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Bird Damage To Sprouting Rice In Louisiana: Dynamics Of The Millers Lake Blackbird Roost, Kristin E. Brugger

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 13th (1988)

In spring 1986 and 1987 I examined the relationship between blackbird abundance and sequence of rice planting near a very large roost in southwestern Louisiana to identify factors that contributed to bird damage in newly planted rice fields. Millers Lake, an eutrophic man-made lake of approximately 2,500 ha, attracts a winter roosting population that peaks at 10 to 25 million blackbirds annually. By March and April the roost declines to several thousand birds. Female red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) were responsible for most rice seed losses, predominating both the roost and feeding flocks in rice fields in spring. Number of flocking …

Prolonged Seed Handling Time Deters Red-Winged Blackbirds Feeding On Rice Seed, Dennis Daneke, David G. Decker

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 13th (1988)

Theoretical concepts from foraging ecology were studied to identify elements of blackbird foraging strategies that may be manipulated to deter blackbirds feeding on rice. Seed-handling time was identified as one such vulnerable element. Consequently, we developed seed coatings for rice that increased handling time per seed, allowed a satisfactory germination rate, and persisted for several days postplanting. Test coats included hydrophilic binders with several starches, clays, plaster of paris and chemical grout in various combinations. Consistent repellency was achieved in feeding trials with captive red-winged blackbirds.

Using Aircraft For Controlling Blackbird/Sunflower Depredations, Larry L. Handegard

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 13th (1988)

Although not a new idea, using aircraft to control blackbird damage to sunflowers has provided some relief for sunflower growers in North Dakota. The numerous scaring devices and limited frightening agents have not proven effective in controlling blackbird damage to sunflowers. In response to a congressional directive to provide assistance in controlling blackbird/sunflower depredations in North Dakota, a blackbird hazing program was developed. The program utilized fixed-wing aircraft and shooting to expedite the migration of blackbirds through North Dakota.

Controlling Shiny Cowbirds In Puerto Rico, Jon F. Heisterberg, Fernando Nunez-Garcia

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 13th (1988)

A program to trap and remove shiny cowbirds (Molothrus bonariensis) was conducted during two successive passerine nesting seasons at Roosevelt Roads Naval Station in eastern Puerto Rico. It sought to improve existing trapping techniques and to determine the effect cowbird removal has on the reproductive success of the endangered yellow-shouldered blackbird (Agelaius xanthomus). Decoy traps of two basic designs were used to capture 2449 cowbirds in 1162 trap-days (average 2.l/trap-day) in June-September 1985 and 850 cowbirds in 1571 trap-days (average 0.5/trap-day) in March-August 1986. The lower capture rate in 1986 suggests that cowbirds removed in 1985 were not being replaced …

Alleviating Nuisance Canada Goose Problems With Acoustical Stimuli, Donald F. Mott, Shirley K. Timbrook

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 13th (1988)

Alarm/distress calls of Canada geese (Branta canadensis) were evaluated by themselves and in combination with racket bombs to determine their effectiveness in frightening Canada geese from nuisance situations at 2 Corps of Engineers campgrounds in Tennessee. Results based on goose censuses showed a significant (P<0.05) reduction in goose numbers from nontreatment to treatment periods at both sites. Goose numbers were reduced an average of 71% when the calls alone were used. The combination of the calls and the racket bombs produced a 96% reduction in goose observations. Although a reduction in geese was observed during the treatment periods, continual harassment would appear to be necessary as reinvasion was noted after treatment was stopped. The scarcity of alternate feeding and loafing sites may have contributed to this lack of long-term control.

Characteristics Of Bird-Resistance In Agricultural Crops , Roger W. Bullard

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 13th (1988)

The use of biochemical or morphological genetic traits in a crop to protect ripening seeds or grain from bird damage remains a promising tool under certain situations. Research on bird-resistance in crops has focused on grain sorghum, corn, sunflower and rice. This crop protection method involves feeding behavior of granivorous birds and its effectiveness depends on the availability of preferred alternate foods. That is, bird-resistant traits provide protection to the crop when other food choices are readily available; however, when alternate food is scarce or high bird populations create serious feeding competition, they are less effective. Several practical factors (i.e., …

Management Of Fruit Bat And Rat Populations In The Maldive Islands, Indian Ocean, Richard R. Dolbeer, Lynwood R. Fiedler, Hussain Rasheed

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 13th (1988)

The introduced black rat (Rattus rattus) and the endemic giant fruit bat (Pteropus giganteus ariel) are serious depredators of coconuts and fruits, respectively, in the Maldives. Differences in reproductive rate between rats (high) and bats (low) must be considered in implementing control programs. We estimate a rat population can fully recover from an island-wide reduction of 90% in less than 6 months. In contrast, a bat population may require 6 years to recover from a 90% reduction. Crown-baiting of coconut palms with anticoagulant rodenticides is effective in reducing rat damage, but villagers have been reluctant to adopt recommended baiting programs, …

1987 Christmas Count

Nebraska Bird Review

1987 CHRISTMAS COUNT

There were two new reporting areas this year - Loup City, and the Nebraska portion of the Sioux City count. One hundred fourteen species are included in the report, but two of them were only from Loup City and one only from Sioux City, to leave III species from areas that reported 109 species last year. One species was reported present during the count period, but not included in any count last year. This year's report form did not include a tabulation of such species. The total individual count this year was 408,096, with 394,127 from the …

1987 (Thirtieth) Fall Occurrence Report

Nebraska Bird Review

Two hundred ninety-six species (plus the possibility that the Waterthrush species was a Louisiana, and the Empidonax sp, reported was not one listed) were reported from fourteen "full-time" locations. plus four "spot~check" locations. The figures for 1986 were 293 and one possibility from 13 "full-time" and 4 "spotcheck" locations; 1985 283 and one possibility from 11 "full-time" and 8 "spot-check" locations; 1984 278 from 12 locations.

The information is presented in a rough west (left) to east (right) order. with locations of about the same latitude listed with the northernmost first. Two dates indicate the first and last records for …

Inca Dove In Nebraska, In Winter, Eileen Paine

Nebraska Bird Review

On 28 October 1987 my uncle, Lee Johnson,and J saw a small dove on the bird bath at my home in Kearney. We did not use binoculars, and thought it was a small Mourning Dove. On 2 November my son Gary Paine. and I saw it and used binoculars on it, noting its small size and rufous wings. We thought it was a Common Ground-Dove. and reported it to Dr. C. W. Bliese. On 2 December it was seen again on the bird bath and in trees. This time Margaret Triplett identified it as an Inca Dove, and the identification …

The Prairie Naturalist Volume 20, No. 1 March 1988

The Prairie Naturalist

Paul B. Kannowski, Editor

Nikki R. Seabloom, Assistant Editor

Douglas H. Johnson, Book Review Editor

TABLE OF CONTENTS

WINTER FOOD HABITS OF PRAIRIE PORCUPINES IN MONTANA ▪ P. Hendricks and H. F. Allard

RABIES CONTROL BY SKUNK DEPOPULATION IN SOUTHERN ALBERTA, 1983 TO 1986 ▪ M. J. Pybus

USE OF SHELTER BY MULE DEER DURING WINTER ▪ A. K. Wood

FORAGING BEHAVIOR AND FOOD HABITS OF BURROWING OWLS IN WYOMING ▪ C. D. Thompson and S. H. Anderson

WILD TURKEY NESTING ECOLOGY IN SOUTH CENTRAL SOUTH DAKOTA ▪ T. L. Wertz and L. D. Flake

DOES THE DOWNY AMERICAN AVOCET …

Acuta Enews March 1988, Vol. 17, No. 3

ACUTA Newsletters

In This Issue

President's Message

Party Line

17th Annual Summer Conference

Potpourri

From the Board

Plan Now For San Diego

The University of British Columbia

The Other Side of T-1

The Impact Of Wildlife Damage On Wildlife Management Programs In Wisconsin, Scott R. Craven

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 13th (1988)

ABSTRACT: Wildlife damage caused by species normally managed as game animals or furbearers should be of major concern to wildlife managers and various user groups: hunters, trappers, and other outdoor recreationists. Real or potential damage may be used as an important factor in determining population levels, harvest goals, and distribution of white-tailed deer and Canada geese in Wisconsin. In any state where private land and agriculture are important, such a strategy could reduce wildlife populations and associated recreational opportunities. Recent surveys in Wisconsin have quantified the amount and distribution of deer, goose, and turkey damage in Wisconsin. These data allow …

A Decade Of Use Of Livestock Guarding Dogs, Raymond Coppinger, Lorna Coppinger, Gail Langeloh, Lori Gettler, Jay Lorenz

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 13th (1988)

Results from a ten-year study of livestock guarding dogs show that the dogs are an effective tool for reducing predation. Average reduction attained by five strains of dogs (Anatolian Shepherds, Maremmas, Shar Planinetz, Anatolian/ Shars, Maremma/Shars) was 64%, with predation reduced to zero for 53% of reporting producers in 1986. Variations in trustworthy, attentive and protective behavior of the dogs were breed-specific, and offer mechanisms for improving the system.

Photographic Records — Their Importance In Today's Environmentally Sensitive Bird Management Programs, Charles W. Areson

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 13th (1988)

We are living in a day of change. Environmental awareness is a part of our everyday life in a way unprecedented in history. The courts, in their infinite wisdom, have initiated the joint and several liability (deep pocket) rules that make everyone at risk in almost all situations. Bird management programs, by their very nature, are extremely sensitive. Any project, if not evaluated, planned, carried out, and documented properly can result in adverse regulatory agency action, bad publicity, and even fines or lawsuits. Proper photographic documentation can play a vital part in helping to provide the necessary records to help …

Environmental Effects On Remating In Drosophila Melanogaster, Lawrence G. Harshman, Ary A. Hoffman, Timothy Prout

Lawrence G. Harshman Publications

The effects of density and food on remating were investigated using Drosophila melanogaster. The frequency of remating was unaffected by density for some combinations of fly strains but was reduced at low relative densities for other combinations. Until females had used most of their stored sperm, remating was less likely when food was absent or contact with food was prevented. Food availability had little effect on the incidence of remating once stored sperm were depleted and had no effect on initial virgin mating frequency. This study indicates that environmental factors can have a substantial direct influence on the frequency …

1987 Treasurer's Report

Nebraska Bird Review

1987 TREASURER'S REPORT

Notes-Nebraska Bird Review March 1988

Nebraska Bird Review

RED PHALAROPE. On 29 September 1985 Mark A. and Ed M. Brogie reported the occurrence of a Red Phalarope (Phalaropus fulicaria) at Willow Creek Recreation Area, Pierce Co., Neb. This bird was the first recorded sighting for the county and the second documented record for Nebraska ( NEB 52:72-73). On 26 September 1987 the authors observed and photographed a Red Phalarope along the beach near the group camping area on the south side of Willow Creek Recreation Area. The bird was quite unwary, and at one instance we were able to approach it within two yards distance as …

Nebraska Bird Review- Whole Issue March 1988 Volume 56 Number 1

Nebraska Bird Review

Table of Contents

1987 Treasurer's Report..................2
An Inca Dove in Nebraska, in Winter..................3
I 987 Christmas Count ..................3
1987 (Thirtieth) Fall Occurrence Report ............10
Notes.........................22

Frugivorous And Animalivorous Bats (Microchiroptera): Dental And Cranial Adaptations, Patricia W. Freeman

University of Nebraska State Museum: Mammalogy Papers

The most derived fruit-eating bats have small canines, wide palates and molars with a distinctive labial rim. Paracone and metacone have moved from a dilambdodont position in the middle of the tooth to the labial side of the tooth where they form the labial cutting edge. Along with the well-developed and close fitting labial cutting edges of the premolars and canines, this cutting edge skirts nearly the entire perimeter of the palate. The labial rim of the lower teeth fit inside the labial rim of the upper teeth like two cookie cutters nesting one inside the other. Frugivores have a …

Flocoumafen -- A New Anticoagulant Rodenticide , M. Lund

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 13th (1988)

ABSTRACT: Flocoumafen is a new anticoagulant rodenticide with an acute toxicity between that of bromadiolone and brodifacoum. It has performed well in field tests against house mice and susceptible as well as resistant brown rat populations. Danish lab tests reveal a considerable variation in susceptibility between rodent species and indicate that practical problems in the control of certain Scandinavian bromadiolone-resistant house mouse populations may arise shortly after introduction.

Comparative Evaluation Of Tamper-Proof Mouse Bait Stations, Karl D. Morris, Dale E. Kaukeinen

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 13th (1988)

A method for the evaluation of mouse control using tamper-proof mouse bait stations was developed and efficacy trials conducted to determine if house mice (Mus musculus) would visit and consume rodenticidal baits located within these stations. All stations were rapidly investigated by mice. Variation seen between the individual stations related to animal variation and did not appear to be related to differences in the stations themselves. Station placement was more critical to mouse investigation and subsequent bait consumption from the station than were the various features used to prohibit non-target access.

An Evaluation Of Modified 4-Aminopyridine Baits For Protecting Sunflower From Blackbird Damage, C. Edward Knittle, John L. Cummings, George M. Linz, Jerome F. Besser

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 13th (1988)

Bait preference studies with red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) in North Dakota sunflower fields indicated that sunflower seeds and a combination of sunflower seeds and chopped corn (MIX) were more successful in producing affected blackbirds, primarily red-winged blackbirds, than pearl barley or chopped corn used separately. A subsequent study compared the effectiveness of commercial Avitrol FC Corn Chops-99S to 4-aminopyridine-treated MIX-99S baits for reducing blackbird damage to ripening sunflower. Both baits significantly reduced damage in fields nearest a blackbird roost (within two miles), but were largely ineffective in fields farther than two miles from a roost. The ramifications of these results …

The Probe, Issue 80 - February 1988

The Probe: Newsletter of the National Animal Damage Control Association

THE PROBE
National Animal Damage Control Association
FEBRUARY 1988
The Evolution of Anti-trapping.
Pesticides
Animal Rights vs. Wildlife Management-hunting System
APHIS Activity Report
ASTM Meeting – Monterey, CA
Nixalite
Pesticide Labeling
Letters to Ye Ed
Rabies
Farm Laborers

Wpa News 19 (1988), World Pheasant Association

Galliformes Specialist Group and Affiliated Societies: Newsletters

WPA News (February 1988), number 19

Published by the World Pheasant Association

Analysis Of The Virulence Of Streptococcus Mutans Serotype C Gtfa Mutants In The Rat Model System, Raul G. Barletta, Suzanne M. Michalek, Roy Curtis Iii

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

The Streptococcus mutans serotype c gtfA gene encodes a 55-kilodalton protein which catalyzes the synthesis of a small glucan (1.5 kilodaltons) from sucrose (J. P. Robeson, R. G. Barletta, and R. Curtiss III, J. Bacteriol. 153:211-221, 1983). To investigate the role of the GtfA enzyme in virulence, we constructed S. mutans gtfA mutants from three cariogenic serotype c strains. A plasmid that carried an erythromycin resistance determinant and an internal fragment of the gtfA gene but that was unable to replicate in streptococci was used to transform S. mutans. The erythromycin-resistant transformants carried a partial duplication of the internal …

Letter To The Editors: Critical Comments On A Recent Letter To The Editors Regarding The Use Of Frozen Carcasses In Parasite Surveys, Danny B. Pence, John M. Aho, Albert O. Bush, Albert G. Canaris, Joseph A. Conti, William R. Davidson, Terry A. Dick, Gerald W. Esch, Timothy Goater, Wynn Fitzpatrick, Donald J. Forrester, John C. Holmes, William M. Samuel, John M. Kinsella, Janice Moore, Robert L. Rausch, William Threlfall, Terry A. Wheeler

Harold W. Manter Laboratory of Parasitology: Faculty Publications

Critical comments on a letter to the editors of the Journal of Parasitology regarding the use of frozen carcasses in parasite surveys.

Lasiurus Blossevilli (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) In Texas, Hugh H. Genoways, Robert J. Baker

University of Nebraska State Museum: Mammalogy Papers

First paragraph:

A bat netted in the ZH Canyon in the Sierra Vieja Mountains, 9 mi. W Valentine, Presidio Co., Texas, appears to be the first record of the western red bat (Lasiurus blossevillii teliotis) from the state of Texas. The specimen is an adult female that was taken on the night of 15 July 1969 by T. R. Mollhagen. The vegetation in ZH Canyon is typical low desert scrub but permanent water is present. Nets were placed in such positions as to catch bats attempting to drink at this water source.

Genic Studies Of Lasiurus (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae), Robert J. Baker, John C. Patton, Hugh H. Genoways, John W. Bickham

University of Nebraska State Museum: Mammalogy Papers

Bats of the genus Lasiurus present a number of interesting systematic problems that are difficult to resolve by traditional techniques. Members of the genus share a suite of derived morphological (Hall and Jones, 1961; Handley , 1960) and karyotypic (Bickham 1979, 1988) characteristics. However, until 1960 (Handley, 1960), members were placed in two genera- Lasiurus and Dasypterus-based primarily upon the presence or absence of the small, first upper premolar. Handley (1960) analyzed the differences and similarities among these two genera and concluded they were not distinct even at a subgeneric level. One goal of this study was to provide …

Flaubert's Dis/En Closures, Marshall C. Olds

French Language and Literature Papers

The topos of the window and analogous framing devices is one of the recurrent characteristics of Flaubert's work, and, as examples of this discretionary practice, one need recall only some of the many scenes that are framed by windows: the view of Yonville through the carriage window or the stainedglass window that is, very nearly, La Légende de Saint Julien l'hospitalier. But windows are only incidentally our concern, for as the views of Yvetot and Constantinople equally signify something beyond themselves, so does this topos tie into a larger question, which is the evolution of Flaubert's practice of closure.

The …