Life Sciences Commons^™

Marine Resource Bulletin Vol. 17, No. 3, Virginia Sea Grant, Virginia Institute Of Marine Science

Virginia Marine Resource Bulletin

Recreational Offshore Fishing, Shark Research, Marlin and Tuna Catch Data

Oyster Spatfall In Virginia Rivers: 1985 Annual Survey, James Whitcomb

Reports

The Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) conducts weekly surveys from June through early October to obtain oyster spatfall information. Spat counts are made on oyster shells strung qn wire and suspended from stakes on public and private beds. The number of spat on shells is counted each week of the spawning season to determine the potential of a particular area for receiving a strike and to predict the most likely period the strikes will occur.

A Survey In The Lafayette River For Oysters And Shell In The Vicinity Of The Lakewood Bridge, Roger Mann, James P. Whitcomb

Reports

At the request of the Department of Highways and Transportation the Virginia Institute of Marine Science made a study of the value of the oyster grounds in the vicinity of the Lakewood Bridge on the Lafayette River in Norfolk.

The study included numbers of oysters and amounts of shell, or natural reef, in the area of acquisition and within a buffer area either side of the present bridge. The buffer area, or area of potential construction impact, extended 500 feet upriver of the bridge and 500 feet downriver of the bridge. This buffer area was the maximum distance upriver and …

Nebraska Bird Review (December 1985) 53(4), Whole Issue

Nebraska Bird Review

1985 Fall Field Day … 70

Supplement to 1985 Spring Occurrence Report … 70

Black-necked Stilts Nesting in Nebraska … 72

A Red Phalarope in Pierce County, Nebraska … 72

The Red-naped Sapsucker in Nebraska … 73

Nesting Observations of the Piping Plover near Sioux City … 74

Notes … 76

“Notes” From Nebraska Bird Review (December 1985) 53(4)

Nebraska Bird Review

FILLMORE COUNTY. On 23 June 1985, while I was atlasing block #IF01 in Fillmore County, just north of Shickley, I saw a Common Moorhen in Weis Lagoon and found a nest with 11 eggs. There was also a very large colony of Black-crowned Night-Herons [and] also a colony of Great-tailed Grackles.—William C. Garthright, Lincoln

RED-NECKED GREBE. On 16 June 1985 1 was wading through some cattails at the edge of a small open area in a pond at the North 27th Street marsh when I came upon a grebe sitting in the open on the water.—William C. Garthright, Lincoln

IBIS …

Nesting Observations Of The Piping Plover Near Sioux City, Randall D. Williams

Nebraska Bird Review

From mid-April to early August 1985 members of the Loess Hills Audubon Society monitored the nesting of Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus) on fly-ash settling ponds of the IPS Port Neal Generating Station, on the Missouri River near Salix, Iowa. Declining regional and national populations (Barie, 1985; Kaufman, 1984; and Evans, 1985) make the discovery of nesting individuals quite exciting. Piping Plovers were first found at this site in 1984.

The ash ponds appear to be very good nesting habitat (Evans, 1985). There are large areas of gravel-like substrate with little to no vegetation, minimal human disturbance, and an …

The Red-Naped Sapsucker In Nebraska, Tanya E. Bray, Barbara K. Padelford, W. Ross Silcock

Nebraska Bird Review

The Red-naped Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus nuchalis) was for many years accorded subspecific status within Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyapicus varius), but the American Ornithologists’ Union recently revised this opinion, and now regards nuchalis as a “good” species (Auk 102:680). Red-naped Sapsucker can be added to the Nebraska (species) list on the basis of three specimens in the collection of the University of Nebraska State Museum (UNSM).

The breeding range of Red-naped Sapsucker includes the Rocky Mountains east of the Cascades from southwest Canada south to central Arizona and it winters in much of northern Mexico, north as far …

A Red Phalarope In Pierce County, Nebraska, Mark A. Brogie, Ed M. Brogie

Nebraska Bird Review

The Red Phalarope (Phalaropus fulicaria) is seen yearly in the central portion of the United States, from the Great Lakes to Texas. More than 85% of these sightings are from fall, with 75% of the total from September to November (Dinsmore et al., 1984). This species is, however, considered a very rare or accidental migrant through the Plains States (Johnsgard 1980). A single specimen, taken on 15 October 1921 at Dad’s Lake, near Wood Lake in Cherry County (Conover 1934) represents the only previous record of this species in Nebraska. The following represents the first record for this …

Supplement To 1985 Spring Occurrence Report

Nebraska Bird Review

The following records were overlooked until it was too late to include them in the original report (NBR 53:50). They are either earlier, later, or new records for the localities listed, most recorded by Rick Wright, but also by Glen Kramer and the Werthmans. April is A, May is M. Four species and a hybrid, all marked +, were not in the first report, so that the total for the state is 296 rather than 292. The Douglas-Sarpy count is increased by two; no attempt was made to get similar figures for the other columns since they would affect …

1985 Fall Field Day

Nebraska Bird Review

Pleasant weather greeted the 70 people who attended part or all of the 1985 Fall Field Day, at the 4-H Camp at Halsey National Forest, 5 and 6 October. There was a slide show Friday night and the official tally Sunday noon, but other than the scheduled meals, the rest of the time was free for individual birding. The committee on a records committee completed its work and presented its report to the directors. The report was accepted and Tanya Bray, Ruth Green, and Wayne Mollhoff were appointed to 3-year terms on the committee, Alice Kenitz and Barbara Padelford for …

Masthead From Nebraska Bird Review (December 1985) 53(4)

Nebraska Bird Review

Published quarterly in March, June, September, and December by the Nebraska Ornithologists' Union, Inc., as its official journal and sent to all members who are not in arrears for dues. Subscriptions (on calendar year basis only) are $10.00 per year in the United States, $12.00 per year in Canada and Mexico, and $12.50 per year in all other countries, payable in advance. Single copies are $3.00 each, postpaid, in the United States; $3.50 elsewhere.

Memberships (on a calendar year basis only): Student, $3.00; Active, $7.00; Sustaining, $15.00; Family Active, $10.00; Family Sustaining, $20.00; Life, $100.00.

All dues and subscriptions should …

Black-Necked Stilts Nesting In Nebraska, Mark J. Helsinger

Nebraska Bird Review

On 7 May 1985 I saw two adult Black-necked Stilts on Lower Harrison Lake, Crescent Lake NWR, Garden County. In the middle of June photographers Charlie and Rita Summers saw two on Martin Lake. On 11 July I saw two adults. and four young on Martin Lake. The whitish/gray-colored young had long grayish/green legs (3–4") and a black bill, about 2" long. They appeared to be feeding by probing soft mud. The two adults were exhibiting aggressive behavior. One adult dived and screamed at a Blue-winged Teal hen with eight ducklings until they moved from the area, and also chased …

Index To Volume 53

Nebraska Bird Review

Accipiter sp. 19

Adcock, Cash and Dorothy 63

Albino 41, 54

Alexander, George and Irene 22

Alfred, Norris 6, 17, 46, 60

Ani, Groove-billed 78

Avocet, American 9, 39(2), 46, 48, 55, 71, 72, 77, 78

. . .

Wright, Rick 3, 18, 22, 41, 42, 44, 57, 68, 70, 82

Wyman, Howard and Wilma 70

Wilma 22

Yellowlegs, Greater 9, 55, 70

Lesser 10, 39, 41, 55

sp. 9, 39

Yellowthroat, Common 15, 39, 46, 63

Zendeh, Scheil 41(2), 43, 82

Sexual Selection In Lekking Sage Grouse: Phenotypic Correlates Of Male Mating Success, Robert M. Gibson, Jack W. Bradbury

School of Biological Sciences: Faculty Publications

Mate choice cues in sage grouse were reinvestigated by analyzing relationships between male mating success and a range of suggested cues. Display cues were implicated by significant relationships between mating status (whether or not a male mated) and lek attendance, display rate (corrected for effects of female proximity and time of day) and an acoustic component related to temporal and frequency measures of a whistle emitted during the strut display. Although display rate and the acoustic component were intercorrelated, both exerted significant partial effects on mating success in multivariate analyses. These display measures also differed significantly between males. In contrast, …

Seasonal Variation In Population Location Of The Galapagos Tortoise, Geochelone Elephantopus Vandenburghi, On Volcan Alcedo, Isabela Island, Galapagos Archipelago, Kent R. Beaman

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Twenty tortoises, 10 adult males and 10 adult females, were tagged with radio transmitters. Numbers were painted on each carapace to aid in visual sighting. The tortoises were released, and their movement was monitored over a one year period.

The percent recovery of tagged tortoises along with the numbers of non-tagged tortoises counted in sections of the study area, were used to determine tortoise population movement and location.

Weather data were collected and observations were made concerning the vegetation. These observations were compared with those from previous studies to see what impact seasonal climatic conditions and food availability had on …

Analysis Of The Reproductive Efficiency Of The Dairy Herd At Western Kentucky University Farm, Gregorio Lagombra

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

A study of the reproductive performance of 179 dairy cows during the period from December 1978 through March 1984 was conducted at the Western Kentucky University Farm, Bowling Green, Kentucky. The climatic data showed seasonal variation in temperature as follows: winter 3.10C, spring 15.7°C, summer 23.8°C, and fall 12.0°C. The seasonal humidity was similar for winter (81.2%), spring (83.4%), and fall (85.3%); but for summer it was considerably higher (89.4%).

The conception rate varied through all the months but was lowest during the summer months. Seasonal data for conception rate were obtained and the results were as follows: winter 54.1%, …

Relative Contribution Of Three Virginia Rivers To Spawning Activity Of Striped Bass, Morone Saxatilis, John E. Olney, George C. Grant, Gary Hill

Reports

Initial documentation of spawning activity of striped bass in the tidal freshwater portions of Virginia rivers was provided by Tresselt (1952), Massman et al. (1952, 1962), Rinaldo (1971) and Merriner et al. (1980). Recently, a series of pilot ichthyoplankton surveys of these habitats has resulted in data describing patterns of abundance of eggs and larvae in three separate rivers during three separate years: the Pamunkey and Mattaponi Rivers in spring 1980 (Grant and Olney 1981); the James River in 1981 (Grant and Olney 1982); and the Rappahannock in 1982 (Olney et al. 1983). These surveys were conducted in response to …

Fall 1985 Potomac River Oyster Bar Survey, Elgin A. Dunnington, James P. Whitcomb

Reports

No abstract provided.

Kentucky Warbler (Vol. 61, No. 4), Kentucky Library Research Collections

Kentucky Warbler

No abstract provided.

Selection Practices And Genetic And Phenotypic Trends Estimated From Nebraska Spf Swine Field Records, P. J. David, R. K. Johnson, T. E. Socha

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Records collected during 1971 through 1979 from 101,606 pigs raised in 18 herds that were members of the Nebraska SPF Swine Accrediting Association were evaluated for phenotypic trends and predicted and observed genetic trends. Traits considered were backfat at 100 kg (BF) and weight at 140 d of age (WT). Phenotypic change on average was beneficial for BF (-.05 mm/yr) but undesirable for WT (-.2 kg/yr). However, the average observed genetic trend was nil for BF and .6 kg/yr for WT. An average, predicted response based on observed selection differentials and estimates of within herd-sex genetic parameters was in good …

Vims Monitors Effects Of Flood Waters On James River Seed Oysters, Virginia Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program

Reports

Early November's abnormally high rainfall and subsequent large freshwater flow into oyster-producing areas, particularly the James River seed beds, have caused great concern within the oyster industry. While the Institute cannot alter the physical situation, we can monitor the effects of this event and alert the oyster industry to our findings.

Status Of Knowledge For Virginia Fisheries, Herbert M. Austin

Reports

No abstract provided.

Observations On Why Mongrels May Make Effective Livestock Protecting Dogs, R. P. Coppinger, C. K. Smith, L. Miller

Charles Kay Smith

In Canid ontogeny from puppies to adults there is a very young phase before any species-specific predatory behavior has been expressed. This phase has been ontogenetically selected as a breed of neotenic adults which are ideal for protecting sheep. At a more advanced phase of canid ontogeny older puppies have begun to express separate pieces of species-specific predatory behavior, such as eye, stalk and chase but not the complete adult sequence so that crush bite kill and consume is as yet unexpressed. This intermediate phase was also ontogenetically selected as a breed such as border collies used in Britain to …

A Rapid Field Guide To The Identification Of Flounders Of The Genus (Paralichthys) In Virginia's Waters, Herbert M. Austin

Reports

No abstract provided.

A Guide To The Natural History Of The Cedarburg Bog: Part 1, James A. Reinartz

Field Station Bulletins

The boardwalk that extends to the center of the Cedarburg Bog is the UWM Field Station's most heavily used teaching facility. Research is also conducted in the Bog, which holds an understandable fascination for researchers and students of natural history because of its size, complexity, diversity and geographical isolation from similar communities. Because of the increasing research and teaching use of the Bog, it has become essential that some of what is known about the natural history of the Bog be assembled and summarized in an easily accessible introduction and guide. The guide contains too much material to fit into …

Genetic Mapping Of Endogenous Rd-114 Retroviral Sequences Of Domestic Cats, Roger H. Reeves, William G. Nash, Stephen J. O'Brien

Biology Faculty Articles

The RD-114 family of endogenous retroviral sequences in domestic cats has been shown to consist of approximately 20 copies of genetically divergent virogenes per haploid genome. The chromosomal localization for four endogenous sequences (RDV1-4) was accomplished by correlating the occurrence of specific feline chromosomes with diagnostic viral DNA fragments in a panel of cat x rodent somatic cell hybrids. Analysis of the hybrid panel revealed that endogenous RD-114 sequences are dispersed on multiple cat chromosomes, that certain proviral segments are polymorphic with respect to the presence or absence of virus, and that a restriction fragment characteristic of inducible RD-114 resides …

Behavior And Ecological Interactions Of Larval Odonata, Clay L. Pierce, Philip H. Crowley, Dan M. Johnson

Clay L. Pierce

Enallagma aspersum and E. traviatum (Odonata: Coenagrionidae) are the most abundant larval odonates in Bays Mountain Park (Sullivan County, Tennessee, USA), although their spatial distributions are essentially nonoverlapping. E. traviatum coexists with insectivorous fish in a small lake, whereas E. aspersum is restricted to a small fishless pond nearby. Behavioral observations revealed that E. aspersum larvae were more active than E. traviatum, and tended to occupy more conspicuous positions. E. aspersum also engaged in more confrontations than E. traviatum, especially at higher density. In laboratorye xperimentsw ith juvenile bluegills( Lepomism acrochirusa) s predators,E . aspersum larvae were more vulnerable to …

“Notes” From Nebraska Bird Review (September 1985) 53(3)

Nebraska Bird Review

RE SWAN GEESE IN KEITH COUNTY. A recent account (NBR 53:4) of Chinese Geese (domestic forms of the Swan Goose are called Chinese Geese –Ed.) in Keith County seems to suggest that the birds were of natural occurrence. No wild individuals of this species have ever been reported in North America, however, and it may in fact be declining in its native range. It is exceedingly common, though, in zoos and parks as well as on farms, where it is often only nominally a captive; birds are readily available and are not typically afforded the close watch given more valuable …

The Hippocampus As Episodic Encoder: Does It Play Tag?, Robert H.I. Dale

Scholarship and Professional Work - LAS

Rawlins’s characterization of the hippocampus as a “high-capacity, immediate-term memory store” captures the essential idea in a number of previous models. For example, Gaffan (1974), Gray (1984), Hirsh (1980), Kesner (Bierley, Kesner & Novak 1983), Olton (Olton, Becker & Handelmann 1979), Solomon (1980), and Winocur (1980) all agree that hippocampal animals show memory deficits when required to identify, for whatever reason, one specific event out of a list of recent events. Although these authors disagree on a number of details, Rawlins has identified their models common ground, the core of each model. (It is only fair to note that Gaffan …

Nebraska Bird Review (September 1985) 53(3), Whole Issue

Nebraska Bird Review

1984 Nebraska Nesting Survey … 46

1985 (Sixtieth) Spring Occurrence Report … 50

Hybrid Bluebirds in the Pine Ridge … 67

Notes … 67

Book Review … 68