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WOS 2010 ~ ABSTRACTS p. 24
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