Factors Affecting Duck Nesting in the Aspen Parklands

Factors Affecting Duck Nesting in the Aspen Parklands
Author: David William Howerter
Publisher:
Total Pages: 160
Release: 2003
Genre: Ducks
ISBN:

Habitat fragmentation often has been cited as a cause for reduced reproductive success of grassland-nesting birds, including ducks, though results of many studies have been equivocal. As remotely sensed habitat data become increasingly available, an increased understanding of how habitat configurations affect demographic parameters will allow wildlife managers to make better decisions about habitat preservation and restoration. We used duck (Anas spp.) nesting data from 15 65-km2 study areas (n=6300 nests) dispersed throughout the aspen (Populus tremuloides) parklands of south-central Canada, to test hypotheses and build models that predict hatching rates and nest-site distributions in relation to landscape features. We constructed separate models using landscape features generated at 3 different spatial extents and using 3 different habitat classification schemes. Generalized linear mixed-modeling techniques were used to model hatching rates, and logistic regression was used to discr.

A Spatial Model of Waterfowl Nest Site Selection in Grassland Nesting Cover

A Spatial Model of Waterfowl Nest Site Selection in Grassland Nesting Cover
Author: Duane Bruce Pool
Publisher:
Total Pages: 112
Release: 2004
Genre: Nest building
ISBN:

Ducks Unlimited's (DU) mission statement is focused on providing for the annual lifecycle needs of migratory waterfowl. The largest impacts to the success and numbers of continental populations are determined by their activities on the breeding grounds. To model and therefore manage habitats and landscapes for ducks (Anas and Aythya spp.) it is necessary to understand several characteristics of their behavior. This research builds a model of nest site selection from nest probability based on remotely sensed data, presence data and minimum threshold theory. The methods used are applicable to other sensor platforms as well as other target species or phenomenon. Using data compression techniques, logistic regression, and spatial statistical functions (Ripley's k-function, a global k-function, and Multiple Response Permutation Procedure) we tested the observed point patterns and developed a point process model to predict nesting patterns. The application of this type of fine resolution da.

Factors Influencing Waterfowl Counts on Aerial Surveys, 1961-66

Factors Influencing Waterfowl Counts on Aerial Surveys, 1961-66
Author: R. Kahler Martinson
Publisher:
Total Pages: 88
Release: 1967
Genre: Aerial surveys in wildlife management
ISBN:

Surveying of selected transects from the air and from the ground has been used since 1959 to determine the proportion of waterfowl, by species, that are observed by aerial crews. This method attempts to resolve obvious biases in aerial indexes relating to habitat differences, seasonal differences, aerial crew changes, etc. Assumptions in this method of correction are that (1) the ground crew observed substantially all waterfowl present and (2) the selected comparison transects adequately represent surrounding transects to which the correction is to be applied. This report, utilizing data of 1961 to 1966, reviews the necessity for air:ground correction and evaluates the procedure as a solution to aerial index biases ; problems apparent are lack of representativeness of air:ground transects and inadequate numbers of transects. Lack of representativeness appears in population density and in species composition differences between air:ground and operational transects. The degree to which the numbers of air:ground ratios varies according to areas and according to species. Recommendations to improve the air:ground technique are: (1) make two daily surveys of one aerial pass each, at an interval of at least two hours, in the same direction and at the same time as the adjacent operational transects are surveyed ; (2) make ground counts the day before or day after aerial surveys ; (3) lay out all air:ground comparison transects in the same direction (west-east) as the operational transects ; and (4) match new or relocated transects as nearly as possible to density and species composition of the survey stratum or area they represent.

Changes in Vegetation Structure in Seeded Nesting Cover in the Prairie Pothole Region

Changes in Vegetation Structure in Seeded Nesting Cover in the Prairie Pothole Region
Author: Kenneth F. Higgins
Publisher:
Total Pages: 32
Release: 1982
Genre: Grasses
ISBN:

A sample of 365 stands of seeded nesting cover (mixtures of cool-season grasses and legumes) was studied in the glaciated prairie pothole region during 1977-79. Measurements of species composition, canopy cover, plant height, and visual obstruction values differed with stand age but only in a general way when results from over the entire region were pooled. Maximum values for plant height and visual obstruction occurred once per stand during the first 10 growing seasons. Although the year of maximum growth was variable and unpredictable, stands showed trends of degeneration in height and visual obstruction after the year of maximum growth.

Ducks, Geese, and Swans of North America

Ducks, Geese, and Swans of North America
Author: Guy A. Baldassarre
Publisher: JHU Press
Total Pages: 1183
Release: 2014
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 1421407515

Ducks, Geese, and Swans of North America has been hailed as a classic since the first edition was published in 1942. A must-have for professional biologists, birders, waterfowl hunters, decoy collectors, and wildlife managers, this fully revised and updated edition provides definitive information on the continent's forty-six species. Maps of both winter and breeding ranges are presented with images by top waterfowl photographers and the acclaimed original artwork of Robert W. (Bob) Hines. Originally authored by F. H. Kortright and later revised by Frank Bellrose, this latest edition, which has been meticulously updated by renowned waterfowl biologist Guy Baldassarre, continues the legacy of esteemed authors. Each species account contains in-depth sections on: - identification - distribution - migration behavior - habitat - population status - breeding biology - rearing of young - recruitment and survival - food habits and feeding ecology - molts and plumages - conservation and management To facilitate identification, the species accounts also include detailed illustrations of wings. An appendix contains comparative illustrations of ducklings, goslings, and cygnets. Guy Baldassarre has hit the target. His remake of the Kortright/Bellrose classic provides good biological descriptions, wonderful photographs and illustrations, and easy-to-understand information about waterfowl. I would encourage every hunter and enthusiast to have these books as an educational guide to waterfowl and their needs.--H. Dale Hall, CEO, Ducks Unlimited, Inc. When, as an eleven-year-old in 1942, I read F. H. Kortright's first edition of this book, it altered the trajectory of my life. Every subsequent edition, including this latest update by Guy Baldassarre, has improved the landmark reference. I can't imagine that anyone interested in waterfowl or wetlands can live without this indispensable book.--Paul A. Johnsgard, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Creating a brand-new version of such a timeless and previously revised classic is a risky venture indeed, but nobody could be better suited for this monumental task than Guy Baldassarre. He has created a stunning new classic, at once magnificent in its visual appeal and truly comprehensive in its scientific breadth and depth. Hats off to Guy for dedicating himself to this project with such obvious passion, patience, and skill. This book absolutely belongs on the shelf or coffee table of anyone who has ever marveled at waterfowl, whether through their binoculars or from inside the duck blind.--John W. Fitzpatrick, Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology Guy Baldassarre was a professor of wildlife ecology at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse until his death in 2012. He is the coauthor of the textbook, Waterfowl Ecology and Management. Johns Hopkins University Press Baltimore www.press.jhu.edu This product consists of two volumes, packaged in a slipcase along with a CD containing references and additional maps. ISBN 13: 978-1-4214-0751-7 ISBN 10: 1-4214-0751-5 [Use barcode for ISBN 13: 978-1-4214-0751-7] Cover design: Cover illustration: Northern Pintail. GaryKramer.net Author photo: HOLD SPACE FOR AUTHOR PHOTO X: \marketing\author photos --John W. Fitzpatrick, Cornell Lab of Ornithology "Midwest Book Review"