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Migration Patterns For Age And Sex Classes Of Blackbirds And Starlings, Richard A. Dolbeer

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus), Brown-headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater), and Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) are ubiquitous breeding birds in much of North America. The Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) is an abundant breeding bird east of the Rocky Mountains (Dolbeer and Stehn 1979). Although these species are widely dispersed and generally unassociated during the nesting season, they often associated closely in winter roosts containing up to 10 million birds in the southern United States (Meanley and Webb 1965, Meanley 1971). Little is known about the comparative migration patterns of the four species and the resulting mixture of local breeding populations in winter. Comparative …

Radiotelemetric Evaluation Of The Effect Of Horticultural Practices On Pine And Meadow Voles In Apple Orchards: Iii. Use Of Orchard Border Habitats By Meadow Voles, Ralph E. Pagano, Dale M. Madison

Eastern Pine and Meadow Vole Symposia

A study was undertaken to determine if meadow voles,Microtus pennsylvanicus, use habitats adjacent to apple orchards. Considerations were given to how extensively these areas were used, if at all, and if a bulldozed strip would control their movements between the orchard and adjacent border habitats. Trapping and telemetry data showed that meadow voles do use the adjacent border habitats extensively and make frequent crossings between these areas and the nearby or¬chards. It would seem, therefore, important to include these areas in any vole management program. Although the bulldozed strip was effective in reducing movements between the orchard and adjacent …

Radiotelemetric Evaluation Of The Effect Of Horticultural Practices On Pine And Meadow Voles In Apple Orchards: Ii. Herbicide Application, Dale M. Madison, Ralph E. Pagano, Randall W. Fitzgerald

Eastern Pine and Meadow Vole Symposia

Pine voles (Microtus pinetorum) and meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus) were studied in a commercial apple orchard in the Hudson Valley of New York during April and May 1981. Selected voles were given miniature radio transmitters and then tracked before and after herbicide application. A total of eight pine and meadow voles were tracked throughout the experimental period. Home range size decreased on the day following herbicide application but showed an increase from day 1 to day 5 & 7 after application. Movements away from the tree line into the aisles did not change significantly after herbicide …

A Preliminary Survey Of Genetic Variation Over Two Seasons Among Orchard Pine Vole Populations, J. E. Mcbride, J. J. Ney, A. R. Tipton, R. L. Kirkpatrick

Eastern Pine and Meadow Vole Symposia

The objective of this study was to test for genetic homogeneity among several discontinuous orchard pine vole populations, particularly between those that had been treated with endrin and those that had not. Endrin-resistant pine vole strains have been documented (Webb and Hors-fall 1967; Webb et a1. 1973), but have not been characterized genetically. Practically, this study was designed to determine if genetic differences existed among endrin-treated and non-treated orchard populations over two seasons of the year, by examining a few specific gene loci believed to be involved in endrin metabolism in small mammals.

Water Metabolism In Laboratory-Maintained And Free-Ranging Pine Voles (Microtus Pinetorum), D. Rhodes, M. E. Richmond

Eastern Pine and Meadow Vole Symposia

Prior study of water use by the pine vole, Microtus pinetorum, has indicated that these voles require large volumes of water on a daily basis and exhibit rapid turnover of body water relative to other mammals of similar body size (Rhodes and Richmond, 1981). However, the extent to which these animals are tolerant of water deprivation and hence the importance of available water to the members of this species remains unexplored. Similarly, data on rates of body water turnover in free-ranging pine voles are presently unavailable. Thus, this study examines rates of body water turnover and urine concentrations of …

Effect Of Green Vegetation And Cotton Nest Material On Reproduction And Survival Of Pine Voles (Microtus Pinetorum), Jack A. Cranford

Eastern Pine and Meadow Vole Symposia

Plant compounds associated with active plant growth and senescence have been reported to have different effects on microtine reproduction (Berger et al., 1977, 1981). Biological assays of inhibitory compounds showed some effect at pharmacological doses in Microtus pennsylvanicus but not in M. pinetorum (Cranford et al., 1980; Derting and Cranford, 1981). Stimulatory plant compounds contained in active growing wheat have been demonstrated to cause early sexual maturation (Berger et al., 1981) and to induce reproduction in wild populations during non reproductive periods (Negus, 1977; Berger et al., 1981). Bodenheimer (1949) postulated that plants contain compounds which trigger the onset of …

Progress Of A Bioenergetic Simulator Of Pine Vole Populations, K. C. Jordan, A. R. Tipton, R. L. Kirkpatrick

Eastern Pine and Meadow Vole Symposia

The pine vole research effort under way at VPI & SU has involved 4 parts: an investigation of nutrition and energetics, a study of habitat and behavior, an evaluation of chemical control, and the development of a computer simulation model of population dynamics. Coyle et a1. (1981) reported on the results of a preliminary model developed by Coyle (1980), and outlined a second stage model to incorporate his (1980) recommendations and the continually expanding base of field and laboratory data. The preliminary model was a demographic simulator mechanistically driven by bioenergetic equations developed chiefly from laboratory studies at Virginia Tech. …

A Comparison Of Maternal Behavior In Three Species Of Voles (Microtus Pennsylvania, M. Pinetorum, And M. Ochrogaster) Using A Laboratory System, B. A. Mcguire, M. A. Novak

Eastern Pine and Meadow Vole Symposia

A system has been developed to describe and compare the maternal behavior of three species of microtine rodents within a naturalistic environment. The apparatus consists of two Interconnected Plexiglas-based tables with a peat substrate and hay cover. A pregnant female and her mate are placed within the tables, once the female has shown a thirty percent weight gain and pups can be felt by palpating her abdomen. Maternal behavior, as well as male-female interactions and information on pup physical and behavioral development, are recorded daily for twenty-five days immediately following parturition. Unrestricted observation of female behavior during neonatal, pre-weaning and …

Proceedings Of The Sixth Eastern Pine And Meadow Vole Symposium, Harpers Ferry, Wv (Covers, Frontmatter, Contents)

Eastern Pine and Meadow Vole Symposia

Frontmatter

Demographic Analysis Of Pine Vole Populations In Two Orchard Types In Southwest Virginia, J. J. Hasbrouck, A. R. Tipton, S. B. Lindquist

Eastern Pine and Meadow Vole Symposia

Few long term studies have been conducted to analyze the population dynamics of pine and meadow voles in orchard environments. Such studies are needed to provide basic biological information for use in orchard management and vole control programs. To satisfy these needs, a three year study was begun in December, 1979, to monitor vole populations in a maintained and an abandoned apple orchard in Southwest Virginia. Two objectives of this study were (1) to follow population dynamics of pine and meadow voles in two orchard types and (2) to provide data for the development and validation of computer modeling efforts …

Proceedings Of The Sixth Eastern Pine And Meadow Vole Symposium, March 10-12, 1982 (Complete Proceedings)

Eastern Pine and Meadow Vole Symposia

Entire symposium

Highlights of the Sixth Eastern Pine and Meadow Vole Symposium
The Sixth Eastern Pine and Meadow Vole Symposium was held at the Cliffside Inn, Box 786, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia 25425, March 10-12, 1982, for the purpose of assessing the current status of research, extension, and industry programs relating to the problem of vole damage to fruit trees. The meeting was intended to create a problem solving atmosphere in which growers; various governmental agencies such as EPA, USDA, USDI; the chemical industry; and university personnel could ob¬serve the current thrusts of research and extension programs and their potential …

Status Of Winter Populations Of Pine Voles (Microtus Pinetorum, Philip O. Renzullo, Milo E. Richmond

Eastern Pine and Meadow Vole Symposia

Knowledge of the spatial and temporal organization of free ranging animal populations is important to an understanding not only of the social behavior between members of those populations, but also of several demographic parameters of the population, including reproduction, dispersal and mortality. Such information is particularly important when viewed in the context of pest species management. The efficacy of control practices such as rodenticide application and habitat manipulation might be greatly enhanced if performed with an understanding of the organization and status of pest populations in mind.

Early considerations of pine vole (Microtus pinetorum) spatial and temporal organization were based …

Habitat Utilization And Spacing Patterns Of Pine And Meadow Voles, J. A. Cranford, T. L. Derting

Eastern Pine and Meadow Vole Symposia

Pine voles (Microtus pinetorum) and meadow voles (M. pennsylvanicus) co-occur in orchards but may exhibit mutual avoidance through temporal or spatial isolation. Though pine and meadow voles have exhibited overlapping home ranges, individuals of the two species seldom occupy the same 2m area at the same time (Pagano & Madison, 1981). Differences in habitat use by pine and meadow voles may contribute to their spatial separation in orchards. McAnich (1979) found a weak relationship between meadow vole numbers and soil compaction, soil moisture, thatch depth, and light intensity and no relationship between meadow vole occurrence and …

Selected Habitat Characteristics And Pine Vole Abundance In Pennsylvania Apple Orchards, J. R. Parker, G. M. Kelly, W. M. Tzilkowski

Eastern Pine and Meadow Vole Symposia

In the past, researchers from The Pennsylvania State University have Investigated specific aspects of the pine vole (Microtus pinetorum) and its biology (Fisher 1976, Gettle 1975, Simpson 1978). In our current research, we are Investigating many factors of the pine vole's orchard habitat and examining these factors collectively. Our objectives are:
1) To determine what combinations of habitat characteristics relate best to abundance of pine voles in Pennsylvania apple orchards.

2) To recommend strategies on how to consider or modify those habitat characteristics to maintain the lowest possible numbers of pine voles.

Registration List

Eastern Pine and Meadow Vole Symposia

Registration list

Strange Males Block Pregnancy In Lactating Pine Voles, Microtus Pinetorum, And Reduce Survival And Growth Of Nursing Young, Margaret H. Schadler

Eastern Pine and Meadow Vole Symposia

Strange (unfamiliar) males affect survival of progeny of reproductive female rodents in a variety of ways. In mice, strange males block pregnancy before implantation of embryos (Bruce, 1959) but only in females that are not lactating (Bruce and Parkes, 1961). In voles these males can block pregnancy both before and after implantation (Stehn and Richmond, 1975; Marks and Schadler, 1979; Schadler, 1981). Strange males have also been shown to kill nursing pups in lemmings (Mallory and Brooks, 1978) and mice (Labov, 1980 and vom Saal and Howard, 1982).

The present study in pine voles (Microtus pinetorum) examines the …

The Prairie Naturalist Volume 14, No. 1. March 1982

The Prairie Naturalist

LEGUME DISTRIBUTION AND NODULATION IN ARAPAHO PRAIRIE, ARTHUR COUNTY, NEBRASKA ▪ L. A. Kapustka and J. D. DuBois

BREEDING BIRDS IN TWO DRY WETLANDS IN EASTERN SOUTH DAKOTA ▪ D. E. Hubbard

RELATIVE EFFICIENCY OF THREE SMALL-MAMMAL TRAPS IN PRAIRIE WETLANDS G. W. Pendleton and R. P. Davison

WHITE PELICAN POPULATIONS AT CHASE LAKE, NORTH DAKOTA, EVALUATED BY AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY ▪ J. G. Sidle and E. L. Ferguson

MOSQUITOES (DIPTERA:CULICIDAE) CONSUMED BY BREEDING ANATINAE IN SOUTH CENTRAL NORTH DAKOTA ▪ M. I. Meyer and G. W. Swanson

BOOK REVIEWS:

Peterson's revised field guide ▪ J. M. Andrew

Midwestern turtles ▪ …

The Probe, Issue 20 - March 1982

The Probe: Newsletter of the National Animal Damage Control Association

THE PROBE National Animal Damage Control Association March, 1982
The Endangered Species Act(ESA)is in the process of being amended.
Executive Committee meeting
NADCA meeting
CDC reports two recent cases of humans contracting tularemia from their cats.
TULAREMIA,WHERE ARE YA WHEN WE NEED YA?
DOG OWNERS - REMEMBER IT'S TRAPPING SEASON
SOCIETY OF AMERICAN MAMMALOGISTS
ANIMALS HAS GOT AS MUCH RIGHTS AS HUMANS
NATIONAL WOOLGROWERS ANNUAL MEETING
EPA 1080 HEARINGS
The Research & Special Programs'Administration (U.S. Dept. of Transportation) has ruled that pyrotechnical devices like Shellcrackers come under the Class A explosives category which makes them practically impossible to transport.
RICH …

Sunlight Induced Movement Of Planktonic Organisms And Their Relationships To Water Movements, John Calkins, Ed Colley, Jay Wallingford, Carol Hulsey, Kathy Lohr, Marc Bolling

KWRRI Research Reports

Previous studies have shown the planktonic organisms of various natural water bodies to be quite sensitive to the levels of solar ultraviolet radiation incident at the water surface in summer. It has been assumed that the majority of the phytoplankton are simply carried about in the mass of the water which they inhabit with little control of their position or sunlight exposure. Photosynthetic microorganisms must strike a delicate balance with regard to solar radiation; they must obtain enough visible light for adequate photosynthesis while avoiding an excessive exposure to the injurious solar UV-B radiation.

It is proposed that the circulation …

Classification And Management Of Wetlands In The Western Kentucky Coal Field, William J. Mitsch, Robert W. Bosserman, Paul L. Hill Jr., Jan R. Taylor

KWRRI Research Reports

This is the first research report of a three-year project on wetland identification and management criteria in the western Kentucky coal field. The region is approximately 12,000 square kilometers and, due to its slight relief, contains many wetlands, some contiguous with surface coal mining operations. The overall objectives of the research project are 1) to identify, classify, and map wetlands in the western Kentucky coal field; 2) to evaluate the major biotic and abiotic factors that affect those wetlands; and 3) to develop strategies for the proper management of those wetlands.

The first report of this three-year project has involved …

Assessment, Understanding And Management Of Blackbird Agriculture Interactions In Eastern Canada, Patrick J. Weatherhead

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 10th (1982)

The major results of recent research on the problem of red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) damage to field corn (Zea mays) in eastern Canada are reviewed. In the area of damage assessment, an indirect approach relying on energetic considerations appears to provide a rapid and inexpensive means for generating reliable damage estimates. The identification of pronounced compositional changes in roost populations has provided a more accurate means for predicting the impact of any management technique relying on population reduction at roosts. Investigation of the interaction of blackbirds and insects revealed that prey species conform to general patterns …

The Red Eyed Turtle Dove (Streptopelia Semitorquata) As An Agricultural Pest In Nigeria, Modupe Akande

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 10th (1982)

Preliminary results compiled from visual observations and questionnaires indicated that a large variety of crops including soyabean, cowpea, groundnut, maize, rice, sorghum were attacked at planting and seedling stages of growth by the red-eyed turtle dove (Streptopelia semitorquata). The social conditions under which this bird is protected, by social taboos and also as an attractive and common household pet in many parts of Nigeria, limit the control options that could be used to stop its deleterious activities. In the meantime research efforts are being directed to the understanding of the population ecology and biology of the species as a prerequisite …

Bird Damage To Sunflowers In The Sacramento Valley, California, Michael L. Avery, Richard Dehaven

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 10th (1982)

Damage caused by birds to ripening sunflower was evaluated in 60 fields (about 70% of all planted fields) in the Sacramento Valley, California, during 1980 and 1981. Overall monetary losses were roughly $6,800 (24 fields) and $7,400 (36 fields) in 1980 and 1981, respectively. The percentage losses estimated for the individual fields were low, ranging from 0 to 5.4% of the crop; in about two-thirds of the fields, losses were <0.5%. For the 12 fields with the highest (≥1.0%) damage, the average per acre monetary loss was roughly $18. Damage levels within local areas were relatively constant between the two years. Although several species of birds caused damage, house finches (Carpodacus mexicanus) were apparently most important. Their foraging behavior differed from that of blackbirds, which fed extensively on insects in addition to sunflower. The presence of large numbers of blackbirds or finches in fields was not always an indication of bird damage. Additional research may lead to recommendations for alleviating the moderate losses which a few growers now incur.

Evaluation Of Zinc Phosphide Bait For Pocket Gopher Control On Forest Land, Victor G. Barnes Jr., Richard M. Anthony, James Evans, Gerald D. Lindsey

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 10th (1982)

Laboratory bioassays and field tests were conducted to determine if zinc phosphide baits would control pocket gophers in forest plantations. Zinc phosphide baits generally were less effective than the strychnine alkaloid-oat bait commonly used by forest managers to control gophers. However, a carrot bait with 0.75% zinc phosphide showed potential as a substitute for strychnine. Size of carrot bait and grooming activity of gophers were identified as important factors affecting efficacy of baits.

Snares For Predator Control, Major L. Boddicker

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 10th (1982)

The use of snares predates recorded history. The snare was first used when ancient man realized that an association between a tightening loop of vine and an ensnared animal was something which he could construct and repeat. The current increased interest in snares has been a result of restricted chemical tools in animal damage control resulting in a new look at old mechanical methods. The increased value of pelts of predators has brought efforts by private trappers to improve snaring as a tool. As a result, the ancient art of snaring has been greatly improved over the last decade. New …

Predator Problems When Using Sheep And Goats In Managing Brush On Rangelands, James E. Bowns

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 10th (1982)

Rangelands occupy a large portion of the western United States and the world. Grazing by ruminant animals provides the only means of obtaining usable products from these lands. Sheep and goats are more efficient producers, better adapted to many ranges, and are useful in controlling or manipulating shrubs and other undesirable vegetation which results in improved range conditions and increased water yields. There has been a general decline in sheep and goat numbers and a shift toward cattle. Predation has been a major factor in the abandonment of many sheep and goat operations and the shift to other livestock. A …

Conference Participants

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 10th (1982)

The Conference was the largest ever with a total of 479 registered attendees. The participants came from 31 states, the District of Columbia, and 15 other countries: Australia, Canada, Bangladesh, Egypt, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Nigeria, Philippines, Senegal, Somalia, Sudan, Taiwan, United Kingdom, and Zimbabwe. The wide representation from the United States and from countries throughout the world contributed to the success of the Conference by providing a highly diversified group for the exchange of ideas and information.

Rodent Problems Relative To Mechanical Harvesting, A. Charles Crabb, Ronald L. Riddle

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 10th (1982)

As the number of crops that are mechanically harvested increases, the reports of rodent problems associated with those crops increase also. This report examines the rodent problems in mechanically harvested tomatoes and reports on work done in studying the effects of various border crops on rodent populations. It also looks at possible rodent management options available to growers of mechanically harvested crops.

Pulsed Baiting —A New Technique For High Potency, Slow Acting Rodenticides, Adrian C. Dubock

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 10th (1982)

The disadvantages of the acute, fast-acting, rodenticides are well understood by the specialist. However, despite poison-shyness and consequent short-lived, low efficacy rodent control, many users prefer "acutes" such as zinc phosphide to "first-generation" anticoagulants of the warfarin type. The techniques necessary for efficient use of the first-generation anticoagulants are often inappropriate, particularly in agriculture. High labour and bait inputs required are unacceptable and are, together with the need for area coordinated control programs, significantly responsible for lack of widespread use of anticoagulants, even in those countries with a long history both of disastrous rodent damage to crops and rodent damage …

Alpha-Chlorohydrin (Epibloc®): A Toxicant-Sterilant As An Alternative In Rodent Control, Ronald J. Ericsson

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 10th (1982)

Alpha-chlorohydrin (EPIBLOC) introduces a new form of rodenticide - the toxicant-sterilant. EPIBLOC, as a pest control product registered and used in some countries, changes the concept of chemosterilants from theoretical to practical. The active ingredient also acts as an acute toxicant in the control of rodents. It is effective on both sexes and all age groups. Alpha-chlorohydrin is rapidly absorbed and metabolized; therefore, it is neither a secondary toxicant nor a cumulative toxicant. Another unique biological characteristic of this compound is its species specificity with regards to male sterility. First, only sexually mature males are rendered sterile through the development …