Islands (Ph), Line Islands (U), and Johnston Island (Jo). with a hand-held receiver and also visually each day. During the night, we occasionally listened for signals at the island's airport (Tafuna International) where radio-tagged plovers often joined roosting aggregations. Monitoring continued until 12 April at which point we departed the island. We es- timated the wintering population of plovers on Tutuila from counts at our banding sites (collectively these made up a large fraction of plover habitat on the island) combined with nocturnal counts (using night-vision optics) at the airport. Large nighttime ag- gregations of plovers were present on taxi- ways and the ends of the runways at the airport, and it was apparent that these paved areas were the primary nocturnal roosting sites on Tutuila. Of our banding sites, the Ili'ili Golf Course held the largest num- ber of wintering birds. We censused the course systematically fairway by fairway (using an electric golf cart) six times from 1-12 April. The return of marked plovers at Tutuila in fall 2007 began in late August and peaked around mid-September. The final tally of returnees was made during the period 22-25 Oct. As an adjunct to the project on Tutuila and using the same methods, we banded and radio-tagged ten territorial plovers (eight adult males and two adult females) from a wintering ground counts at banding sites) occurred on 7 April. By 8 April, ten on Oahu. The birds were captured from 14-21 April 2007 at radio-tagged birds could no longer be found and the number Kualoa Park (21°30N, 157°50'W) on the northeastern coast of plovers at each banding site was reduced by about a half. of the island. Post-banding, OWJ and PMJ monitored these Similarly, nighttime counts at the airport dropped from 436 individuals until 27 April at which point all had migrated. plovers on 3 April to 236 on 10 April. The decline continued Their return in the fall was recorded by AEB who visited the and by the time our fieldwork ended on 12 April, 20 of the park several times in September and October. Altogether, 30 radio-tagged birds had disappeared. the wintering population at Kualoa Park consists of about Mean at-capture body mass of the Tutuila plovers was 70 plovers. 180 g (range = 122-212 g, n = 30), and there was essentially Monitoring of plover radio frequencies in Alaska was done no difference between the sexes (males = 180.3 g, n = 13; by cooperating biologists using fixed wing aircraft equipped females = 179.2 g, n = 17). We found no consistent relation- with VHF receiving antennae. The areas in which flights were ship between fat stores (as indicated by body mass at the time made, number of flights, and dates were as follows: Copper of capture) and the timing of migratory departure. Four of the River Delta, two flights, 28 April and 5 May; portions of the fattest birds (188-209 g) were still present on their territories region between King Salmon and Cape Seniavin, four flights, as of 12 April, while 20 others of varying weights (155-212 g) 23, 25, 29 April and 8 May; westward from Bethel, one flight, had already disappeared. At the completion of fieldwork on 12 23 May. The Copper River Delta is a major shorebird stop- April, mean at-capture body mass for both groups of plovers over outside the breeding range of Pacific Golden-Plovers. (the 20 birds that had departed and the ten still remaining at However, radio-tagged plovers have occasionally been found the study sites) was the same at 180 g. there in past studies (Johnson et at 2004). The other survey There were approximately 230 plovers resident at the regions were within the species' nesting range (Fig. 2). six banding sites, with the majority (at least 160) wintering on the Ili'ili Golf Course. Aside from the banding sites, we observed smaller numbers of plovers wherever there was suit- RESULTS able habitat—particularly along roadsides and on residential The first indications that plovers were leaving Tutuila on lawns. Considering all of the foregoing daytime observations spring migration (i.e., loss of several radio signals and lower together with nighttime airport counts, we estimated that the 22 Wader Study Group Bulletin 115 (1) 2008 Flg.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Meinmahla Kyun Wildlife Sanctuary Myanmar
    Meinmahla Kyun Wildlife Sanctuary Myanmar EAAF NETWORK SITE CODE FOR OFFICE USE ONLY: E A A F 1 4 0 Site Information Sheet on East Asian-Australasian Flyway Network Sites (SIS) – 2017 version Available for download from http://www.eaaflyway.net/about/the-flyway/flyway-site-network/ 1 of 22 Information Sheet on EAA Flyway Network Sites | Meinmahla Kyun Wildlife Sanctuary [EAAF140] Categories approved by Second Meeting of the Partners of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership in Beijing, China 13-14 November 2007 - Report (Minutes) Agenda Item 3.13 Notes for compilers: 1. The management body intending to nominate a site for inclusion in the East Asian - Australasian Flyway Site Network is requested to complete a Site Information Sheet. The Site Information Sheet will provide the basic information of the site and detail how the site meets the criteria for inclusion in the Flyway Site Network. When there is a new nomination or an SIS update, the following sections with an asterisk (*), from Questions 1-14 and Question 30, must be filled or updated at least so that it can justify the international importance of the habitat for migratory waterbirds. 2. The Site Information Sheet is based on the Ramsar Information Sheet. If the site proposed for the Flyway Site Network is an existing Ramsar site then the documentation process can be simplified. 3. Once completed, the Site Information Sheet (and accompanying map(s)) should be submitted to the Secretariat. Compilers should provide an electronic (MS Word) copy of the Information Sheet and, where possible, digital versions (e.g.
    [Show full text]
  • The Wrybill <I>Anarhynchus Frontalis</I>: a Brief Review of Status, Threats and Work in Progress
    The Wrybill Anarhynchus frontalis: a brief review of status, threats and work in progress ADRIAN C. RIEGEN '1 & JOHN E. DOWDING 2 •231 ForestHill Road, Waiatarua, Auckland 8, NewZealand, e-maih riegen @xtra.co. nz; 2p.o. BOX36-274, Merivale, Christchurch 8030, New Zealand, e-maih [email protected]. nz Riegen,A.C. & Dowding, J.E. 2003. The Wrybill Anarhynchusfrontalis:a brief review of status,threats and work in progress.Wader Study Group Bull. 100: 20-24. The Wrybill is a threatenedplover endemic to New Zealandand unique in havinga bill curvedto the right.It is specializedfor breedingon bareshingle in thebraided riverbeds of Canterburyand Otago in the SouthIsland. After breeding,almost the entirepopulation migrates north and wintersin the harboursaround Auckland. The speciesis classifiedas Vulnerable. Based on countsof winteringflocks, the population currently appears to number4,500-5,000 individuals.However, countingproblems mean that trendsare difficult to determine. The mainthreats to theWrybill arebelieved to be predationon thebreeding grounds, degradation of breeding habitat,and floodingof nests.In a recentstudy in the MackenzieBasin, predation by introducedmammals (mainly stoats,cats and possibly ferrets) had a substantialimpact on Wrybill survivaland productivity. Prey- switchingby predatorsfollowing the introductionof rabbithaemorrhagic disease in 1997 probablyincreased predationrates on breedingwaders. A recentstudy of stoatsin the TasmanRiver showedthat 11% of stoat densexamined contained Wrybill remains.Breeding habitat is beinglost in somerivers and degraded in oth- ers,mainly by waterabstraction and flow manipulation,invasion of weeds,and human recreational use. Flood- ing causessome loss of nestsbut is alsobeneficial, keeping nesting areas weed-free. The breedingrange of the speciesappears to be contractingand fragmenting, with the bulk of the popula- tion now breedingin three large catchments.
    [Show full text]
  • Photographing the Islands of Hawaii
    Molokai Sea Cliffs - Molokai, Hawaii Photographing the Islands of Hawaii by E.J. Peiker Introduction to the Hawaiian Islands The Hawaiian Islands are an archipelago of eight primary islands and many atolls that extend for 1600 miles in the central Pacific Ocean. The larger and inhabited islands are what we commonly refer to as Hawaii, the 50 th State of the United States of America. The main islands, from east to west, are comprised of the Island of Hawaii (also known as the Big Island), Maui, Kahoolawe, Molokai, Lanai, Oahu, Kauai, and Niihau. Beyond Niihau to the west lie the atolls beginning with Kaula and extending to Kure Atoll in the west. Kure Atoll is the last place on Earth to change days and the last place on Earth to ring in the new year. The islands of Oahu, Maui, Kauai and Hawaii (Big Island) are the most visited and developed with infrastructure equivalent to much of the civilized world. Molokai and Lanai have very limited accommodation options and infrastructure and have far fewer people. All six of these islands offer an abundance of photographic possibilities. Kahoolawe and Niihau are essentially off-limits. Kahoolawe was a Navy bombing range until recent years and has lots of unexploded ordinance. It is possible to go there as part of a restoration mission but one cannot go there as a photo destination. Niihau is reserved for the very few people of 100% Hawaiian origin and cannot be visited for photography if at all. Neither have any infrastructure. Kahoolawe is photographable from a distance from the southern shores of Maui and Niihau can be seen from the southwestern part of Kauai.
    [Show full text]
  • Spiders of the Hawaiian Islands: Catalog and Bibliography1
    Pacific Insects 6 (4) : 665-687 December 30, 1964 SPIDERS OF THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS: CATALOG AND BIBLIOGRAPHY1 By Theodore W. Suman BISHOP MUSEUM, HONOLULU, HAWAII Abstract: This paper contains a systematic list of species, and the literature references, of the spiders occurring in the Hawaiian Islands. The species total 149 of which 17 are record­ ed here for the first time. This paper lists the records and literature of the spiders in the Hawaiian Islands. The islands included are Kure, Midway, Laysan, French Frigate Shoal, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui and Hawaii. The only major work dealing with the spiders in the Hawaiian Is. was published 60 years ago in " Fauna Hawaiiensis " by Simon (1900 & 1904). All of the endemic spiders known today, except Pseudanapis aloha Forster, are described in that work which also in­ cludes a listing of several introduced species. The spider collection available to Simon re­ presented only a small part of the entire Hawaiian fauna. In all probability, the endemic species are only partly known. Since the appearance of Simon's work, there have been many new records and lists of introduced spiders. The known Hawaiian spider fauna now totals 149 species and 4 subspecies belonging to 21 families and 66 genera. Of this total, 82 species (5596) are believed to be endemic and belong to 10 families and 27 genera including 7 endemic genera. The introduced spe­ cies total 65 (44^). Two unidentified species placed in indigenous genera comprise the remaining \%. Seventeen species are recorded here for the first time. In the catalog section of this paper, families, genera and species are listed alphabetical­ ly for convenience.
    [Show full text]
  • Molokai Hawaii Forgotten
    Molokai -Forgotten By ETHEL A. STARBIRD NATIONAL GEOGRAPHic sENIOR STAFF Photographs by RICHARD Casting away care, Sister Richard Marie takes a day off near Molokai's leprosy hospital, where she has worked Hawaii since 1960. Independent, resourceful, generous, she shares the best qualities A. COOKE III of Hawaii's most unspoiled major island. 189 Like thirsty giants, the volcanic peaks of Molokai's eastern end steal rainfall from its flat, dry western end. Polynesians from the Marquesas Islands came to Hawaii about 1,200 years ago. They eventually settled on this island in numbers National Geographic, August 1981 far greater than today'll 6,000 population. The semicircular walls of coral and basalt seen in the shallow waters in the foreground enclose fishponds once used to capture and fatten mullet and other saltwater species for island royalty. Molokai-Forgotten Hawaii 191 Beyond the farthest road a primeval world unfolds in the lush valleys of the northeastern coast. The chill waters of Kahiwa Falls (left) drop 1,750 feet to the sea in Hawaii's longest cascade. Deep in the island's forest reserve, spray from another waterfall (above) mingles with the scent of eucalyptus and wild ginger. Amaumau ferns (right, center) stand as tall as six feet. For centuries, Molokai was revered as a place where religious rituals were performed by powerful kahuna, or priests. One of the most famous, Lanikaula, is said to be buried in a grove of kukui trees near the island's eastern tip (below right). To make lamp oil, Hawaiians traditionally took nuts from the kukui, now a symbol of Molokai.
    [Show full text]
  • Spur-Winged Lapwing Vanellus Spinosus
    Spur-winged Lapwing Vanellus spinosus Class: Aves Order: Charadriiformes Family: Charadriidae Characteristics: Also known as the spur-winged plover (not to be confused with the recently renamed masked lapwing of Australasia), this lapwing is a wading bird identified by their striking white cheek feathers, black head cap, brown wings against a black body and long black legs. Behavior: In Africa, lapwings don’t travel far outside their home area but merely make short movements to find wetter areas of their habitats. They spend Range & Habitat: their time searching the marshy ground for small invertebrates. Marshes and wetland habitats of central Africa Reproduction: Because of their large range, these birds have variable breeding seasons. Spur-winged lapwings nest in solitary monogamous pairs, often with other mixed species bird nesting colonies. The large nesting groups help protect the birds in the colonies against predation. The lapwing pair will build a nest in a scrape on the ground sometimes lined with vegetation. The female lays 2 eggs that are yellow with brownish black mottling. They hatch after a 28-day incubation period and both sexes help feed the young. If they double-clutch, the male tends the older chicks while the female incubates the second brood (Sacramento Zoo). Lifespan: over 15 years in Diet: captivity, up to 15 years in the Wild: Invertebrates wild. Zoo: softbill, feline diet, capelin, mealworms and insectivore diet Special Adaptations: Spur- Conservation: winged lapwings have a unique Spur-winged lapwings are abundant in their range in Africa and as such call that acts as an alert when are listed as Least Concern by IUCN.
    [Show full text]
  • Foot-Trembling in the Spur-Winged Plover (Vanellus Miles Novaehollandiae)
    Notornis, 2001, Vol. 48: 59-60 0029-4470 0The Ornithological Society of New Zealand, Inc. 2001 SHORT NOTE Foot-trembling in the spur-winged plover (Vanellus miles novaehollandiae) BRUCE R. KEELEY 13 The Glebe, Howick, Auckland 1705 millkee@ nznetgen. nz A range of distinct foot and leg movements, associated alternately It was not clear whether or not the foot made with feeding behaviour, has been described in several contact with the mud, though at times it appeared to be Palearctic-breeding charadriids, and the possible adaptive 'leg-shaking' rather than 'foot-tapping' that was involved. significance of such movements in the search and There was no obvious correlation between the foot capture of prey has been debated (Simmonds 1961a, b; movement and any subsequent capture of prey Sparks 1961). The range of movements has been broadly While, amongst the lapwings (Subfamily Mnellinae), divided into 'foot-trembling' (involving 1 leg at a time), similar behaviour is well documented in the Eurasian and 'foot-paddling' (where both feet are involved), lapwing (Cramp 1983), perusal of literature on the spur- (Simmonds 1961b). Species in which this behaviour had winged plover/masked lapwing yielded only 2 references: been observed included Eurasian lapwing (Knellus Barlow (1983), in describing elements of feeding vanellus), little ringed plover (Charadrius dubius), ringed behaviour which must be learned bv/J iuvenile ~lovers. plover (C. hiaticula), Kentish plover (C. alexandrinus), refers to 'the foot tremor, the lunge, the stab'; and Frith and dotterel (C, morinellus). (1969) states that 'on wet ground they shuffle 1 foot In New Zealand. foot-tremblingu in the black-fronted and stand on the other, and they thus flush prey animals.' dotterel (C.
    [Show full text]
  • Hawaii's , Kaho`Olawe Island Section 319 Success Story
    Section 319 NONPOINT SOURCE PROGRAM SUCCESS STORY Restoring Native Vegetation Reduces SedimentHawaii Entering Coastal Waters Dry environmental conditions combined with a long history of human Waterbody Improved land use have resulted in severe erosion on Kaho`olawe. Much of the island has been reduced to barren hardpan, and sediment-laden runoff affects nearshore water quality and threatens the coral reef ecosystem. Efforts to minimize erosion and restore native vegetation in two watersheds on Kaho`olawe (Hakioawa and Kaulana) have reduced the amount of sediment entering the stream/gulch systems and coastal waters and have improved the quality of coastal waters, coral reef ecosystems and native wildlife habitat. Problem The island of Kaho`olawe, the smallest of the eight main Hawaiian Islands, is approximately 7 miles southwest of Maui. Kaho`olawe lies within the rain shadow of the volcanic summit of Maui. The island has a unique history. Evidence sug- gests that Hawaiians arrived as early as 1000 A.D. Kaho`olawe served as a navigational center for voyaging, an agricultural center, the site of an adze quarry, and a site for religious and cultural ceremo- nies. More recently, Kaho`olawe was used as a penal colony, a ranch (1858–1941), and a bombing range Figure 1. A lack of vegetation leads to excessive erosion by the U.S. Navy (1938–1990). The island was also on Kaho’olawe, which in turn home to as many as 50,000 goats during a 200-year causes sediment loading into period (1793–1993). Throughout the ranching period, adjacent marine waters. uncontrolled cattle and sheep grazing caused a substantial loss of soil through accelerated erosion.
    [Show full text]
  • KM Tours Hawaiian Paradise
    KM Tours Presents Hawaiian Paradise February 1 - 11, 2019 From $4,495 per person from Hartford Featuring Maui, the Big Island of Hawaii, Kauai and Waikiki Tour Highlights • 11 Days, 13 Meals • 3 nights on Maui’s Kaanapali Beach • Tour the beautiful Iao Valley • 2 nights in Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii • Tour Volcano’s National Park • 2 nights on the Garden Isle of Kauai • Cruise the Wailua River and visit the Fern Grotto • Relax at our resort hotel on Coconut Beach • 2 nights in the heart of Honolulu • Honolulu City Tour • Tour Pearl Harbor and the USS Missouri • Famous Waikiki Beach • Traditional Hawaiian Luau • Full escorted from Hartford This is an exclusive travel program presented by InterTrav Corporation Fri., Feb. 1 – HARTFORD/MAUI We depart Hartford by motor coach to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport for our transpacific flight traveling to Kahului, Maui. We are greeted by the warm trade winds and a traditional Hawaiian “lei” and “aloha”! A short drive remains to our resort on fabulous Ka’anapali Beach. This evening dinner is included at our hotel. (D) Sat., Feb. 2 – MAUI (Iao Valley) Maui’s rich cultural history and natural beauty come alive on our adventure to the Iao Valley State Park and Lahaina Town, where you will explore everything from lava formations to the island’s vibrant art scene. At Iao Valley State Park, which served as a burial ground for Hawaiian royalty, we see where King Kamehameha defeated Maui’s army to unite the Hawaiian Islands. The lush park is also home to the famous Iao Needle, a heavily eroded peak that rises sharply 2,500 feet above sea level to form a dramatic centerpiece in the valley.
    [Show full text]
  • USGS Geologic Investigations Series I-2761, Molokai and Lanai
    Molokai and Lanai Molokai and Lanai are the least populated and smallest of the main Hawaiian Islands. Both are relatively arid, except for the central mountains of each island and northeast corner of Molokai, so flooding are not as common hazards as on other islands. Lying in the center of the main Hawaiian Islands, Molokai and Lanai are largely sheltered from high annual north and northwest swell and much of south-central Molokai is further sheltered from south swell by Lanai. On the islands of Molokai and Lanai, seismicity is a concern due to their proximity to the Molokai 71 Seismic Zone and the active volcano on the Big Island. Storms and high waves associated with storms pose a threat to the low-lying coastal terraces of south Molokai and northeast Lanai. Molokai and Lanai Index to Technical Hazard Maps 72 Tsunamis tsunami is a series of great waves most commonly caused by violent Amovement of the sea floor. It is characterized by speed (up to 590 mph), long wave length (up to 120 mi), long period between successive crests (varying from 5 min to a few hours,generally 10 to 60 min),and low height in the open ocean. However, on the coast, a tsunami can flood inland 100’s of feet or more and cause much damage and loss of life.Their impact is governed by the magnitude of seafloor displacement related to faulting, landslides, and/or volcanism. Other important factors influenc- ing tsunami behavior are the distance over which they travel, the depth, topography, and morphology of the offshore region, and the aspect, slope, geology, and morphology of the shoreline they inundate.
    [Show full text]
  • Masked Lapwings)
    ATSB Bird Information Sheet No.3 MMaasskkeedd LLaappwwiinnggss Managing bird strike risk at Australian airports MASKED LAPWING Vanellus miles Strike Risk ATSB rank 14* Between 1991 and 2001 there were 143 bird strikes reported to ATSB which involved “plovers” (Masked Lapwings). Of these: 7% resulted in damage to aircraft 2.8% had an effect on planned flight 35% involved more than 1 bird *Ranking and figures were obtained from The Hazard Posed to Aircraft by Birds (ATSB 2002). http://www.atsb.gov.au/aviation/research/birdstrike.cfm Prior to breeding season, Masked Lapwings form flocks. During breeding season Masked Lapwings pair off, become highly territorial and are reluctant to move from their territory even for large aircraft. This makes them particularly prone to being struck. Ian Montgomery About Masked Lapwings \ Masked Lapwing Masked Lapwings at Airports Vanellus miles Masked Lapwings are attracted to the airport environment to either Other Names feed or nest. Plover, Masked Plover or Spur-winged They prefer barren, rocky ground or short grass to build nests. These Plover surfaces are also ideal for feeding on insects and other invertebrates in Size the soil. Length 30-37cm; wingspan 75-85cm; They tend to be a seasonal problem for airports, particularly weight 230-400g. immediately before, during and just after the breeding season. Identification When undertaking bird counts or reporting strikes, it is important to Adults have a black crown head, light differentiate between Masked Lapwings and the migrating plovers brown upperparts, white underneath, (such as Pacific Golden, Grey, Red-capped, Sand, or Oriental Plover) reddish legs and a yellow fleshy ‘mask’ at and dotterels (such as Red-kneed and Black-fronted Dotterel).
    [Show full text]
  • SHOREBIRDS (Charadriiformes*) CARE MANUAL *Does Not Include Alcidae
    SHOREBIRDS (Charadriiformes*) CARE MANUAL *Does not include Alcidae CREATED BY AZA CHARADRIIFORMES TAXON ADVISORY GROUP IN ASSOCIATION WITH AZA ANIMAL WELFARE COMMITTEE Shorebirds (Charadriiformes) Care Manual Shorebirds (Charadriiformes) Care Manual Published by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in association with the AZA Animal Welfare Committee Formal Citation: AZA Charadriiformes Taxon Advisory Group. (2014). Shorebirds (Charadriiformes) Care Manual. Silver Spring, MD: Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Original Completion Date: October 2013 Authors and Significant Contributors: Aimee Greenebaum: AZA Charadriiformes TAG Vice Chair, Monterey Bay Aquarium, USA Alex Waier: Milwaukee County Zoo, USA Carol Hendrickson: Birmingham Zoo, USA Cindy Pinger: AZA Charadriiformes TAG Chair, Birmingham Zoo, USA CJ McCarty: Oregon Coast Aquarium, USA Heidi Cline: Alaska SeaLife Center, USA Jamie Ries: Central Park Zoo, USA Joe Barkowski: Sedgwick County Zoo, USA Kim Wanders: Monterey Bay Aquarium, USA Mary Carlson: Charadriiformes Program Advisor, Seattle Aquarium, USA Sara Perry: Seattle Aquarium, USA Sara Crook-Martin: Buttonwood Park Zoo, USA Shana R. Lavin, Ph.D.,Wildlife Nutrition Fellow University of Florida, Dept. of Animal Sciences , Walt Disney World Animal Programs Dr. Stephanie McCain: AZA Charadriiformes TAG Veterinarian Advisor, DVM, Birmingham Zoo, USA Phil King: Assiniboine Park Zoo, Canada Reviewers: Dr. Mike Murray (Monterey Bay Aquarium, USA) John C. Anderson (Seattle Aquarium volunteer) Kristina Neuman (Point Blue Conservation Science) Sarah Saunders (Conservation Biology Graduate Program,University of Minnesota) AZA Staff Editors: Maya Seaman, MS, Animal Care Manual Editing Consultant Candice Dorsey, PhD, Director of Animal Programs Debborah Luke, PhD, Vice President, Conservation & Science Cover Photo Credits: Jeff Pribble Disclaimer: This manual presents a compilation of knowledge provided by recognized animal experts based on the current science, practice, and technology of animal management.
    [Show full text]