News from Scientists at the USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
Monday, October 17, 2005
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President Honors James Nichols James Nichols, Senior Biologist of the USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center was named to receive the 2005 Presidential Rank Awards for Meritorious Senior Professions. The President recognized 278 outstanding federal executives this week giving the highest award for civil service. In the October 20th story in GOVEXEC.com, the OPM Director stated, “These awards present a much deserved opportunity to recognize those who have made significant progress in advancing the President’s Management Agenda while producing results for the American people.” View OPM announcment Contact Regina Lanning, 301-497-5509, Laurel, MD USGS/PWRC Biological Survey Unit to be showcased at Smithsonian “ Alaska Native Arts & Culture Festival” Suzanne Peurach will be representing the USGS/PWRC Biological Survey Unit at the National Museum of Natural History’s Alaska Native Arts & Culture Festival on Friday November 4th and Sunday November 6th, from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm. Suzanne will be demonstrating adaptations that mammals have for dealing with arctic environments using an assortment of mammal pelts and specimens. Suzanne will discuss the research collections housed within the museum, and explain to the public how those specimens are incorporated into research behind the scenes. Contact Suzanne C. Peurach, Washington, DC, 202-633-1277
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Study of Avian Nest Activity A simple, inexpensive video camera setup for the study of avian nest activity. Journal of Field Ornithology 76:294-298. Sabine, J. B., J. M. Meyers, and S. H. Schweitzer. 2005. ABSTRACT. Time-lapse video photography has become a valuable tool for avian nest activity and depredation data collection; however, commercially available systems are expensive (>$4,000/unit). We designed an inexpensive system to identify causes of nest failure of American Oystercatchers (Haematopus palliatus) and assessed its utility at Cumberland Island National Seashore, Georgia. We successfully identified raccoon (Procyon lotor), bobcat (Lynx rufus), American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos), and ghost crab (Ocypode quadrata) predation on oystercatcher nests. Other detected causes of nest failure included tidal overwash, horse trampling, abandonment, and human destruction. System failure rates were comparable with commercially available units. Our system's efficacy and low cost (<$800) provided useful data for the management and conservation of the American Oystercatcher and would benefit other studies of nesting species. Birding Trip with Former DOI Secretary, Bruce Babbitt Dr. J. Michael Meyers was invited by Dr. Ron Pulliam, University of Georgia, to help conduct an early morning birding trip with former DOI Secretary, Mr. Bruce Babbitt, at the State Botanical Gardens, Athens, GA on Tues., 25 October 2005. He will be scouting for migrants in the Gardens this weekend and will hopefully find some stragglers after the first cold front passed through Georgia last weekend (first good migrant flight weather south - fall arrived finally!). Contact J. Michael Meyers, 707-542-1882, Athens, GA |
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