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Lpe Center News, December 2006

Livestock and Poultry Environmental Learning Center Newsletters

In this issue:

• Integrated Nutrient Management and Limits of the P-Index

• Pathogen Resources Available on the Website

• Quick Start Your Search with Dynamic Bibliographies

• Environmental Management Systems for Agriculture

Index To Volume 74

Nebraska Bird Review

Index to Volume 74 (11 pages)

Abraham, K. 105

Accipiter sp 28-29, 65

Allmand, Matt 40

American Ornithologists' Union 38, 105, 132-133

Amiotte, Sue 4I, 112

Anhinga 71

Ankney, C. D. 105

Armknecht, Henry 25, 40

Aubushon,
Dottie 25
Kathy 25

Audubon. lohn lames 132-133, 136

Austin, J. E. 97

Avocet, American 48,84, 11 7, 142

....

Yellowlegs,
Greater 48, 85, 117
Lesser 48, 66, 85, 117, 129

Yellowthroat, Common 57,68,92, 125, 131, 142

Vi, Chunhui 25

Young, Betty 25

Zahurones, Penny 25

Ziewitz. J. W. 98

Lincoln Fall Field Days

Nebraska Bird Review

The 2006 NOU Fall Field Days were held in and around Lincoln on Sept. 15-17. Our evening meals and programs took place at the Howard Johnson's Motel on Cornhusker Highway,

Our Friday evening speaker was Dr. Paul Johnsgard, who spoke about the Birding Trails website being developed by a committee of the All Bird Consortium, On Saturday afternoon, NOU Librarian Mary Lou Pritchard gave a tour of the current exhibit of her late husband Bud Pritchard's artwork at the Nebraska State Museum in Morrill Hall. Saturday evening Dan Kim spoke on the Whooping Crane Trust activities along the Platte River …

The Nebraska Bird Review Whole Issue December 2006

Nebraska Bird Review

Table of Contents

Fall Field Report, Aug.–Nov. 2006 by W. Ross Silcock....................... 110

Fall Field Days at Lincoln, Sept. 15–17, 2006....................... 128

The Art and Artistic Legacy of Louis Agassiz Fuertes by Paul A. Johnsgard ....................... 132

The 2006 Nebraska Nest Report by Wayne J. Mollhoff ....................... 142

Index to Volume 74....................... 148

Subscription and Organization Information....................... 159

The Art And Artistic Legacy Of Louis Agassiz Fuertes, Paul A. Johnsgard

Nebraska Bird Review

Perhaps some Nebraska birders will not immediately recognize the name Louis Agassiz Fuertes, as he died almost 80 years ago. Yet he influenced the art of bird painting as much as did John James Audubon, and provided wonderful artwork for many major state bird reference books. He also personally tutored George Miksch Sutton, the Nebraska-born artist and biologist who provided the NOU with its Burrowing Owl logo, and who contributed greatly to American ornithology, especially that of the southern Great Plains.

It is interesting that, like John James Audubon, Roger Tory Peterson, and George Miksch Sutton, we would never think …

Masthead From Nebraska Bird Review December 2006

Nebraska Bird Review

The Nebraska Bird Review is published quarterly by the Nebraska Ornithologists' Union, Inc., as its official journal, and is sent to members not in arrears of dues. Annual subscription rates (on a calendar-year basis only): $15 in the United States, $18 in Canada and $30 in all other countries, payable in advance. Single copies are $4 each, postpaid, in the United States, $5 in Canada, and $8 elsewhere. Send orders for back issues to Mary Lou Pritchard, NOU Librarian, c/o University of Nebraska State Museum, W-436 Nebraska Hall, Lincoln, NE 685880514.

Memberships in the NOU (on a calendar-year basis only): …

The 2006 Nebraska Nest Report, Wayne Mollhoff

Nebraska Bird Review

The drought that began in 1999 continued over most of Nebraska this year, with 7 of the past 8 years receiving lower than normal rainfall. More normal rains fell in April and early May, especially in the central and east, before stopping for most of the summer. Most of the Panhandle and southwest were declared drought disaster areas by early summer, setting the stage in late July for the worst fire season in memory in the Pine Ridge area of the northern Panhandle (Fowler, 2007). Ultimately, 83 of 93 counties were declared part of the drought disaster area. Low water …

Fall Field Report, August-November 2006, W. Ross Silcock

Nebraska Bird Review

First, I want to say how much I appreciate observers' responses to my requests for additional details on various sightings, not just rarities, but early and late dates. It's important to have these details for the archives to help future readers and researchers feel more comfortable with records from our era.

Patterns that were apparent included a generally quiet fall for waterfowl (they were all at Lake McConaughy), but excellent numbers of the rarer two scoters (but NO White-winged!) and a surprising 16 Red-necked Grebes. On the other hand, numbers of staging Western Grebes were down significantly, apparently due to …

Evaluating Diet Composition Of Pronghorn In Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota, Christopher N. Jacques, Jaret D. Sievers, Jonathan A. Jenks, Chad L. Sexton, Daniel E. Roddy

The Prairie Naturalist

The pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) was reintroduced into Wind Cave National Park (WCNP), South Dakota, in 1914, and thus, has inhabited the Park for nearly a century. During the 1990's, a decline in the population raised concern for the continued existence of pronghorn inside WCNP; an investigation into the observed decline was initiated. Primary objectives of our study were to evaluate diet composition and forage selection by pronghorn in WCNP. Microhistological analysis was conducted on 58 fecal samples collected opportunistically from pronghorn during 2002. Blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), common juniper (Juniperus communis), and northern bedstraw …

Spatial And Seasonal Variation In Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions, Jonathan M. Conard, Philip S. Gipson

The Prairie Naturalist

To understand seasonal variation in the number of wildlife-vehicle collisions and the influence of land cover type on collision distribution we counted road-kill carcasses for 84 weeks along a 40 km route on two state highways in northeastern Kansas. We noted land cover type adjacent to each road-kill and tested the null hypothesis that road-kills were distributed randomly with respect to land cover type. Wildlife-vehicle collisions were not distributed randomly in relation to land cover availability. Instead, collisions occurred more often then expected adjacent to riparian areas and less often than expected adjacent to agricultural fields. Wildlife-vehicle collisions varied seasonally …

Amphibians And Reptiles In A Mixed-Grass Prairie In Northwestern North Dakota, Robert K. Murphy, Robert F. Danley, Patricia K. Moore

The Prairie Naturalist

There have been almost no surveys of herpetofauna at 109 km² Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge (LNWR) or surrounding counties in northwestern North Dakota, an area possibly undergoing significant environmental change from fossil fuel extraction and use. We used 30 m drift fences to survey amphibian and reptile species in prairie-wetland transition zones at LNWR during mid-May to early-July in 1985 to 1987, and again in 1999 and 2000. We captured only four amphibian and two reptilian species and noted one other reptilian species incidental to our survey. Several species expected to occur in the area were not detected.

Morphometrics Of Six Turtle Species From South Dakota, Sarah J. Bandas, Kenneth F. Higgins

The Prairie Naturalist

During 2002 and 2003, morphometric measurements were recorded for 755 turtles representing six species in South Dakota. Turtles were captured in a wide variety of wetland habitats across the entire state. With few exceptions, morphometric measurements for South Dakota were near or within the range of measurements reported for all six species from studies in nearby states or provinces. We recommend that morphometric measurements be taken on turtles in future turtle studies and particularly for the less common and rare species.

Evaluation Of Habitat Enhancement Structure Use By Spotted Bass, Stanley L. Proboszcz, Christopher S. Guy

The Prairie Naturalist

Habitat enhancement is a common and effective method used to positively influence fish populations. However, there is a paucity of speciesspecific evaluations of stream habitat enhancement structures for warmwater fishes. We evaluated use of half-log, rootwad enhancement structure, and simulated undercut bank (LUNKERS) by adult and juvenile spotted bass (Micropterus punctulatus) in natural and experimental streams. Enhancement structures were installed in Otter Creek, Kansas. Adult spotted bass use of natural and enhancement structure was documented weekly during summer and fall of 2001 and 2002 with radiotelemetry. Mean total length (TL) of adult fish was 292 mm (SE = …

Factors Influencing Off-Flavor In Beef, Jennie Marie James Hodgen

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Projects were conducted to increase knowledge of liver-like off-flavor origins in muscles from the beef chuck and round. Effects of cooking rate and holding time on off-flavor of various steaks from ten carcasses were determined. Off-flavor from these muscles was lowest when the steaks were cooked slowly (on a 149°C grill versus a 249°C grill) and when held for one hour prior to evaluation. The M. infraspinatus had the least off-flavor, and the M. vastus intermedius had the most intense off-flavor. These data suggest a carcass with one off-flavored muscle is likely to have other off-flavored muscles in the chuck …

Lpe Center News, November 2006

Livestock and Poultry Environmental Learning Center Newsletters

In this issue:

• Waterborne Pathogens to be Discussed During the December Webcast

• October Webcast and Power Point Slides Available

• Coming Soon

• Feed Management for CNMP Development Course Offered

• The Debate About Animal Diet and Its Effects on E. coli 0157:H7

Comparison Of Heat Tolerance Of Feedlot Heifers Of Different Breeds, Tami M. Brown-Brandl, John A. Nienaber, Roger A. Eigenberg, Terry L. Mader, J.L. Morrow, J.W. Dailey

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Heat stress in cattle causes decreases in feed intake and feed efficiency; in extreme cases, it can cause death. These losses amount to millions of dollars each year. A study was designed to determine severity of heat stress among four breeds of cattle. Throughout two summers, 256 feedlot heifers of four different breeds were observed. Respiration rates, panting scores, and surface temperatures were taken twice each day on 10 animals/breed for several weeks during the summers of 2002 and 2003. Twenty-four-hour behavior measurements were recorded for four heat-stress and four thermoneutral days. Results showed during the afternoon, Angus cattle (black) …

Lpe Center News, October 2006

Livestock and Poultry Environmental Learning Center Newsletters

In this issue:

• November Webcast to Focus on Pathogens

• Webcast Archive Has Been Created/Trouble-Shooting Webcast Connections

• USGS Program Measures and Monitors Water Quality

• Center for Conservation Incentives Works to Create Partnerships

Annual Report Of Lands Under Control Of The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service As Of September 30, 2006, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

United States Fish and Wildlife: Staff Publications

Annual Report of Lands Under Control Of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service As of September 30, 2006

Message from the Director

Key to Real Property Numbers

Map of National Fish and Wildlife Management Areas

Map of Waterfowl Productions Areas

Significant Land Acquisition Accomplishments in Fiscal Year 2006

Tables
1 Summary by Categories
2 Summary by States, Associated Governments and Possessions
2A FY 2006 Summary by States, Associated Governments and Possessions
3 National Wildlife Refuges
4 Waterfowl Production Areas
5 Coordination Areas
6 Administrative Sites
7 National Fish Hatcheries
8 Wilderness Areas in National Wildlife Refuges and National Fish Hatcheries …

Microarray Profiling Of Skeletal Muscle Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Proteins, Jospeh S. Schulz, Nathan Palmer, Jon Steckelberg, Steven J. Jones, Michael G. Zeece

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Microarrays were developed to profile the level of proteins associated with calcium regulation in sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) isolated from porcine Longissimus muscle. The microarrays consisted of SR preparations printed onto to glass slides and probed with monoclonal antibodies to 7 target proteins. Proteins investigated included: ryanodine receptor, (RyR), dihydropyridine receptor, (DHPR), triadin (TRI), calsequestrin (CSQ), 90 kDa junctional protein (JSR90), and fast-twitch and slow-twitch SR calcium ATPases (SERCA1 and SERCA2). Signal from a fluorescentlylabeled detection antibody was measured and quantitated using a slide reader. The microarray developed was also employed to profile Longissimus muscle SR proteins from halothane genotyped animals. …

R. B. Warren Arena Dedication

Department of Animal Science: Departmental News

Richard “R.B.” Warren was a member of the Animal Science Department, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, from 1956 to 1990. A Kansas native, R.B. graduated with a B.S. degree in Agriculture from Kansas State University and married Doris Kite in 1948. He completed an M.S. degree in Animal Breeding from Oklahoma State University in 1950 and served on the Animal Science faculty at Michigan State University for six years before coming to Nebraska. R.B. Warren enthusiastically developed young leaders for the animal industry through motivation, quality learning, skill development and personal mentoring. His legacy included one of the finest youth horse extension …

Lpe Center News, September 2006

Livestock and Poultry Environmental Learning Center Newsletters

In this issue:

• October 20 Web-Cast to Discuss CAFO Regulations

• How Do I Connect to the Webcasts?

• N. Carolina project Examines Technologies for Waste Management

• Small Producers Receive Assistance Through Innovative Program.

Aerial Searches For Whooping Cranes Along The Platte River, Nebraska, John G. Sidle, Wallace G. Jobman, Craig A. Faanes

Nebraska Bird Review

The endangered Whooping Cranes (Grus americana) that migrate between Wood Buffalo National Park, Alberta and Northwest Territories, and the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge Area, Texas, roost at many aquatic stopover locations (Austin and Richert 2001) including the central Platte River, Nebraska (Johnson 1982; Lingle et al. 1984, 1986, 1991; Faanes et al. 1992; Richert 1999). Under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, 90 km of the central Platte have been designated as critical habitat for the Whooping Crane, although suitable Platte River habitat for Whooping Crane and Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis) continues to decline (Sidle et al. …

Correction To Winter Bird Numbers Article

Nebraska Bird Review

Correction to Winter Bird Numbers Article

Editor's Note: We regret that there was an error in the text of the Paul Johnsgard article "Recent Changes in Winter Bird Numbers at Lincoln, Nebraska" published in the March 2006 Nebraska Bird Review (Volume 74 Number 1). The last sentence in the first full paragraph on page 18 should read: "(The House Sparrow is declining annually at a rate of 2.5%, and the House Finch is increasing at an annual rate of 1.15%.)"

Letter Of Information' Excerpts

Nebraska Bird Review

In the early years of the Nebraska Ornithologists' Union, which was founded in 1899, the organization published its Proceedings, yearly through 1902 and less frequently for the following 13 years. Beginning in 1916, the NOU allied itself with the Wilson Ornithological Club, and its annual proceedings were published by that organization for the next nine years. In 1925, distribution of a mimeographed "Letter of Information" began, with NOU Secretary-Treasurer Myron H. Swenk acting as editor. These Letters, which contain announcements, accounts of meetings and field trips, and notes on bird sightings from members, were published through 1932. They bridged …

Summer Field Report, June-July 2006, W. Ross Silcock

Nebraska Bird Review

Under "Old Business", numbers of Black-capped Chickadees are beginning to recover, but several observers mentioned that American Crows and, most recently, Black-billed Magpies are still suffering lowered numbers. On the plus side, Scissor-tailed Flycatchers continue in increasing numbers, including a pair (or at least one of a pair) that returned to the same location where they nested successfully last year and succeeded again this year.

And now ''New Business". Evidence came to hand that both Western and Clark's Grebes may have suffered poor breeding success due to poor water conditions at traditional breeding sites. An intriguing observation on 28 Jul …

The Nebraska Bird Review Whole Issue September 2006

Nebraska Bird Review

Table of Contents

Summer Field Report, June - July 2006 by W. Ross Silcock................... 78

Aerial Searches for Whooping Cranes along the Platte River, Nebraska
by John G. Sidle, Wallace G. Jobman, Craig A. Faanes ................... 95

White-cheeked Geese in Nebraska by W. Ross Silcock................... 99

Correction to Paul Johnsgard's "Recent Changes in Winter Bird
Numbers at Lincoln, Nebraska" (Vol. 74 No. 1) ................... 105

Excerpts from the NOU's "Letters of Information"................... 106

Subscription and Organization Information ................... 107

White-Cheeked Geese In Nebraska, W. Ross Silcock

Nebraska Bird Review

The intent of this paper is to summarize the current state of knowledge regarding "White-cheeked Goose" is used in reference to the various taxa included within the two species Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) and Cackling Goose (B. hutchinsii), as constituted by the American Ornithologist' Union (AOU; 2004). Using culmen measurements, confirmation of both species' and the "expected" subspecies' occurrence in Nebraska was documents, but culmen measurements alone could not confirm the occurrence of any of the "unexpected" subspecies.

TAXONOMY

As many as 10 subspecies of White-cheeked Goose were described by the AOU (1957), five of which ( …

Masthead From Nebraska Bird Review September 2006

Nebraska Bird Review

The Nebraska Bird Review is published quarterly by the Nebraska Ornithologists' Union, Inc., as its official journal, and is sent to members not in arrears of dues. Annual subscription rates (on a calendar-year basis only): $15 in the United States, $18 in Canada and $30 in all other countries, payable in advance. Single copies are $4 each, postpaid, in the United States, $5 in Canada, and $8 elsewhere. Send orders for back issues to Mary Lou Pritchard, NOU Librarian, c/o University of Nebraska State Museum, W-436 Nebraska Hall, Lincoln, NE 68588-0514.

Memberships in the NOU (on a calendar-year basis only): …

Artificial Burrows And The Deer Mouse: Do Number Of Entrances Influence Use?, Glennis A. Kaufman, Donald W. Kaufman

The Prairie Naturalist

We examined use of artificial burrows by the deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) in mixed grass prairie in north central Kansas. We predicted differential use of burrows, such that the deer mouse would prefer two entrance burrows in non-winter months when predatory snakes were active, but prefer one entrance burrows in winter when cold, windy conditions existed. We installed 20 pairs of artificial burrows (one single entrance and one double entrance) in summer 1988. We examined these burrows on seven dates from autumn 1988 to autumn 1989. All mice (n = 70) used two entrance burrows at least …

Evaluating Genetic Viability Of Pronghorn In Wind Cave National Park, Jonathan A. Jenks, Christopher N. Jacques, Jaret D. Sievers, Robert W. Klaver, R. Terry Bowyer, Daniel E. Roddy

The Prairie Naturalist

The pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) was reintroduced into Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota, in 1914 and thus, has inhabited the Park for almost a century. A decline in the population has raised concern for the continued existence of pronghorn inside Wind Cave National Park. Historically, pronghorn numbers reached greater than 300 individuals in the 1960's but declined to about 30 individuals by 2002. The primary objective of our study was to evaluate genetic characteristics of pronghorn to determine if reduced heterozygosity contributed to the decline of pronghorn in Wind Cave National Park. Microsatellite DNA was collected from 75 …