Poultry or Avian Science Commons^™

Nebraska Bird Review (September 2010) 78(3), Whole Issue

Nebraska Bird Review

Summer Field Report, June–July 2010 ... 86

My Life in Biology: Paul A. Johnsgard ... 103

A Review of Modern Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) Nesting Records and Breeding Status in Nebraska ... 121

Subscription and Organization Information ... 127

Information Acquisition And Sociality Among Migratory Birds, Zoltán Németh

Dissertations

Information use is a key feature of adaptive behavior: the better informed an individual, the better it is able to adjust its behavior to meet the demands of a variable world. Therefore, most animals attempt to reduce environmental uncertainty by gathering information when it is available. However, tracking unpredictable ecological factors may carry costs as individuals invest valuable time and energy in the process of information acquisition. Social learning (i.e., use of social information inadvertently produced by other individuals) enables the individual to gain rapid and more complete assessment of its novel environment. This process may be particularly important for …

The Effect Of Natural Antimicrobial Ingredients On The Quality Of Roast Beef And Oven Roasted Turkey, Ace F. Vandewalle

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

This research evaluates the use of a buffered vinegar and lemon juice concentrate (LV) solution on the quality of restructured beef and turkey rolls. Two studies were conducted to evaluate processing and ingredient concentration. Beef and turkey rolls were formulated with minimal ingredients. 1.5% sea salt, 0.5% turbinado sugar, with LV or no LV. Study one evaluated length of mixing time (2.5, 5, 10, 15, 20 minutes) on quality and sensory attributes with 2.5% LV or 0% LV (C). Study two was divided into four treatments, 0% (C), 1.5%, 2.5%, and 3.5% LV, used to evaluate the effects of three …

An Initial Map Of Chromosomal Segmental Copy Number Variations In The Chicken, Xiaofei Wang, Samuel N. Nahashon, Tromondae K. Feaster, Ann L. Bohannon-Stewart, Nathaniel Adefope

Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Faculty Research

Background

Chromosomal segmental copy number variation (CNV) has been recently recognized as a very important source of genetic variability. Some CNV loci involve genes or conserved regulatory elements. Compelling evidence indicates that CNVs impact genome functions. The chicken is a very important farm animal species which has also served as a model for biological and biomedical research for hundreds of years. A map of CNVs in chickens could facilitate the identification of chromosomal regions that segregate for important agricultural and disease phenotypes.

Results

Ninety six CNVs were identified in three lines of chickens (Cornish Rock broiler, Leghorn and Rhode Island …

Subscription And Organization Information [June 2010]

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 Anita Breckbill, NOU Librarian, c/o Music Library, WMB 30, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68588-0101.

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

English And Scientific Alpha Code For The Birds Of Nebraska, Mark A. Brogie

Nebraska Bird Review

Alpha codes, abbreviations of common or scientific bird names, have long been used by ornithologists. The U.S. Bird Banding Laboratory's employment of alpha codes has become an integral part of large ornithological programs across the United States and Canada. Rather than using the full English or scientific name of a bird species, alpha codes allow quicker data entry and can also help to cross-reference other data.

The content of this article is a list of alpha codes, current through the American Ornithologists' Union Checklist of North American Birds, Seventh Edition (1998), its following supplements (AOU: 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, …

An Unfortunate Name—With A Nebraska Twist, Rick Wright

Nebraska Bird Review

The past days have seen an amusing conversation about bird names conducted on the online discussion group NEBirds—just the sort of thing to get us through these dog-day afternoons of August. The scientific name of the Paltry Tyrannulet, a tropical flycatcher, is Zimmerius vilissimus, the genus so named by Melvin Traylor after American ornithologist John Todd Zimmer, who had a Nebraska connection through the university and State Museum in Lincoln. Combining the bird’s specific epithet from 1859—long preceding the new genus name of 1977—resulted in an English meaning of the entirety as “the very contemptible Zimmer.” Not what Traylor …

Spring Field Report, March 2010 To May 2010, W. Ross Silcock

Nebraska Bird Review

There was much of interest this spring. Early and late dates, early breeding, even a few rarities, are scattered through the species accounts. A few highlights are mentioned here. Mark Brogie found 6 species of Gallinaceous birds in one hour in Knox Co—quite a feat. Glossy Ibis reports continue to increase, and Mississippi Kites were found in new areas. Cranes made news: a leucistic Sandhill, another Common, and good numbers of Whoopings. Piping Plovers may be spreading out a bit, given the disappearance of the expanses of sand at L McConaughy, and amazing finds are being made by the team …

Nebraska Bird Review (June 2010) 78(2), Whole Issue

Nebraska Bird Review

Correction ... 38

Spring Field Report, March 2010 to May 2010 ... 38

Annual Meeting at Chadron ... 63

An Unfortunate Name—With a Nebraska Twist ... 68

English and Scientific Alpha Codes for the Birds of Nebraska ... 70

Subscription and Organization Information ... 83

Correction [June 2010]

Nebraska Bird Review

Correction: The name of the photographer of the Great Blue Heron nest on page 5 of the March 2010 issue of the Nebraska Bird Review was inadvertently omitted. The photo was taken by Edward Tickle.

Annual Meeting At Chadron

Nebraska Bird Review

Sixty-seven members and guests were in attendance at the 111th Annual Meeting of the Nebraska Ornithologists' Union held at Camp Norwesca on May 14–16, 2010. The Camp Norwesca campus, located just south of Chadron State Park, proved to be an excellent birding location, providing good views of Evening Grosbeaks and Red Crossbills. Evening Grosbeaks were also found at Chadron State Park and at Beaver Wall in Sheridan Co.

Field trips were led by Wayne Mollhoff, Kathy DeLara, Ann Duey, Alice Kenitz, and Bruce and Donna Walgren. Rain on Saturday morning caused some last-minute changes to the trip itineraries. Among the …

The Effect Of Heavy Metal Stress On Avian Proximal Tubule Urate Secretion, Carla L. Maffeo

Honors Scholar Theses

In both humans and birds, urate is an important antioxidant when maintained at normal plasma concentrations. Though human kidneys primarily reabsorb filtered urate, while those of birds perform mostly secretion, both maintain urate levels at ~300microM. The importance of maintaining urate levels within the homeostatic range was observed when the study of several prominent diseases revealed an association with hyperuricemia.

This study examined the effect of elevated zinc concentration on avian urate secretion. Here, acute exposure of chicken proximal tubule epithelial cells (cPTCs) to zinc stress had no effect on urate secretion, but prolonged zinc-induced cellular stress inhibited active transepithelial …

A Comparison Of The Singing Activity Of Carolina Wrens (Thryothorus Ludovicianus)) In Urban And Rural Settings, Shannon R. Trimboli

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

As the earth’s landscape becomes increasingly urbanized, local wildlife must adapt to urban conditions or migrate to areas that are more rural. Urban wildlife face challenges such as direct loss of habitat, competition with non-native species, disturbance due to anthropogenic noise, and micro-climatic changes. Factors such as temperature, relative humidity, and noise affect the acoustical environment and may affect the ability of many animals, including birds, to communicate.

Understanding how urbanization affects birds’ singing behavior is critical because singing often plays a vital role in attracting mates and defending territories. In addition, as global climate change occurs it will become …

Nebraska Bird Review (March 2010) 78(1), Whole Issue

Nebraska Bird Review

Nebraska Ornithologists’ Union Treasurer's Report, December 31, 2009 ... 2

Winter Field Report, December 2009 to February 2010 ... 3

2009-2010 Christmas Bird Counts ... 17

Observations of Piping Plovers (Charadrius melodus) Color Banded in Nebraska and Re-sighted on the United States Gulf Coast ... 30

Subscription and Organization Information ... 35

Observations Of Piping Plovers (Charadrius Melodus) Color Banded In Nebraska And Re-Sighted On The United States Gulf Coast, Mary Bomberger Brown, Joel G. Jorgensen

Nebraska Bird Review

Threatened and endangered migratory birds present a challenge to conservation efforts because they use different habitats during different times of the year. As a result, successful efforts in one part of their range may be nullified by negative events taking place in other parts of their range. In many cases, information that links individual birds or populations to specific breeding, non-breeding, and migratory areas across the species' range is not available. Without these links, it can be difficult to coordinate conservation efforts across the species' range, and species recovery efforts may be less effective. The observation of uniquely marked individuals …

Subscription And Organization Information [March 2010]

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 Anita Breckbill, NOU Librarian, c/o Music Library, WMB 30, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68588-0101 (or at the email address listed below).

Memberships in the NOU …

Winter Field Report, December 2009 To February 2010, W. Ross Silcock

Nebraska Bird Review

This was a long, cold winter, but effects on birds were not particularly noticeable. Perhaps the relative blandness of the reports reflected the "normal" behavior of most birds when confronted with a cold winter and the seriousness of survival: birds were in places they should have been. Carolina Wrens may have been hit (more on that in the Spring Report), but a few species were present in higher numbers than might have been expected. Rusty and Red-winged Blackbirds and Brown-headed Cowbird were notable for higher winter numbers, as were Snow Buntings. Even more so, there were lots of Fox Sparrows, …

Nebraska Ornithologists’ Union Treasurer’S Report, December 31, 2009

Nebraska Bird Review

One-page spreadsheet constituting the Nebraska Ornithologists' Union treasurer's report at year end (December 31) of 2009. The grand total is $56,791.88.

2009–2010 Christmas Bird Counts

Nebraska Bird Review

Fourteen Christmas Bird Counts were held in Nebraska in the 2009–2010 season. The Ames count was cancelled due to weather, the Beaver Valley count returned after a year's absence, and the North Platte count was reinstated after not being officially run since the 1985–86 season. Although the average high and low temperatures were not exceptional, heavy snow cover affected most, if not all, of the counts. Roads were closed due to snow drifts, open water was limited, and at least three counts had to be rescheduled. The total number of species (116) was the lowest since 103 in 1997.

Interesting …

Gompertz-Laird Model Prediction Of Optimum Utilization Of Crude Protein And Metabolizable Energy By French Guinea Fowl Broilers, Samuel N. Nahashon, Sammy E. Aggrey, Nathaniel Adefope, Abravi Amenyenu, D. Wright

Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Faculty Research

This study was conducted to assess the influence of dietary CP and ME on growth parameters of the French guinea fowl, a meat-type variety. In a 2 × 3 × 3 factorial arrangement, 297 one-day-old French guinea keets (162 females and 135 males) were randomly assigned to experimental diets comprising 3,050, 3,100, and 3,150 kcal of ME/kg, each containing 21, 23, and 25% CP from hatch to 4 wk of age (WOA), and 3,100, 3150, and 3,200 kcal of ME/kg, each containing 19, 21, and 23% CP at 5 to 8 WOA. Using BW and G:F data from hatch to …

Ua94/7/2 Rita Sumpter Scrapbook 1, Rita Sumpter

Student/Alumni Personal Papers

Scrapbook created by Training School student Rita Sumpter entitled "Our Study of Nature and Mexico."

Geographic And Breed Distribution Patterns Of An A/G Polymorphism Present In The Mx Gene Suggests Balanced Selection In Village Chickens, S. Ommeh, L. N. Jin, H. Eding, F. C. Muchadeyi, S. Sulandari, M. S.A. Zein, G. Danbaro, C. E. Wani, S. G. Zhao, Q. H. Nie, X. Q. Zhang, M. Ndila, R. Preisinger, G. H. Chen, I. A. Yousif, K. N. Heo, S. J. Oh, M. Tapio, D. Masiga, O. Hanotte, H. Jianlin, S. Weigend

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

An A/G Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) at position 1,892 of the Mx gene coding sequence has been linked to susceptibility/resistance to avian viral infection in vitro. Using PCR-RFLP and sequencing methods, 1,946 samples from 109 populations from Asia, Africa and Europe; grouped as indigenous village, commercial, fancy chicken as well as wild junglefowl were genotyped for the polymorphism. Allele and genotype frequencies were calculated. Only the G allele was present in Ceylon junglefowl Gallus lafayetti. Using the wild red junglefowl G. gallus population as reference, we assessed if the A/G alleles and genotypes frequencies have been affected by the breeding …

Lakewood Farm: The Private Zoo That The Public Loved, Geoffrey D. Reynolds

Faculty Publications

Lakewood Farm:  The Private Zoo That the Public Loved is an article concerning the private zoo in Holland, Michigan, that was owned by Chicago coal merchant George Fulmer Getz and helped form the Illionois based Brookfiekd Zoo and John Ball Zoo of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Fall Field Report, August-November 2009, W. Ross Silcock

Nebraska Bird Review

This was probably the most "normal" fall season in a while, as measured by the small number of late departure dates among summer residents and migrants, early arrival dates among winter residents and migrants, high counts, and rarities. In other words, very little of significance happened. Indeed, in order to provide a spark, I'll even mention three exotics that were reported: a Swan Goose at Fremont 26 November (JRo), a Common Peafowl in Dodge Co 5 August (JWe), and a White-faced Cockatiel caught in a Dixon Co yard 24 August (JJ). None is likely to be a threat to our …

Index To Volume 77

Nebraska Bird Review

Albright, Andrew 139

Alcock, David 47

Alexander,

George 15

Irene 15

Allison, Scott 22

Alspaugh, Mack 166

American Ornithologists' Union 112, 116, 167

Andrews, R. 111, 158

Anhinga 120, 131

Ani, Groove-billed 124, 132

Armknecht, Henry 48

Avocet, American 28, 55, 72, 100, 122, 145

Nebraska Bird Review (December 2009) 77(4), Whole Issue

Nebraska Bird Review

Fall Field Report, August–November 2009 ... 138

The Fish Crow (Corvus ossifragus) Reaches Nebraska ... 155

2009 (21st) Report of the NOU Records Committee ... 160

Fall Field Days at Valentine ... 169

Index to Volume 77 ... 173

Subscription and Organization Information ... 183

The Fish Crow (Corvus Ossifragus) Reaches Nebraska, Joel G. Jorgensen, Melissa J. Panella, W. Ross Silcock, Kristal J. Stoner

Nebraska Bird Review

The Fish Crow (Corvus ossifragus) was formerly endemic to the southeastern United States where it inhabited coastal areas along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts (McGowan 2001). Since the early 1900s, the species has steadily expanded north and west along major river systems (McGowan 2001). Fish Crow range expansion has followed a logical pattern, expanding along major rivers in regions close to established populations, in adjacent states to the south and east of Nebraska. The species was first recorded in Missouri in 1964 (Robbins and Easterla 1992). In 1984, Fish Crow was first reported in Kansas and by 1991 …

Fall Field Days At Valentine

Nebraska Bird Review

Fall Field Days were held in Valentine September 25–27, 2009, with 65 participants registered for the weekend. Dave Heidt organized the meeting and led field trips to Cherry County lakes and marshes. Trips to Smith Falls and along the Niobrara River in Keya Paha and Brown Counties were guided by Mark Brogie. Lanny Randolph led trips to the Ft. Niobrara NWR and the Valentine Fish Hatchery. A total of 133 species was tallied.

On Friday evening Dan Leger, Professor of Psychology at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, gave an impromptu presentation on the microphones and recording equipment he uses …

2009 (21st) Report Of The Nou Records Committee, Mark A. Brogie

Nebraska Bird Review

The functions and methods of the Nebraska Ornithologists' Union (NOU) Records Committee are described in its bylaws (NOU Records Committee 1986). The committee's purpose is to provide a procedure for documenting unusual bird sightings and to establish a list of all documented birds for Nebraska. All records mentioned here are available to interested persons at the NOU archives at the University of Nebraska State Museum (UNSM), Lincoln, NE. Interested parties should contact the current NOU Librarian, whose address can be found in the latest issue of The Nebraska Bird Review (NBR).

The "Official List of the Birds of Nebraska'" was …

Subscription And Organization Information [December 2009]

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 Anita Breckbill, NOU Librarian, c/o Music Library, WMB 30, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68588-0101.

Memberships in the NOU (on a calendar-year basis only): Active, $15; …