|
Featured Shorebird and Waterbird Research
The USGS Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center has a diverse team of researchers studying populations of birds, often focusing on those populations that are small in number. USGS scientist Susan Haig leads one team that has a focus on shorebirds and waterbirds. As examples of research, the team is studying the influence of landscape context and local wetland food abundance on wintering shorebirds in western Oregon. They also are looking at potential use of light detection and ranging "LIDAR" technology in shorebird habitat analyses using snowy plovers as a case study. Overseas research is common for this team, for example studies of the genetic structure and status of the Jabiru stork in wetlands of Brazil, and studies of genetic structure of the endangered Mariana common moorhen on Guam and Saipan. A new area for them is application of natural isotope markers to track migrations of different populations of birds over vast geographic ranges and determine whether populations intermix. These and other topics will be described at the joint meeting of the Waterbirds Society and Pacific Seabird Group in Portland, January 19-23. Haig will present the plenary talk, describing use of molecular markers in waterbird research and conservation.
Contact: Susan Haig, FRESC, 541-750-7482,
susan_haig@usgs.gov
An Avian Success Story
USGS wildlife biologist, Chuck Henny, conducted a book review on Return of the Peregrine: a North American Saga of Tenacity and Teamwork. This review was printed in the December 2004 edition of Conservation Biology (Volume 18, Number 6, p. 1697-1699). Henny indicates that Return of the Peregrine is a good read for those interested in conservation biology and belongs in the library of all those with an interest in peregrine falcons and other raptors. The complete citation and cost of the book reviewed is: Return of the Peregrine: a North American Saga of Tenacity and Teamwork. Cade, T.J., and W. Burnham, editors. 2003. The Peregrine Fund, Boise, ID. 394 pp. $59.50 (hardcover). ISBN 0-9619839-3-0.
Contact: Charles Henny, FRESC, 541-757-4840,
charles_j_henny@usgs.gov
Return to Current News or Previous
Weekly Highlights
 |
