USGS newsroom: New Research Suggests Wild Birds May Play a Role in the Spread of Bird Flu, 3/24/2011
A study by the U.S. Geological Survey, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and the Chinese Academy of Sciences used satellites, outbreak data and genetics to uncover an unknown link in Tibet among wild birds, poultry and the movement of the often-deadly virus.
Matthew Kirwan, Visiting Research Geologist, University of Virginia is published in Global Change Biology
Matthew Kirwan Research Geologist, U.S. Geological Survey Visiting Scientist, University of Virginia paper on the response of salt marsh productivity to temperature warming, and a photograph of the marshes at Plum Island, will be featured on the cover of the August issue of Global Change Biology. Abstract - Latitudinal trends in Spartina alterniflora productivity and the response of coastal marshes to global change
USGS Patuxent Scientist Dave Ziolkowski Guest Inverviews on Live Radio
Dave Ziolkowski, program biologist for the North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS), was recently featured as a guest on Washington D.C. public radio's Kojo Nnamdi show. The show is a live broadcast featuring news, political issues, and social trends of the day with commentary from its guests and listener call-ins. During the April 2 episode, Dave described a number of diverse bird related topics including the recently released State of the Birds Report, the interesting courtship behavior of the American Woodcock, and the 'transition through puberty' that occurs in most small songbirds annually. For more information and to hear the interview please visit: Kojo Nnamdi Show: April 2, 2009, 12:27 hour
Scientist Interviewed for Scholastic Science World
Dr. Barnett Rattner, Ecotoxicologist at the USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, was recently interviewed and subsequently cited in an article entitled "Weight & Switch". The article deals with lead poisoning in waterbirds related to accidental ingestion lead fishing tackle, and the efforts of Massachusetts Boy Scout Michael Browne to educate anglers about potential hazards. The article was authored by Joe Levit for Scholastic Science World (March 16, 2009, Volume 65, Number 11), a national educational magazine which targets 6th through 10th graders.
USGS Patuxent Scientist Receives Accolades on Coastal Erosion Expertise
The African Partnership Station, via funding provided by the U.S. Office of Naval Research, invited Dr. Cheryl Hapke (Patuxent) to a workshop/field effort on issues of erosion along the coast of Ghana. The researcher met with faculty and graduate students at the University of Ghana and shared their expertise on developing a collaborative science program to understand processes of coastal change, including measuring and monitoring erosion, and establishing historical baseline data sets. The workshop was the focus of an article produced as PR for the Navy. Additionally, the workshop was covered locally by 2 Ghanaian TV Stations (GTV and TV3).
USGS Patuxent Scientists Serves as Panel Member for Oconee Rivers Audubon Society on the Issues Surrounding Free-ranging Cats
Dr. Joseph Meyers, Patuxent’s Athen Georgia field location, was asked to participate in a panel discussion revolving around free-ranging cats with emphasis on possible solutions for Clarke County, Georgia. Discussions revolved around the trap/neuter/release (TNR) program. Dr. Meyers is quoted in the March 2009 The Yellowtroat, the Oconee Rivers Audubon Society newsletter.
Birding Community Interviews Jessica Zelt
USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center’s Jessica Zelt (contractor) will be featured in the April Edition of Birding Community E-Bulletins for her work on the North American Bird Phenology Program. Bird phenology is tightly linked with weather patterns and other events that occur on breeding and wintering grounds. Recent changes in climate have sometimes, but not always, altered the timing of bird migrations, reproduction, and other phenological events. Studies are beginning to demonstrate the consequences of these changes to bird populations and conservation strategies, some of which are substantial—e.g., rapid declines in population sizes. To learn more about the North American Phelology Program , please go to: http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bpp/
CNN – Planet In Peril Interviews Jessica Zelt on Bird Watchers Notes
USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center’s Jessica Zelt (contractor) was interviewed by Azadeh Ansani of CNN on Line. The interview featured the North American Bird Phenology Program and its 90 years of bird watcher notes going on line. For more information visit this link: CNN article: 90 Years of Birdwatchers' Notes going on line
USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center's Dave Ziolkowski Interviewed on National Public Radio
Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) biologist, Dave Ziolkowski, provided an interview for National Public Radio's "All Things Considered" in which he addressed the Department of Interior's watershed State of the Birds Report. The BBS provided a significant amount of the data behind the conclusions in the report, which include descriptions of troubling declines of bird populations but also depictions of heartening evidence that concerted management actions can reverse bird declines. For more information and to hear the interview please visit: NPR article: Report Warns Many Bird Species Declining In U.S.
