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Nebraska Bird Review- Whole Issue June 1989

Nebraska Bird Review

Table of Contents

1988 Nebraska Nesting Report ....................34
The Eighty-eighth (1988) Annual Meeting ..............41
Second Report of the N.O.U. Records Committee .....42
Nesting Ecology of Sedge Wrens in Hall County, Nebraska...........47
"Young Purple Finch"; Some Questions ...............49
Nebraska Natural Heritage Program Request for Help.........51
An Iceland Gull in Cedar County, Nebraska....................52
Notes on Black-legged Kittiwakes in Cedar County, Nebraska..................53
Notes ..................54
Book Reviews..................54

Winter Habitats And Foods Of Blue Grouse In The Sheeprock Mountains, Utah, Peter J. Perkins, Frederick G. Lindzey, Jay A. Roberson, Gregory Mcdaniel, Randy Berger

Great Basin Naturalist

Winter habitat use and food habits of Blue Grouse (Dendragapus obscurus) were studied in an isolated Utah desert mountain range that contained little typical Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) winter habitat. Habitat use was concentrated in the Douglas-fir and pinyon (Pinus edulis)–juniper (Juniperus spp.) habitat. Douglas-fir and pinyon pine were the most consumed foods. Other foods that represented >15% of the composition of an individual fecal sample were limber pine (Pinus flexilis), mahogany (Cercocarpus ledifoliu), juniper, and an Anteunaria–Cirsium type. The breadth in winter diet indicates that Blue Grouse may …

1988 Christmas Count

Nebraska Bird Review

One hundred ten species were reported on the 1988 Christmas Counts, and two were seen in the count circles during the count week, but not recorded on any count. And there were eight "species" reported, some of which might have added to the count if they could have been identified. Last year the count, from the same locations, was 114 species, and one species seen during the period but not included on any count. The total individual count this year was 505,823; it was 408,096 last year. DeSoto NWR had a total count of 331,124 this year, compared to 77,842 …

1988 Treasurer's Report

Nebraska Bird Review

1988 TREASURER'S REPORT

1988 (Thirty-First) Fall Occurrence Report

Nebraska Bird Review

1988 (THIRTY-FIRST) FALL OCCURRENCE REPORT

Two hundred eight-two species were reported from fourteen "full time" locations. plus fourteen "spot check" locations, which included forty-nine counties. The figures for 1987 were 296. plus two possibilities. from fourteen "full time' and four "soot check" locations; 1986 293 and one possibility from thirteen "full time" and four "spot check" locations; and 1985 283 and one possibility from eleven "full time" and eight "spot check" 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 …

Correction To 1988 Spring Occurrence Report

Nebraska Bird Review

CORRECTION TO 1988 SPRING OCCURRENCE REPORT

The following corrections should be made in the Lancaster Co. column of the 1988 Spring Occurrence Report: Ring-billed Gull to W-S, Lark Bunting to Je 1 - Je 30.

Notes-Nebraska Bird Review March 1989

Nebraska Bird Review

KESTREL NEST BOX RESULTS. In 1986 the Game and Parks Commission obtained the consent of the Department of Roads to install nest boxes, intended for Kestrels, on the back of large highway signs on 1-80 between Lincoln and Omaha. Kestrels nested in old woodpecker holes, but trees, particularly dead trees, have been cut down, and the introductions of the European Starling increased the competition for such cavity nest holes. Since the highway right-of-way is a good hunting area for the Kestrels, it is a good place for nest boxes intended for their use. The Sierra Club worked with the Commission …

Williamson's Sapsucker In Omaha, Barbara L. Wilson

Nebraska Bird Review

On 13 May 1988 Dr. J. J. Baumel discovered a male Williamson's Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus thyroideus) lying dead below an elevated, glassed-in walkway between buildings on Creighton University's campus in downtown Omaha, Nebraska. The bird, beautiful in breeding plumage, was largely black from its awl-shaped bill to its stiff, acuminate central tail feathers. There was a white line beginning at the base of the lower mandible and extending over the face, while another ran back from the eye. The white wing coverts formed a broad white line on the wing. Also, there were white tips on the tertials, while …

Nebraska Bird Review- Whole Issue March 1989

Nebraska Bird Review

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1988 Treasurer's Report ..................2
1988 Christmas Count..........................3
1988 (Thirty-first) Fall Occurrence Report..........9
Correction to 1988 Spring Occurrence Report............30
Williamson's Sapsucker in Omaha..................30
Notes.........................30

Changes In Mule Deer Size In Utah, Dennis D. Austin, Robert A. Riggs, Philip J. Urness, David L. Turner, John F. Kimball

Great Basin Naturalist

Trends in age-specific, eviscerated carcass weights were determined for hunter-harvested yearling and two-year-old buck mule deer. Carcass weights declined over an 11-year period from two areas of similar management, but with independenly collected data sets. Carcass weights also declined between the opening and second weekends of the hunt. Management implications are discussed.

Fishery Resource Of The Upper Mississippi River And Relationship To Stream Discharge, William A. Swenson, G. David Hebberling, Daniel J. Orr, Timothy D. Simonson

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

ABSTRACT-Fish population data collected through the Northern States Power Company monitoring program near its plants at Monticello and Becker, Minnesota were analyzed to describe species diversity, changes in recreational fishing, fishing success, and the influence of stream discharge on smallmouth bass year-class success and abundance. The work is part of a more extensive effort to develop a model applicable in managing the upper Mississippi River to meet the growing needs of recreation, agriculture, communities, and industry. Analysis of these data shows 48 species to be present and that smallmouth bass, Micropterus dolomieu~ is the most important game species in the …

Historical Biogeography: Geography As Evolution, Evolution As Geography, Charles H. Smith

DLPS Faculty Publications

Despite a number of advances in recent years, biogeography remains a field with a poorly developed philosophical core. As a result, its historical and ecological sides remain as isolated from one another as ever. In this essay I argue that a more unified approach to biogeographic studies will become possible only when workers realise that it is necessary to reject absolute space, "geography as handmaiden" approaches to distribution problems in favour of structuralist models compatible with both probabilistic spatial interaction and deterministic phylogenetic kinds of thinking. Pros and cons of regionalist, vicariance, and panbiogeographic approaches are weighed in this regard; …

Age Assessment Of White Bass From Otoliths, Dorsal Spines And Scales, Raj V. Kilambi, Thoniot T. Prabhakaran

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

Otoliths, dorsal spines, and scales of 85 white bass collected in1987 from a pre-spawning group were used forage assessment. Agreement between spine and otolith ages were 78.3%, between scale and otolith ages was 68.2%. Unlike spine ages, percent agreement of scale ages with otolith ages decreased from small to large fish. Length-frequency analysis in conjunction with ages assessed by the three calcified structures showed that dorsal spines and scales underestimated white bass ages compared to the otoliths. Clarity of the otolith annuli, even of the older fish, makes them a reliable source for white bass age assessment.

Survey And Reconnaissance Of Sea Turtles In The Northern Gulf Of Mexico, Larry Ogren

United States Department of Commerce: Staff Publications

This is a report on the results of an aerial survey of nesting beaches conducted during the period from May 16, 1977 to August 11, 1977. The area covered included the barrier beaches and offshore islands from the Florida-Alabama state line to the Rio Grande, Texas. Additional historical information is provided in order to compare current nesting activity with previous years as well as anecdotal observations on the occurrence of sea turtles in this region.

The Amino Acid Sequence Of The Adult Sumatran Tiger (Panthera Tigris, Carnivora) Hemoglobins, Meeno Jahan, Aftab Ahmed, Gerhard Braunitzer, Reinhard Göltenboth

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

The complete amino-acid sequences of the hemoglobins from the adult Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae) have been determined on automatic liquid- and gas-phase sequenators. The globin chains were isolated by reverse phase HPLC on a column of Nucleosil-C4.7V-Acetylserine was detected by FAB-mass spectroscopy as TV-terminal amino acid residue of the βI chain. Comparing the sequences of the globin chains of the tiger with that of human Hb-A, 23 substitutions were recognized in the a, 29 in βI and 28 in the βII chain.

Bats Of The Ouachita Mountains, David A. Saugey, Darrell R. Heath, Gary A. Heidt

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

A survey was conducted from June, 1982 through January, 1989 to determine the occurrence of bat species in the Ouachita Mountain region of west-central Arkansas and southeastern Oklahoma, with emphasis on censusing lands managed by the USDA Forest Service, Ouachita National Forest. Seven genera and 13 species of bats in the families Vespertilionidae and Molossidae were captured. Species represented included: Eptesicus fuscus, Lasionycteris noctivagans, Lasiurus borealis, Lasiurus cinereus, Lasiurus seminolus, Myotis austroriparius, Myotis keenii, Myotis leibii, Myotis lucifugus, Myotissodalis, Nycticeius humeralis, Pipistrellus subflavus, and Tadarida brasiliensis cynocephala.

Mammals Of Southwestern Arkansas Part Ii. Rodents, Tim W. Steward, V. Rick Mcdaniel, Daniel R. England

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

This study investigated the composition and habitat affinities of the mammalian fauna of southwestern Arkansas. The study area was comprised of the 21 counties located south and/or west of and including Pulaski County. The previously existing data set pertaining to the mammals of Arkansas was notably incomplete and this study area in particular, was poorly known mammalogically. Specimens were collected by standard trapping and salvage methods throughout the study area. The mammals considered during this study were limited to those species meeting a set of criteria designed to eliminate species that had been introduced or artificially maintained. This study has …

Distributional Survey Of Eastern Collared Lizard, Crotaphytus Collaris Collaris (Squamata: Iguanidae), Within The Arkansas River Valley Of Arkansas, Stanley E. Trauth

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

A distributional survey of the eastern collared lizard, Crotaphytus collaris collaris, was conducted in the Arkansas River Valley of Arkansas during the summer of 1988. Thirty-four sites in 10 counties were searched. Only three localities yielded colonies of lizards; all were found south of the Arkansas River. This species has a discontinuous distribution in central Arkansas; habitat depletion and overzealous collection may have contributed to the extirpation of lizards at formerly-reported localities in the Arkansas River Valley of Arkansas.

Female Reproductive Traits Of The Southern Leopard Frog, Rana Sphenocephala (Anura: Ranidae), From Arkansas, Stanley E. Trauth

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

Reproductive characteristics of female southern leopard frogs (Rana sphenocephala) were studied from specimens collected in northeastern Arkansas. Egg masses collected from breeding habitats were also examined. A communal ovipositional site was discovered in March 1988 and possessed over 75 egg masses within a 3 m square area. Clutch size from necropsied females averaged 2958.7 eggs, whereas number of eggs per egg mass averaged 2106.5 eggs. Egg diameter averaged 1.76 mm and was similar to populations reported previously in Texas. Positive correlations existed between mean ovum size and female body size and between clutch size and female body size. Negative correlations …

A Comparison Of Three Populations Of The Plains Pocket Gophers, Geomys Bursarius Illinoensis, In Illinois, Frank P. Wray

Masters Theses

Morphometric and karyotypic analyses were performed on three Illinois populations of the Plains Pocket Gopher, Geomys bursarius illinoensis, to determine if any differences were present among the populations. Gophers were collected in three localities: 1) Iroquois and Kankakee Counties (IKC); McLean County (MC); and St. Clair and Madison counties (SMC). All three populations had the same kind and number of chromosomes (2n=72, FN=70). External measurements did not differ significantly among the three populations. Multivariate analysis of variance of the cranial characters showed that a significant (P<.05) difference existed in both males, F(78,1825)=1.65, and females, F(78,1961)=1.63, between the three regions. Duncan's multiple range tests of some cranial measurements showed a clinal increase going from east to west.

Cranial Variations And Skull Suture Obliterations As Related To Age In The Coyote (Canis Latrans), Kurt Daine

Masters Theses

Three criteria, skull size, development of the postorbital process, and cranial suture obliteration were examined to evaluate their effectiveness as possible age indicators in the coyote (Canis latrans). Two collections of coyote skulls were evaluated. The first was 130 skulls of known age, from Utah, which were used to compare the above characteristics to the age of the animal. The second was 151 Illinois Department of Conservation (DOC) skulls of unknown age, which were used in conjunction with the known age skulls to evaluate differences in skull size and observer and inter-observer subjectivity in the classification of suture …

Distribution And Status Of Shrews In Arkansas, Diana A. Garland, Gary A. Heidt

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

Between January, 1988 and February, 1989 a total of 1300 pitfall traps were placed in 150 sites covering 43 counties in Arkansas. Over 290 small mammals and numerous amphibians, lizards, tortoises, and invertebrates were captured. Shrews accounted for167 of the small mammals, and included Blarina carolinensis (116), Cryptotis parva (48), and Sorex longirostris (3). B. carolinensis is abundant in all habitats in the southeastern two-thirds of the state, C. parva is common statewide in grassy or brushy areas, and S. longirostris is considered to be uncommon, but is found in a variety of habitats. B. hylophaga, although not targeted, is …

Dental Pathology In Selected Carnivores From Arkansas, C. Renn Tumlison, J. D. Wilhide, V. Rick Mcdaniel

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

The occurrence and kinds of dental pathology in wild carnivore populations in Arkansas were investigated through examination of 1295 skulls of bobcat (Felis rufus), river otter (Lutra canadensis), gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), coyote (Canis latrans), and raccoon (Procyon lotor). Pulpitis or abscesses in broken or otherwise exposed teeth were noted in all species, but bobcats had the fewest exposures while otter and gray foxhad the most. Osteomyelitis occurred in all species except the bobcat. Caries were noted in the coyote, raccoon, and gray fox. Otter and coyote had alveolar thinning, and coyote had enamel dysplasia and maxillary sinusitis.

Mammals Of Southwestern Arkansas Part Iii. Carnivores, Tim W. Steward, V. Rick Mcdaniel, Daniel R. England

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

This study investigates the composition of the carnivore fauna of southwestern Arkansas and presents data on habitat affinities. The study area is comprised of the 21 counties located south and/or west of and including Pulaski County. The previously existing data set pertaining to the mammals of Arkansas was notably incomplete and the study area, in particular, was poorly known mammalogically. Specimens were collected by standard trapping and salvage methods throughout the study area. Species considered during this study were limited to those meeting a set of criteria designed to eliminate species that had been introduced or artificially maintained. This study …

Reproduction And Larval Development In The Marbled Salamander, Ambystoma Opacum (Caudata: Ambystomatidae), From Arkansas, Stanley E. Trauth, Walter E. Meshaka Jr., Brian P. Butterfield

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

Field investigations of the reproductive biology and larval growth and development in Ambystoma opacum from northeastern Arkansas began in early October, 1987 at the onset of nesting activities, and concluded in early May, 1988 when larval transformation occurred. The onset and timing of clutch deposition were documented. Clutch size averaged 107.1 eggs and was not significantly correlated with snout- vent length (SVL). The incubation period was estimated to be 90 days. Larvae grew at an average rate of 6.3 mm SVL per month. Metamorphosis, in early May, occurred at an average SVLof 30.5 mm. Larval development was recorded by noting …

Reproduction In The Wood Frog, Rana Sylvatica (Anura: Ranidae), From Arkansas, Stanley E. Trauth, Michael E. Cartwright, Walter E. Meshaka Jr.

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Geographic Distribution: Lampropeltis C. Calligaster (Prairie Kingsnake). Usa: Nebraska: Thayer Co., Louis A. Somma, John F. Lokke

Papers in Herpetology

LAMPROPELT/S C. CALL/GASTER (Prairie Kingsnake). USA: NEBRASKA: Thayer Co.: Hubbell: unmarked section road ca. 0.4km S of State Hwy 8 (T1N. R1W, SW corner S29). 11 June 1988. L. A. Somma and J. F. Lokke. Verified by J. F. Lokke and L. A. Somma. University of Nebraska at Omaha Herpetological Collection c/o J. D. Fawcett (101-11-688). Road killed adult. New county record, extends range ca. 18.5km W of record in adjacent Jefferson Co. (lynch 1985. Trans. Nebraska Acad. Sci. 13:33-57). Represents most northwesterly record in USA (Blaney 1979. Cat. Amer. Amph. Rept (229):1-2).

Elaphe Bairdi (Baird’S Rat Snake): Drinking Behavior., Louis A. Somma

Papers in Herpetology

On 13 February 1988. at 1600 h. a captive-bred (hatched July 1985) male Elaphe bairdi (TL.136.9 cm, SVL .. 89.54 cm). maintained in a 50.5 x 25 x 30 cm terrerium was accidently splashed with water. As beads of water on the snake's head rolled down to the upper labial sceles. swallowing was observed. The water on the labial scales was drawn Into the mouth while It was closed. This behavior lasted 42 sec. This behavior was repeated 23 out of 24 trials conducted during the next 24 days. The duration of swallowing wes 9-62 sec (avg 35.8, N = …

The Bats Of Fountain Cavern, Hugh H. Genoways

University of Nebraska State Museum: Mammalogy Papers

First paragraph:

During May 1988, two species of bats--Brachyphylla cavernarum (Antillean cave bat) and Natalus stramineus (funnel-eared bat)--were captured at the opening of Fountain Cavern. Only Brachyphylla cavernarum was captured inside of the cave. The weather was extremely wet during our visit to Anguilla so our work in Fountain Cavern was limited by hazardous conditions. Nevertheless, we did make a thorough survey of the bats inside the cave. There is only one other species on Anguilla--Monophyllus redmani (Antillean long-tongued bat)--that might be expected to utilize Fountain Cavern as a roosting site.

Includes the author's recommendations about conservation for …

Caribbean Island Zoogeography: A New Approach Using Mitochondrial Dna To Study Neotropical Bats, Carleton J. Phillips, Dorothy E. Pumo, Hugh H. Genoways, Phillip E. Ray

University of Nebraska State Museum: Mammalogy Papers

Genetic analysis of animal mitochondrial DNA is a new and valuable addition to the battery of techniques available to zoogeographers. This paper describes characteristics of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) that make it applicable for the study of island zoogeography.

Some traditional zoogeographic questions are examined using mtDNA from the Neotropical fruit bat, Artibeus jamaicensis. The specific questions are: 1) To what extent are island populations isolated (that is, does interbreeding occur between the insular subspecies)? 2) Can a single founding female account for the mitochondrial genomes on specific islands in the Antilles? 3) Is there a correlation between the genomic …