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Nebraska Bird Review (December 1997) 65 (4), Whole Issue

Nebraska Bird Review

Whooping Crane Sightings, August 1997-January 1998 … 146

A Probable Nesting of Clark's Nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana) in Nebraska … 147

Notes on the Nesting Biology of Pygmy Nuthatches in Nebraska … 150

Fall Field Report, August-November 1997 … 159

Observers for Fall Field Report … 178

Black-throated Sparrow Banded in Omaha, Nebraska … 179

Editor's Comments … 179

Index to Volume 65 (compiled by R. G. Cortelyou) … 180

A Probable Nesting Of Clark's Nutcracker (Nucifraga Columbiana) In Nebraska,, Wayne Mollhoff

Nebraska Bird Review

This report provides details on the probable nesting of Clark's Nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana) in Morrill, Scotts Bluff Co., Nebraska, in 1997. It also corrects an erroneous report of nesting in the Pine Ridge area of Nebraska (Silcock & Jorgensen 1997b).

A single Clark's Nutcracker was first noted corning to a suet feeder at the home of Ms. Edna C. Thomas in Morrill 8-9 Jan 1997. It came to the feeder at least weekly and was often seen daily. A second Clark's Nutcracker appeared during the second week of Feb. Initially, the bird already present was antagonistic towards it …

Black-Throated Sparrow Banded In Omaha, Nebraska, Ruth C. Green

Nebraska Bird Review

On 20 December 1997, I banded a Black-throated Sparrow in the vicinity of 43rd and J Streets in South Omaha, Nebraska. The band number on this bird is 2120/83856. It was an AHY-Male and, according to the description given by James D. Rising in his book, A Guide to the Identification and Natural History of the Sparrows of the United States and Canada, it was of the subspecies Amphispiza b. bilineata. This is the smallest of the three races found in the united States and it is indigenous to central Texas. Besides the smaller size, the identifying field …

Index To Volume 65 Of The Nebraska Bird Review

Nebraska Bird Review

Index to Volume 65

Avocet, American 134

Alaska 53(2), 57

Albino 41

Alexander, George 35

Irene 35

Allen, Betty 36, 67

Alt, Jim 178

Anas Valisineria 58

Anhinga 7

Ani, Groove-billed 11

Anschutz, Steven Whooping Crane Sighting during March-May 132

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Zendeh, Soheil 126

Fall Field Report, August-November 1997, W. Ross Silcock, Joel G. Jorgensen

Nebraska Bird Review

Notable this Fall was very heavy coverage of the Panhandle during Sep-Oct, which yielded several outstanding records (all, of course, pending NOURC approval). Incredible were first Panhandle records of Golden-winged, Chestnut-sided, Bay-breasted, and Prothonotary Warblers, 3rd record of Northern Waterthrush, and 4th record of Blackburnian Warbler. Philadelphia Vireo was found in the Panhandle for the 3rd time. Important also were 3 records of Hammond's Flycatcher, the 3rd-6th for the state, and likely a regular migrant, and 5 of Cassin's vireo, previously known only by 2 specimens. Finally, from the Panhandle, 4 reports of Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher may be changing the status …

Whooping Crane Sightings, August 1997-January 1998, Steven Anschutz

Nebraska Bird Review

Cooperation throughout the Whooping Crane flyway continues to be excellent, and special thanks go out to each participant. Between 1977 and 1988, 132 juvenile birds were color-marked on the breeding grounds, and 40 were accounted for during the winter of 1997-98. Fourteen color-marked Whooping Cranes were observed during the fall migration. All sightings of color-marked birds are maintained at the Grand Island office. The importance of observers looking closely for the colored leg bands cannot be overemphasized.

Based on observations of the breeding grounds during the summer of 1997, about 192 Whooping Cranes were expected to arrive at the Aransas …

Notes On The Nesting Biology Of Pygmy Nuthatches In Nebraska, Wayne Mollhoff

Nebraska Bird Review

Introduction

Pygmy Nuthatches (Sitta pygmaea) were considered to be no more than casual or rare winter visitors to the northwest part of Nebraska by previous investigators (Bruner et al. 1904; Swenk 1918; Haecker et al. 1945; Rapp et al. 1958, 1971). I. S. Trostler's earlier comment that the species was "a rare resident, breeds in Omaha" (Bruner 1896) was later felt to be in error, as evidenced by Bruner's later comment that it was, "A fall and winter visitor . . . not breeding in the state" (Bruner et al. 1904).

The first evidence of breeding was the …

The Brood-Rearing Habitat, Brood Home Range, And Fecundity Of The Snowy Plover (Charadrius Alexandrinus) In Coastal Southern Texas, Jeffery R. Rupert

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

Habitat fragmentation has been shown to have negative effects on avian communities. I looked at the effects of corridor width and vegetation characteristics on nesting densities and breeding success of birds in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. There were definite trends in this study of increasing species richness and nesting densities with increasing corridor widths. Multiple regression revealed little correlation between tree density, diameter at breast height, tree height, canopy cover and ground cover with nesting density or nesting success. However, factors such as parasitism by the Bronzed Cowbird (Molothrus aeneus) and predation were much greater in narrower corridors. This …

Breeding Densities And Habitat Of Riparian Birds Along The Lower Rio Grande, Texas, Corinna Elizabeth Rupert

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

The breeding biology of Snowy Plovers (Charadrius alexanderinus) was studied at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge in coastal southern Texas. During 1995 and 1996 nests were found most often in high sand flat habitat and less frequently in low sand flat. Nest sites were dominated by open flat but had more rocks, pebbles and debris than control sites. Only 24% of the clutches hatched, while 67% were eaten by predators and 9% were flooded. Forty-three percent of Snowy Plover nests were within Least Tern (Sterna antillarum) colonies and these nests had a significantly greater chance of hatching than nests placed …

Competitive Interactions Among Symbiotic Fungi Of The Southern Pine Beetle, Kier D. Klepzig, Richard T. Wilkens

Dartmouth Scholarship

The southern pine beetle, a damaging pest of conifers, is intimately linked to three symbiotic fungi. Two fungi, Ceratocystiopsis ranaculosus and Entomocorticium sp. A, are transported within specialized structures (mycangia) in the beetle exoskeleton and are mutualists of the beetle. A third fungus, Ophiostoma minus, is transported externally on the beetle exoskeleton (phoretically) and is an antagonist of the beetle. This study examined competitive interactions among these three fungi. The results of de Wit replacement series and primary and secondary resource capture assays with these fungi provide strong evidence for differential competition between the phoretic and mycangial fungi. O. minus …

Postnatal Observations Of Behavioral Patterns Within The Social Organization Of Captive Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops Truncatus), Stacey R. Hanson

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The Mirage Dolphin Environment opened in 1991. The Mirage has eight Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins. Four of these dolphins were relocated to the facility from other facilities that were either overcrowded or shutting down. The other four were born at the Mirage. The purpose and intent of the Mirage Dolphin Environment is to provide a nurturing environment for the dolphins and to educate the public about marine mammals and their ecosystems. The increased awareness associated with education will hopefully encourage public support for efforts to conserve and protect marine mammals and their environment.

Egg Removal By Brown-Headed Cowbirds: A Field Test Of The Host Incubation Efficiency Hypothesis, Douglas Wood, Eric Bollinger

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

Brown-headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater) often remove host eggs, usually to the detriment of the host's reproductive success. We tested the hypothesis that host egg size and number influence the incubation efficiency of a parasitic egg. A single House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) or Brown-headed Cowbird egg was placed in each host nest (addition), and in some nests a host egg was removed as well (addition/removal). Hatching success and incubation length were measured to determine whether host-egg removal conferred an advantage in incubation efficiency compared to simple addition of a parasitic egg. Redwinged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) and Chipping Sparrows (Spizella passerina) served …

Kentucky Warbler (Vol. 73, No. 4), Kentucky Library Research Collections

The Kentucky Warbler

No abstract provided.

Egg Removal By Brown-Headed Cowbirds: A Field Test Of The Host Incubation Efficiency Hypothesis, Douglas R. Wood, Eric K. Bollinger

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

Brown-headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater) often remove host eggs, usually to the detriment of the host's reproductive success. We tested the hypothesis that host egg size and number influence the incubation efficiency of a parasitic egg. A single House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) or Brown-headed Cowbird egg was placed in each host nest (addition), and in some nests a host egg was removed as well (addition/removal). Hatching success and incubation length were measured to determine whether host-egg removal conferred an advantage in incubation efficiency compared to simple addition of a parasitic egg. Redwinged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) and Chipping Sparrows (Spizella passerina) served …

Management Options For Pilbara Demersal Line Fishing, Gaye Looby

Fisheries Management Papers

Fisheries Western Australia licensing arrangements allow all vessels with an unrestircted fishing boat licence ('wetline licence') to take scalefish throughout the State. These arrangements have led to a high level of excess capacity in the licensed 'wetline' fishing fleet to exploit the scalefish resources. The declaration of the Kimberley Interim Line Fishery and forthcoming declaration the Northern Demersal Scalefish Fishery have resolved this problem for the Kimberley waters. However, the high level of excss capacity in the 'wetline' fleet to exploit the waters of the Pilbara remains a problem Preview access and develop a management plan for the Pilbara demersal …

Fish & Wildlife News: November 1997

Fish and Wildlife News

Contents:

Clinton Signs Refuge Legislation 2
A Blue Goose in the Oval Office 3
ESA Legislation Moves Forward 4
Squaw Creek NWR Stars on the Silver Screen 6
Eagle Repository Seeks Dead Birds 7
Snow Goose Glut Decimating Arctic Canada 8
“The Great American Road Trip” 9
“Special Place” Dedicated to Beattie 11
International Celebrates 20 Years 12
Taiwanese Visitors Tour U.S. Refuges 17
Federal Aid Scores a Quiet Victory 20

State Of The Fisheries Report 1996/1997, Jim W. Penn

Status Reports of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources

The State of the Fisheries document is designed as an essential supplement to the Annual Report to Parliament. By summarising data such as landings, ettort, catch rates, stock assessment and breeding stock levels, this document provides a valuable reference point for all Western Australian fisheries of major importance to the commercial, recreational and aquaculture sectors. Information relevant to the Department of Fisheries' Fish and Fish Habitat Protection Program is also provided. The report indicates that overall the major fish stocks which support fisheries in Western Australia continue to be in a reasonably healthy condition. Those species which are being harvested …

Whole Body I=In Vivo Vascular Compliance In Two Amphibians, Bufo Marinus And Rana Cate, Todd Micheal Hoagland

Dissertations and Theses

The mean circulatory filling pressure (MCFP), vascular compliance (C) and unstressed volume (USV) were measured in Bufo marinus and Rana catesbeiana, using an in vivo preparation. Capacitance curves were constructed by varying total vascular volume and then measuring MCFP. These capacitance curves enable the extrapolation of USV and the measurement of vascular compliance. The MCFP, C, and USV were 8.6 ± 0.2 (mmHg), 3.7 (ml· mmHg-1 · kg- 1 ) and 2.5 (ml), respectively, in B. marinus. The MCFP, C, and USV were 9.5 ± 0.1 (mmHg), 2.2 (ml· mmHg-1 · kg- 1 ) and 14.2 (ml), respectively, …

Terrestrial Natural Communities Of Nebraska - Version I, Gerry Steinauer, Steven B. Rolfsmeier

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission: White Papers, Conference Presentations, and Manuscripts

The Nebraska Natural Heritage Program has been collecting information and data including published literature, field observations and vegetation plot data over the last 10 years of development of Nebraska’s natural community classification. The classification contains 27 wetland and 36 upland communities including forest, woodland, shrubland, herbaceous, and sparsely vegetated (e.g. rock outcrop) types. The community types were distinguished primarily on plant species composition and to a lesser extent on soils, hydrology and geographic location. The classification contains descriptions of each community type that include dominant species, soils, range, and other ecological information. The classification is designed to be flexible enough …

Vocal Response Of Piglets To Weaning: Effect Of Piglet Age, Daniel M. Weary, David Fraser

Ontogeny Collection

Piglets vocalize a great deal during the first few days after weaning. The aim of this experiment was to determine if the calls given by piglets vary in response to one factor thought to influence post-weaning adaptation: weaning age. In 22 litters, each containing a minimum of 9 piglets, 3 piglets were weaned under identical conditions at 3, 4 and 5 weeks of age. Vocalizations and weight gain were monitored for the week after weaning. The number of calls produced by piglets of all three ages declined from an average of 8.2 calls/min per piglet on the day of weaning …

Proposed Voluntary Fishery Adjustment Scheme. South Coast Purse Seine Managed Fishery., Committee Of Management

Fisheries Management Papers

On 29 May 1997 the Minister for Fisheries established a Committee of Management in respect of the South Coast Purse Seine Managed Fishery under the Fisheries Adjustment Schemes Act 1987 (the Act). The initial function of the Committee of Management (the Committee) is to consider, in respect of the Fishery, the desirablity of the establishment of a Voluntary Fisheries Adjustment Scheme. This document constitutes the report of the desirability of a Scheme.

Abalone Aquaculture In Western Australia. Discussion Paper And Draft Policy Guidelines., Cameron Westaway, Jeff Norriss

Fisheries Management Papers

The purposes of this discussion paper is to highlight relevant issues associated with abalone aquaculture development and outline a set of draft policy guidelines. The paper is being disseminated to members of the aquaculture industry, commercial and recreational fishing bodies and the broader community to allow comment.

Ua66/5 Newsletter, Wku Agriculture

WKU Administration Documents

Newsletter created by WKU Agriculture Department re: faculty/staff, students/alumni, student organizations and clubs and donors.

Survey Of Mollusks Of The Niobrara River: Final Report, Patricia W. Freeman, Keith Perkins

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

We surveyed the mollusks of the Niobrara River in Nebraska from 1992–1996. We found two species of unionid clams and ten species of snails that either must live in water or near water. Both clams and snails are poorly sampled in the state, however we attribute the low number of species of unionid clams in the Niobrara to its cold, fast flow and rocky bottom. In contrast, the Platte River is slower moving with a muddy bottom and has at least 11 species of unionid clams. Each species has been mapped with latitude/longitude coordinates. Specimens have been curated and are …

Abstracts Of Papers. Pages 1 - 38, International Theriological Congress

International Theriological Congress Abstracts of Papers

No abstract provided.

Discussion Paper: Future Management Of The Aquatic Charter Industry In Western Australia, Tour Operators Fishing Working Group

Fisheries Management Papers

The Tour Operators Fishing Working Group (TOFWG) was established by the Hon Monty House MLA, Minister for Fisheries, in recognition of the growing importance of this element of the tourism industry and in recognition of the need to ensure that the development of this industry occurs in an ecologically sustainable framework across the State. This discussion paper is the result of extensive consultation with the aquatic charter operators' industry by the TOFWG. Proposals outlined here for community discussion are intended to establish a management framework within which the aquatic charter operators’ industry may continue to develop, and which will ensure …

Draft: Optimising The Worth Of The Lobster Catch: Options And Issues, Marec Pty Ltd

Fisheries Management Papers

The purpose of this document is to contribute to informed discussion on alternative measures which might be adopted to optimise the worth of the lobster catch. In doing so, it provides a number of possible initiatives which could be more closely examined for adoption. Details of issues are provided which should be taken into consideration when assessing the various proposals. The industry as it is today is examined and assessed, and its achievements analysed. The possible initiatives proposed stem from this research. As a consequence of this document, the rock lobster industry could undertake to proceed with a detailed examination …

Issues Affecting Western Australia's Inshore Crab Fishery Blue Swimmer Crab (Portunus Pelagicus) Sand Crab (Ovalipes Australiensis), Cathy Cambell

Fisheries Management Papers

This paper is designed to inform the general public about the issues and management options for managing the State's blue swimmer and sand crab fishery.

Fish & Wildlife News: September 1997

Fish and Wildlife News

Contents:
Jamie Clark Takes the Helm 2
Proposal Would Divide Region 1 4
Babbit Signs Order on Native Americans 5
CITES Tackles Elephant Issue 6
Farewell to Charles Kurault 7
Grizzlies May Roam the West Again 9
Olympic Champ Plugs Hunter Safety 10
Duck Populations Continue to Thrive 11
Streeter Lauds Refuge Volunteer Bill 12
Fish & Wildlife . . . In Brief 14
Refuge System Round-Up 15
Reaching for Results 16

Two Hybrid Diving Ducks At Cunningham Lake, Douglas County, Joel G. Jorgensen

Nebraska Bird Review

During the spring of 1997 I had the opportunity to observe and study two apparent hybrid diving ducks at Glenn Cunningham Lake, Douglas County. Both birds appeared to be mature males in breeding plumage. One bird was a suspected Redhead x Canvasback hybrid and the other was a suspected Common Goldeneye x Hooded Merganser hybrid. Sibley (1994) states that both hybrid combinations occur "occasionally."