Available now - Wilson Ornithological Society

Program & Abstracts 

91 st Meeting of the Wilson Ornithological Society 

Hobart and William Smith Colleges 

Geneva, New York 

21-23 May 2010

Cover Art by Margaret Voss

Hobart and 

William Smith 

Colleges 

20 May 2010 

Mark E. Deutschlander 

Department of Biology 

Hobart and William Smith Colleges 

Geneva, NY 14456 

Dear WOS Participant, 

Welcome to the 2010 meeting of the Wilson Ornithological Society. On behalf of Hobart and 

William Smith Colleges, I welcome you to campus, the township of Geneva, and the Finger Lakes region. 

I hope that you have a pleasant stay in our community. I extend a special welcome to our student 

participants, both graduate and undergraduate. The WOS is a wonderfully supportive community. I 

know you will find your experiences here to be stimulating and enjoyable, and we hope you will consider 

becoming a continuing member of the society. 

We have an exciting program for you to enjoy, which includes the Margaret Morse Nice lecture, 

diverse poster and oral presentation sessions, two Saturday afternoon symposia, and a screening of the 

film Ghost Bird on Friday afternoon. Robert and Laura Payne are the recipients of this year’s Margaret 

Morse Nice award, and they will deliver a presentation on the interesting topic of brood parasitism. Our 

concurrent symposia offer the opportunity to consider energy and birds from two very different 

perspectives: (1) an integrative examination of energetics and migratory physiology and (2) the influence 

of energy development on bird populations. Our screening of Ghost Bird, an intriguing new documentary 

about the search for Ivory-billed Woodpeckers in Arkansas, will be followed by a unique opportunity to 

discuss the film with Prof. Jerome Jackson, WOS member and film participant. 

Our scientific program is balanced with plenty of opportunities for social interactions. We’ll 

begin festivities Thursday evening with a social icebreaker (bring your “appetite”, as plenty of appetizers 

will be served Thursday evening). Enjoy the chance to talk with old friends and make new ones during 

the coffee breaks, which feature coffee generously donated by Birds and Beans. Friday evening, we’ll 

combine science and socializing at the Poster session, which follows the dinner hour. Finally, Saturday 

evening we’ll celebrate the WOS and our student presenters at the banquet. 

There are plenty of HWS conference and events staff and student volunteers who will be around 

for the duration of the conference. In addition, the registration desk in Scandling Center will be staffed 

for most of the conference. Please don’t hesitate to let our staff know if you have any questions or issues. 

We are here to help you and make sure you have an enjoyable experience. 

Sincerely, 

Mark E. Deutschlander, Chair 

Local Organizing Committee 

i

Meeting Organizers 

Committee on Local Arrangements 

Mark Deutschlander, Chair, Hobart and William Smith Colleges 

Kristi Hannam, SUNY Geneseo 

Sara Morris, Canisius College 

Margaret Voss, Penn State Erie - Behrend College 

John Waud, Rochester Institute of Technology 

Erica Cooney-Connor and Nancy Wilde, HWS Conference and Events 

Pat Heieck, Dining Services 

Scientific Program Committee 

Robert L. Curry, Chair (and WOS 2010 Webmaster) 

Robert C. Beason 

Susan B. Smith 

Scott H. Stoleson 

Student Awards 

Student Travel Awards: Tim O’Connell, Chair 

Student Presentation Awards: Robert C. Beason, Chair 

Wilson Ornithological Society Officers 

Dale Kennedy, President 

Robert C. Beason, First Vice President 

Robert L. Curry, Second Vice President 

John Smallwood, Secretary 

Melinda Clark, Treasurer 

Clait Braun, Editor, Wilson Journal of Ornithology 

Members of WOS Council: 

Mia R. Revels 

Robert S. Mulvihill 

Tim O’Connell 

Jameson Chace 

Sara R. Morris 

Margaret Voss 

Mary Garvin 

Mark S. Woodrey 

Mary Bomberger Brown

Important Campus Locations for WOS 2010 

On the next page is a campus map with specific buildings labeled for the WOS conference. We 

will be using the following buildings. 

Scandling Center (Parking available off Pulteney St at the Medberry lot 1 ) 

• Registration Table (beginning on Thursday morning 2 ) 

• Meeting place for all field trips 

• Saga Cafeteria for those dining on campus 

• Thursday evening social icebreaker 

• Friday coffee breaks and evening Poster session 

• Saturday evening banquet 

• Vendors located in Vandervort room 

Library – Geneva and Sanford Rooms 

• Concurrent scientific presentations on Friday and Saturday 

• Friday morning business meeting 

• Concurrent Symposia on Saturday 

• Multimedia room will be open for computer use, just off the library atrium 3 

Albright Auditorium 

• Opening remarks 

• Margaret Morse Nice lecture 

• Ghost Bird screening 

Jackson, Reese, and Potter (Parking nearby, just off St. Clair St.) 

• Dormitory rooms 

1 Parking on campus does not require a special permit during the conference. However, please 

obey “no parking” signs. 

2 The Registration table will not be open on Wednesday. Registrants arriving on Wednesday 

should go directly to the Conference and Events Office in Delancey House (616 South Main St., 

which is the same as Rte 14). 

3 In addition to the use of the Library’s Multimedia room for computing, most buildings on 

campus (including the “common spaces” in dormitories) have free Wifi. You can access the 

HWS Guest Wireless system on your own web devices. In your dormitory rooms, you can plug 

directly into the Ethernet (using your own cable.) 

ii

MAP 

Campus Map 

Potter 

Rees 

Jackson 

Library 

Scandling Campus 

Center 

College Store 

Parking Lot 

Albright 

Auditorium 

Medbery 

Parking Lot 

Conference 

and Events 

Hobart 

and 

William Smith 

Colleges 

Finger Lakes 

Institute

WOS 2010 ~ SCHEDULE p. 1 

Conference Schedule 

Thursday, 20 May 

9:00AM – 7:00PM Registration open – Scandling Center Lobby 

9:00AM – 5:00PM WOS Council Meeting – Finger Lakes Institute (601 S. Main St) 

12:00PM 

Field trips, departing from front of the Scandling Center (returning by 5PM) 

2:00PM – 6:00PM Exhibit Setup – Vandervort Room in the Scandling Center 

6:00PM – 9:00PM Icebreaker social, Scandling Center cafe and patio 

Friday, 21 May 

5:30AM – 8:00AM Field Trips departing from the Scandling Center 

7:30AM – 8:30AM Breakfast – Saga Cafeteria in the Scandling Center 


8:00AM – 9:00PM Exhibits open – Vandervort Room in the Scandling Center 

8:30AM – 9:00AM Welcome & Introductions – Albright Auditorium 

9:00AM – 10:00AM WOS Margaret Morse Nice Lecture – Albright Auditorium 

10:00AM – 10:30AM Coffee Break – Vandervort Room in the Scandling Center 

10:30AM – 11:30AM Concurrent Paper Sessions – Geneva & Sanford Rooms, W. H. Smith Library 

11:30AM – 12:30PM WOS Business Meeting – Geneva Room, Warren Hunting Smith Library 

12:30PM – 1:30PM Lunch Break – Saga Cafeteria in the Scandling Center 

1:30PM – 2:30PM Concurrent Paper Sessions – Geneva & Sanford Rooms, W. H. Smith Library 

2:30PM – 3:00PM Coffee Break – Vandervort Room in the Scandling Center 


4:15PM – 6:00PM Screening of the film Ghost Bird – Albright Auditorium 

6:00PM – 7:00PM Dinner – Saga Cafeteria in the Scandling Center 

7:00PM – 9:00PM Poster Session – Vandervort Room in the Scandling Center 

Saturday, 22 May 

5:30AM – 8:00AM Local birding trips, departing from front of the Scandling Center 


8:00AM – 10:00AM Registration open – Scandling Center Lobby 

8:00AM – 10:30AM Exhibits open – Vandervort Room in the Scandling Center 


10:00AM – 10:30AM Coffee Break – Atrium, Warren Hunting Smith Library 

Authors should remove their posters from the Vandervort Room by the end of 

the morning Coffee Break 

10:30AM – 12:00PM Concurrent Paper Sessions – Geneva & Sanford Rooms, W. H. Smith Library 


1:30PM – 3:00PM Concurrent Symposia – Geneva & Sanford Rooms, W. H. Smith Library 

3:00PM – 3:30PM Coffee Break – Atrium, Warren Hunting Smith Library 


6:00PM – 7:00PM Pre-banquet mixer, cash bar – Vandervort Room in the Scandling Center 

7:00PM – 9:30PM Banquet – Vandervort Room in the Scandling Center 

Sunday, 23 May 

6:00AM 

7:00AM – 9:00AM 

Field trips, departing from front of the Scandling Center 

Continental Breakfast, Scandling Center Lobby

WOS 2010 ~ SCIENTIFIC PAPER SESSIONS p. 2 

Scientific Program 

Names of presenting authors are indicated in bold type. Titles preceded by superscript “S” are eligible for 

student presentation awards. 


8:30 Welcome and Introductions – Albright Auditorium 

Mark Deutschlander (Hobart and William Smith Colleges), Chair of Local Committee 

Dale Kennedy, President, Wilson Ornithological Society 

9:00 Margaret Morse Nice Lecture – Albright Auditorium 

Brood parasitism in cuckoos, cowbirds, and African finches. Robert B. Payne and Laura 

Payne, Museum of Zoology, Univ. Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 

10:00 – 10:30 COFFEE BREAK – Vandervort Room in the Scandling Center 

Paper Session A – Geneva Room 

Breeding Biology I – Mary Garvin, Chair 

10:30 01 Short-chain carboxylic acids from Gray 

Catbirds (Dumetella carolinensis) uropygial 

secretions vary with testosterone levels and 

photoperiod. Rebecca J. Whelan and Tera C. 

Levin, Depts. Chemistry and Biochemistry, 

Oberlin College, Oberlin OH 44074, Jennifer 

C. Owen, Dept. Fisheries and Wildlife, 

Michigan State Univ., East Lansing, MI 

48824, and Mary C. Garvin, Dept. Biology, 

Oberlin College, Oberlin OH 44074 

10:45 02 S Breeding biology of five species of high 

elevation Andean tanagers. Gustavo Adolfo 

Londoño, Univ. Florida, Dept. Biology, and 

Florida Museum of Natural History, 

Gainesville, FL 32611 

11:00 03 S Nest success of Snowy Plovers in the 

Southern High Plains of Texas. Sarah T. 

Saalfeld and Warren C. Conway, Arthur 

Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture, 

Stephen F. Austin State Univ., Nacogdoches, 

TX 75962, David A. Haukos, U.S. Fish and 

Wildlife Service and Dept. Range, Wildlife, 

and Fisheries, Texas Tech Univ., Lubbock, 

TX 79409, and William P. Johnson, Texas 

Parks and Wildlife Dept., Canyon TX 79015 

11:15 04 S Nesting density an important factor 

affecting chick growth and survival in the 

Herring Gull (Larus argentatus). Matthew S. 

Savoca, David N. Bonter, Benjamin 

Zuckerberg, and Janis L. Dickinson, Dept. 

Natural Resources, Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY 

14853 and Julie C. Ellis, Dept. Environmental 

Paper Session B –Sanford Room 

Habitat Ecology I – Jerry Jackson, Chair 

05 Pennsylvania boreal conifer forests and 

their bird communities: past, present, and 

future potential. Douglas A. Gross, 

Pennsylvania Game Commission, 

Orangeville, PA 17859 

06 S Integrating species distribution models 

and genetic data to forecast the effects of 

climate change on genetic diversity in boreal 

birds. Joel Ralston, Dept. Biological 

Sciences, Univ. Albany, Albany, NY 12222 

and New York State Museum, Albany, NY 

12230 

07 S Development of a bird community 

integrity index to monitor salt marsh 

condition at National Wildlife Refuges. 

Whitney A. Wiest and W. Gregory Shriver, 

Dept. Entomology and Wildlife Ecology, 

Univ. Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, and Hal 

Laskowski, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 

Milton, DE 19968 

08 Winter association of birds with the 

invasive exotic Brazilian pepper (Schinus 

terebinthifolius). Jerome A. Jackson, Dept. 

Marine and Ecological Sciences, Florida Gulf 

Coast Univ., Ft. Myers, FL 33965, and Bette 

J. S. Jackson, Dept. Biological Sciences, 

Florida Gulf Coast Univ., Ft. Myers, FL


and Population Health, Tufts Cummings 

School of Veterinary Medicine, North 

Grafton, MA 01536 

33965 

11:30 – 12:30 BUSINESS MEETING OF THE WILSON ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY – Geneva 

Room 

12:30 – 1:30 LUNCH 


Breeding Biology II – Lindsey A. Walters, 

Chair 

1:30 09 S Individuality and recognition in the Great 

Black-backed Gull, Larus marinus. Christina 

Masco and Thomas D. Seeley, Neurobiology 

and Behavior, Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY 

14850 

1:45 10 S Influence of adult age on Rose-breasted 

grosbeak nestling provisioning rates in stands 

harvested by single-tree selection. Sonya 

Richmond and J. Malcolm, Faculty of 

Forestry, Univ. Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 

3B3, E. Nol, Dept. Biology, Trent Univ., 

Peterborough, ON K9J 7B8, and D. Burke, 

Ministry of Natural Resources, London, ON 

N6E 1L3 

2:00 11 S Survey of Lake Erie Island passerine nest 

predation. Lawrence C. Long and James 

Marshall, F.T. Stone Laboratory, Ohio State 

Univ., Gibraltar Island, OH 

2:15 12 S Patterns of Brown-headed Cowbird 

parasitism on Eastern Phoebes: a ten-year 

comparison. Gretchen F. Wagner and Mark 

E. Hauber, Dept. Psychology, Hunter College 

of the City Univ. New York, New York, NY 

10065 

Paper Session B – Sanford Room 

Habitat Ecology II – Tim O’Connell, Chair 

13 S Winter bird response to heterogeneitybased 

management in a tallgrass prairie. 

Adrian P. Monroe and Timothy J. 

O’Connell, Dept. Natural Resource Ecology 

and Management, Oklahoma State Univ., 

Stillwater, OK 74078 

14 S The effects of rotational grazing on 

relative abundance of grassland songbirds. 

Katie Clower, Conservation Biology 

Program, Univ. Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 

55108 

15 Fifteen years of research on grassland birds 

in New York State: habitat relations and 

management implications. Christopher 

Norment, Dept. Environmental Science and 

Biology, College at Brockport, State Univ. 

New York, Brockport, NY 14420 

16 S The effects of exurbanization on the food 

and habitat of Pileated Woodpeckers 

(Dryocopus pileatus). Marie E. Wilson, 

Jordan M. Casey, and David G. Haskell, Dept. 

Biology and Nicholas Hollingshead, 

Landscape Analysis Lab, Univ. of the South, 

Sewanee, TN 37383 

2:30 – 3:00 COFFEE BREAK – Vandervort Room in the Scandling Center



Migration I – Rachel Muheim, Chair 

3:00 17 S Ovenbird spatial behavior at an urban 

stopover site: Movement patterns, stopover 

durations, and the influence of arrival 

condition. Chad L. Seewagen, Dept. Biology, 

Univ., Western Ontario, London, ON N6G 

5B2 and Dept. Ornithology, Wildlife 

Conservation Society, Bronx, NY 10460, and 

Christopher G. Guglielmo, Dept. Biology, 

Univ. Western Ontario, London, ON N6G 

5B2 

3:15 18 S Large-scale movement and migration of 

Northern Saw-whet Owls. Sean R. Beckett, 

Glenn A. Proudfoot, and Mary Ann 

Cunningham, Dept. Biology, Vassar College, 

Poughkeepsie, NY 12604 

3:30 19 Sunrise and sunset polarized light cues 

calibrate the magnetic compass in migratory 

songbirds. Rachel Muheim, Dept. Animal 

Ecology, Lund Univ., Ecology Building, SE- 

22362 Lund, Sweden, John B. Phillips, Dept. 

Biological Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic 

Institute and State Univ., Blacksburg, VA 

24061, and Mark E. Deutschlander, Dept. 

Biology, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, 


3:45 20 S Effects of cold front passage on migrant 

raptors at Shirakaba pass, Nagano prefecture, 

Japan, autumn 2000–2009. Marla L. Steele, 

and Timothy J. O’Connell, Dept. Natural 

Resource Ecology and Management, 

Oklahoma State Univ., Stillwater, OK 74074 


Habitat ecology III – Daniel Shustack, Chair 

21 Nest predation reduces benefits to early 

clutch initiation in an urbanizing landscape. 

Daniel P. Shustack, Massachusetts College 

of Liberal Arts, Biology Dept., North Adams, 

MA 01247, and Amanda D. Rodewald, 

School of Environment and Natural 

Resources, Ohio State Univ., Columbus, OH 

43210 

22 Does habitat choice in the post-breeding 

season affect physiological condition of 

forest-interior songbirds Scott H. Stoleson 

U.S.F.S. Northern Research Station, Irvine, 

PA 16329 

23 S Variation in understory forest bird 

communities of Amazonian forests on 

different soils. Judit Ungvari-Martin, Ari 

Martinez and Scott K. Robinson, Dept. 

Biology, Univ. Florida, Florida Museum of 

Natural History, Gainesville, FL 32611 

24 S Complex relationships between forest 

songbirds and soil conditions. Sarah E. 

Pabian and Margaret C. Brittingham, School 

of Forest Resources, Pennsylvania State 

Univ., Univ. Park, PA 16802 

4:15 – 6:00 Ghost Bird: Documentary Film Screening and Q & A – Albright Auditorium 

6:00 – 7:00 DINNER 

7:00 – 9:00 

POSTER SESSION and EVENING SOCIAL 

Vandervort Room in the Scandling Center 

Presenting authors are indicated in bold type. Posters eligible for student presentation awards are 

indicated by the prefix ”S” at the start of the title. 

P01 Are bird images returned from search engine results accurately identified W. P. Brown and M. E. 

Zuefle, Dept. Biological Sciences, Kutztown Univ., Kutztown, PA 19530 

P02 

Nest defense and parental investment in the House Wren. Kelly Fox, Alyssa Caffarelli, and 

Lindsey Walters, Dept. Biology, Canisius College, Buffalo, NY 14208, and Brian S. Maitner, Dept. 

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Rice Univ., Houston, TX 77005


P03 

P04 

P05 

P06 

P07 

P08 

P09 

P10 

P11 

S The effects of a residential wind turbine on bird behavior. Brynne A. Stumpe and Sara R. Morris, 

Canisius College, Buffalo, NY 14208 

S Does age matter A study of whether age affects stopover ecology of migrant warblers. Catherine 

C. Alsford and Dorothy I. Fatunmbi, Dept. Biology, Canisius College, Buffalo, NY 14208, Brenda 

S. Keith and Richard S. Keith, Kalamazoo Nature Center, Kalamazoo, MI, 49009, and Sara R. 

Morris, Dept. Biology, Canisius College, Buffalo, NY 14208 

S The influence of temperature on energetic condition in spring migrating warblers. Mianna 

Molinari and Mark E Deutschlander, Dept. Biology, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, 

NY 14456 

S Determining land quality for migratory birds near the Lake Ontario shoreline: a study of daily 

mass gain during fall and spring migration. Kailey Chidester, Bethany Bashaw, and Mark E. 

Deutschlander, Dept. Biology, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY 14456 

S Energetic condition of spring migrating North American warblers at a northern stopover site: A 

study of Breeding and Insurance Hypotheses. Casey Franklin, Jordan Youngman, Mianna 

Molinari and Mark E. Deutschlander, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY 14456 

S Determining the role of the insurance hypothesis in the stopover ecology of two kinglets and two 

flycatchers. Samuel Georgian, Paul Overdorf, and Mark E. Deutschlander, Dept. Biology, Hobart 

and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY 14456 

S Using wing morphology and mass to model the potential flight distances of passerines at a 

stopover site near Lake Ontario. Paul Overdorf and Mark E. Deutschlander, Dept. Biology, Hobart 


S Ultraviolet reflectance and age/sex variation in Yellow Warblers (Dendroica petechia). Martyna 

Boruta and Mark E. Deutschlander, Dept. Biology, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, 

NY 14456 

S Early successional habitat characteristics and fruit abundance influence stopover use of fall 

migrating songbirds. Brad Mudrzynski and Christopher Norment, Dept. Environmental Science 

and Biology, SUNY College at Brockport, Brockport, NY 14420 

P12 An assessment of refueling rates and diet of songbirds during migratory stopover at the Braddock 

Bay Bird Observatory. Susan B. Smith, Dept. Biology, Villanova Univ., Villanova, PA 19085 

P13 Remote radar monitoring of bird activity via the network. Robert C. Beason, Accipiter Radar 

Corporation, Orchard Park, NY 14127 

P14 Annual variation in arrival of long-distant migrants and a comparison of first capture dates and 

condition between verified breeders and presumed migrants. Margret I. Hatch, Penn State 

Worthington Scranton, Dunmore, PA 18512, and Robert J. Smith, Dept. Biology, Univ. Scranton, 

Scranton, PA 18510 

P15 S Mercury bioaccumulation in Catharus thrushes along an elevational gradient. Jason M. 

Townsend, SUNY-College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY 13244, and 

Charles T. Driscoll, Syracuse Univ., Center for Environmental Systems Engineering, Syracuse, NY 

13244 

P16 

P17 

S Area effects removed: vegetation characteristics and grassland bird abundance in a western New 

York field. Nathan Grosse, Christopher Norment, and Mark Norris, Dept. Environmental Science 

and Biology, SUNY Brockport, Brockport, NY 14420, and Heidi Kennedy, New York State Dept. 

Environmental Conservation, Bureau of Wildlife, Basom, NY 14013 

S Distributional shifts of breeding birds in Ontario, Canada. Erin Greenlee and Ian Hamilton, Dept. 

Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, Ohio State Univ., Columbus, Ohio 42310


P18 

P19 

P20 

P21 

P22 

P23 

P24 

P25 

P26 

P27 

P28 

P29 

P30 

S The effectiveness of constant effort mist-netting in estimating abundance and reproductive success 

of a Wood Thrush population. Laura M. Niczyporowicz and Todd J. Underwood, Dept. Biology, 

Kutztown Univ., and Roland R. Roth, Dept. Entomology and Wildlife Ecology, Univ. Delaware, 

Newark, DE 19716 

Evaluation of breeding habitat quality for a population in decline: the Canada Warbler in 

northeastern Vermont. Jameson F. Chace, Dept. Biology and Biomedical Science, Salve Regina 

Univ., Newport, RI 02840, and Steven D. Faccio, Vermont Center for Ecostudies, Norwich, VT 

05055 

S The effect of Wood Thrush hosts on the survival of Brown-headed Cowbird eggs and nestlings. 

Ashley N. Rathman and William P. Brown, Dept. Biology, Kutztown Univ., Kutztown, PA 19530, 

and Roland R. Roth, Dept. Entomology and Wildlife Ecology, Univ. Delaware, Newark, DE 19716 

S Aging House Wren nestlings based on feather tract development, wing chord, and head length. 

Anne Lugg, W. Brown, D. Alexander, M. Zuefle, and T. Underwood, Biology Dept., Kutztown 

Univ., Kutztown, PA 19530 

S Hatching spread is flexible after the onset of incubation in American Goldfinches. Cordelia E. 

Revells and Glennon A. Beresin, Dept. Biology, Oberlin College, Oberlin, Ohio 44074, Troy G. 

Murphy, Dept. Biology, Trinity Univ., San Antonio, Texas 78212, and Keith A. Tarvin, Dept. 

Biology, Oberlin College, Oberlin, Ohio 44074 

S Male response to egg color in the House Wren. Nathan Olszewski, Kevin Sobol, and Lindsey 

Walters, Dept. Biology, Canisius College, Buffalo, NY 14208 

S Egg color and female quality in the House Wren. Kevin Sobol, Nathan Olszewski, and Lindsey 

Walters, Dept. Biology, Canisius College, Buffalo, NY 14208 

S Comparing female characteristics to egg & yolk size in the Chilean Swallow (Tachycineta 

meyeni). Mitch Walters, Marcela Liljesthrom, and Caren Cooper, Dept. Ecology and Evolutionary 

Biology, Cornell Univ., Ithaca , NY 14850, Centro Austral de Investigaciones Cientificas, 

CADICONICET, Bernardo Houssay 200, V9410BFD Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, and 

Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY 14850 

S Bacteria and fungi in the plumage of birds of prey. Jordan S. Kalish and Edward H. Burtt, Jr., 

Dept. Zoology, Ohio Wesleyan Univ., Delaware, OH 43015 

S Seasonal changes in maintenance behavior of the House Sparrow (Passer domesticus). Aubrey 

Alamshah and Edward H. Burtt, Jr., Dept. Zoology, Ohio Wesleyan Univ., Delaware, OH 43015 

S The fox in the henhouse: responses of chickens (Gallus domesticus) to the scent of a predator. 

Andrew C. Alba and Gregory B. Cunningham, Dept. Biology, St. John Fisher College, Rochester, 

NY 14618 

Patterns of interference competition in overwintering Central Ohio birds. Rachel Kushner, Christy 

Conley, and James S. Marshall, Dept. Biology, Denison Univ., Granville, OH 43082 

S The effects of natural and human induced edges on foraging flocks of wintering songbirds in 

southern New England. Benjamin J. Padilla, Ashley Ballou, and Gregory S. Keller. Dept. Biology, 

Gordon College Wenham MA 01984


Saturday 22 May 


Migration II – Greg Farley, Chair 

9:00 25 S Seasonal energetic differences between 

migratory, non-migratory, and irruptive 

songbirds. Christine Eldredge, Brian 

Monaco, and Mark E. Deutschlander, Hobart 

and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY 

14456 

9:15 26 Patterns in migratory songbird capture 

between 1966-1980 and 1995-2009 at an 

autumn banding station in the High Plains. 

Greg H. Farley, Andrée Brisson, Alex Galt 

and Stephanie Kane, Dept. Biological 

Sciences, Fort Hays State Univ., Hays, KS 

67601 

9:30 27 Tracking birds migrating at night through 

an urban-rural corridor and quantifying the 

effects of light and noise pollution. J. Alan 

Clark, Dept. Biological Sciences, Fordham 

Univ., Bronx, NY 10458 

9:45 28 S The relationship of migrant avian 

frugivory and honeysuckle (Lonicera) 

management in the fall. Jessie Hogue- 

Morgenstern and James Marshall, Dept. 

Biology, Denison Univ., Granville, OH 43023 


Behavior – Doug White, Chair 

29 S Quantifying incubation behavior of 

Common Eiders nesting on Jordan’s Delight 

Island, Maine. Monika Parsons and 

Frederick A. Servello, Dept. Wildlife 

Ecology, Univ. Maine, Orono, ME 04469, and 

Cynthia S. Loftin, US Geological Survey 

Maine Cooperative Fish and Wildlife 

Research Unit 

30 S Hybrid chickadee vocalizations change as 

the hybrid zone moves northward in 

southeastern Pennsylvania. Stephanie G. 

Wright and Robert L. Curry, Dept. Biology, 

Villanova Univ., Villanova, PA 19085 

31 S A spectrographic analysis of American 

Kestrel (Falco sparverius) vocalizations. Do 

broodmates sound more like each other than 

non-related broods Erica G. Mueller and 

John A. Smallwood, Dept. Biology and 

Molecular Biology, Montclair State Univ., 

Montclair, NJ 07043 

32 Gaps in nocturnal incubation in House 

Wrens (Troglodytes aedon). Douglas White 

and E. Dale Kennedy, Dept. Biology, Albion 

College, Albion, MI 49224 

10:00 – 10:30 COFFEE BREAK – Atrium, Warren Hunting Smith Library 


General Ornithology – Charles Smith, Chair 

10:30 33 S Tolmie’s MacGillivray’s Warbler: the 

story of a name. Harold Eyster, Chelsea, MI 

48118 

10:45 34 Blood parasites in overwintering Rusty 

Blackbirds. William H. Barnard, Biology 

Dept., Norwich Univ., Northfield, VT 05663 


Breeding Biology – Elise Ferree, Chair 

38 Analysis of nest sites of the Resplendent 

Quetzal (Paromachrus mocinno): a 

relationship between nest and snag heights. 

Dennis G. Siegfried, Daniel S. Linville, and 

David Hille, Dept. Biology, Southern 

Nazarene Univ., Bethany, OK 73008 

39 Influences of mate quality and population 

growth on House Wren clutch size. Lindsey 

A. Walters, Dept. Biology, Canisius College, 

Buffalo, NY 14208, and Natalie Dubois and 

Thomas Getty, Dept. Zoology and Kellogg 

Biological Station, Michigan State Univ., 

Hickory Corners, MI 49060


11:00 35 Guidelines to the Use of Wild Birds in 

Research. Jeanne M. Fair, Los Alamos 

National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87506, 

and Ellen Paul, Ornithological Council, 

Chevy Chase, MD 20815 

11:15 36 The elements of science-based, adaptive 

bird conservation and the Public Trust 

Doctrine. Charles R. Smith, Dept. Natural 

Resources, Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY 14853 

11:30 37 Variation in chickadee morphology 

through time in a moving hybrid zone. 

Robert L. Curry, Dept. Biology, Villanova 

Univ., Villanova, PA 19085 

40 Lifetime survival and reproductive success 

of extra-pair and within-pair Western 

Bluebirds (Sialia mexicana). Elise Ferree and 

Janis Dickinson, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 

Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY 14850 

41 Seasonal and geographic variation in 

nestling sex ratio in the Northern 

Mockingbird. George L. Farnsworth, 

Dorothy B. Engle, Brett E. Schrand, and 

Christopher C. Stobart, Dept. Biology, Xavier 

Univ., Cincinnati, OH 45207, and Rebecca B. 

Desjardins, North Carolina State Museum of 

Natural Sciences, Raleigh NC 27601 

42 Southeastern American Kestrel nesting 

habitat and nestling provisioning in the West 

Gulf Coastal Plain. Richard R. Schaefer and 

D. Craig Rudolph, Southern Research Station, 

Nacogdoches, TX 75965 

11:45 Vacant 43 Influence of seeded, exotic grasslands on 

wintering birds in mixed-grass prairie. 

Timothy J. O’Connell and Andrew D. 

George, Dept. Natural Resource Ecology and 

Management, Oklahoma State Univ., 

Stillwater, OK 74078 

12:00 – 1:00 LUNCH 

Symposium 1: New perspectives in migratory 

physiology and energetics– Geneva Room 

Susan Smith and Mark Deutschlander, 

Moderators 

1:30 S1 The fat of the matter: how dietary fatty 

acid composition affects energy expenditure 

of birds during migration. Scott R. 

McWilliams, Dept. Natural Resources 

Science, Univ. Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 

02881, and Barbara Pierce, Dept. Biology, 

Sacred Heart Univ., Fairfield, CT 06825 

2:00 S2 Towards a theoretical framework for avian 

fat storage. Edwin Price, Dept. Biology, 

Univ. Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 

5B7 

Symposium 2: The effects of energy 

development on birds – Sanford Room 

Scott Stoleson, Moderator 

S7 Can natural habitats survive the energy 

revolution Nels Johnson, The Nature 

Conservancy, Pennsylvania Chapter, 

Harrisburg, PA 17110 

S8 Avian responses to gas well development 

in West Virginia. Gregory A. George and 

James Sheehan, WV Cooperative Fish and 

Wildlife Research Unit, West Virginia Univ., 

Morgantown, WV 26506, Petra Bohall Wood, 

U.S. Geological Survey, WV Cooperative 

Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, West 

Virginia Univ., Morgantown, WV 26506, and 

Harry Edenborn, National Energy Technology 

Laboratory, U.S. Dept. Energy, Pittsburgh, 

PA 15236


2:30 S3 Tissue turnover rate determines extent of 

phenotypic flexibility in organ size of 

migrating birds. Ulf Bauchinger and Scott 

McWilliams, Dept. Natural Resources 

Science, Univ. Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 

02881 

S9 Energy development and fragmentation 

effects. Kim Van Fleet, Important Bird Area 

Coordinator, Audubon Pennsylvania, 

Harrisburg, PA 17110 

3:00 – 3:30 COFFEE BREAK – Atrium, Warren Hunting Smith Library 

3:30 S4 Contributions of emergent aquatic insects 

to refueling by spring migrant songbirds. 

Lauren S. MacDade and Paul G. Rodewald, 

School of Environment and Natural 

Resources, Terrestrial Wildlife Ecology Lab, 

Ohio State Univ., Columbus, Ohio 43210, and 

Kent A. Hatch, Biology Dept., CW Post 

Campus, Long Island Univ., Brookville, NY 

11548 

4:00 S5 Arrival and transition into the breeding 

period: the fitness consequences of timing and 

condition for a landbird migrant. Robert J. 

Smith, Dept. Biology, Univ. Scranton, 

Scranton, PA 18510 

4:30 S6 Links between energetic condition, 

immune function, and disease susceptibility in 

migrant birds. Jen Owen, Depts. Fisheries 

and Wildlife and Large Animal Clinical 

Sciences, Michigan State Univ., East Lansing, 

MI 48824 

S10 Effects of oil and gas development on 

songbirds. Emily H. Thomas, School of 

Forest Resources, Pennsylvania State Univ., 

Univ. Park, PA 16802 

S11 Threats to migrating golden eagles from 

development of wind energy. Todd Katzner, 

National Aviary, Pittsburgh, PA 15212, Trish 

Miller, Michael Lanzone, Powdermill Nature 

Reserve, Carnegie Museum of Natural 

History, Rector, PA 15677, David Brandes, 

Dept of Civil & Environmental Engineering, 

Acopian Engineering Center, Lafayette 

College, Easton, PA 18042, and Robert 

Brooks, Pennsylvania State Univ., Univ. Park, 

PA 16802 

S12 Developing guidelines for the creation of 

Golden-winged Warbler breeding habitat on 

reclaimed surface mines in southeastern 

Kentucky. Jeff Larkin, Joseph Grata, and Joe 

Duchamp, Dept. Biology, Indiana Univ. 

Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA 15705, and Laura 

Patton, Kentucky Dept. Fish and Wildlife 

Resources, Frankfort, KY 40601 

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM EVENING SOCIAL – Vandervort Room in the Scandling Center 

7:00 PM – 9:30 PM BANQUET & WOS AWARDS CEREMONY – Vandervort Room in the 

Scandling Center

WOS 2010 ~ ABSTRACTS p. 10 

ABSTRACTS – PLENARY & SYMPOSIUM PRESENTATIONS 

Presenting authors are indicated by bold type. Symposium talks are arranged by presentation number. 

Margaret Morse Nice Lecture 

Brood parasitism in cuckoos, cowbirds, and African finches. Robert B. Payne and Laura Payne, Museum of 

Zoology, Univ. Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 

Margaret Nice studied cowbirds and their effects on song sparrows. We draw on her work to ask some general 

questions about brood parasitism in birds: what is the impact of brood parasitism on the nesting hosts Are the brood 

parasites generalists or specialists on their hosts How has their specialization affected their evolution and 

speciation How did brood parasitism evolve We briefly consider the cowbirds and cuckoos, and then we describe 

our studies of the African brood-parasitic finches, especially the indigobirds. The brood-parasitic finches have less 

effect on their host brood than cowbirds (cuckoos have the greatest impact) and the young finches grow up and 

fledge with the host nestlings. Most Vidua finches are species-specific on certain estrildid finches, the males mimic 

the songs of their host species, and the nestlings mimic the host nestlings. In the field the females are attracted to 

mate with a male indigobird that mimics her host species. We used molecular methods to discriminate between two 

hypotheses of the origin of specific associations of brood parasite and host: (1) co-speciation of parasite and host, 

and (2) later colonization and host switch by the parasite. We report a natural population of an indigobird that has 

switched to a new host species. We used experimental cross-fostering tests to find the basis of learning and 

imprinting in the indigobirds in male song mimicry, in female choice of males that mimicked their own host species, 

and in female choice of species nests to parasitize. We also cross-fostered between the estrildid finches to find 

whether the hosts could raise young that did not match the host young, as expected if the indigobirds have shifted to 

new host species they did not mimic. Field observations, molecular studies and behavior experiments all indicate 

most of the 20 species of brood-parasitic finches are the result of host switch and later mimetic adaptation. Finally, 

we briefly consider a test of Darwin's explanation for the origin of brood parasitism. 

Symposium 1: New perspectives in migratory physiology and energetics 

S01 The fat of the matter: how dietary fatty acid composition affects energy expenditure of birds during migration. 

Scott R. McWilliams, Dept. Natural Resources Science, Univ. Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, and Barbara 

Pierce, Dept. Biology, Sacred Heart Univ., Fairfield, CT 06825 

Birds use primarily fat stores to fuel migratory flights, but few studies have focused on the causes and consequences 

of observed seasonal changes in fatty acid composition of fat stores in birds. We tested two hypotheses that address 

the causes of these seasonal changes in composition of fat stores: (1) diet composition determines fatty acid 

composition of fat stores, and (2) birds selectively metabolize and store certain fatty acids during migration in lieu of 

changing their diet. Red-eyed Vireos (Vireo olivaceous) consistently chose diets with more triolein over diets with 

more tristearin and tripalmitin, and these preferences were similar between seasons. When we maintained vireos for 

two years on different semisynthetic diets, the fatty acid composition of their body fat was similar to that of their 

diet, and any changes over time were not consistent with the selective-metabolism hypothesis. Thus, fatty acid 

composition of stored fat was primarily a product of diet composition; selective metabolism possibly played a 

minor, but important, role. Given recent evidence that fatty acid composition of birds affects their energy 

expenditure during intense exercise, the implication is that birds during migration can influence the fatty acid 

composition of their body fat by selective feeding, and this can significantly affect the energetic cost of migration. 

S02 Towards a theoretical framework for avian fat storage. Edwin Price, Dept. Biology, Univ. Western Ontario, 

London, ON N6A 5B7 

It is well documented that birds primarily use fat to fuel their long-distance migrations. Fat, however, is a complex 

mixture of many different fatty acids that have the potential to affect flight in different ways. Nonetheless, there is 

little existing theory as to which fatty acids or types of fatty acids birds should store in preparation for migration. I 

will review recent work on the physiological effects and properties of various fatty acids in their roles as energy, 

structural, and signaling molecules. In particular, fatty acids are mobilized from adipose tissue at varying rates; 

mobilization decreases with chain length and increases with the number of double bonds. Similarly, fatty acids with 

more double bonds are more quickly oxidized by muscles, a pattern that may be driven in part by selectivity of the 

fatty acid transporter carnitine palmitoyl transferase. Dietary fatty acids can also be incorporated into muscle 

membranes, where they have to potential to affect membrane properties, thereby affecting exercise. I will examine 

the evidence for this mechanism and its relative importance for affecting flight performance. Using these recent 

studies as a guide, I will develop a framework for predicting which fatty acids birds should store during migration, 

focusing on the tradeoffs between energy storage, mobilization, and stopover refueling.


S03 Tissue turnover rate determines extent of phenotypic flexibility in organ size of migrating birds. Ulf 

Bauchinger and Scott McWilliams, Dept. Natural Resources Science, Univ. Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881 

Many internal organs of migratory birds increase in mass during pre-migratory preparation and stopover periods, 

and decrease in mass during migratory flights. The quickest and most substantial organ mass changes in birds are the 

reductions observed after long-distance migratory flights. Typically, mass changes of small intestine and liver are 

most pronounced, skeletal muscles are reduced the least, and other organs including kidney and gizzard range 

intermediate. The magnitude of organ mass changes is relatively consistent across bird taxa, which suggests a 

common underlying mechanism. Functional hypotheses that have been proposed include (1) the use/ disuse 

hypothesis that predicts a decrease in digestive system and increase in heart and flight muscle during flight, and (2) 

the protein catabolism hypothesis that predicts decreases in organs in proportion to their protein stores. Recent data 

on carbon turnover rate of many organs suggest an alternative hypothesis to explain the magnitude of organ mass 

changes during flight: degree of organ-specific mass loss during flight is a simple consequence of the continuous 

process of tissue turnover. We discuss several ecological implications of this hypothesis that especially pertain to 

energy expenditure and protein metabolism of migratory birds. 

S04 Contributions of emergent aquatic insects to refueling by spring migrant songbirds. Lauren S. MacDade and 

Paul G. Rodewald, School of Environment and Natural Resources, Terrestrial Wildlife Ecology Lab, The Ohio 

State Univ., Columbus, Ohio 43210, and Kent A. Hatch, Biology Dept., CW Post Campus, Long Island Univ., 

Brookville, NY 11548. 

Refueling by spring migrant landbirds is an important determinant of arrival timing, and thus, should also affect 

acquisition of quality breeding territories and mates. Spring migrants often encounter adverse weather and low prey 

availability, but emergent aquatic insects (e.g., chironomid midges) may provide an important food resource in the 

vicinity of wetlands. We used stable-carbon isotope ( 13C) analysis of exhaled CO2 in breath to indicate recent 

dietary composition, plasma lipid metabolite profiling (TRIG) to assess refueling performance, and arthropod 

sampling to investigate the contribution of emergent aquatic insects to migrant songbird diets, how diet influenced 

refueling, and whether diet and refueling differed between Lake Erie shoreline and inland forest sites in 

northwestern Ohio, spring 2007–2008. Midge availability (biomass) was positively associated with refueling for two 

early season migrants, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Dendroica coronata) and White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia 

albicollis), but less so for Magnolia Warbler (D. magnolia), a late season migrant. We detected no relationship 

between diet and refueling for any species, however, Yellow-rumped Warblers had higher plasma TRIG 

concentrations and stronger aquatic 13C values at two shoreline sites relative to other sites. In shoreline and inland 

sites migrants used a combination of aquatic and terrestrial arthropods, and received energetic benefits from their 

use, even within small shoreline sites (1.18-2.86 ha), which often had high densities of stopover migrants. We 

suggest that conservation and restoration of shoreline and inland forest patches within landscapes containing 

wetlands can promote refueling opportunities for migrant landbirds. 

S05 Arrival and transition into the breeding period: the fitness consequences of timing and condition for a landbird 

migrant. Robert J. Smith, Dept. Biology, The Univ. Scranton, Scranton, PA 18510. 

The degree to which a landbird is able to meet the many exigencies arising during passage determines not only its 

migratory success but, as increasing evidence indicates, may have ramifications for subsequent seasonal 

reproductive performance. I will first discuss the suite of problems an en route migrant must solve in order to 

experience a successful migration, then present evidence linking timing of arrival and condition upon arrival at 

northerly breeding grounds to indirect and direct correlates of seasonal reproductive performance. Generally, birds 

that do well en route arrive earlier and in superior condition, experiencing enhanced reproductive performance. Next 

I will consider how events, both during the wintering period and while en route, may influence a landbird’s time of 

arrival and its condition upon arrival at the migratory destination. Finally, if time permits, I will discuss the 

conservation ramifications of linkages between the winter, migratory and breeding periods, emphasizing that efforts 

to conserve populations of landbird migrants, many of which are in decline, must focus on all phases of the avian 

annual cycle. 

S06 Links between energetic condition, immune function, and disease susceptibility in migrant birds. Jen Owen, 

Depts. Fisheries and Wildlife and Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State Univ., East Lansing, MI 48824 

Migration is an energetically demanding period in a bird’s annual cycle. One of the additional challenges migrating 

birds may face is increased exposure to novel pathogens en route. When energy is limited a bird may direct 

resources toward more critical activities at the expense of other physiological processes, such as immune function. 

While we know that birds reduce immune function during migration, we know little about the functional 

significance of reduced immunity. For instance, a migrating bird which suppresses its immune system may be more 

susceptible to disease and/or be a more efficient at dispersing pathogens. Here we use a combination of captive, 

experimental infection and field-based immunological studies to examine how stress and changes in energetic


condition influence a migrating bird’s competency and susceptibility for several zoonotic diseases, including WNV, 

eastern equine encephalitis, and avian influenza. Energetic condition is an important factor in a bird’s response to a 

viral infection and subsequent antibody response, but not always in the direction predicted and is likely pathogen 

specific. Given birds are the likely dispersal agent for a variety of pathogens that infect other animals, both wild and 

domestic, and humans, it is essential to understand how fluctuations in their energetic condition, particularly during 

migration, affect their competence as a reservoir and their susceptibility to disease. 

Symposium 2: The Effects of Energy Development on Birds 

S07 Can natural habitats survive the energy revolution Nels Johnson, The Nature Conservancy, Pennsylvania 

Chapter, Harrisburg, PA 17110 

The Nature Conservancy believes that development of new energy sources in the Northeast has the potential to 

cause significant negative environmental impacts—namely habitat fragmentation and reduced water flow and 

quality—unless practical planning, siting guidelines and incentives are proactively put in place. The Conservancy, 

with technical support from the Pennsylvania Audubon Society and Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, is 

conducting an intensive 6 month program to analyze how the newest forms of energy development—Marcellus 

Shale natural gas, woody biomass, and wind and associated transmission infrastructure—might impact valuable 

conservation habitats across the state of Pennsylvania. Existing energy facilities and associated development are 

being plotted, the scale and location of future energy development is being projected, and overlaid with data on 

sensitive habitat areas and species. Upon completion, the results will be shared with state and federal agencies, 

energy developers, conservation groups, and local governments to shape strategies that that can be used to avoid, 

minimize, or mitigate energy impacts on high priority conservation areas. 

S08 Avian responses to gas well development in West Virginia. Gregory A. George and James Sheehan, WV 

Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, West Virginia Univ., Morgantown, WV 26506, Petra Bohall Wood, 

U.S. Geological Survey, WV Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, West Virginia Univ., Morgantown, WV 

26506, and Harry Edenborn, National Energy Technology Laboratory, U.S. Dept. Energy, Pittsburgh, PA 15236 

Natural gas deposits across the central Appalachians are a valuable commodity due to increased energy demands 

and advancements in technology. The forests of the central Appalachians also are key areas for conservation of 

avian populations. Drilling activities on our study area occur primarily in stream valleys and on ridges, and result in 

heavy equipment disturbance when building well pads, ponds, and access roads within the forest-dominated habitat 

matrix. To quantify the effects on breeding birds, we conducted songbird point counts (n = 142) during the 2008-09 

breeding seasons on ridges and streams on a study area of ~3,400 hectares in Wetzel County, West Virginia. We 

compared avian species abundance and richness between points in undisturbed forest and points in forest impacted 

by roads, clearings, and forestry activity. At the current level of habitat disturbance, we identified few negative 

effects on forest-interior species and found an increase in species richness and habitat available for earlysuccessional 

species. In 2009, we also investigated nest success and territory density of a riparian obligate 

bioindicator, the Louisiana Waterthrush. Based on visual assessment and a habitat suitability index, we found that of 

40.7 km of stream reaches surveyed across 15 1st and 2nd order streams, 7.5 km (18%) were impacted by drilling 

activities. Louisiana Waterthrush used both impacted and unimpacted riparian habitat for territories (n=70) and nest 

sites (n = 42). Nesting success was not significantly different in impacted (54.4%) and unimpacted (66.5%) habitat. 

Territories that included impacted habitat were significantly longer (550m) than those in unimpacted habitat (406 

m). These data provide a valuable baseline for considering long-term avian response within this changing landscape. 

S09 Energy Development and Fragmentation Effects. Kim Van Fleet, Important Bird Area Coordinator, Audubon 

Pennsylvania 

The habitats upon which many birds and other wildlife depend are currently under siege by rapid pace energy 

development like industrial scale wind, Marcellus shale gas extraction and associated infrastructures in 

Pennsylvania. This “energy sprawl” is occurring with little regard for the direct and more insidious indirect effects 

of habitat fragmentation and loss especially along forested ridges and within large tracts of interior forest. In 

addition no attention has been directed towards the cumulative impacts of project after project on terrestrial 

communities and ecosystems across a wider geographic range. Many interior forest bird species particularly 

sensitive to habitat disturbance and edge effect and dependent on contiguous tracts of healthy forest for their 

reproductive success will be most likely be the greatest losers. The concerns are multi-fold as the clearing of forests 

for industrial scale wind and Marcellus shale continue to increase across the forests of Pennsylvania. There is an 

urgent need for more science based research and actions that focus on individual projects and the long term 

cumulative impacts on these forest communities.


S10 Effects of Oil and Gas Development on Songbirds. Emily H. Thomas, School of Forest Resources, 

Pennsylvania State Univ., University Park, PA 16802 

The oil and gas industry began in western New York and Pennsylvania in the 1800’s and has been a stronghold in 

the economy of the area ever since. Two well types occur: shallow and deep. The two wells are different in size and 

drilling method, however both are responsible for extensive forest fragmentation due to the construction of well 

pads, access roads, and pipelines. There are currently over 10,000 active, shallow wells in the Allegheny National 

Forest (ANF) and recent additions have been at a rate of 850 new wells per year, yet the effects of the wells on 

wildlife have not been researched. My study examines the effects of oil and gas development on forest songbirds 

and their associated habitat in the ANF. To determine the effects, I measured the relative abundance of forest 

songbirds by completing three point counts within 25 hectare sites with various densities of active wells. I also 

measured habitat variables in each site to quantify changes in vegetation. My results showed that shrub cover and 

seven songbird species increased with well density, while canopy cover and two songbird species decreased with 

well density. Although more species increased with well density, the two species that decreased are considered 

species of conservation concern while the species that increased are relatively common. To minimize the negative 

effects of new wells I suggest that oil and gas producers plan wells along existing roads or within previously cleared 

areas whenever possible. 

S11 Threats to migrating golden eagles from development of wind energy. Todd Katzner, National Aviary, 

Pittsburgh, PA 15212, Trish Miller, Michael Lanzone, Powdermill Nature Reserve, Carnegie Museum of Natural 

History, Rector, PA 15677, David Brandes, Dept of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Acopian Engineering 

Center, Lafayette College, Easton, PA 18042, and Robert Brooks, Pennsylvania State Univ., University Park, PA 

Wind power is among the fastest growing alternative energy sources and the mid-Atlantic region of North America 

is a primary focus for wind power development. Although considered a “green” energy source, wind energy can 

have negative impacts on wildlife, especially birds of prey. Threats to breeding and wintering raptors from wind 

turbines have been extensively studied in several areas but there has been little work on impacts of turbines on 

migratory individuals. We evaluated conflict potential between migratory golden eagles and wind energy 

development in the central Appalachian region of eastern North America. We used high-frequency GSM telemetry 

to measure how eagles respond to local scale slope, elevation, habitat and meteorological features to understand the 

conditions when eagles and turbines are most likely to interact and how eagles may respond behaviorally to the 

presence of turbines. Birds moved in a broad front through the Appalachian Plateau in New York and Pennsylvania 

and showed age specific patterns of behavior in this region. However, our data showed large numbers of eagles of 

all ages passing through a bottleneck in the ridges of south-central Pennsylvania, western Maryland, and northern 

West Virginia. Tracked birds in this bottleneck region spent less time in thermals and flew more quickly and more 

directly than when they were outside of this region. Similarly, within the bottleneck region, eagle flight uses 

orographic lift, placing them relatively closer to the rotor swept zone. Wind energy development risks impacting 

birds of prey throughout the annual cycle. Although migration is the shortest period of that cycle, because landscape 

features can concentrate birds into restricted areas, small populations of raptors may be at significant risk during 

these periods if key concentration area are developed without attention to bird behavior. 

S12 Developing guidelines for the creation of Golden-winged Warbler breeding habitat on reclaimed surface mines 

in southeastern Kentucky. Jeff Larkin, Joseph Grata, and Joe Duchamp, Indiana Univ. Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA, 

and Laura Patton, Kentucky Dept. Fish and Wildlife Resources, Frankfort, KY 

The Golden-winged Warbler has been experienced dramatic population declines over the last several decades. 

Researchers and managers agree that habitat management is the key to the long-term conservation of this species. 

However, management guidelines that promote the creation and maintenance of optimal Golden-Winged Warbler 

breeding habitat is lacking. Moreover, the development of guidelines for the management of Golden-winged 

Warbler breeding habitat that result in isolation from hybridization with the Blue-Winged Warbler is a conservation 

priority. During 2004-2005, we quantified and compared Golden-winged Warbler and Blue-winged Warbler 

breeding habitat on reclaimed surface mines in southeastern Kentucky. When compared with Blue-winged Warblers, 

Golden-winged Warblers established territories at higher elevations, with a greater grass cover and canopy cover. 

The overall accuracy of our model in classifying territory types was 0.60. The kappa statistic confirmed that the 

model classified territories 40% (se= 0.086; CI 95% 0.231-0.575) better than chance. Based on the patterns revealed 

in our study, a mixture of grasses and forbs (30-60% cover) should be promoted to facilitate Golden-winged 

Warbler occupation on reclaimed surface mines. Habitat should also be manipulated to include scattered trees (basal 

area = 2-8 m2/ha) beyond a forest edge, and aggregate sapling heights up to 45 m/5 m2. While heavy shrub cover 

should be discouraged, between 15 and 30% will help create the patchy habitat that the species appears to favor. 

These results along with those from ongoing research in Pennsylvania can be used to manage for Golden-winged 

Warbler breeding habitat in areas disturbed by energy development and associated activities such as utility right-of 

ways, reclaimed surface mines, wind turbine sites, and oil/gas wells.


ABSTRACTS – CONTRIBUTED ORAL PRESENTATIONS 

Arranged by presentation number. Presenting author is indicated by bold type. Contributions eligible for student 

presentation awards are indicated by superscript “S” at the start of the title. 

01 Short-chain carboxylic acids from Gray Catbirds (Dumetella carolinensis) uropygial secretions vary with 

testosterone levels and photoperiod. Rebecca J. Whelan and Tera C. Levin, Depts. Chemistry and Biochemistry, 

Oberlin College, Oberlin OH 44074, Jennifer C. Owen, Dept. Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State Univ., East 

Lansing, MI 48824, and Mary C. Garvin, Dept. Biology, Oberlin College, Oberlin OH 44074 

The uropygial gland of birds produces secretions that are important in maintaining the health and structural integrity 

of feathers. Non-volatile components of uropygial secretions are believed to serve a number of functions including 

waterproofing and conditioning the feathers. Volatile components have been characterized in fewer species, but are 

particularly interesting because of their potential importance in olfactory interactions within and across species. We 

used solid-phase microextraction headspace sampling with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to detect and 

identify volatiles in uropygial secretions of Gray Catbirds (Dumetella carolinensis), a North American migratory 

bird. We consistently detected the following carboxylic acids: acetic, propanoic, 2-methylpropanoic, butanoic, and 

3-methylbutanoic. We tested for the effect of lengthened photoperiod and/or exogenous testosterone on volatile 

signal strength and found a negative effect of lengthened photoperiod on the signal strength of propanoic, 2- 

methylpropanoic, and butanoic acids, suggesting a trade-off between their production and heightened night-time 

activity associated with lengthened photoperiod. Signal strength of propanoic and 2-methylpropanoic acids was 

lower in birds treated with exogenous testosterone than in birds treated with placebos. Sex did not affect signal 

strength of any of the volatile compounds. 

02 S Breeding Biology of five species of High elevation Andean Tanagers. Gustavo Adolfo Londoño, Univ. Florida, 

Dept. Biology, and Florida Museum of Natural History, Gainesville, FL 32611 

The tanagers are a Neotropical group of birds that has the highest number of species in the highlands of South 

America. There have been a few phylogenetic and behavioral studies conducted on this group, but there is a paucity 

of information on breeding biology. This is especially true for highland species. Thus, my objective was to describe 

new nest, building, incubation and feeding behaviors for five species of highland tanagers in the Peruvian Andes. 

Between 2007 and 2009 I found and monitored more than 30 nest of Scarlet-bellied mountain-tanager (Anisognathus 

igniventris*), Blue-capped tanager (Thraupis cyanocephala), Grass-green tanager (Chlorosnis rieferii), Hooded 

mountain-tanager (Buthraupis montana*) and Golden-collared tanager (Iridosornis jelskii*). While I have 

documented the breeding behavior for the first time for all of these species, three of these nests are also still 

undescribed*. All of these high elevation mountain tanagers have a clutch size of one egg, which is not common 

among tropical bird species. The egg mass and size varied across species, A. igniventris (25.6 x 18.4 mm , 4.55 g; 

n=18), T. cyanocephala ( 27.1 x 18.1 mm, 4.7 g; n=19), C. rieferii (28.8 x 21.5 mm, 7.1g; n=2), B. montana (32.9 x 

22.8 mm, 9.3 g; n=5) and I. jelskii (23.5 x 16.5 mm, 3.9g; n=4). Egg coloration and nest location varied among 

species, however, nest shape and some nest materials are similar. Most nesting traits shared among these species 

support new relationships suggested in recent studies. Nesting behavior (time on the nest, number and length of 

trips), feeding behavior, and egg temperatures varied among species. 

03 S Nest success of Snowy Plovers in the Southern High Plains of Texas. Sarah T. Saalfeld and Warren C. 

Conway, Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture, Stephen F. Austin State Univ., Nacogdoches, TX 

75962, David A. Haukos, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Dept. Range, Wildlife, and Fisheries, Texas Tech 

Univ., Lubbock, TX 79409, and William P. Johnson, Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept., Canyon TX 79015 

Snowy Plovers (Charadrius alexandrinus) have experienced population declines throughout their range. Decreased 

nest success has been recognized as a primary cause for the decline of the Western Snowy Plover. Although 

populations west of the Rocky Mountains have been extensively studied, few studies have focused on interior 

populations. We estimated nest success of Western Snowy Plovers on 3 saline lakes on the Southern High Plains of 

Texas during 2008 and 2009 and determined causes of nest failures and factors influencing nest success. We 

monitored 215 nests and Mayfield estimates of nest success ranged from 7 – 32% (mean = 22%) with leading causes 

of failure being predation (40%) and weather (36%). Nest success was influenced by location, as well as negatively 

influenced by number of plants within 707cm2 of nest, percentage of dry substrate within lake, and time during 

nesting season. When compared to 10 years prior (i.e., 1998 – 1999), mean nest success within this region declined 

by 31%, with greater percentage of failures due to predation. Although nest success was variable from year to year, 

our results suggest that if nesting Snowy Plovers continue to experience increased predation rates, decreased 

hydrological integrity, and habitat alterations, populations may decline or continue to decline throughout this region. 

Because surface water availability is one of the key components for nesting and nest success, it remains important to 

conserve the entire complex of wetlands within the Southern High Plains of Texas including freshwater springs 

discharging into saline lakes, the Ogallala aquifer, and playa wetlands.


04 S Nesting density an important factor affecting chick growth and survival in the Herring Gull (Larus argentatus). 

Matthew S. Savoca, David N. Bonter, Benjamin Zuckerberg, and Janis L. Dickinson, Dept. Natural Resources, 

Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY 14853 and Julie C. Ellis, Dept. Environmental and Population Health, Tufts Cummings 

School of Veterinary Medicine, North Grafton, MA 01536 

The Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) is one of the largest, most common, and most conspicuous gulls in North 

America. They are facultative, colonial nesters on Appledore Island, home of the Shoals Marine Laboratory, with 

pairs nesting both in dense colonies and in more isolated situations. Colonial pairs breed in mixed-species colonies 

with Great Black-backed Gulls (L. marinus) whereas more isolated, solitary-nesting pairs are found around the 

buildings of the Shoals Marine Lab campus. As such, Appledore Island offers a unique opportunity to compare 

reproductive success between pairs nesting in both contexts on the same island. Chicks reared in dense colonies had 

a significantly higher growth rate than those reared in more isolated settings. A survival analysis in Program MARK 

determined that a chick’s expected survival is dependent on several factors: hatch weight, hatch date, hatch order, 

and nesting context (dense colony vs. isolated). Additionally, we found that C (third-hatched) chicks have a 

significantly higher chance of survival from hatching to fledging if they are born and reared in the dense colony, as 

opposed to the isolated nest context. We propose several possible explanations for these trends, including agonistic 

behavioral interactions and proximity to nesting Great Black-backed Gulls. 

05 Pennsylvania boreal conifer forests and their bird communities: past, present, and future potential. Douglas A. 

Gross, Pennsylvania Game Commission, Orangeville, PA 17859 

Pennsylvania spruce and hemlock-dominated forests, found primarily on glaciated parts of the Allegheny Plateau, 

are relicts of former conifer forest and boreal ecosystems. Most of these boreal conifer forests are forested wetlands 

/peatlands and at headwaters of high quality cold water streams. These forests are islands of habitat, isolated and 

fairly remote and part of larger blocks of forest. The timber era of the late 1800’s and early 1900’s (as late as 1942) 

destroyed most of this boreal conifer forest on a large scale, but there has been some recovery of vegetation and 

delayed recovery of the accompanying avian communities. These forests support the most southerly extent of the 

current breeding range of Yellow-bellied Flycatcher and Blackpoll Warbler. Yellow-bellied Flycatcher was 

documented nesting in the 1980’s after 50 years of being absent or overlooked, but has been persistent at several 

locations. Blackpoll Warblers had never been documented as a breeding species until 1993, but have been confirmed 

nesting most years since. These boreal forests also host numerous other species of more northerly distribution, 

sometimes in high densities. Historically, Olive-sided Flycatcher was widespread and locally common in the high 

elevations as late as the 1890’s, but has not been documented nesting since the 1930’s. Many of these species (e.g., 

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Red Crossbill) are not easily detected and need specialized surveys for adequate 

monitoring. Habitat and species structural diversity are important elements of locations that support the rarest and 

most diverse species assemblage. Some elements of this community are associated with old growth forest 

characteristics. Recent breeding bird atlas results provide more context for changes. Populations of some species 

seem to be increasing over time, but there are hints that issues on wintering grounds or migration stopover sites may 

be limiting some species as much as nesting habitat. Climate change and energy extraction are additional threats. 

The best boreal conifer sites are fairly well-protected but their isolation, additional threats, and general lack of 

appreciation and support for this ecosystem presents challenges for conservation. 

06 S Integrating species distribution models and genetic data to forecast the effects of climate change on genetic 

diversity in Boreal birds. Joel Ralston, Dept. Biological Sciences, Univ. Albany, Albany, NY 12222 and New York 

State Museum, Albany, NY 12230 

Many species of Boreal birds breed in disjunct, high-elevation populations south of their contiguous range. As 

species’ ranges shift in response to climate change, these peripheral populations will decrease in size or be 

extirpated. The level of genetic variation and number of private alleles held within these populations can be used to 

measure of the potential risk of climate change on intraspecific genetic diversity. Here, I use GIS-based models to 

project distributions of 16 Boreal bird species onto future conditions under two carbon emissions scenarios in order 

to predict how ranges will shift, and whether populations will become extirpated. I use mitochondrial sequences and 

microsatellite genotype data from one species (Dendroica striata), to determine whether populations predicted to go 

extinct hold high levels of genetic variation or unique alleles. All species are predicted to shift northward, and most 

will increase in area. However, disjunct mountain populations of all species are predicted to decrease or be 

extirpated. Despite high levels of regional gene flow in D.striata, private alleles and haplotypes exist in all mountain 

populations, and will potentially be lost to climate change by 2080.


07 S Development of a bird community integrity index to monitor salt marsh condition at National Wildlife Refuges. 

Whitney A. Wiest and W. Gregory Shriver, Dept. Entomology and Wildlife Ecology, Univ. Delaware, Newark, DE 

19716, and Hal Laskowski, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Milton, DE 19968 

Coastal refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System protect approximately 1,045,925 acres of salt marsh habitat 

in the lower 48 states. Appropriate assessment and monitoring tools are necessary to provide refuge managers with 

the ability to determine overall marsh condition in order to maintain or improve the integrity of refuge marshes. 

Birds are an appropriate study taxa because they are linked to the overall ecological integrity of their respective 

ecosystems and are relatively easy to monitor. During the summers of 2008 and 2009 call-broadcast surveys were 

performed at 184 points across nine National Wildlife Refuges and Refuge Complexes on the eastern seaboard. We 

tested a bird community integrity (BCI) index to evaluate the marsh bird community integrity at each survey point. 

The developed index was based on a previously published index (DeLuca et al. 2004). Species were assigned a 

species-specific integrity score based on a combination of species’ attributes (i.e., foraging habit, nesting habit, and 

conservation rank). The index evaluated the sum of the detected species’ scores and a component of relative 

abundance to calculate point integrity scores. BCI scores were used to compare management treatments of marsh 

units within refuges. Significant differences were found between tidally restricted areas and other management 

types. We also estimated the percent of habitat cover around each point to evaluate landscape effects on BCI. 

08 Winter association of birds with the invasive exotic Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius). Jerome A. 

Jackson, Dept. Marine and Ecological Sciences, Florida Gulf Coast Univ., Ft. Myers, FL 33965, and Bette J. S. 

Jackson, Dept. Biological Sciences, Florida Gulf Coast Univ., Ft. Myers, FL 33965 

Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius) was introduced to North America in the 1800s and has since become an 

abundant invasive exotic in south Florida, forming dense stands of shrubby trees to the exclusion of native 

vegetation. We studied bird associations with this plant in southwest Florida and found abundant use of it by 

wintering birds as shelter and a source of food. Brazilian pepper blooms through the winter, its tiny white flowers 

attracting small insects that pollinate it — and Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, White-eyed Vireos, and wintering wood 

warblers, which feed on the insects. During November through February Brazilian pepper produces clusters of red 

fruits, which are eaten by Gray Catbirds, Northern Mockingbirds, European Starlings, American Robins, and other 

species. Many bird species find shelter within and beneath this tree's dense foliage. Relationships between birds and 

Brazilian pepper range from commensal to mutualistic; several species spread the seeds of the plants. 

09 S Individuality and recognition in the Great Black-backed Gull, Larus marinus. Christina Masco and Thomas D. 

Seeley, Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY 14850 

The Great Black-backed Gull nests in large colonies, occupying territories throughout the breeding season. Territory 

boundaries are constantly in contention, and individuals employ specific calls and displays to enforce these 

boundaries. One such call is the 'yeow', an aggressive warning call directed at intruders. To test whether gulls are 

capable of recognizing each other's calls, I recorded the yeows of 22 individuals and used these recordings as stimuli 

in a series of playback experiments. Each playback trial consisted of three conditions in which I varied the source of 

the call: mate, neighbor, and stranger. The gulls did not differentiate between mate and neighbor (permutation test, P 

= 0.103 and P = 0.187 respectively), but maintained an alert posture in response to a stranger's call significantly 

longer than expected (permutation test, P = 0.008). To determine what features of the yeow allow for this 

discrimination, I analyzed variation in call structure using spectrographic cross-correlation and principle components 

analysis. Caller identity proved to be a strong predictor of variation along the first principle components axis, PCO1 

(ANOVA, F-value = 44.50, p < 0.0001). PCO1 showed a strong correlation with yeow duration (R-square = 0.83, p 

< 0.0001), suggesting that much of the individual variation among these gulls lies call duration, and this parameter 

may be the basis for recognition. Considering the prevalence of intraspecific predation in the Great Black-backed 

Gull colonies, the ability to detect unfamiliar calls is highly adaptive. 

10 S Influence of adult age on Rose-breasted Grosbeak nestling provisioning rates in stands harvested by single-tree 

selection. Sonya Richmond and J. Malcolm, Faculty of Forestry, Univ. Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3B3, E. Nol, 

Dept. Biology, Trent Univ., Peterborough, ON K9J 7B8, and D. Burke, Ministry of Natural Resources, London, ON 

N6E 1L3 

We conducted this study to test whether younger, less experienced Rose-breasted Grosbeaks were able to provide 

their nestlings with as much food as older, more experienced adults, both in stands harvested by single-tree selection 

and in uncut sites. We compared 1) nestling provisioning rates (#trips/nestling/hr), 2) prey load size, and 3) the 

proportion of nestling provisioning and nest attendance contributed by after-second-year (ASY) males and secondyear 

(SY) males in cut versus uncut sites. We monitored 87 nests in eight harvested and four unharvested hardwood 

stands in Algonquin Provincial Park during 2007 and 2008. Nestling provisioning rates, prey load sizes, and the 

proportion of nestling provisioning and nest attendance contributed by males did not significantly differ in harvested 

and unharvested stands, so nests were pooled for comparison of these parameters between nests with older versus


younger males. In 2008 nestling provisioning rates were significantly higher at nests with older males (F=9.03, 

P=0.005), but prey load sizes did not significantly differ between nests with older and younger males (χ 2 =7.31, 

P=0.29), suggesting that younger males could not compensate for lower provisioning rates by providing larger prey 

loads. Nestling weights were higher in nests with older males than younger ones, and older males contributed more 

to nestling provisioning and nest attendance than younger males. This study suggested that younger males may not 

provide as much food for their offspring as older males, especially during times of unfavorable weather conditions. 

Single-tree selection had minimal effects on feeding ecology in Rose-breasted Grosbeaks. 

11 S Survey of Lake Erie Island passerine nest predation. Lawrence C. Long and James Marshall, F.T. Stone 

Laboratory, Ohio State Univ., Gibraltar Island, Ohio 

Nest site selection minimizing nest predation may be one of the most important influences on the success of opencup 

nesting passerines (Lack 1954, Martin and Roper 1988). Habitats with rich nest predator communities, however, 

may present no consistent selection pressure on nest site selection (Filliater et al. 1994). We therefore predicted that 

nest failure would be independent of nest site selection in a predator-rich environment. We quantified the frequency 

of nest predation in both natural and experimental nests on three islands in the western Lake Erie sub-basin across 4 

weeks from June 20th to July 18th 2009. We examined both the nest predation and survival (daily survival 

probability) at natural nests. We calculated total nest days of observation for nests with real and artificial eggs, and 

used Mayfield estimates to determine if our experimental nests were a fitting substitute/replication of actual nest 

depredation. We found no difference in the success rate of nests with real or artificial eggs (Mayfield daily 

survivorship estimates: real nests = 0.938 (SE+-0.019), and experimental nests = 0.932 (SE+-0.019); p=0.8). The 

fates of actual and experimental nests are shown to be independent of one another, as illustrated by contingency 

table analysis (p>0.05). Such findings imply that open-cup nesters do not necessarily select nesting sites exclusively 

to avoid depredation but that other pressures may influence their choice of nest locale. 

12 S Patterns of Brown-headed Cowbird parasitism on Eastern Phoebes: a ten-year comparison. Gretchen F. 

Wagner and Mark E. Hauber, Dept. Psychology, Hunter College of City Univ. New York, New York, NY 10065 

Brood parasitic birds directly reduce the fitness of their hosts, and the evolutionary impacts of parasitism can be 

considered analogous to those of diseases and predation. In this life history framework, it is critical to understand the 

temporal and spatial patterns of avian brood parasitism to assess the effects on host fitness, the evolution of 

resistance by hosts, and the impacts on long-term host and parasite population dynamics. This study examines 

Brown-headed Cowbird’s (Molothrus ater) impacts on Eastern Phoebes (Sayornis phoebe) by comparing spatial 

patterns of parasitism in 2009 with those from 1999 through 2002 at the same nest sites. The results indicate that 

nests that were parasitized in 2009 had been parasitized more often during prior seasons relative to the nests that 

were not parasitized in 2009. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that cowbirds, even across 

generations, show a significant preference for particular phoebe nest sites over others, and indicate that site-specific 

physical differences between potential nests make a considerable contribution to the likelihood of avian brood 

parasitism. 

13 S Winter bird response to heterogeneity-based management in a tallgrass prairie. Adrian P. Monroe and Timothy 

J. O’Connell, Dept. Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Oklahoma State Univ., Stillwater, Oklahoma 

74078-6028 

The reduction in grassland heterogeneity due to traditional management practices, with large-scale annual burns and 

uniform grazing, has been shown to reduce breeding bird diversity. It remains to be determined how structural 

homogeneity affects wintering bird communities, including species of conservation concern such as Smith's 

Longspur (Calcarius pictus) and Le Conte's Sparrow (Ammodramus leconteii). These and other species may benefit 

from “heterogeneity-based” patch-burn management. During the winters of 2009 and 2010, we examined the 

influence of structural heterogeneity on wintering birds wintering in traditional and patch-burn managed fields at 

The Nature Conservancy’s Tallgrass Prairie Preserve in Osage County, OK. Species richness in 2010 was lower, 

likely due to a record snowstorm in December. Model selection for 2009 suggests that vertical vegetation structure 

plays an important role in habitat selection for certain species, with Smith’s Longspurs selecting low, heavily-grazed 

patches burned in the previous year, while Le Conte’s Sparrows and Sedge Wrens (Cistothorus platensis) occurred 

in taller, lightly-grazed vegetation. This may offer further support for the importance of heterogeneity in managing 

grasslands for winter avifauna. 

14 S The effects of rotational grazing on relative abundance of grassland songbirds. Katie Clower, Conservation 

Biology Program, Univ. Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, 55108 

Populations of grassland birds in North America are declining more precipitously than those of any other habitat 

guild, most likely due to the intensification of agricultural practices over the last century. However, numerous 

studies have demonstrated that certain agricultural environments such as pastures and haylands may provide


important habitat for grassland birds. This study explored the effects of rotational grazing (RG) and other habitat 

variables on relative abundance of grassland birds on small dairy farms in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and New York. 

Grassland birds were more likely to occur on grazing farms than confinement farms, and Bobolinks (Dolichonyx 

oryzivorus) showed significantly higher abundances on RG farms. Grassland bird abundance was positively 

associated with grassland area at multiple scales. Preliminary analysis suggests that grassland bird abundance is 

influenced by interacting factors including land cover, patch area, and landscape fragmentation. Results from this 

analysis will help determine best practices for conserving grassland birds on dairy farms. 

15 Fifteen years of research on grassland birds in New York State: habitat relations and management implications. 

Christopher Norment, Dept. Environmental Science and Biology, College at Brockport, State Univ. New York, 

Brockport, NY 14420 

Grassland birds are declining throughout North America due to the loss and deterioration of grassland habitat. In the 

Northeast, culturally altered landscapes, such as agricultural grasslands, receive the periodic disturbance needed to 

maintain habitat for obligate grassland breeding birds. A large body of data from fifteen years of research in western 

and northern New York demonstrates that large anthropogenic grasslands dominated by cool season, primarily 

nonnative, grasses support high numbers of obligate grassland breeding birds, particularly when the vegetation is 

relatively short and less dense. In addition, grassland bird breeding bird productivity in nonnative cool season 

grasslands at several non-fragmented study sites in the region is higher than in many parts of the Midwest. In 

contrast, many anthropogenic warm season grasslands in the region support few obligate grassland breeding birds, 

and may have relatively low productivity. These patterns, along with work by other researchers, suggest that the 

large expanses of anthropogenic grasslands in New York State are an important regional and continental resource 

for grassland bird conservation, and that management efforts should incorporate privately owned lands in 

agricultural landscapes, maintain large areas of grassland habitat, and promote the use of low-stature cool season 

grasses. 

16 S The effects of exurbanization on the food and habitat of Pileated Woodpeckers (Dryocopus pileatus). Marie E. 

Wilson, Jordan M. Casey, and David G. Haskell, Dept. Biology, Univ. of the South, Sewanee, TN 37383, and 

Nicholas Hollingshead, Landscape Analysis Lab, Univ. of the South, Sewanee, TN 37383 

Pileated Woodpeckers (Dryocopus pileatus) require large and/or dead trees for nesting, roosting, and feeding. In 

exurban areas, or places of low-density rural development, the status of such a mature forest habitat is poorly 

known. Using proportion impervious cover as a proxy for exurbanization, we hypothesized that as exurbanization 

increased, average tree diameter and number of large trees, volume and rot class of standing/fallen dead trees, ant 

and grub abundance in the soil and leaf litter, and Pileated Woodpecker presence would decrease. Volume and rot 

class of dead wood, ant and grub abundance, and presence of Pileated Woodpeckers did not change as 

exurbanization increased. Average tree diameter (P < 0.001) and number of trees above 60 cm in diameter (P = 

0.015) however, increased with increasing exurbanization. Number of trees in general did decrease with increasing 

exurbanization (P < 0.001) but Pileated Woodpecker presence showed no relation to number of trees and did show a 

relation to tree diameter as points with Pileated Woodpeckers had larger average tree size than points without (P = 

0.014). Due to such a lack of difference in select habitat characteristics between exurban and forested areas and a 

difference in favor of exurban areas in regards to larger trees, our data suggests that some exurban areas may 

provide suitable habitat for Pileated Woodpeckers. In addition, forest assessments have commonly noted any 

forested areas with residential uses as non-forest, but our data suggests that some exurban areas show structural 

similarities to forests and should thus be a sub-group of forested areas. 

17 S Ovenbird spatial behavior at an urban stopover site: Movement patterns, stopover durations, and the influence of 

arrival condition. Chad L. Seewagen, Dept. Biology, Univ. Western Ontario, London, ON N6G 5B2 and Dept. 

Ornithology, Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, NY 10460, and Christopher G. Guglielmo, Dept. Biology, 

Univ. Western Ontario, London, ON N6G 5B2 

Migration routes of many Nearctic-Neotropical landbirds pass through the most urbanized regions of North 

America. Migrants are known to use urban habitats as stopover sites and often occur in cities at exceptional density; 

yet knowledge of migrant behavior and ecology in such places is surprisingly limited. We radio-tracked ovenbirds 

(Seiurus aurocapillus) during stopovers in a New York City park to obtain some of the first detailed information on 

how landbird migrants utilize an urban habitat as a stopover site. We examined fine-scale movement patterns, home 

range sizes, stopover durations, and how arrival condition affected each of these metrics. During both seasons, most 

birds moved widely throughout the site upon presumed arrival and then either continued migration that night or 

settled into a more defined area on subsequent days. Area usage varied markedly between individuals during both 

seasons, ranging 1-16 ha. Stopover durations averaged 3.0 days (range= 1-10 days) during spring and 2.9 days 

(range= 1-14 days) during autumn. Spatial behaviors and stopover durations were not influenced by arrival 

condition during spring, and during autumn, only movement rates and displacement distances were significantly


(negatively) condition-related. Our findings do not support assumptions that urban stopover habitats are only used 

by migrants briefly in times of urgency when alternatives are unavailable. At least half of the birds we studied 

stopped over for multiple days during both seasons, and bird movements were indicative of an ability to search for, 

locate, and occupy suitable micro-sites. Ovenbird behavior in our study site was in many ways similar to what has 

been observed in recent telemetry studies of ovenbirds and other passerine migrants at various non-urban stopover 

sites. 

18 S Large-scale movement and migration of Northern Saw-whet Owls. Sean R. Beckett , Glenn A. Proudfoot, and 

Mary Ann Cunningham, Dept. Biology, Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY 12604 

In this study, we use information compiled by the USGS Bird Banding Laboratory and geographic information 

systems analysis to identify trends in annual movement of Northern Saw-whet Owls (Aegolius acadicus) across 

eastern North America. We examine timing, directionality, and speed of fall migration, as well as age- and sexdifferentiated 

migration patterns. We use DNA analysis to evaluate the sex of 352 saw-whet owls caught in Ulster 

County, New York, and use this information to assess the accuracy of the morphometric methods currently used to 

assign sex to saw-whet owls. Analysis reveals a clear north-to-south annual fall migration with peaks in migration 

activity occurring progressively later in the season as latitude decreases, confirming what earlier studies have 

observed at smaller scales. Males were encountered disproportionately farther north than females, and juveniles 

were encountered farther south than adults, showing that age- and sex-differentiated migration patterns may exist in 

this species. Results suggest that individual saw-whet owls may maintain a high level of migration route fidelity 

between years. Finally, we find that the current sexing protocol may disproportionately misassign males, limiting the 

ability of researchers to identify sex-differentiated patterns using morphometrics alone. These findings illustrate the 

versatility of collective datasets as a tool for answering large-scale questions regarding migration ecology and life 

history. 

19 Sunrise and sunset polarized light cues calibrate the magnetic compass in migratory songbirds. Rachel Muheim, 

Dept. Animal Ecology, Lund Univ., Ecology Building, SE-22362 Lund, Sweden, John B. Phillips, Dept. Biological 

Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State Univ., Derring Hall, Blacksburg, VA 24061, and Mark E. 

Deutschlander, Dept. Biology, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY 14456 

Migratory songbirds determine their migratory direction with the help of directional cues from the sun, stars, and the 

magnetic field. Birds need to calibrate the different compass systems on a regular basis with respect to a common 

reference to prevent navigational errors, because of the changing relationship between magnetic and geographic 

North during migration. We previously showed that birds recalibrate their magnetic compass by polarized light cues 

at sunrise and sunset that provide them with a seasonally and latitudinally independent calibration reference. In cue 

calibration experiments with white-throated sparrows, Zonotrichia albicollis, on the south shore of Lake Ontario 

during spring and autumn migration, we tested whether such recalibrations are limited to the beginning of migration, 

or whether they also take place at later stages and towards the end of migration. Our experiments show that the 

sparrows recalibrated their magnetic compass both in the beginning, when starting migration in the autumn, and at 

the end, when approaching the breeding sites during spring. These recalibrations of the magnetic compass by 

polarized light thus take place during all stages of migration, most likely during every stopover. 

20 S Effects of cold front passage on migrant raptors at Shirakaba pass, Nagano prefecture, Japan, autumn 2000– 

2009. Marla L. Steele, and Timothy J. O’Connell, Dept. Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Oklahoma 

State Univ., Stillwater, OK 74074 

Japan has a high rate of cold front passage from the Pacific Polar Frontal Zone. The passage of a cold front could 

provide beneficial conditions for fall migration in the East Asia Oceanic Flyway with the occurrence of northnorthwest 

tail winds. Furthermore, deflective updrafts form when northwest winds strike mountain ridges. Previous 

studies show a positive correlation with peak migration days and cold front passage along the Transamerican 

Flyway Eastern Corridor. We hypothesized that a similar phenomenon occurs within the East Asia Oceanic Flyway 

along the Hida Mountains in central Japan. This study utilized hawk watch records from Shirakaba Pass, Nagano 

Prefecture, Japan and historical weather data from Matsumoto Airport during the autumn of 2000-2009. The passage 

of a cold front was defined by dramatic changes in temperature (≥5°F average temperature), as well as a rise in 

average sea pressure. The number of Grey-faced Buzzard (Butastur indicus), Eastern Honey Buzzard (Pernis 

ptilorhyncus), Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo), and Japanese Sparrowhawk (Accipiter gularis) migrants per day 

during the frontal passage and three days after were recorded according to species as a gauge for effects of frontal 

passage. Data were analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis test. Test results demonstrated no difference during days with 

frontal passage compared to days without in 2000-2009. Therefore, no significant relationship between cold front 

passage and autumn migration is apparent. Other factors, such as wind speed, may partially determine migration 

bursts due to species-specific flight strategies.


21 Nest predation reduces benefits to early clutch initiation in an urbanizing landscape. Daniel P. Shustack, 

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, Biology Dept., North Adams, MA 01247, and Amanda D. Rodewald, School 

of Environment and Natural Resources, Ohio State Univ., Columbus, OH 43210 

Life history theory and empirical studies suggest that early breeding confers higher reproductive success, but the 

extent to which this advantage can be generalized to human-dominated systems is poorly understood. For example, 

although advanced reproductive phenology is well documented for birds breeding in urban systems, the fitness 

benefits (e.g., increased nest survival, greater number of fledglings) of early breeding remain largely unexplored. 

We studied the fitness consequences of reproductive timing for female Northern Cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis) in 

forests within urbanizing landscapes of Ohio, USA between 2004-2007. In this heavily human-altered system, birds 

that bred early did not produce significantly more fledglings over the season compared to later-initiating individuals, 

although earlier breeders made significantly more nesting attempts and tended to produce more fledglings. The 

expected number of fledglings produced per successful nest remained constant over the course of the season at ~1.7 

fledglings per successful nest. However, nest survival rates improved dramatically as the season progressed. 

Because the probability of resighting breeding individuals in subsequent years was unrelated to clutch initiation 

date, we have no evidence that reproductive timing and effort affected survival. The absence of a clear benefit to 

early breeding appears to be a consequence of very high rates of nest predation earliest in the breeding season. 

22 Does habitat choice in the post-breeding season affect physiological condition of forest-interior songbirds Scott 

H. Stoleson U.S.F.S. Northern Research Station, Irvine, PA 16329 

Concern about declining populations of many songbirds of mature forest interiors has fueled opposition to evenaged 

management on public lands. However, recent work has shown that forest-interior species can be common in 

regenerating clearcuts during the post-breeding period, a critical time in avian life cycles. Whether such habitat 

shifts are commonplace, and whether birds’ habitat choices carry detectable consequences for physiological 

condition, remains unclear. I used constant-effort mist-netting in mature and young regenerating forests in 

northwestern Pennsylvania from July to September of 2005 to 2008 to test (1) whether forest-interior birds used 

early successional habitats disproportionally in the post-breeding season, and (2) whether such use affected 

physiological condition. Capture rates for forest interior species were significantly higher in early successional (12.4 

captures/100 net-hrs) than forest interior (5.3 captures/100net-hrs) habitats, although ratios differed among species. 

Further, birds captured in early successional habitats were more likely to have fat deposits (P = 0.05) and less likely 

to have ectoparasites (P


forest songbird demographics. Birds were related to soil conditions in three main ways: (1) Bird species, like the 

Black-throated Blue Warbler, were most abundant in areas with very acidic soils. Abundances of these birds were 

often positively related to acid-tolerant plants, like mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia), and were negatively related to 

snail abundance. Habitat for these birds may be increasing in PA, but we suspect they may be calcium-limited in 

their preferred habitat because many responded positively to liming. (2) Bird species, like the Wood Thrush, were 

most abundant in areas with less acidic soils, with more small and sapling trees and higher snail abundances. We 

believe these bird populations are at greatest risk from soil acidification. (3) Bird species, like the Ovenbird, were 

abundant in most forests, regardless of soil conditions. However, we believe the Ovenbird is calcium-limited in 

forests with acidified soils because reproduction and territory size were related to soil calcium, and responded 

positively to liming. These complex relationships between birds and soils will likely result in different responses to 

further soil acidification, and will need to be considered in future conservation and management activities. 

25 S Seasonal energetic differences between migratory, non-migratory, and irruptive songbirds. Christine Eldredge, 

Brian Monaco, and Mark E. Deutschlander, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY 14456 

The spring fatter hypothesis suggests that migratory birds should be in better energetic condition upon spring arrival, 

for energetically demanding tasks such as breeding and thermoregulation, than they are before autumn departure. 

We investigated the seasonal changes, between fall and spring, in energetics among migratory, non-migratory, and 

irruptive songbirds at Braddock Bay Bird Observatory along the south shore of Lake Ontario in New York State. 

Two temperate migratory species, the Lincoln’s Sparrow (Melospiza lincolnii) and Eastern White-crowned Sparrow 

(Zonotrichia leucophrys), one non-migrant species, the Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis), and one irruptive 

species, the Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) were compared by analyzing differences in mass, 

energetic condition, and fat score. As predicted by the spring-fatter hypothesis for migratory birds, the two 

migratory species were significantly heavier, had a higher energetic condition, and higher fat scores in the spring 

than in the fall. The non-migratory Northern Cardinal showed the opposite trends; they were heavier, had a higher 

energetic condition, and higher fat scores in the fall rather than in the spring. The Black-capped Chickadee followed 

the same fat, mass, and energetic condition trends during irruptive years as the two migratory sparrow species and 

the same fat, mass, and energetic condition trends during the non-irruptive years as the non-migratory Northern 

Cardinal. These results indicate that Black-capped Chickadees undergo major physiological changes during irruptive 

years that are similar to the physiological changes migratory species undergo. 

26 Patterns in migratory songbird capture between 1966-1980 and 1995-2009 at an autumn banding station in the 

High Plains. Greg H. Farley, Andrée Brisson, Alex Galt and Stephanie Kane, Dept. Biological Sciences, Fort Hays 

State Univ., Hays, KS 67601 

Timing, trends, and changes in population size of long-distance migratory songbirds continue to be areas of active 

research in ornithology. However, few long-term data sets are available, resulting in a limited ability to address 

hypotheses concerning recent population declines in these species. This is especially true in the High Plains region 

where a paucity of data from Nearctic-Neotropical migrants exists. A group of trained volunteers and students 

annually sample fall migrants at a single location in western Kansas following a protocol established by Professor C. 

Ely in 1966. Analyses of these data indicate significant year-to-year variation in the number of individuals and 

species captured, independent of sampling effort. A variety of factors, e.g., weather and habitat structure, appear to 

interact on both local and landscape scales to produce unpredictable numbers of migrants captured on the study site. 

Population estimates, although inexact, suggest no overall decline in these species over the last several decades 

using this sampling regime. 

27 Tracking birds migrating at night through an urban-rural corridor and quantifying the effects of light and noise 

pollution. J. Alan Clark, Dept. Biological Sciences, Fordham Univ., Bronx, NY 10458 

Many migratory bird species are in serious decline. Understanding how birds assess and use increasingly large, 

brightly lit, and noisy cities as they travel through urban landscapes and encounter tall buildings, towers, and aircraft 

is essential to their conservation. However, little is known about how birds evaluate the obstacles presented by cities 

during migration, which generally occurs at night and is confounded by ubiquitous, yet highly variable, light and 

noise pollution. We test a novel approach to tracking birds migrating through an urban-rural corridor and 

quantifying the effects of light and noise pollution on such migration. We recorded nocturnal flight calls at multiple 

sites along an urban-rural corridor from New York City north and simultaneously collected data on measures of light 

and noise. Some studies suggest that birds are drawn to brightly lit areas and that bird density is artificially increased 

in cities. Consistent with these studies, we documented more nocturnal flight calls in brighter, noisier locations than 

in nearby quieter, darker green spaces. These higher calling rates may reflect increased confusion of birds in noisy 

urban environments. 

28 S The relationship of migrant avian frugivory and honeysuckle (Lonicera) management in the fall. Jessie Hogue- 

Morgenstern and James Marshall, Dept. Biology, Denison Univ., Granville, OH 43023


Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) is an invasive plant found throughout the United States that bears fruits 

that are present during periods of avian migration. The fruits provide a source of protein and nutrients for 

frugivorous birds, especially migrant birds that switch to frugivory during migratory period. This implies that birds 

that consume the fruits ultimately disperse the seeds of the fruits, contributing to the dispersal of the invasive plant. 

A study of the relationship between the seed-dispersing birds and the honeysuckle can have important implications 

when considering the management of this invasive plant; more specifically, identifying dispersers as migrant or 

resident birds could provide a timeline for more effective management and control of the honeysuckle plant. This 

study compared honeysuckle consumption of resident birds against migrant birds in Granville, Ohio during mid- 

September to late October 2009 to provide insight into management options. Migrant birds of the area showed a 

higher amount of honeysuckle consumption, implying a larger role in dispersal of seeds over resident birds. 

Additionally, the honeysuckle was consumed by seven species previously identified as frugivores by other studies 

and the majority of consumption occurred within a specific two-week period during the course of the study, 

indicating a window of time in which honeysuckle could effectively be managed. The fall migratory patterns of 

these species within the study site can be monitored to, in combination with cutting the plant in a timely manner, 

effectively decrease the dispersal of the invasive plant. 

29 S Quantifying incubation behavior of Common Eiders nesting on Jordan’s Delight Island, Maine. Monika 

Parsons and Frederick A. Servello, Dept. Wildlife Ecology, Univ. Maine, Orono, ME 04469, and Cynthia S. Loftin, 

US Geological Survey Maine Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit 

Eiders rely on both concealment and high incubation constancy to prevent egg loss to predation. Female eiders will 

break from incubation to drink from the nearest water source, but the timing, frequency and duration of incubation 

recesses vary considerably across the eider breeding range. Studies of causes of variation have been limited, and the 

importance of weather and predator activity has not been addressed directly. Our objectives were to quantify the 

characteristics of incubation recesses on a breeding site in Maine and to determine the influence of environmental 

factors and disturbance on recesses. We conducted our study on Jordan’s Delight Island, Washington County, 

Maine, in summer 2008-2009. We deployed Hobo temperature loggers with external probes (n =110) to remotely 

monitor nest temperature and infer incubation activity. Nests were visited initially to deploy loggers, and loggers 

retrieved at the conclusion of the nesting period to limit investigator disturbance. We instrumented 47 nests in 2008 

and 63 nests in 2009. We reliably detected 76 recesses exceeding 15 minutes in 2008 and 277 recesses > 15 minutes 

in 2009. The mean (± SE) length of incubation recesses in 2008 was 67.1 ± 5.0 min and 35.5 ± 1.1 min in 2009. 

Most birds on Jordan’s Delight recessed during daylight hours ( 2=19.57, p


during 2005 and 2006. We digitized the analog recordings and measured 15 acoustical parameters of each "klee" 

note, including duration of note, interval between notes, number of distinct harmonic overtones, the harmonic 

frequency of greatest amplitude, and 11 other measures of audio frequency. Female nestlings produced notes with 

significantly more harmonics than those of male nestlings. Principal Components Analysis of the 14 other vocal 

parameters revealed no significant differences between male and female nestling vocalizations. Analysis of variance 

revealed that inter-brood variability was significantly greater than intra-brood variability for all but 3 of the 15 

variables (interval between notes, number of harmonics, and frequency below which 75 percent of the acoustical 

energy is present), indicating that broodmates do sound more similar to each other than to unrelated chicks. 

32 Gaps in nocturnal incubation in House Wrens (Troglodytes aedon). Douglas White and E. Dale Kennedy, Dept. 

Biology, Albion College, Albion, MI 49224 

Using iButton temperature loggers to study incubating House Wrens (Troglodytes aedon) in boxes in Michigan, we 

found one or more prolonged gaps in nocturnal incubation in 73 of 234 (31%) nesting attempts monitored in 2007- 

2009. In our sample of 101 nocturnal gaps, starting times were spread evenly across the night. In two thirds of cases, 

incubation did not resume until daylight yielding gaps of 42±23% of the expected interval from last evening arrival 

to first normal morning arrival. Daylight incubation cycles resumed abnormally early after gaps (22 min before 

sunrise versus 14 min after sunrise in adjacent mornings). Gaps where incubation resumed at night were shorter, 

lasting just 15±9% of the night. Females were significantly more likely to resume incubation at night than at dawn 

on nights when the moon was up and more than half full. Based on temperature logs and coincident events on our 

box trail, we propose that females flee boxes investigated by nocturnal predators, and, after an interval of recovery, 

return to incubation as soon as light levels permit. 

33 S Tolmie’s MacGillivray’s Warbler: the story of a name. Harold Eyster, Chelsea, MI 48118 

The history of the naming of MacGillivray’s Warbler reveals a battle between two leading nineteenth century 

ornithologists, each intent on honoring a friend. John Kirk Townsend had traveled across the Rocky Mountains to 

the Columbia River, discovering 24 species of birds new to science, one of which, he named after William Fraser 

Tolmie, a Scottish doctor of Fort Vancouver. Townsend sold many of the specimens to Audubon, including the 

“Tolmie’s Warbler” labeled as such. In the 5th volume of Audubon’s ‘Ornithological Biographies’, instead of 

naming it Tolmie’s Warbler Sylvia tolmiei, as Townsend had noted on the specimen, he named it MacGillivray’s 

Warbler Sylvia macgillivrayi in honor of his friend William MacGillivray, a Scottish ornithologist who wrote most 

of Audubon’s Ornithological Biographies. While Audubon’s 5th vol. of his ‘Ornithological Biographies’ was 

published in June of 1839, Townsend’s Journal was received at the Philadelphia Academy of Natural History on 

April 2nd 1839, giving Townsend’s choice of name clear priority. However, because of Audubon’s fame and the 

wide distribution of work, the American Ornithologists’ Union called it MacGillivray’s Warbler with the species 

name macgillivrayi. Finally realizing its error, the AOU at least changed the species name to tolmiei. This story 

exposes Audubon’s lack of integrity, while also his desire to credit a remarkable colleague, who might otherwise be 

forgotten. 

34 Blood parasites in overwintering Rusty Blackbirds. William H. Barnard, Biology Dept., Norwich Univ., 

Northfield, VT 05663 

The Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus) has declined precipitously over the past decades and stressors on both 

breeding and wintering populations are suspected causes. Blood samples were collected over a three-year period 

from wintering birds in Mississippi, Arkansas, South Carolina, and Kentucky to determine prevalence of blood 

parasite infections. Prevalence of hematozoa in wintering birds was 49% in Mississippi and Arkansas and 50% in 

South Carolina. The Kentucky blood smears have not yet been read. Leucocytozoan was the most common parasite 

during the winter. The prevalence of hematozoa among wintering birds was much higher than expected because 

winter is generally a time when few transmissions occur and blood parasites are absent from the peripheral 

circulation in most birds. This suggests a non-seasonal relapse of hematozoan infections among wintering birds; 

possibly due to high levels of stress which are known to lower the immune response and trigger non-seasonal 

relapses. 

35 Guidelines to the Use of Wild Birds in Research. Jeanne M. Fair, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, 

NM 87506, and Ellen Paul, The Ornithological Council, Chevy Chase, MD 20815 

The Ornithological Council has completed a major revision of Guidelines to the Use of Wild Birds in Research. This 

new edition is far more comprehensive as to the methods covered, the discussion of each topic, and the number of 

references. Along with a discussion of permitting, sections include: investigator presence, capture and marking, 

transport, captive management, minor and major manipulative procedures, and scientific collecting. Protocols for 

studies involving live vertebrates must be approved by an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) to 

insure that those protocols use humane methods and minimize impacts. Having the most thorough and current


information in one place for use by investigators and IACUCs will ensure that research protocols foster the humane 

handling of wild birds in research, while keeping research moving forward without hindrances that are not 

biologically warranted. 

36 The elements of science-based, adaptive bird conservation and the public trust doctrine. Charles R. Smith, Dept. 

Natural Resources, Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY 14853-3001. 

As we approach the centennial of the Migratory Bird Treat Act (1918), it seems timely to consider modern, 

American bird conservation efforts in the contexts of science-based conservation, adaptive resource management, 

and the Public Trust Doctrine. In 1993, the U.S. Supreme Court established the Daubert Standard for assessing 

"good science." In 2008 the U.S. Dept. the Interior formally adopted adaptive resource management to guide its 

activities. Peer review is a key element of the Daubert Standard and adaptive resource management identifies a 

mechanism for accountability based upon progress toward measurable goals and objectives. The Public Trust 

Doctrine asserts that wildlife resources are held in trust for the Public by state and federal conservation agencies. 

Modern, populist bird conservation efforts and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), however, have been slow to 

embrace the Daubert Standard and adaptive approaches to conservation. In particular, the popular mantra, "Birds are 

a lot like ducks," (a vague reference to the North American Waterfowl Management Plan by Partners in Flight) is 

misguided and uninformed. In addition, NGOs that accept money for memberships, asserting through advertising 

that they are achieving bird conservation, without showing progress toward measurable conservation goals and 

objectives (faith-based conservation), may be committing fraud. I contend that modern bird conservation would 

benefit from greater attention being given to conservation-by-demonstration (adaptive, science-based conservation) 

by both NGOs and state agencies. For state agencies, in particular, a failure to do so could be construed to be a 

violation of the Public Trust Doctrine. 

37 Variation in chickadee morphology through time in a moving hybrid zone. Robert L. Curry, Dept. Biology, 

Villanova Univ., Villanova, PA 19085 

Geographically shifting hybrid zones, while rarely detected and investigated, provide excellent opportunities to 

investigate the dynamics of interbreeding. I used data spanning 11 years from four southeastern Pennsylvania sites 

to examine the degree to which morphology has shifted in concert with genetic changes among hybridizing Carolina 

Chickadees (Poecile carolinensis) and Black-capped Chickadees (P. atricapillus). Field study and genetic analyses 

have shown that to date Carolina and Black-capped chickadees occur exclusively at Great Marsh and Tuscarora 

State Park respectively (80 km apart). Breeders in the geographically interjacent Nolde Forest population—which 

comprises predominantly hybrids—exhibit intermediate, but variable, size and shape measurements, with annual 

averages that have become indistinguishable from those of Carolina Chickadees at Great Marsh. Morphology of 

resident chickadees at Hawk Mountain overlaps with that of Black-capped Chickadees at Tuscarora, but shifts in 

measurements at Hawk Mountain toward Carolina values are evident, coincident with increases in the percentage of 

hybrids in that population; large variation among annual averages at Hawk Mountain, however, has complicated the 

pattern over time. Causes of the northward shift of this hybrid zone remain undetermined and genetic structure is 

complex, but morphological evidence in general supports rapid movement of the zone. 

38 Analysis of nest sites of the Resplendent Quetzal (Paromachrus mocinno): a relationship between nest and snag 

heights. Dennis G. Siegfried, Daniel S. Linville, and David Hille, Dept. Biology, Southern Nazarene Univ., 

Bethany, OK 73008 

Secondary cavity nesters face many challenges in finding suitable nesting sites. One such species in the tropics, the 

Resplendent Quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno), is of particular conservation concern because of its iconic status in 

Central American culture. As secondary cavity nesters, the Resplendent Quetzal modifies abandoned woodpecker 

nest sites located in dead tree trunks (i.e. snags). We used 11 historical nest sites, reported in 1969, from Atitlan, 

Guatemala and 10 recent nest sites from San Gerardo de Dota, Costa Rica to determine if any relationship exists 

between nest and snag height. We found that there were significant differences between Costa Rica and Guatemala 

in both nest height (6.3 m and 10 m respectively; t14 = -2.49, P = 0.042) and snag height (8.1 m and 14.0 m 

respectively; t13 = -2.39, P = 0.033). We found no difference in nest heights relative to snag heights for Costa Rica 

(0.76) and Guatemala (0.77; t17 = -0.20, P = 0.84). One aspect of conservation efforts for this species has been the 

placement of nest boxes to provide nesting sites for additional pairs. Based on our results, we now have a better 

understanding of the necessary placement requirements of these boxes to ensure use regardless of where within the 

species range they are used. 

39 Influences of mate quality and population growth on House Wren clutch size. Lindsey A. Walters, Dept. 

Biology, Canisius College, Buffalo, NY 14208, Natalie Dubois and Thomas Getty, Dept. Zoology and Kellogg 

Biological Station, Michigan State Univ., Hickory Corners, MI 49060


Differential allocation theory suggests that organisms should reduce their reproductive investment when they have a 

below average breeding opportunity. However, studies testing for differential allocation in wild populations have 

yielded variable and conflicting results. In many cases, variation in population demographics could help to explain 

these inconsistencies. We illustrate this idea with data from a long-term field study of House Wrens (Troglodytes 

aedon) where we monitored female investment while experimentally manipulating female perception of male 

quality by manipulating male territories. During the first several years of the study, females mated to a male 

randomly assigned one nest box in his territory laid significantly smaller clutches than females mated to a male 

randomly assigned three nest boxes, consistent with the differential allocation hypothesis. However, this difference 

in clutch size between the two treatments declined over time, as the mean clutch size of one-box females increased 

systematically to equal that of three-box females. We focus on one possible explanation with broad, general 

implications: Differential allocation should be sensitive to demographics because the value of future offspring is 

discounted by population growth. Simple demographic models show that the optimal clutch size should be less 

sensitive to variation in mate quality in increasing populations, reducing selection for differential allocation. 

Consistent with these models, differential allocation in response to our manipulations was high in years when House 

Wren regional populations were declining but decreased as populations began to increase. 

40 Lifetime survival and reproductive success of extra-pair and within-pair Western Bluebirds (Sialia mexicana). 

Elise Ferree and Janis Dickinson, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY 14850 

Why females of socially monogamous species engage in extra-pair mating has been a highly debated question in the 

field of evolutionary biology. One of the leading hypotheses is that females gain genetic benefits, such as good or 

compatible genes, from extra-pair sires. To date, no study in birds has tested the genetic benefits hypothesis by 

comparing the long-term survival and net reproductive success of individuals sired via extra-pair versus within-pair 

fertilizations. Recent studies have also highlighted the fact that paternity can be correlated with hatching order, 

which impacts nestling growth and potentially long-term survival. In western bluebirds (Sialia mexicana) we asked 

whether paternity or hatching order influenced lifetime fitness, as measured by fledging success, survival and 

reproductive success, of male offspring from mixed paternity broods. We found no effect of hatching order or 

paternity on fledging success. In terms of survival, fledglings that hatched last in broods were less likely to be resighted 

their first year than those hatching earlier, but paternity had no effect on first-year survival. After their first 

year, survival did not differ for early or late hatching young, nor was survival influenced by paternity. Finally, the 

number of fledglings produced, taking into account offspring sired with the social mate and via extra-pair mating, 

did not differ based on a male’s initial paternity status. Overall, we failed to find paternity-related differences in 

survival and net reproductive success of male recruits. Additional long-term studies are needed to allow for similar 

tests of the genetic benefits of extra-pair mating. 

41 Seasonal and geographic variation in nestling sex ratio in the Northern Mockingbird. George L. Farnsworth, 

Dorothy B. Engle, Brett E. Schrand, and Christopher C. Stobart, Dept. Biology, Xavier Univ., Cincinnati, OH 

45207, and Rebecca B. Desjardins, North Carolina State Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh NC 27601 

A variety of species of birds have been found to produce unequal sex ratios of nestlings. This may be adaptive when 

the reproductive value differs for the two sexes. We examined the population-level sex ratio of nestling Northern 

Mockingbirds in Cincinnati, OH and Raleigh, NC. We used DNA amplified from feathers collected from nestlings 

between 2005 and 2008 to determine the sex of 153 nestlings. We also recorded the mass of nestlings at the time of 

feather removal (~10 days post-hatch). There was an unequal sex ratio in the Cincinnati population with more male 

nestlings than expected (P


density were similar between nest sites and random sites. These habitat characteristics are typical at sites where 

forest thinning and prescribed fire are used to manage Red-cockaded Woodpecker habitat. We recorded 371 prey 

deliveries (males = 195, females = 176) to nest sites by breeding pairs. Most vertebrate prey was delivered by males 

(86%), with green anoles (Anolis carolinensis) being the most common prey item (n = 104). Females delivered 

mostly invertebrates (88%), and grasshoppers were the most common prey item (n = 54). 

43 Influence of seeded, exotic grasslands on wintering birds in mixed-grass prairie. Timothy J. O’Connell and 

Andrew D. George, Dept. Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Oklahoma State Univ., Stillwater, OK, 

74078. 

Millions of hectares of U. S. cropland have been converted to seeded grasslands through enrollment in the 

Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) since the 1980s. The majority of those lands have been seeded with exotic, 

invasive Old World bluestems (OWB) that are now abundant CRP fields and in managed hayfields. In the U.S. 

Southern Plains, several species of conservation priority winter in grasslands; the use of OWB by these species has 

not been investigated. We surveyed 6 fields of native grasses and 6 fields of OWB monoculture during two winters 

(2008–2009) in Oklahoma to test the hypothesis that richness, abundance of target species, and avian conservation 

value was similar between the two types of grass cover. Transect surveys revealed 31 species in the fields over the 

two seasons, of which 16 occurred exclusively in native grass fields and 4 occurred exclusively in OWB fields. 

Despite these differences, neither mean richness nor diversity differed between the two types of fields. Conservation 

value, when weighted by abundance, was significantly different, and higher, in CRP fields. Smith’s Longspur, 

Savannah Sparrow, Northern Harrier, and Short-eared Owl were more abundant in OWB fields; American Tree and 

Song sparrow were more abundant in native grass fields. Forbs were more abundant in native grass fields, but other 

vegetation structure variables were similar between field types. For select species, OWB monocultures may provide 

suitable overwintering habitat, although the potential for survivorship to be reduced in these fields remains to be 

examined.


ABSTRACTS – POSTER PRESENTATIONS 

Arranged by presentation number. Presenting author is indicated by bold type. Contributions eligible for student 

presentation awards are indicated by superscript “S” at the start of the title. 

P01 Are bird images returned from search engine results accurately identified W. P. Brown and M. E. Zuefle, 

Dept. Biological Sciences, Kutztown Univ., Kutztown, PA 19530 

Many people use Google Images or other search engines to locate pictures of birds, and assume that returned 

results are accurate. The accuracy of search results may vary with the identification skills of the person who posted 

the image, the type of bird, and the search engine algorithm. For example, “Google makes a guess that the words 

[near an image] are related to the image. Google technology isn’t yet to the point where it can tell what’s in an 

image by looking at it directly” (http://www.googleguide.com/images.html). Here, we examined the accuracy of 

results returned by Google Images for twelve species of forest birds and twelve species of suburban birds. 

Separate searches were conducted for each species based on scientific name and common name. For each search, we 

classified the first 100 returned images into categories of males, females, immatures, incorrectly identified, 

impossible to identify, and “other.” Accuracy differences among species, habitat groups, and naming conventions 

were determined with generalized linear models. Averaging results for naming conventions, the range of 

misidentified images per species ranged from 0% (Blue Jay) to 19% (Hairy Woodpecker). Images of searches for 

common names were more accurate (98%) than images resulting from searches of scientific names (94%). Images of 

suburban species were more accurate (98%) than those of forest species (94%). While image accuracy was generally 

good overall (96%), care should be taken to assess the source of the image and the difficulty of identifying 

individual species before accepting returned images are accurately identified. 

P02 Nest defense and parental investment in the House Wren. Kelly Fox, Alyssa Caffarelli, and Lindsey Walters, 

Dept. Biology, Canisius College, Buffalo, NY 14208, and Brian S. Maitner, Dept. Ecology and Evolutionary 

Biology, Rice Univ., Houston, TX 77005 

Parental investment in current offspring decreases what parents can invest in future offspring, so organisms should 

invest more of their time and energy in more valuable offspring. We studied nest defense, a component of parental 

care, in the House Wren (Troglodytes aedon), a songbird with biparental care. We observed defense and 

provisioning behaviors of both male and female House Wrens to determine if defense intensity increased with clutch 

size, and if birds that invested more in defense also invested more in provisioning offspring. We found as nestlings 

got older, parents would go closer to the intruder in order to defend their offspring and began to defend the nest 

when the intruder was father away. Contrary to our prediction, parents with more nestlings engaged in less risky 

behavior, which may be because larger broods are less likely to be completely consumed. Provisioning rates were 

not significantly related to defense intensity, although we found a marginally non-significant trend that better 

provisioners were also more alert defenders. 

P03 S The effects of a residential wind turbine on bird behavior. Brynne A. Stumpe and Sara R. Morris, Canisius 

College, Buffalo, NY 

During the summer of 2007, the Shoals Marine Lab installed a residential wind turbine on Appledore Island, Maine, 

which provided the opportunity to assess its impact on birds. Specifically, the goals of our project were to evaluate 

the effects of this turbine on 1) avian mortality and 2) flight behavior. During migration, we found no evidence of 

avian mortality. During behavioral observations, 918 birds were seen in the vicinity of the tower. The majority 

(94%) of all birds were seen flying below the tower. Furthermore, when subdividing the vertical levels, the majority 

(86%) of birds flew below the turbine prop at level V3, which was closest to the ground and farthest from the prop. 

In the horizontal levels, the majority (60%) of birds flew below the prop at level H1, which was closest to the prop. 

The majority (55%) of all birds were flying at level H1V3, which was farthest from the prop vertically, but close to 

the turbine horizontally. Our results show that most of the birds were flying close to the ground away from the prop 

but horizontally close to the turbine tower. This suggests that the birds are flying close to the tower, but are avoiding 

the propeller. Our data do not specifically address tower avoidance, but given the number of birds observed, the fact 

that most birds were not flying close to the propeller, and the lack of observed mortality, our results suggest that 

residential turbines do not have large impacts on birds. 

P04 S Does age matter A study of whether age affects stopover ecology of migrant warblers. Catherine C. Alsford 

and Dorothy I. Fatunmbi, Dept. Biology, Canisius College, Buffalo, NY 14208, Brenda S. Keith and Richard S. 

Keith, Kalamazoo Nature Center, Kalamazoo, MI, 49009, and Sara R. Morris, Dept. Biology, Canisius College, 

Buffalo, NY 14208 

During fall migration, young birds make up a large proportion of avian populations, however only limited work has 

investigated age-related differences in stopover ecology. We investigated age related differences in stopover ecology 

using banding data for 12 species of migrant warblers, captured in Kalamazoo, Michigan, from 1990 to 2007.


Sample sizes ranged from 7,795 Yellow-rumped Warblers to 214 Palm Warblers. Overall, young migrants 

accounted for 78.9% of the 12 migrant species. The proportion of young migrants ranged from 67.0% in the Yellowrumped 

Warbler to 95.8% in the Tennessee Warbler. Recapture rates were the same for adult and young birds in 

nine of the 12 species, ranging from 3.3% in the Blackpoll Warbler to 22.9% in the Wilson’s Warbler. Young birds 

were recaptured more frequently in all three of the species that showed an age-related difference (Magnolia Warbler, 

Yellow-rumped Warbler, and Ovenbird). Among recaptured adult birds, only Yellow-rumped Warblers averaged 

mass gains during recapture. Among recaptured young birds, Tennessee Warblers, Magnolia Warblers, Yellowrumped 

Warblers, and Ovenbirds averaged significant mass gains; while young American Redstarts averaged 

significant mass losses. In 11 of the 12 species, young and adult recaptured birds experienced similar mass gains. 

Using regression models to estimate mass gains, we found that young birds of all 12 species significantly gained 

mass, while adults in only 50% of the species significantly gained mass. Thus, our results demonstrate some 

significant age related differences in stopover ecology, there appear to be variability in whether age affects stopover 

ecology at this site. 

P05 S The influence of temperature on energetic condition in spring migrating warblers. Mianna Molinari and Mark 

E Deutschlander, Dept. Biology, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY 14456 

The Insurance Hypothesis predicts that earlier arriving spring migrants should have higher fat scores and better 

energetic condition than later arriving birds because of unpredictable, adverse conditions in early spring. However, 

in at least four species of warbler studied at the Braddock Bay Bird Observatory, near the south shore of Lake 

Ontario, the opposite trend has been found; arrival date is positively correlated with energetic condition suggesting 

that the earliest arriving birds are in the poorest condition. We are proposing a new hypothesis, the thermoregulatory 

hypothesis to explain this trend. We propose that birds may have lower energetic condition (early in the season) as a 

result of increased energetic demands imposed by thermoregulation at lower temperatures, which are likely more 

prevalent earlier in the season. The majority of warblers arrived with very little fat, 0-1 fat scores, at any time during 

spring migration, and hence would likely lose mass and fat when thermoregulating in lower ambient temperatures. 

To test this hypothesis we examined the correlation between overnight temperature and energetic condition in five 

species of warbler; Nashville Warbler (Vermivora ruficapilla), Blackpoll Warbler (Dendroica striata), Wilson’s 

Warbler (Wilsonia pusilla), Black-and-White Warbler (Mniotilta varia), and American Redstarts (Setophaga 

ruticilla). At least two of these species exhibit differences in energetic condition between sexes. Therefore, our 

analysis will also consider the influence of energy demands for breeding, which would also cause energetic 

condition to increase later in the migratory season. 

P06 S Determining land quality for migratory birds near the Lake Ontario shoreline: a study of daily mass gain during 

fall and spring migration. Kailey Chidester, Bethany Bashaw, and Mark E. Deutschlander, Dept. Biology, Hobart 


Because birds expend large amounts of energy during migration, they must halt en route to refuel in suitable 

stopover habitats. Conservation of quality stopover habitat is important in order to conserve and protect migratory 

birds. The quality of stopover sites is often determined by the rate at which birds increase their energetic condition 

during stopover. Our goal was to use daily changes in energetic condition to determine whether the southern shore 

of Lake Ontario, specifically near the Braddock Bay Bird Observatory, is a high quality stopover site. Bonter et al. 

(2007, Auk 124: 121-133) estimated the rate of mass gain in 34 passerine species during spring and fall migration 

between 1999 and 2004; they found that more species significantly improved in condition during autumn than 

during spring migration, likely due to differences in food availability and local microclimate. Our study is an update 

of this earlier study in order to determine whether Braddock Bay is still useful to migratory birds or whether changes 

in regional land use have affected migratory stopover behaviors. By repeating his study using data from subsequent 

years (2005 to 2009), we hope to find if stopover quality at Braddock Bay has changed, possibly affecting migratory 

stopover in the Braddock Bay area. Implications of this study may help with habitat management and conservation 

of along the Lake Ontario shoreline. 

P07 S Energetic condition of spring migrating North American warblers at a northern stopover site: A study of 

Breeding and Insurance Hypotheses. Casey Franklin, Jordan Youngman, Mianna Molinari and Mark E. 

Deutschlander, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY 14456 

During spring migration, migratory birds may carry excess fat for tasks other than migration. Breeding is 

energetically demanding, especially for females, and requires energetic stores beyond what is needed for survival 

(i.e. Breeding Hypothesis). Moreover, early spring conditions in temperate and boreal habitats can be unpredictable 

or adverse. Coupled with few available resources, migrants may arrive with excess fat to “offset” these poor 

conditions in early spring (i.e., Insurance Hypothesis). We examined the energetics of four species of warblers at a 

known stopover site en route to their northern breeding grounds. Energetic condition and fat scores were collected 

for Nashville Warbler (Vermivora ruficapilla), Blackpoll Warbler (Dendroica striata), Wilson’s Warbler (Wilsonia


pusilla), and Black-and-White Warbler (Mniotilta varia) at the Braddock Bay Bird Observatory, located on the 

southern shore of Lake Ontario. We compared the influence of migration distance, age and sex, and arrival date to 

test both the Breeding and Insurance Hypotheses. Contrary to the Insurance Hypothesis, each of these species 

increased in energetic condition later in the season; the earliest arriving individuals had the lowest energetic 

condition. Moreover, very few within-species differences were found between sex and age groups. Both hypotheses 

were therefore refuted. 

P08 S Determining the role of the insurance hypothesis in the stopover ecology of two kinglets and two flycatchers. 

Samuel Georgian, Paul Overdorf, and Mark E. Deutschlander, Dept. Biology, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, 

Geneva, NY 14456. 

The insurance hypothesis asserts that passerines arrive at their breeding grounds with excess fat in order to safeguard 

against the possibility of poor environmental conditions upon arrival. Here, we test this hypothesis using ten years of 

data collected from the Braddock Bay Bird Observatory, a stopover site located on the south shore of Lake Ontario. 

We studied two short distance migrants, the Ruby-crowned Kinglet and the Golden-crowned Kinglet, and two long 

distance migrants, the Least Flycatcher and the Yellow-bellied Flycatcher. One prediction of this hypothesis is that 

long distance migrants, which would be less aware of regional conditions, should arrive with more fat than short 

distance migrants. Contrary to this key prediction, short distance migrants arrived with more fat stores (36.6% of 

individuals with fat score of 2 or greater) than long distance migrants (5.2% of individuals with fat scores of 2 or 

greater). Additionally, early and late arriving Ruby-crowned Kinglets arrived with similar fat stores but early 

arriving birds exhibited a higher hourly mass gain. It was expected that earlier arriving birds would arrive with more 

fat but gain less mass due to the scarceness of resources in early spring. Early arriving males gained more mass 

throughout the day than late arriving males. The same trend was observed when early arriving females were 

compared to late arriving females. Overall, these results suggest that other hypotheses may be needed to explain the 

fat score and energetic condition of captured birds during spring migration. 

P09 S Using wing morphology and mass to model the potential flight distances of passerines at a stopover site near 

Lake Ontario. Paul Overdorf and Mark E. Deutschlander, Dept. Biology, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, 


Modeling migratory bird’s flight has been used to examine many factors that influence the decisions a bird makes 

not only during flight, but also both pre- and post-flight. For example, flight modeling can provide insight into the 

energetics of migratory birds and factors that influence departure and stopover length. One flight modeling system 

that has been well developed is C.J. Pennycuick’s Flight Program. Pennycuick’s model only requires that the 

researcher know the wing span, wing area, mass, and fat mass of a bird in question. However, wing span and wing 

area are not data which are regularly collected during migration monitoring (i.e. wing chord does not provide either 

measurement, although it is recorded regularly by researchers). We collected wing span, wing area, and mass, for a 

number of North American passerines (i.e., a total of 270 birds and 39 different species including warblers, 

flycatchers, sparrows, kinglets, and a variety of other passerines), which were caught during stopover periods at the 

Braddock Bay Bird Observatory in New York state. These data will be used in flight modeling to shed further 

information on the energetics of migration. For this study, data from six species of warblers, each known to exhibit 

sexual differences in arrival energetics, were used to examine the breeding performance hypothesis. In particular, we 

determined the potential remaining flight distances (PRFD) for males and females in each species in order to assess 

levels of excess fat, i.e., fat not needed for migration which could be used for other activities. 

P10 S Ultraviolet reflectance and age/sex variation in Yellow Warblers (Dendroica petechia). Martyna Boruta and 

Mark E. Deutschlander, Dept. Biology, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY 14456 

Ultraviolet cone sensitivity ranges from about 320 to 400 nanometers in birds, thus expanding below wavelengths 

that are visible to humans. The presence of this additional photoreceptor provides the potential for an expanded 

color space in birds, which may increase the variety of perceived colors and hue discrimination. This exploratory 

study focused on determining whether there is age and/or sex variation in ultraviolet plumage reflectance among 

individuals within Yellow Warblers (Dendroica petechia). While reflectance may vary based on individual 

differences in diet or breeding success (variables that were unknown in this study), we predicted that age and sex 

could be a potential indicator of these factors. Our analysis took into account total reflectance in both the ultraviolet 

and visible spectrum. Plumage reflectance from four different patches (head, chin, belly, and tail spots) was 

analyzed using color variables, particularly hue (described by two angles: theta and phi) and chroma, which were 

determined by modeling a bird’s perception using a tetrachromatic color vision model (i.e., TetraColorSpace). For 

most patches, our results suggest that sex and age variation exists in chroma and theta, but not in phi, which 

measures the UV component of the perception. Even though ultraviolet reflectance is present in the plumage of this 

species, it appears not to be a significant factor to discriminate age or sex of individuals. Further behavioral research


is needed to determine whether these data indicate that the yellow component of the plumage may be a stronger 

selecting factor than the ultraviolet. 

P11 S Early successional habitat characteristics and fruit abundance influence stopover use of fall migrating 

songbirds. Brad Mudrzynski and Christopher Norment, Dept. Environmental Science and Biology, SUNY College 

at Brockport, Brockport, NY 14420 

During the 2008 and 2009 fall migrations we used mist nets and visual transects to examine bird use of shrublands 

and early successional forests at Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, NY. The relationship between mist net captures 

and transect detections varied across species and habitats, with significant positive relationships for Gray Catbirds 

(Dumetella carolinensis) (R2=0.668) and Song Sparrows (Melospiza melodia) (R2=0.384) in shrublands. There 

were no significant relationships between the two measures of abundance in forest habitat, or for smaller species 

such as warblers in shrublands. Bird abundance was generally greater in shrublands than in early successional 

forests and we counted more species using the shrublands, 16, than forest habitat, 9. American Robin (Turdus 

migratorius) abundance was positively correlated with shrub cover (p=0.042) and honeysuckle fruit abundance 

(p=0.000), while Song Sparrows preferred fields with more red panicled dogwood fruit (p=0.008) and greater 

fruiting shrub species richness (p=0.002). These results indicate that in general migrating songbirds prefer 

shrublands to early successional forests for stopover habitat; however, exact habitat preferences differ among 

species. 

P12 An assessment of refueling rates and diet of songbirds during migratory stopover at the Braddock Bay Bird 

Observatory. Susan B. Smith, Dept. Biology, Villanova Univ., Villanova, PA 19085 

Migrating songbirds rely on stopover sites to rest and replenish body fat and protein but must overcome the 

challenges of acquiring food in unfamiliar habitats in order to efficiently refuel before continuing migration. Thus, 

the rate at which these birds can replenish energy stores is affected by food availability and quality. I compared 

refueling rates and nutritional state of birds captured during spring and fall migration in 2009 at the Braddock Bay 

Bird Observatory, an important migratory stopover site on the south shore of Lake Ontario. I measured plasma 

concentrations of triglyceride, an indicator of fat deposition, and uric acid, an indicator or dietary protein intake, in 

several seasonally frugivorous species that are commonly captured at this site. There were no interspecific 

differences in plasma metabolite concentrations during spring; however, during fall Swainson’s Thrushes had 

significantly higher plasma triglyceride than White-throated Sparrows and significantly lower plasma uric acid than 

White-throated Sparrows and Red-eyed Vireos. I addition, plasma triglyceride was significantly higher and plasma 

uric acid was significantly lower during fall compared to spring in Swainson’s Thrushes. Seasonal differences in 

triglyceride, but not uric acid, were present in Red-eyed Vireos. These results suggest that there are differences in 

dietary protein intake between seasons for some species, most likely representing a switch to frugivory in the fall, 

and many birds are able to refuel at a higher rate during fall, possibly due to their consumption of abundant fruit 

resources. 

P13 Remote radar monitoring of bird activity via the network. Robert C. Beason, Accipiter Radar Corporation, 

Orchard Park, NY 14127 

Radar is being used increasingly to monitor and record migration and local movements of birds for basic research 

and environmental monitoring. Although analog avian radar systems require the presence of an operator to collect 

and record data, digital radar systems do not. Digital data can be collected with the radar operating unattended then 

reviewed (played back) at the researcher’s convenience. In order to observe activity such as nocturnal migration in 

real time, an observer must usually monitor the display directly. Although the raw radar video can be sent to a 

remote location through a network, it requires high bandwidth, which is difficult to achieve at remote field locations. 

We present a technique to remotely monitor radar detections and tracks of birds in real time. The underlying 

mechanism is to reduce the raw radar signals to metadata (i.e., detection and track data) before transmitting them 

across the network. Using a radar data server, multiple researchers can simultaneously monitor bird activity from the 

same radar, each at a different remote location and each with a display customized to his or her needs. During the 

meeting I will demonstrate this capability of real-time monitoring of nocturnal migration by connecting to a radar 

located on the highest point of the Niagara escarpment near Fonthill, Ontario, 200 km west of Geneva, NY. This 

location provides coverage of the eastern end of Lake Erie and the western end of Lake Ontario. Recorded data from 

previous nights’ migration will also be presented. 

P14 Annual variation in arrival of long-distant migrants and a comparison of first capture dates and condition 

between verified breeders and presumed migrants. Margret I. Hatch, Penn State Worthington Scranton, Dunmore, 

PA 18512 and Robert J. Smith, Dept. Biology, Univ. Scranton, Scranton, PA 18510 

As part of an on-going study of the ecology of migration at our field site in Northeastern Pennsylvania we examined 

annual variation in arrival of six long-distance migrant species that breed at our site. We also examined whether


individuals verified as breeders (recaptured or re-sighted during the breeding season) differed in first capture dates 

and measures of body condition compared to individuals not verified as breeders (presumed migrants). For Common 

Yellowthroats (Geothylypis trichas), Ovenbirds (Seiurus aurocapillus) and Red-eyed Vireos (Vireo olivaceus) we 

found no differences in annual arrival dates for individuals verified as breeders. In Gray Catbirds (Dumetella 

carolinensis), Veerys (Catharus fuscescens) and Wood Thrushes (Hylocichla mustelina) mean arrival date from at 

least one year differed from at least one other year, suggesting that long-distance migrants modulate migration rate 

in response to en route conditions but that there are species-specific differences. Average date of first capture for 

Common Yellowthroats, Ovenbirds and Veerys verified as breeders was later than for presumed migrants by as 

much as six days. Non-verified breeders were fatter than verified breeders in all species, while catbirds and Wood 

Thrushes verified as breeders were slightly heavier than non-verified breeders. Our results support the hypothesis 

that migrants should be fatter but do not support the hypothesis that breeders arrive before migrants. 

P15 S Mercury bioaccumulation in Catharus thrushes along an elevational gradient. Jason M. Townsend, SUNY- 

College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY 13244, and Charles T. Driscoll, Syracuse Univ., 

Center for Environmental Systems Engineering, Syracuse, NY 13244 

Mercury is a potent neurotoxin that accumulates in the environment as a result of global atmospheric pollution. 

Little is known about mercury bioaccumulation in strictly terrestrial ecosystems. Here we show that mercury 

accumulation in the soil and leaf litter increases with elevation in a densely forested watershed of the Catskill 

Mountains, NY. Catharus thrushes arrayed along this elevational gradient also show increased blood mercury 

content with increasing elevation. This may have important health and conservation implications for Bicknell’s 

Thrush (C. bicknelli) which is restricted exclusively to forests above 1000 m in the northeastern United States. 

Bicknell’s Thrushes show significantly greater blood mercury levels than lower elevation congeners, Hermit Thrush 

(C. guttatus) and Veery (C. fuscescens). Additionally, all three species of Catharus thrushes in this study showed 

declining mercury levels with season, indicating that early season thrushes either carry mercury from the winter 

grounds or consume a diet higher in mercury during the early part of the breeding season (May –June 15). We will 

be using stable isotope composition of blood samples to further understand any dietary shifts which might lead to 

this seasonal decline in mercury levels. 

P16 S Area effects removed: vegetation characteristics and grassland bird abundance in a Western New York field. 

Nathan Grosse, Christopher Norment, and Mark Norris, Dept. Environmental Science and Biology, SUNY 

Brockport, Brockport, NY 14420, and Heidi Kennedy, New York State Dept. Environmental Conservation, Bureau 

of Wildlife, Basom, NY 

Understanding relationships between local-scale habitat structure and obligate grassland breeding bird (OGBB) 

abundance is important for management and conservation. Studies typically examine OGBB habitat relationships 

across a series of fields of different sizes and vegetation types. However, it may be difficult to elucidate effects of 

vegetation on OGBB abundance, due to the confounding effects of patch size and perimeter/area ratio. Between 

2006 and 2009, we examined OGBB abundance and vegetation in a 83 ha grassland at the John White Wildlife 

Management Area (JWWMA) in western New York, thereby removing area and related effects. The JWWMA has 

been managed primarily for OGBBs since 2005. The grassland, which is surrounded by agricultural fields, contains 

ten smaller management units planted into different mixtures of native and nonnative cool season grasses, warm 

season grasses, and forbs. Six OGBB apparently bred in the study area, although only three (Bobolink [Dolichonyx 

oryzivorous], Savannah Sparrow [Passerculus sandwichensis], and Grasshopper Sparrow [Ammodramus 

savannarum]) were common. OGBB, which were counted using a variable-width transect method, generally were 

most abundant in management units with relatively low, less dense vegetation, and a mix of nonnative cool season 

grasses and forbs. Tall, dense stands of either cool season grasses and forbs, or the warm season grass Panicum 

virgatum, supported few OGBBs. Results of our study agree with other studies in the Northeast, which suggest that 

in most inland areas, OGBBs are most abundant in cool season grasslands with low, relatively less dense vegetation. 

P17 S Distributional shifts of breeding birds in Ontario, Canada. Erin Greenlee and Ian Hamilton, Dept. Evolution, 

Ecology, and Organismal Biology, Ohio State Univ., Columbus, Ohio 42310 

Changes in temperature and weather patterns have affected many ecological processes including the distribution, 

abundance and survival of many organisms. Birds are responding to these changes by shifting their geographic 

ranges to higher latitudes for northern-temperate species, and higher elevation for tropical species. Numerous studies 

in both North America and Western Europe have found similar geographic range changes over many decades and 

we are interested in determining if species in Ontario, Canada are responding similarly. We used the Ontario 

Breeding Bird Atlas (OBBA) to evaluate potential geographic range changes for breeding birds in Ontario. The 

OBBA is a provincial-wide survey of the distribution and abundance of breeding birds. The atlas was conducted 

during two periods, the first from 1981-1985 and the second from 2000-2005. We evaluated the center of 

distributions for 149 species using AICc model selection and found support for shifts in the center of distribution for


all 149 species [Prob (Ha|data)= 0.98]. On average, all species distributions have shifted approximately 58 km to the 

north. Separating north and south movements we found the majority of species (n = 107) show a northern shift of 

approximately 92 km and the remaining species (n = 42) have shifted south on average 40 km. The initial results of 

our study are similar to recent studies and provide more support for climate driven range shifts among birds. Further 

work will evaluate elevation changes, boundary changes and overall changes in status of breeding species in 

Ontario. 

P18 S The effectiveness of constant effort mist-netting in estimating abundance and reproductive success of a Wood 

Thrush population. Laura M. Niczyporowicz and Todd J. Underwood, Dept. Biology, Kutztown Univ., and Roland 

R. Roth, Dept. Entomology and Wildlife Ecology, Univ. Delaware, Newark, DE 19716 

Despite the widespread use of Constant Effort Mist-Netting (CEM) to monitor population demographics of 

landbirds, relatively little is known about the validity of CEM estimates for various species of birds. In this study, 

we determined whether CEM was an effective way to gauge the abundance and reproductive success of a Wood 

Thrush population. We used linear regression to compare estimates of Wood Thrush demographic variables 

generated by CEM to actual demographic values measured by intense nest searching and monitoring in the same 

area over a period of six years. The demographic variables compared were: number of males, number of females, 

number of HY (Hatch Year) birds, number of AHY (After Hatch Year) birds, and the ratio of HY to AHY birds. All 

CEM estimates were standardized as the number of captures per 100 net hours. We found that only the CEM 

estimates for HY birds (r2 = 0.85, P < 0.01) and the ratio of HYs to AHYs (r2 = 0.68, P < 0.05) were significantly 

related to actual values. CEM estimates of the three adult abundance variables were not significantly related to 

actual values. In conclusion, constant effort mist-netting may only be useful in estimating Wood Thrush 

demographic variables involving hatch year birds. 

P19 Evaluation of breeding habitat quality for a population in decline: the Canada Warbler in northeastern Vermont. 

Jameson F. Chace, Dept. Biology and Biomedical Science, Salve Regina Univ., Newport, RI 02840, and Steven D. 

Faccio, Vermont Center for Ecostudies, Norwich, VT 05055 

Canada Warbler (Wilsonia canadensis) populations have been in a 40-year decline and yet little is known about its 

population ecology. We have studied a population of Canada Warblers in the Nulhegan Basin of the Silvio O. Conte 

National Fish and Wildlife Refuge in northeastern Vermont since 2001. During 2002-2006 age structure ranged 

from 5.6:1 to 1.5:1 of After Second Year (ASY) to Second Year (SY) breeding males, and 30% ASY and 15% SY 

territorial males returned to the population each year. We measured the breeding habitat characteristics of 31 

territories (21 paired and 10 unpaired with females) and 20 nonuse points near those territories in the same habitat 

type at three locations. Canada Warbler male territories had a greater density of large (diameter > 2.5 cm) shrub and 

sapling stems and a greater percent ground cover of moss than the unoccupied "nonuse" points. During focal periods 

of observations (n=737), males sang significantly higher in vegetation than when they exclusively foraged. Density 

of understory stems was found highly correlated with prey abundance. Pairing success, however, was not related to 

any of the 25 vegetative characteristics measured on male territories. While pairing success (50%) and return rates 

(25%) in northeastern Vermont are relatively lower than those found among other populations of migratory 

warblers, population declines stemming from issues on nonbreeding grounds or during migration are probably more 

important factors in the population decline than are issues related breeding site quality in northeastern Vermont. 

P20 S The effect of Wood Thrush hosts on the survival of Brown-headed Cowbird eggs and nestlings. Ashley N. 

Rathman and William P. Brown, Dept. Biology, Kutztown Univ., Kutztown, PA 19530, and Roland R. Roth, Dept. 

Entomology and Wildlife Ecology, Univ. Delaware, Newark, DE 19716 

Although parasitic Brown-headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater) have a detrimental effect on a wide range of hosts, 

cowbird fledging rates differ substantially among those hosts. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of 

Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina) hosts on cowbird survival through each nest stage (egg laying to incubation, 

incubation to hatching, hatching to fledging) as well as the overall survival rate from egg laying through fledging. 

Based on published observations, cowbird fledging success among other forest species hosts also was compared to 

our results. Reproductive data of individually marked Wood Thrushes, including brood parasitism data, were 

collected in Newark, Delaware, from 1975-2006. These data were used to construct a life table for both cowbirds 

and Wood Thrushes from egg laying through fledging. Chi-squared tests were used to determine the difference in 

survival of nest contents between Wood Thrushes and cowbirds. Both cowbirds and Wood Thrushes survived better 

during the incubation stage than during the laying and nestling stages. There was no difference in survival of 

cowbird and Wood Thrush eggs from laying to incubation. Wood Thrushes survived better than cowbirds in the 

incubation and nestling stages. Among a variety of forest-dwelling hosts, the success of cowbirds from egg laying 

through fledging ranged from 0% (House Finches, Carpodacus mexicanus) to 68.5% (Red-eyed Vireo, Vireo 

olivaceus); 21% of cowbirds in our study survived from laying through fledging. We suggest this wide range of 

cowbird success among hosts may be due to host diet or differential mass among host species.


P21 S Aging House Wren nestlings based on feather tract development, wing chord, and head length. Anne Lugg, W. 

Brown, D. Alexander, M. Zuefle, and T. Underwood, Biology Dept., Kutztown Univ., Kutztown, PA 19530 

Several studies have presented age-specific nestling growth observations but have not assessed the accuracy of using 

these data to estimate nestling age. We collected daily wing chord, head length, and qualitative feather tract 

development data from 42 House Wren (Troglodytes aedon) nestlings from 10 different nests. Another sample of 28 

House Wren nestlings from 5 different nests were similarly measured and considered as “unknown-age” nestlings. 

Our objectives were to 1) determine if qualitative feather tract development patterns could be used to estimate ages 

of unknown-age nestlings, 2) determine if wing chord and head length successfully predicted nestling age, and 3) 

assess which of these two methods was most accurate. Based on feather tract development only, unknown-age 

nestlings were estimated to within one day of their actual age if they were between 2 and 7 days old. Based on wing 

chord and head length measurements only, unknown-age nestlings were correctly estimated to within one day of 

their actual age if they were from 1 to 14 days old. In summary, feather tract development was used to accurately 

age House Wren nestlings early in development while wing chord and head length were accurate estimators of 

nestling age in all but the oldest nestlings. 

P22 S Hatching spread is flexible after the onset of incubation in American Goldfinches. Cordelia E. Revells, and 

Glennon A. Beresin, Dept. Biology, Oberlin College, Oberlin, Ohio 44074, and Troy G. Murphy, Dept. Biology, 

Trinity Univ., San Antonio, Texas 78212, and Keith A. Tarvin, Dept. Biology, Oberlin College, Oberlin, Ohio 

440741 

A widely held ornithological paradigm is that hatching spread (i.e., degree of hatching asynchrony) is determined by 

the timing of the onset of incubation. Early incubation onset, relative to the timing of clutch completion, is believed 

to result in asynchronous hatching, while late onset should lead to synchronous hatching. Few studies have actually 

tested this paradigm. To investigate this hypothesis, we compared the timing of the onset of incubation --relative to 

clutch completion-- and hatching spread in American Goldfinches. During summers of 2008 and 2009, we 

monitored nests to ascertain clutch initiation and completion dates. Temperature probes were inserted into the nests 

in order to determine the onset of incubation, which was indicated by an increased difference between ambient 

temperature and nest temperature on sequential nights. Onset of incubation was categorized as “early” if it began 

more than 24 hours before the laying of the final egg, and “late” if it began within 18 hours of the laying of the final 

egg. Nests were monitored daily to record the hatching pattern; if all the eggs hatched within a 24 hour period, 

hatching was “synchronous”, while clutches that hatched over a period longer than 24 hours were “asynchronous”. 

Nests with an early onset of incubation tended to hatch asynchronously, whereas there was no discernible tendency 

toward synchronous or asynchronous hatching among late onset nests. We conclude that timing of onset of 

incubation is not the only factor that influences hatching synchrony. 

P23 S Male response to egg color in the House Wren. Nathan Olszewski, Kevin Sobol, and Lindsey Walters, Dept. 

Biology, Canisius College, Buffalo, NY 14208 

Differential allocation theory predicts that parents should increase their investment in offspring when it will bring 

them greater fitness returns, such as when their mate is of high quality or has made a large investment. Previous 

studies in the House Wren (Troglodytes aedon) have shown that egg color is directly related to female investment, 

with brighter eggs receiving greater investment than brown eggs. However, it has not been studied if this egg color 

can act as a cue to males for how much energy should be allocated to provisioning. We randomly placed either a 

brown or white plastic egg in House Wren nests and observed that egg color had a significant effect on the 

provisioning rates of the males. The nests in the white egg treatment had a male provisioning rate nearly double that 

of the nests in the brown egg treatment on day one and day six after hatching. This suggests that males pay attention 

to how much the female has invested into the eggs when deciding how much energy to invest in provisioning for the 

hatchlings. 

P24 S Egg color and female quality in the House Wren. Kevin Sobol, Nathan Olszewski, and Lindsey Walters, Dept. 

Biology, Canisius College, Buffalo, NY 14208 

It is important for organisms to be able to assess the quality of their mates because this ultimately affects their own 

fitness. When mate quality is high, organisms should contribute more energy to parental investment such as parental 

care and mate guarding. In the House Wren, Troglodytes aedon, egg color could be used to predict female quality 

and investment. Unlike blue eggs, the brown pigment protoporphyrin is associated with unhealthy traits present in 

the female. The goal of this study was to determine if females that laid brighter eggs with less pigment had higher 

overall quality. Female quality was measured using three variables: size (mass and tarsus length), egg mass, and 

provisioning rate during the nestling period. We found that egg color did not correlate with female size or 

provisioning rate. However, eggs that were brighter in color were also heavier. These results suggest that egg color 

is a cue that males could potentially use to assess female investment in the offspring.


P25 S Comparing female characteristics to egg & yolk size in the Chilean Swallow (Tachycineta meyeni). Mitch 

Walters, Marcela Liljesthrom, and Caren Cooper, Dept. Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell Univ., Ithaca , 

NY 14850, Centro Austral de Investigaciones Cientificas, CADICONICET, Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, 

and Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY 14850 

Variation in female and environmental characteristics can lead to variation in egg composition for a variety of bird 

species. We investigated the relationship between female attributes and egg/yolk size in Chilean Swallows 

(Tachycineta meyeni) breeding in Ushuaia, Argentina. We examined whether egg/yolk size varied with female 

attributes, varied with egg-laying sequence, and/or showed any seasonal trends. We carried out our investigations 

using egg measurements collected in the field as well as egg and yolk measurements extracted from digital 

photographs taken in the field with a standardized egg candler, the ovolux. If egg dimensions extracted from 

photographs were comparable to field measures, then the ovolux could reduce egg handling and breakage in the 

field. Based photo-derived data, both egg and yolk dimensions decreased as the season progressed, though we could 

not detect these changes based on field measurements. The nature of the correspondence between field values and 

digital image values suggest some refinements to the ovolux methods may be needed. 

P26 S Bacteria and fungi in the plumage of birds of prey. Jordan S. Kalish and Edward H. Burtt, Jr., Dept. Zoology, 

Ohio Wesleyan Univ., Delaware, OH 43015 

Studies of bacteria and fungi in the plumage of birds have focused on songbirds. We report the first data on hawks 

and owls. Microbial samples were collected from 18 raptors of six species living at Ravensbeard Wildlife Center, 

Saugerties, NY. Each bird was sampled with five types of media. All were incubated for 48 hours, after which the 

spore-forming rods, including Bacillus subtilis and B. lichenifomis, non-spore forming rods, cocci and fungi were 

counted. Over 60 colonies of B. licheniformis occurred on five plates from two of the four species of owls and two 

Red-tailed Hawks (Buteo jamaicensis). Owls had more spore-forming rods and more total bacterial colonies per bird 

than the Red-tailed Hawks or the single Broad-winged (B. platypterus) Hawk. Eastern Screech Owls (Otus asio) 

averaged 441.5 more spore-forming rod colonies than Great Horned Owls (Bubo virginianus), 691.7 more than 

Barred Owls (Strix varia), 1508.0 more than Long Eared Owls (Asio otus). Male and female hawks and owls had 

similar numbers of plumage microorganisms. The longer a raptor was in captivity the more bacteria were in its 

plumage. Over 40 months the number of colonies in the plumage increased about four and a half times. While these 

are the first data on raptors, all birds were living in captivity. To understand the plumage ecosystem of raptors we 

will need to capture and sample wild raptors. Such samples will not only tell us about the plumage ecosystem, but 

may also provide insights into the effect of captivity on the system. 

P27 S Seasonal changes in maintenance behavior of the House Sparrow (Passer domesticus). Aubrey Alamshah and 

Edward H. Burtt, Jr., Dept. Zoology, Ohio Wesleyan Univ., Delaware, OH 43015 

The percentage of House Sparrows (Passer domesticus), and with feather-degrading bacilli is significantly greater in 

the winter than the spring and summer (Burtt and Ichida, 1999). One possible explanation is that the sparrows 

engage in less maintenance behavior in winter than in summer. There are several reasons why this might be: higher 

energy demands, which would necessitate more time foraging; shorter days; colder temperatures and lower humidity 

so that feather-degrading microorganisms are a lower risk to the plumage than in warm, humid weather (Burtt and 

Ichida 2004). However, seasonal changes in the maintenance behavior of passerines is a largely unstudied subject. 

House Sparrows bath, dust bath, head scratch, bill wipe, sun, and preen (Summers-Smith 1963, Anderson 2006). We 

observed changes in the form and frequency of the behavior in House Sparrows held in an outdoor aviary. We 

caught twelve House Sparrows in Ashley, Ohio. We banded each bird with an aluminum band and a unique 

combination of color bands, measured the weight and wing length, examined condition of their feathers, and 

sampled their plumage for microorganisms. The birds were then released into an outdoor aviary, 8m x 4.5m x 2.5m. 

We observed the birds for 2-3 hours/week, noting the occurrence of maintenance behavior in each individual, its 

sequential organization, and bout length. The study is still in progress, but we will compare changes in maintenance 

behavior and time allotted to such behavior throughout the seasons. Seasonal differences in the behavior may 

explain seasonal variation in the plumage microbiota of the House Sparrow. 

P28 S The fox in the henhouse: responses of chickens (Gallus domesticus) to the scent of a predator. Andrew C. 

Alba and Gregory B. Cunningham, Dept. Biology, St. John Fisher College, Rochester, NY 14618 

Domestic chickens (Gallus domesticus) are often used as a model species in testing bird olfaction. Previous studies 

have indicated that domestic chicks can discriminate between various odors, are attracted to familiar odors, and use 

olfactory cues during food selection. Additionally, studies have indicated that olfaction plays an important role in 

predator recognition in a variety of songbirds. It has yet to be demonstrated, however, whether chickens can detect 

predators using olfactory cues. To address this, we tested 1-2 day old naïve chicks with undiluted fox urine and 

found that they were able to detect this scent. This could potentially signify that an innate fear response is present in 

domestic chicks and is initiated upon exposure to a predator’s scent. Furthermore, given the intensity with which


chicks responded to the fox urine, we might have identified a useful odor to use in future chicken olfaction studies. 

To clarify how our testing method may have been affected by time of day, we also compared the responses of birds 

in the morning, afternoon, and evening and found there to be a significant difference in effectiveness of the test 

based on the time of day. Finally, results of a gustatory preference test between foods flavored with fish or flax oil 

will be discussed. 

P29 Patterns of interference competition in overwintering Central Ohio birds. Rachel Kushner, Christy Conley, 

and James S. Marshall, Dept. Biology, Denison Univ., Granville, OH 43082 

Overwintering birds face intra- and interspecific competition for limited resources during the winter months, most 

notably in the search for food. Species interactions are defined by several factors, including relative body sizes, 

respective sexes, and foraging methods. We studied patterns of competition between central Ohio overwintering bird 

species based on differing availabilities of food resources. After an initial observation period, we doubled food 

resources at feeder sites, either by doubling food in a feeder or by adding a second feeder with an equal amount of 

food. We predicted that larger species would dominate feeders through interference competition. We also expected 

smaller species to gain greater access to food when dominant species had to defend two feeders rather than one with 

twice the food. Our results suggest that the presence of physically large species at a food source encourages smaller 

species to spend less time at that particular source. Our observations also suggest that it is energetically unfavorable 

for individuals to defend multiple resource nodes in the same area. This finding demonstrates that multiple food 

sources within the same area provide a "safe" resource for smaller species that can be utilized even in the presence 

of nearby larger species. 

P30 S The effects of natural and human induced edges on foraging flocks of wintering songbirds in southern New 

England. Benjamin J. Padilla, Ashley Ballou, and Gregory S. Keller, Dept. Biology, Gordon College Wenham MA 

01984 

Mixed flocks of wintering black-capped chickadees (Poecile atricapillus), tufted titmice (Baeolophus bicolor), 

white-breasted nuthatches (Sitta carolinensis), and downy woodpeckers (Picoides pubescens) are among the most 

important members of southern New England’s avian community. Considering the highly fragmented nature of the 

region’s forests, it is important to study the habitat value of human induced vs. natural edges. In order to compare 

these habitat types, thirty study sites were chosen and categorized into human induced edges, natural edges, and 

interior sites. Five minute point count surveys were conducted twice at each study site. For black-capped chickadees 

we also monitored foraging behavior, foraging success, movement, and vocalizations. At each of our study sites all 

trees, coniferous and deciduous, greater than 7 cm dbh (diameter at breast height) were recorded and percentage 

canopy cover estimated within a 12 m circle. Overall we found no significant differences among edge types for both 

abundance and behavior. These results are encouraging because abundance is not significantly reduced at human 

induced edges. Although vegetation had no significant effect on abundance and richness, we identified more subtle 

responses to vegetation; we detected a significant correlation between flock size and density of conifers, and a 

negative correlation between hops/minute and canopy cover. Additional data collection during the study’s second 

year may yield more statistically significant data.

WOS 2010 ~ AUTHOR INDEX p. 36 

AUTHOR INDEX 

Alphabetical listing showing page number on which each individual is included as an author for one or more 

abstracts. Please consult the presentation numbers indicated with each abstract to find the corresponding 

presentation in the schedule. 

Alamshah, 34 

Alba, 34 

Alexander, 33 

Alsford, 27 

Ballou, 35 

Barnard, 23 

Bashaw, 28 

Bauchinger, 11 

Beason, 30 

Beckett, 19 

Beresin, 33 

Bohall Wood, 12 

Bonter, 15 

Boruta, 29 

Brandes, 13 

Brisson, 21 

Brittingham, 20 

Brooks, 13 

Brown, 27, 32, 33 

Burke, 16 

Burtt, 34 

Caffarelli, 27 

Casey, 18 

Chace, 32 

Chidester, 28 

Clark, 21 

Clower, 17 

Conley, 35 

Conway, 14 

Cooper, 34 

Cunningham, 19, 34 

Curry, 22, 24 

Desjardins, 25 

Deutschlander, 19, 

21, 28, 29 

Dickinson, 15, 25 

Driscoll, 31 

Dubois, 24 

Duchamp, 13 

Edenborn, 12 

Eldredge, 21 

Ellis, 15 

Engle, 25 

Eyster, 23 

Faccio, 32 

Fair, 23 

Farley, 21 

Farnsworth, 25 

Fatunmbi, 27 

Ferree, 25 

Fox, 27 

Franklin, 28 

Galt, 21 

Garvin, 14 

George, A. D., 26 

George, G. A., 12 

Georgian, 29 

Getty, 24 

Grata, 13 

Greenlee, 31 

Gross, 15 

Grosse, 31 

Guglielmo, 18 

Hamilton, 31 

Haskell, 18 

Hatch, K. A., 11 

Hatch, M. I., 30 

Hauber, 17 

Haukos, 14 

Hille, 24 

Hogue-Morgenstern, 

21 

Hollingshead, 18 

Jackson, B. J. S., 16 

Jackson, J. A., 16 

Johnson, N., 12 

Johnson, W. P., 14 

Kalish, 34 

Kane, 21 

Katzner, 13 

Keith, 27 

Keller, 35 

Kennedy, E. D., 23 

Kennedy, H., 31 

Kushner, 35 

Lanzone, 13 

Larkin, 13 

Laskowski, 16 

Levin, 14 

Liljesthrom, 34 

Linville, 24 

Loftin, 22 

Londoño, 14 

Long, 17 

Lugg, 33 

Malcolm, 16 

Marshall, 17, 21, 35 

Martinez, 20 

Masco, 16 

McWilliams, 10, 11 

Miller, 13 

Molinari, 28 

Monaco, 21 

Monroe, 17 

Morris, 27 

Mudrzynski, 30 

Mueller, 22 

Muheim, 19 

Murphy, 33 

Niczyporowicz, 32 

Nol, 16 

Norment, 18, 30, 31 

Norris, 31 

O’Connell, 17, 19, 26 

Olszewski, 33 

Overdorf, 29 

Owen, 11, 14 

Pabian, 20 

Padilla, 35 

Parsons, 22 

Patton, 13 

Paul, 23 

Payne, L., 10 

Payne, R. B., 10 

Phillips, 19 

Pierce, 10 

Price, 10 

Proudfoot, 19 

Ralston, 15 

Rathman, 32 

Revells, 33 

Richmond, 16 

Robinson, 20 

Rodewald, A. D., 20 

Rodewald, P. G., 11 

Roth, 32 

Rudolph, 25 

Saalfeld, 14 

Savoca, 15 

Schaefer, 25 

Schrand, 25 

Seeley, 16 

Seewagen, 18 

Servello, 22 

Sheehan, 12 

Shriver, 16 

Shustack, 20 

Siegfried, 24 

Smallwood, 22 

Smith, 30 

Smith, C. R., 24 

Smith, R. J., 11 

Smith, S. B., 30 

Sobol, 33 

Steele, 19 

Stobart, 25 

Stoleson, 20 

Stumpe, 27 

Tarvin, 33 

Thomas, 13 

Townsend, 31 

Underwood, 32, 33 

Ungvari-Martin, 20 

Van Fleet, 12 

Wagner, 17 

Walters, 24, 27, 33, 

34 

Whelan, 14 

White, 23 

Wiest, 16 

Wilson, 18 

Wright, 22 

Youngman, 28 

Zuckerberg, 15 

Zuefle, 27, 33

Conference Schedule 

Thursday, 20 May 


9:00AM – 5:00PM WOS Council Meeting – Finger Lakes Institute (601 S. Main St) 

12:00PM 

Field trips, departing from front of the Scandling Center (returning by 5PM) 

2:00PM – 6:00PM Exhibit Setup – Vandervort Room in the Scandling Center 

6:00PM – 9:00PM Icebreaker social, Scandling Center cafe and patio 


5:30AM – 8:00AM Field Trips departing from the Scandling Center 



8:00AM – 9:00PM Exhibits open – Vandervort Room in the Scandling Center 

8:30AM – 9:00AM Welcome & Introductions – Albright Auditorium 

9:00AM – 10:00AM WOS Margaret Morse Nice Lecture – Albright Auditorium 

10:00AM – 10:30AM Coffee Break – Vandervort Room in the Scandling Center 


11:30AM – 12:30PM WOS Business Meeting – Geneva Room, Warren Hunting Smith Library 



2:30PM – 3:00PM Coffee Break – Vandervort Room in the Scandling Center 


4:15PM – 6:00PM Screening of the film Ghost Bird – Albright Auditorium 

6:00PM – 7:00PM Dinner – Saga Cafeteria in the Scandling Center 

7:00PM – 9:00PM Poster Session – Vandervort Room in the Scandling Center 

Saturday, 22 May 

5:30AM – 8:00AM Local birding trips, departing from front of the Scandling Center 


8:00AM – 10:00AM Registration open – Scandling Center Lobby 

8:00AM – 10:30AM Exhibits open – Vandervort Room in the Scandling Center 


10:00AM – 10:30AM Coffee Break – Atrium, Warren Hunting Smith Library 

Authors should remove their posters from the Vandervort Room by the end of 

the morning Coffee Break 

10:30AM – 12:00PM Concurrent Paper Sessions – Geneva & Sanford Rooms, W. H. Smith Library 



3:00PM – 3:30PM Coffee Break – Atrium, Warren Hunting Smith Library 


6:00PM – 7:00PM Pre-banquet mixer, cash bar – Vandervort Room in the Scandling Center 

7:00PM – 9:30PM Banquet – Vandervort Room in the Scandling Center 

Sunday, 23 May 

6:00AM 

7:00AM – 9:00AM 

Field trips, departing from front of the Scandling Center 

Continental Breakfast, Scandling Center Lobby

THANK YOU TO OUR CONFERENCE SPONSORS, 

PARTNERS, AND VOLUNTEERS! 

The students and staff at Hobart 

and William Smith Colleges 

Braddock Bay Bird Observatory 

Sarah Meyer, Community Outreach 

Coordinator for the 

Our field guides and trip leaders from 

Amy, Michael and

Available now - Wilson Ornithological Society

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