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2014 Annual Meeting Minnesota Chapter of the Wildlife Society

February 4‐6, 2014, Bemidji, MN

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PRESENTATIONABSTRACTS(alphabeticalorder)Presenting author listed in bold.

Plenary abstracts are listed in Conference Program.

Large Scale Habitat Restoration and Enhancement Projects on the Upper Mississippi River

Sharonne Baylor, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge,

Winona, MN, [email protected].

Session 3 (Tues.) – 2:00‐2:20

The Upper Mississippi River Restoration – Environmental Management Program is a large river habitat

restoration and monitoring program administered by the US Army Corps of Engineers in partnership

with several Federal, state, and non‐governmental agencies. Since Congress authorized the program in

1986, over fifty Upper Mississippi River habitat restoration and enhancement projects have been

constructed affecting over 100,000 acres. These projects are designed to mimic natural river processes,

and to restore habitats such as bottomland forests, backwater lakes and marshes, and channel borders.

Techniques used to restore habitat include dredging, constructing islands, stabilizing shorelines, water

level management, and aeration. Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge (Refuge)

staff are closely involved with planning, design, and construction phases of the projects as over half of

the projects are constructed on Refuge lands. This presentation will provide an overview of the

Environmental Management Program, and the $18 million Pool 8 Islands Phase III habitat restoration

project near Brownsville, Minnesota.

Temperature‐induced Changes in Plant Secondary Metabolite Production and Diet Composition in Moose

John L. Berini and James D. Forester, University of Minnesota, Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, St. Paul, MN, [email protected]..

Session 6 (Thur.) – 8:50‐9:10

In Minnesota, moose (Alces alces) were recently listed as a “species of special concern” by the

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources due in part to the ongoing threat of climate change. While

the relationship between increasing temperatures and the decline of moose in Minnesota is well

documented, the mechanism is not well understood. Plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) play an

important role in defense against herbivory and can impact herbivore survival and reproduction. While

several studies suggest that plants increase production of PSMs due to heat stress, this has not been

tested in a controlled setting. Here we investigated the effects of increasing temperatures on the

2 MNTWS 2014 Conference Abstracts

production of PSMs in balsam fir (Abies balsamea) and paper birch (Betula papyrifera) and assessed if

temperature‐induced changes to phytochemistry are correlated with diet composition. Specifically, we

analyzed PSM concentrations in plants reared under three different temperature regimes: ambient,

ambient + 2°C, and ambient + 4°C. To examine how moose diets changed across a similar temperature

range, we used stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen from forage and hair to reconstruct the diets of

moose from areas that span a 5°C temperature gradient. Preliminary results suggest that PSM

production in paper birch increases in response to warmer temperatures; however, moose from warmer

regions ingested proportionally more paper birch compared to moose from colder regions. We discuss

how this pattern could be driven by a combination of forage availability and forage selection.

The Impact of Burning on Small Mammal Communities on Restored Prairie

Brian Bickel, Caitlan Hinton, Eric Yu, Madeline Johnson, Shannon Leipus, Hannah Schradick, Katelyn Schneider, Michael Rose, and Joseph C. Whittaker. Department of Biology, Concordia College, Moorhead, MN, [email protected].

Poster Session 6 (Tues.–Thur.)

Prairie habitats in North America have been reduced to 1% of their original area and as a result, many of

the large‐scale natural processes that maintained prairie habitat and prairie mammal communities no

longer function without management. The impact of fire management on small mammals is not well

known, particularly on restored prairie. We conducted our study on Concordia College’s Long Lake

Biological Field Station in Becker Co., MN. Parts of the Long Lake field station were restored to prairie

habitat in 2010 with portions planted as part of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and others

planted with a seed mix to attract and sustain pollinators. During spring of 2013 portions of the prairie

restorations were burned. Our objective was to examine the impact of fire on the small mammal

community and to gain an understanding of how small mammal populations respond to fire as a

management technique on restored prairie. We conducted small mammal trapping in 2012 and again in

2013, following the burn. We captured a total of 166 individuals (in 1,650 trap nights) representing six

species during 2012 and 226 individuals (in 1,200 trap nights) representing five species during 2013. Our

results show a decrease in captures of small mammals following the burn on both the CRP and pollinator

sites compared to the unburned sites. Further monitoring will see if there is a longer‐term increase in

small mammal density and biodiversity as a result of the burn.

The Superior National Forest’s Canada Lynx DNA Database

Tim Catton, Dan Ryan, Dave Grosshuesch, Superior National Forest, Ely, MN, [email protected].

Steve Loch, Babbitt MN.


Snow tracking and other methods used to obtain genetic samples have confirmed presence of Canada

lynx (Lynx canadensis) across northeastern Minnesota since December 2000. Samples (typically scat or

hair) have been collected primarily as part of the Superior National Forest’s (SNF) survey and monitoring


program and an independent genetic research project. In 2008, the SNF created and continues to

maintain a database of genetically confirmed Canada lynx to document their occurrence and relatedness

in Minnesota. The database contains 973 samples of which 765 (78.6%) have been identified as Canada

lynx. Six‐hundred thirteen samples (83.0%) had sufficient nuclear DNA to determine sex and individual

genotype. There are 180 unique genotypes, 88 females (48.9%), 91 males (50.5%) and 1 undetermined

sex. Lynx detections are distributed over 12 counties in Minnesota with the majority occurring in St.

Louis, Lake and Cook counties where most survey efforts have been focused. Individual lynx have

persisted from 1 year (n=19) to 4 years (n=4). Field observations and DNA analysis have been used to

document reproduction and relatedness of Canada lynx in Minnesota since 2002. Dispersal distances of

196 miles (male) and 46 miles (female) have been recorded with genetic recaptures. DNA analysis has

also detected 12 unique genotypes of F1 Canada lynx‐bobcat hybrids, 4 females (33.3%) and 8 males

(66.7%) in Minnesota.

Implications of Spring Water Levels on the Production of American White Pelicans Nesting at Marsh Lake, Minnesota

Jon J. DiMatteo and Mark E. Clark, North Dakota State University, Department of Biological Sciences, Fargo, ND, [email protected].

John Wollenberg, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Lac qui Parle WMA, Watson, MN.

Session 5 (Thur.) – 10:30‐10:50

We investigated the relationship between spring water levels and production of American white

pelicans (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) nesting at Marsh Lake in southwest Minnesota. We counted nest

and chick numbers from aerial photographs of the colony from 2003‐2012 to determine production

rates. Pelicans used five sites for nesting, which varied in elevation and proximity to the mainland. We

compared our counts to USGS streamflow data in the Upper Minnesota River in April (the period when

pelican nest site selection typically occurs). The number and fraction of nests on high elevation sites is

positively related to discharge in the Upper Minnesota River during April. For example, over 95% of the

variation in the number of nests on high elevation sites is explained by a linear regression of mean daily

discharge in the Upper Minnesota River during April (F1,6 = 139.7, p < 0.001). However, chick production

(chicks/nest) was negatively related to discharge in the Upper Minnesota River during April (r2 = 0.84,

F1,4 = 22.3, p = 0.009). Nest monitoring indicated that high elevation sites experienced significantly

higher predator activity (�224, 810 = 157.1, p < 0.001) and lower nest success (approximately 60% versus

80%) than low elevation sites. Changes in the management of streamflow in the Upper Minnesota River

have recently been proposed, and our findings will provide managers with information on how changes

in flow affect American white pelicans nesting in the basin.


Deer Hunter Attitudes towards Regulatory Change Using Self‐Selected Respondents

Lou Cornicelli and Leslie E. McInenly, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, St. Paul, MN, [email protected].

Marrett D. Grund, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Farmland Research Unit, Madelia, MN.

Session 3 (Tues.) – 4:50‐5:10

We compared demographics and attitudinal support for deer hunting regulations between data

collected from convenience samples (Web‐based, public input meetings) and a stratified random mail

survey. This study supplements a 2009 study that examined regulatory change and how self‐selected

data could be used to inform the decision‐making process. Following the 2009 study, in 2010,

southeastern Minnesota deer hunting regulations were changed to include a regulatory package that

protected young male deer, prohibited tagging male deer as a party, increased season length, and

exempted youth hunters. Immediately following the 2012 deer season, we employed the same

methods used in the 2009 study, to evaluate regulatory changes and determine if they should be

continued. We observed consistency in respondent characteristics by survey method among study

years. We generally saw increased support for regulatory changes, particularly among Web and mail

survey respondents. Results indicate that self‐selected respondents were not representative of the

population, but that attitudinal differences were minor. Although results suggest that the self‐selected

respondents were more involved deer hunters and more opinionated on the issues, we propose that

data from self‐selected respondents may be cautiously be used to augment the decision‐making

process. This information, however, must be used carefully, because convenience samples cannot be

generalized to the target population.

Risk of Parelaphostrongylus tenuis in Moose in Northern Minnesota based on Spacial and Temporal Abundance of Gastropod Intermediate Hosts

Tim Cyr and Ron A. Moen, Natural Resources Research Institute, University of Minnesota‐Duluth, Duluth, MN, [email protected].

Steve K. Windels, Voyageurs National Park, International Falls, MN.


Parelaphostrongylus tenuis, a parasitic nematode that can be lethal to moose, has been documented in

moose in Northeastern Minnesota and has been implicated in declines in other moose populations.

Terrestrial gastropods are the intermediate hosts for P. tenuis, and describing spatial and temporal

changes in gastropod abundance will increase understanding about the risk of P. tenuis infection by

moose at the individual and population levels. We used cardboard traps and hand searches to estimate

terrestrial gastropod species composition and abundance in representative vegetation communities in

VNP and Northeastern Minnesota. We identified 25 taxa of gastropods, 22 of which were terrestrial

snails. Three of the 25 identified gastropod taxa are known vectors of P. tenuis, including Deroceras

laeve, the most common species found. Gastropods were more abundant in upland forests (60

gastropods/m2) compared to wetter lowlands (20 gastropods/m2). Gastropods were more abundant in


September than June and July and ceased to be present in November. We used location data from GPS‐

collared moose in the park in 2010 to estimate the relative exposure of individual moose to gastropods

that could be infected with P. tenuis larvae. Boreal hardwood forest and northern spruce‐fir forest

ecotypes had high abundance of known P. tenuis vectors and the highest use by moose in summer, and

therefore may pose the largest risk to moose to ingest gastropods infected with P. tenuis. Our method

can be extended to estimate relative risk of P. tenuis infection to moose in other parts of moose range

where the parasite is present.

Phosphorus Phytoremediation using Fern, Duckweed, Water Dock, and Cattail Species in Constructed Floating Mats

Jennifer DuBay, Natural Resources Department, University of Minnesota Crookston, Crookston, MN, [email protected].

Katy Smith, Math Science and Technology Department, University of Minnesota Crookston, Crookston, MN.


Recently, nutrient influxes in watersheds have negatively impact water quality through several

mechanisms including increasing the speed of eutrophication in lakes around the world. In rural

Minnesota this is mostly due to increased runoff from agricultural and other fertilized lands. These loses

not only negatively impact water quality, but also decrease soil quality resulting in increased need to

fertilize these lands which creates a linear flow of nutrients from land to water bodies. In freshwater

systems, phosphorus is generally the nutrients that when added, results in increased primarily

productivity leading to eutrophication and untimely decreased species diversity at all ecological levels.

The objective of this ongoing study is to test selected plants (Pteris vittata, Pityrogramma calomelanos,

Lemna trisulca, Lemna minor, Rumex orbiculotus, Rumex verticillatus, and Typha glauca) for their ability

to accumulate phosphorous from surface waters into the plant tissue. This was addressed utilizing a

laboratory study followed by a field study in a eutrophic pond. Arsenic and phosphorous are very similar

chemically, and thus we are testing the hypotheses that arsenic hyper‐accumulating species will also

take up large amounts of phosphorous. Our experiment was set up as a randomized complete block

design in the laboratory and the field. Data analysis is ongoing but preliminary results indicate there are

significant differences in plant species ability to remove phosphorus from surface water. Results from

this study could inform water managers as to how to remove phosphorus from surface waters.


Grazing as a Resource Tool: Lessons Learned in the Oxcart Unit of Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge, in northwestern Minnesota.

Laurie Fairchild and Jessica Dowler. Rydell and Glacial Ridge NWRs, Erskine, MN, [email protected].

Session 3 (Tues.) – 3:10‐3:30

Grazing has long been a tool used by resource managers to manage prairie. The majority of these

efforts use cattle as the herbivore of choice, thought to most closely mimic the impact of bison which

historically lived as part of tallgrass prairie systems. Grazing programs can vary widely in many of the

other parameters both enabling and driving management goals. These include known physical factors

(e.g. unit size) as well as factors which may depend on fluctuating inputs (e.g. carrying capacity). In

addition, establishing and conducting a grazing program requires both process (e.g. rancher selection)

and biological (e.g. cattle and invasives) considerations. The Oxcart Unit is 2100 acres of tallgrass prairie

and restored wetland which is managed using patch burn‐graze methodology and located within Glacial

Ridge National Wildlife Refuge. Successful management is defined as maintaining or increasing

biological diversity within the prairie system. This presentation discusses process decisions such as fence

installation and maintenance, what to do with a dead cow, and public use access to fenced in acres. We

will also present examples of unexpected biological considerations as the grazing program has

progressed and how we dealt with them.

Update on Minnesota’s Sulfate Standard Revision for Wild Rice Waters

Ann Geisen, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Shallow Lakes Program, Brainerd, MN, [email protected].

Session 3 (Tues.) – 4:10‐4:30

Wild rice provides important habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife, particularly in the northern part of

the state. The 2011 Minnesota Legislature directed the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (PCA) to

review the state’s sulfate standard for wild rice waters, to implement a study to gather additional

information about the effects of sulfate on wild rice, and to form an advisory committee to provide

input on the studies and the rule revision process. The results of the study’s research projects and the

rule revision process will determine if the sulfate standard is changed and what wild rice waters are

protected by the sulfate standard. These results will impact wild rice waters and wildlife habitat. DNR

Wildlife has a representative on the Advisory Committee. This presentation/poster will provide an

update to wildlife professionals on the study results, the rule revision process, the next steps, and the

potential outcomes for wild rice waters.


Forest Bat Inventory and Monitoring on the Superior National Forest

David D. Grandmaison. Superior National Forest, Duluth, MN, [email protected].

Kari Kirschbaum and Tim Catton. Superior National Forest, Ely, MN.

Session 1 (Tues.) – 1:40‐2:00

The Superior National Forest (SNF) initiated a pilot project during the summer of 2013 to document

forest bat occupancy and collect demographic data to complement an acoustic monitoring program

started in 2009. Prior to this effort, few data existed to inform impact analyses and aid in the

development of mitigation strategies to protect these species. This effort included mist‐netting, radio‐

telemetry, habitat characterization, and acoustic surveys at roost structures. We captured and

processed 34 bats over nine nights of mist‐netting at eight locations on the Kawishiwi District. Northern

long‐eared bats (Myotis septentrionalis) comprised 38.2% (n = 13) of total captures and little brown bats

(M. lucifugus) accounted for 61.8% (n = 21). The bats were found to be in good condition and tissue

damage resulting from WNS exposure was not detected. Radio‐transmitters were attached to five bats.

Three maternity roosts were identified in cracks and crevices of live aspen (Populus sp.). Four additional

roosts were identified in dead aspen and white pine (Pinus strobus). Canopy closure in the surrounding

stands tended to be high (62 – 98%) though all roost trees had some level of exposure to sunlight during

the day. Overall stand composition was variable. Combined with ongoing acoustic survey efforts, active

bat monitoring will improve our understanding of bat ecology on the SNF, help establish data‐driven

mitigation measures to maintain and restore bat habitat, and serve as a means for monitoring the

impacts of WNS.

Field Foraging by a Reintroduced Population of Trumpeter Swans during the Breeding Season in Northwest Minnesota

Christine Herwig and Bruce Lenning. Nongame Program, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Bemidji, MN, [email protected].

Josh Norenberg. Division of Fish & Wildlife, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Bemidji, MN

Session 5 (Thur.) – 11:10‐11:30

Trumpeter swans were historically a prevalent species in Minnesota but were extirpated by market

hunting by the 1880s. Reintroduction efforts began in Minnesota in 1987 with an initial restoration goal

of 15 breeding pairs. Population estimates in Minnesota currently exceed 6,000 swans. As the

population has grown, increasing numbers of swans have been observed feeding in agricultural fields. In

response to concerns about potential crop damage, we conducted an observational study in northwest

Minnesota (10 May – 10 July 2013). We documented numbers of swans in fields, types of crops birds

were using, and the spatial extent of field feeding in our study area. We collected 91 observations of

birds in 60 distinct fields. Individuals, pairs, and flocks up to 86 birds (median = 3 swans) were observed

in fields. The majority of observations (n = 79 of 91) were in fields planted to corn the previous year.

Swans were only observed eating waste grain. When vegetation where swans were foraging was

examined, only a few tramped plants were observed and very little evidence of grazing or damage to


stems was found. Number of observations and total birds in fields peaked during late May then

declined; few swans were observed in fields after July 1. Information gathered in this study provides

baseline data on the type and extent of agricultural fields used by trumpeter swans during the breeding

season and will aid in developing guidelines for wildlife managers to address trumpeter swan crop

depredation complaints.

A Comparison of Methods for Surveying Vegetation Diversity in Restored Prairies

Greg Hoch, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Madelia, MN, [email protected].

Rebecca Esser, USFWS, Detroit Lakes Wetland Management District, Detroit Lakes MN.

Session 3 (Tues.) – 3:30‐3:50

Despite our best efforts, many of our restorations continue to have lower diversity than native prairie.

One issue is that different survey methods yield different results. While no particular method is right or

wrong, different methods may be best suited to different questions/hypotheses. We surveyed 22

restored prairies in the Red River Valley and south‐central Minnesota. We used six different techniques

including a random walk which is a more qualitative assessment, as well as transects and plots which are

more quantitative. Transects and plots allow us to determine relative cover of species while random

walks only allow us to determine species richness. In general, the plots and transects only sampled 55‐

60% of the species identified in the random walk. However, each method captured similar numbers of

species at each site. A group of USFWS, USGS, TNC, and DNR researchers are currently examining these

data in the context of future prairie plan monitoring activities.

Time‐lapse Photography: A New Way to Document and Promote Wetland Restoration and Management in Minnesota

Emily Hutchins, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Wetland Habitat Team, Mentor, MN, [email protected].

Session 3 (Tues.) – 2:20‐2:40

Time‐lapse photography is a technique used to document changes in objects or events that occur slowly or over long periods of time. Photos from multiple years can be shown in a short video presentation. Time‐lapse photography presents an opportunity to document and promote shallow lake management and wetland restoration in an innovative way the public can see and understand. Recording these activities via time‐lapse photography documents a site before, during, and after management or restoration and quickly shows the hydrologic and vegetative changes that occur over a period of two to three years. The goal of this project was to establish time‐lapse cameras at a diverse set of wetland restoration and shallow lake management projects occurring throughout Minnesota to serve as a new information and education tool. Additionally, the project serves as an assessment tool for wetland managers and researchers. Seven sites portraying a range of wetland types and management activities were selected from across the state, including a private wetland restoration, management of a shallow lake through water‐level drawdown, and cattail management on public land. Cameras were installed in 2013 and set to take one photo per hour of daylight. Photos were downloaded monthly. Cameras will


remain installed for 2‐3 years. A sample video will be shown, and the finished product will be posted to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website, as well as other venues, for public viewing.

Evaluating Effects of Invasive Cattail Management on Bird Communities in Northwestern Minnesota: An Adaptive Approach

Emily Hutchins, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Wetland Habitat Team, Mentor, MN, [email protected].

David P. Rave, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Wetland Habitat Team, Bemidji, MN.

David F. Bennett, Jessica Dowler, and Laurie Fairchild, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge, Erskine, MN.

Vanessa R. Lane and Daniel Svedarsky. University of Minnesota Crookston, Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Crookston, MN.

Session 3 (Tues.) – 1:20‐1:40

Cattails (Typha spp.) are an important component of many wetland ecosystems. Cattails have also

caused ecological problems throughout the world. Narrow‐leaved (Typha angustifolia) and hybrid

cattail (Typha X glauca) (hereafter, exotic cattails) have colonized wetlands throughout Minnesota. The

establishment of exotic cattails has been aided by agricultural and drainage practices, which have

resulted in more disturbed, nutrient‐enriched soils, and deeper wetlands than historically occurred.

Exotic cattails are believed to decrease the value of wetlands to wildlife. The Minnesota Department of

Natural Resource’s Wetland Team, University of Minnesota, Crookston, and staff at the US Fish and

Wildlife Service Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge (GRNWR) are cooperating on a project to evaluate

the control of exotic cattails within restored wetland basins of GRNWR. In spring of 2013, we conducted

the pilot year of a study to evaluate bird, amphibian, and wetland vegetation response to various cattail

treatments (mowing, discing, burning, herbicide, and a combination of treatments). Here, we report on

bird surveys. We conducted a fifty‐meter radius point count on each treatment or control wetland 3

times between May 15 and June 30, recording all birds seen or heard. We recorded 53 species of birds.

We will evaluate an adaptive approach to managing cattails in an attempt to determine the treatment

or group of treatments that most effectively controls cattails as determined by the response of birds,

amphibians, and wetland vegetation. We will then communicate our findings to Minnesota land

managers.

Seasonal Diet Composition of Gray Wolves (Canis lupus) in Northeastern Minnesota

Yvette Chenaux Ibrahim and Ron Moen. University of Minnesota‐Duluth, Duluth, MN, [email protected].

Seth Moore, Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Grand Portage, MN.

Session 1 (Tues.) – 2:20‐2:40

Diet composition of gray wolves in northeastern Minnesota was determined through scat analysis.

White‐tailed deer, moose, and beaver are primary prey species for wolves in northeastern Minnesota.


Deer fawns are an important food source in summer, but the extent of predation on moose calves is

unknown. We systematically collected wolf scats along fixed routes in the Grand Portage Indian

Reservation in 2011, 2012, and 2013. Sample sizes exceeded sixty scats per sampling interval. Scats

were collected opportunistically across the Arrowhead region of Minnesota in 2012 and 2013 and will be

collected until spring 2014. Scats were sterilized to prevent zoonotic disease and parasite transmission

and then were washed so that only bone and hair remained. We identified hairs to determine prey

species composition. Age differentiation of ungulate species was possible from May to September.

Frequency of occurrence of prey items was totaled and converted to percent biomass consumed using

correction factors based on prey body mass. Percent biomass consumed from October to April was 48%

deer, 40% moose, 10% beaver, and 2% black bear. From May to September, diets shifted to 48% adult

moose and 19% juvenile ungulates comprised of 10% deer fawn and 9% moose calf. The remaining

composition was 19% adult deer, 6% beaver, 5% bear, and 3% small mammal. We will estimate the

effect of correction factors for prey species body mass with sensitivity analysis to address model

assumptions. This work will be used to model total potential predation rates using known wolf densities

in northeastern Minnesota.

Space Use Behavior and Habitat Selection by American Marten in Minnesota

Michael J. Joyce and Ron A. Moen. University of Minnesota‐Duluth, Duluth, MN, [email protected].

John D. Erb. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Grand Rapids, MN.

Session 1 (Tues.) – 1:00‐1:20

Track counts and anecdotal reports indicate that the American marten (Martes americana) population in

Minnesota has declined over the past 10 years. Previous work has demonstrated that marten

populations respond negatively to habitat alterations that reduce forest age, structural complexity, or

forest cover at low thresholds, but few studies have described marten habitat selection in Minnesota or

the south‐central portion of the marten range. We deployed radiocollars on 170 marten from 2008‐

2012 and used location data to describe space use behavior and habitat selection at landscape and

stand scales. The majority of adult marten were residents in established home ranges, while juvenile

marten were more likely to disperse from their capture site or establish multiple temporary home

ranges throughout the year. Males used larger home ranges than females, and home range sizes were

similar to those reported elsewhere. We evaluated habitat selection at both population and individual

levels. Population‐level selection considers habitat use by the average marten, while individual‐level

selection compares each individual marten’s habitat use to habitat availability. At the population level,

marten used habitat types in proportion to their availability at both landscape and stand scales.

However, most individual marten used habitat types disproportionately, but there was a high degree of

variability as to which forest cover types were preferred. Our results suggest that multiple forest types

can provide suitable habitat for marten, although additional work is needed to determine whether

individual differences in cover type use affects access to prey species and other critical resources.


Effect of sampling interval on estimates of habitat use by moose in northeastern Minnesota

Michael J. Joyce and Ron A. Moen. University of Minnesota‐Duluth, Duluth, MN, [email protected].

Session 6 (Thur.) – 9:50‐10:10

Characterizing habitat use by species of management interest or conservation concern is necessary to

understand how animals interact with their environment to acquire critical resources necessary for

survival and reproduction. Most studies on habitat selection rely on location data collected from free‐

ranging animals fitted with GPS or radiocollars to compare habitat use to availability and rank the

relative importance of different habitat types. Two common levels of habitat analysis include selection

of a home range from the landscape, in which the proportion of the home range in different cover types

is used to define habitat use, and selection of habitat types within a home range, where the home range

is used to estimate availability and locations are used to define habitat use. However, animal location

data represents a subset of an animal’s habitat decisions and home range boundaries include unused

portions of the landscape that may bias estimates of habitat use or availability. We assessed the effect

of sampling frequency on cover type composition of locations and home ranges of moose (Alces alces)

fitted with GPS collars. We deployed GPS collars on 75 moose from 2011‐2013. Locations were

collected every 20 minutes for 410 ± 27 days. We sub‐sampled location data to reflect sampling

frequencies typical of VHF and more conventional GPS data sets, calculated home ranges using

Minimum Convex Polygon (MCP) and kernel methods, and compared estimates of habitat use among

methods and sampling frequencies.

Movements of Painted Turtles between Three Sloughs in Clay County, Minnesota

Angela M. Kooren, Ashley M. Eder, Jamie L. Naasz, Julia R. Goroski, Kara K. Nygaard, Elizabeth A. Miller, Jaime L. Kallstrom, Janna M. Gilbertson, Jordana K. Anderson, Staci M. Dreyer, Scott T. Buchholz, Nikholai W. O’hara, Lily D. Holt, Harrison L. Pantera, Sanjaya I. Mendis, and Donna M. Bruns Stockrahm, Minnesota State University Moorhead, Biosciences Department, Moorhead, MN, [email protected].


In a long‐term study (2001‐2013), nearly 900 painted turtles (Chrysemys picta bellii) have been live‐

trapped in Clay County, Minnesota, to study growth rates, survival, population characteristics, and

movements. Captured turtles were weighed, sexed, measured, marked by scute notches (and PIT tags

starting in 2006), and released on the shoreline of the slough of capture. From 2001‐2010, we live‐

trapped 2 sloughs that were <1 km apart and roughly 3 ha and 6 ha in size. From 2011‐2013, a third

slough (<0.4 ha) was trapped approximately halfway between the 2 original sloughs where cattle grazing

had been excluded and shoreline vegetation was intact. The purpose was to determine if marked turtles

from the original sloughs, especially the 3‐ha slough with surrounding recent cattle grazing and/or

plowing were moving into this undisturbed middle slough. From 2011‐2013, we had over 600 captures

of turtles. Of these, 22 PIT‐tagged turtles (13 males, 6 females, and 3 unknown sex) moved between the

3 sloughs for a total of 82 captures. For 18 (82%) of the turtles, the 6‐ha slough had at least 1 of the

captures, and for 21 (95%), the middle slough did. Only 6 (27%) turtles were captured at least once in


the 3‐ha slough with the disturbed surrounding area. In contrast, 17 (77%) of the turtles moved back‐

and‐forth between the middle slough and the 6‐ha slough where vegetative cover was dense and

continuous between the sloughs. The lack of vegetative cover from the cattle grazing/plowing appears

to be a deterrent for turtle dispersal.

Habitat Use, Territory Size, and Predatory Role of Gray Wolves (Canis lupus) in Voyageurs National Park

Brian W. Kot, Conservation Department, Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley, MN, [email protected].

Steve K. Windels and Bryce T. Olson, Voyageurs National Park, International Falls, MN.

Ron A. Moen, Natural Resources Research Institute, University of Minnesota, Duluth, MN.

Session 1 (Tues.) – 2:00‐2:20

The complex, lake‐dominated ecosystem of Voyageurs National Park has played a historically important

conservation role for gray wolves (Canis lupus) in Minnesota. Gray wolves are an integral component of

boreal forest ecosystems, capable of structuring prey populations or altering prey behavior enough to

trigger trophic cascades. To improve understanding of habitat use and foraging ecology of wolves in the

park, we deployed GPS/satellite collars on wolves (n=10) and then monitored their macroscale

movements and behavioral patterns across the landscape. Collars programmed to collect GPS positions

every 2‐6 hours provided data to calculate wolf home ranges, territory sizes, and habitat use. New

ground‐based investigations in winter 2013‐2014 will allow us to characterize kill site habitats, and

determine species, sex and age class of prey. Based on recent GPS radiotelemetry projects involving

moose (Alces alces), we expect that wolves in the park consume more white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus

virginianus) than moose, beaver (Castor canadensis) and smaller prey. Initial results provide evidence

that the distribution of park wolves has remained consistent, with 2‐4 packs occupying the Kabetogama

Peninsula and 2‐5 packs in the southeast region. Preliminary findings related to habitat use and

movement behavior will be discussed.

What do we know about Golden‐winged Warblers in Minnesota?

Gunnar R. Kramer, Sean M. Peterson, and David E. Andersen. Minnesota Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit; Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology; University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, [email protected].

Henry M. Streby, Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California, Berkeley, CA

Session 5 (Thur.) – 9:10‐9:30

Golden‐winged Warblers (Vermivora chrysoptera) are migratory songbirds that breed in a suite of early‐

successional and disturbed forest habitats across the northern and eastern U.S. and adjacent southern

Canada. Golden‐winged Warblers have experienced one of the most dramatic declines of any North

American songbird and have been identified as a species of greatest conservation need in Minnesota


where ~45% of the global population breeds annually. From 2010‐2012, we studied the breeding

ecology of Golden‐winged Warblers in northern Minnesota and southern Manitoba using radio‐

telemetry to determine factors influencing Golden‐winged Warbler full season productivity (i.e., nests

success including renesting, and fledgling survival to independence from adult care) on a regional scale.

Despite being commonly described as an early‐successional specialist, we found Golden‐winged

Warblers regularly nesting and raising fledglings in mature forests. Golden‐winged Warbler pairs split

their broods and females travelled farther from the nest with their broods than males. Nest success and

fledgling survival were related to land‐cover type and land cover configuration. However, land‐cover

types associated with high nest success were different than those associated with high fledgling survival.

Our findings provide insight into aspects of Golden‐winged Warbler ecology that are critical for

developing effective management strategies for this species in Minnesota. We also summarize planned

research investigating the migratory connectivity, future breeding range, and assessment of how other

species that use regenerating forest cover types are influenced by management to promote Golden‐

winged Warblers.

Species Diversity and Population Dynamics of Small Mammals on Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota

Lynda R. LaFond and Elizabeth H. Rave. Department of Biology, Bemidji State University, Bemidji, MN, [email protected].

Session 1 (Tues.) – 1:20‐1:40

We determined small mammal species diversity in several differently managed habitats (restored

prairie, old field, idle hay field, and forested trail) on Grand Forks Air Force Base, ND, during summer

2013. After 2,698 trap nights, four species were captured: meadow vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus),

Peromyscus spp., southern red‐backed vole (Myodes gapperi), and meadow jumping mouse (Zapus

hudsonius). Meadow voles and Peromyscus spp. were found at all four sites, whereas southern red‐

backed voles were found only on the forested trail and the single meadow jumping mouse was found

only on the old field. Relative density (number of individuals per 100 trap nights) of meadow voles was

highest in the restored prairie (6.44) and lowest on the forested trail (0.17). Peromyscus spp. were more

evenly distributed among all sites (0.33 – 2.33). Determining species diversity in a variety of managed

habitats on Grand Forks Air Force Base contributes to better management of natural resources and

provides baseline data for future small mammal studies on the base.


Adaptive Management Research on Cattail Control and Amphibians in Shallow Wetlands at Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge in Northwestern Minnesota: Pilot Study Results

Vanessa R. Lane and Daniel Svedarsky, University of Minnesota Crookston, Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Crookston, MN, [email protected].

David F. Bennett, Jessica Dowler, and Laurie Fairchild, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge, Erskine, MN.

Emily Hutchins, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Wetland Habitat Team, Mentor, MN.

David Rave, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Bemidji, MN.

Session 3 (Tues.) – 1:00‐1:20

Prairie wetlands provide a number of ecological functions which can be degraded or eliminated due to

the presence of invasive species. Establishment of narrow‐leafed and hybrid cattail (Typha angustifolia

and T. angustifolia x glauca) in shallow, emergent wetlands destabilizes local aquatic plant and animal

diversity, reduces open water, and degrades habitat for many native plant and wildlife species. In 2012‐

2013, we established an adaptive management program to compare the effectiveness of several cattail

removal techniques (mowing, grazing, fire, and chemicals), and measured plant and amphibian

community responses to these techniques in shallow, emergent wetlands choked with cattails at Glacial

Ridge National Wildlife Refuge in the tallgrass prairie region of northwestern Minnesota. We surveyed

amphibians using 20 minute dip‐net surveys per wetland. We used a combination of two 25‐m line

intercepts and 10 ¼‐m2 quadrats to survey wetland vegetation. We captured six species of amphibian

larvae, including 53 boreal chorus frogs, 1 eastern tiger salamander, 12 northern leopard frog, 1 wood

frog, 10 toads (Bufo spp.), and 4 treefrogs (Hyla spp.). We encountered 87 plant species during our

vegetation surveys, the majority of which were grasses, sedges, rushes, and bulrushes. Most wetlands

contained > 50% live and dead cattail cover and little to no overhead open water. We will discuss a

number of logistical challenges encountered with treatment implementation, as well as future plans for

the 2014 field season.

Conservation Partners Legacy Grant Program

Jessica Lee and Kelly Lynch Pharis, MN DNR, CPL Grant Program, St. Paul, MN, [email protected].

Session 3 (Tues.) – 4:30‐4:50

The Conservation Partners Legacy Grant (CPL) Program began with the approval of the Legacy

Amendment and is funded through the Outdoor Heritage Fund recommended to the legislature by the

Lessard‐Sams Outdoor Heritage Council. The CPL Program provides competitive matching grants from

$5,000‐$400,000 to nonprofits and governments for habitat projects that restore, protect, or enhance

forests, prairies, or wetlands for fish, game and wildlife in Minnesota. Work can be done on lands under

public ownership, lands under a permanent conservation easement and in public waters. In addition to

the Traditional Grant Cycle, a new Expedited Conservation Project (ECP) Grant Cycle was recently

created for commonly funded, standard projects. The ECP Grant Cycle funds projects from $5,000‐


$50,000 and the application cycle is open continuously, with funding awarded 5 times throughout the

year. CPL is a great way to get funds for on‐the‐ground habitat projects.

Identification of Peromyscus in Minnesota: A Comparison of Body Measurements and Molecular Analysis of Salivary Amylase

Shannon Leipus, Hannah Schradick, Eric Yu, Caitlan Hinton, Brian Bickel, Madeline Johnson, Katelyn Schneider, Michael Rose, and Joseph C. Whittaker. Department of Biology, Concordia College, Moorhead, MN, [email protected].


Two of the most common and abundant small mammals in North America are the white‐footed mouse

(Peromyscus leucopus) and deer mouse (P. maniculatus). These two species have been identified as

significant seed dispersers, predators of pest insects, prey items of avian and mammalian predators, and

disease vectors and reservoirs. Recent studies have also identified possible ecological replacement of P.

maniculatus by P. leucopus across a large geographic area. While well‐studied, these two species are

extremely difficult to tell apart in the field. Morphological measurements are typically used for

identification, but are inconsistent. Reliable, non‐lethal, identification is possible through different

allozymes for salivary amylase. We collected saliva and used cellulose acetate electrophoresis for

identification from a variety of sites throughout primarily northwestern Minnesota between 2004 and

2013. We tested 615 Peromyscus from a variety of habitats in northwestern Minnesota and compared

the amylase results with morphological data. Our objective was to definitively identify Peromyscus to

species in a region with high habitat overlap and to examine how well morphological predictors

compared to the amylase identification. We found that 33% of the captured mice could not be

definitively identified by measurements because of extensive overlap. Additionally, we found 15 to 25%

of identifications based on morphology incorrect when compared to results from electrophoresis. In

sum, the cumulative error when trapping Peromyscus results in up to 48% of the mice we captured

being unidentifiable or incorrectly assigned to species.

Influence of Temperature on Summer Bed Site Selection by Moose

Nicholas McCann, Minnesota Zoological Garden, Apple Valley, MN, [email protected].

Ron Moen, Natural Resources Research Institute, Duluth, MN.

Steve Windels, Voyageurs National Park, International Falls, MN.

Session 6 (Thur.) – 8:30‐8:50

Moose (Alces alces) are intolerant of high temperatures and maintain thermal balance by increasing

respiration rates and by moving to areas where they can cool themselves efficiently. Bed site

characteristics should be important to moose because they can spend nearly half of each summer day

bedded. We hypothesized that bed sites selected by moose when temperatures are high should include

conditions whereby they can reduce their heat‐loads. To identify bed site characteristics used by moose

in northern Minnesota, we visited 155 bed sites used by 25 moose during summer. At each bed site, we


recorded ground temperature for the duration of summer and data on vegetation and soil

characteristics. Moose selected greater canopy closure during the day than at night, indicating that

shade is important for moose. Forested areas with wet substrates that would improve evaporative

cooling by wetting moose fur and skin were selected on warmer days. Openings were selected on nights

that were clear of cloud cover, when radiative cooling is greatest. Conditions moose selected during the

day corresponded with lowland forests that moose selected, and areas that would help moose to reduce

their heat‐loads. Information from this study should be useful for for managing forests for conditions

that moose select during summer. This is particularly important in northern Minnesota where increasing

temperatures may be the ultimate cause of recent moose population declines.

Moose Visitation Rates and Space Use of Key Habitats in Northern Minnesota

Amanda M. McGraw and Ron Moen, University of Minnesota Duluth, Duluth, MN, [email protected].

Session 6 (Thur.) – 9:30‐9:50

Home range estimates have been a fundamental factor in evaluating habitat use by animals since before

radiotelemetry was developed in the 1960’s. A paradox that emerges from home range calculations is

that an animal will spend very little time at any single location in their home range. Kernel methods

improve the analysis of space use, but alternative approaches should be explored given the scale at

which movement data collection is now possible. GPS radiocollars were attached to 64 moose across

northern Minnesota in 2011. Locations were recorded every 20 minutes, while activity levels were

recorded at 5 minute intervals for 2 years. With this data set, it becomes possible to evaluate with high

precision how animals move across the landscape. We used the Time Local Convex Hull (t‐locoh)

method to model spatio‐temporal patterns from movement data. The t‐locoh method incorporates fine

scale location and activity data with time. This method enabled us to determine visitation rates and

extent of use of key foraging and resting habitats. This type of data also enables visual assignment of

core areas based on clustering of locations as well as movement patterns associated with certain life

history events.

Continuing Population Control of Urban Canada Geese in Moorhead, Minnesota

Jamie L. Naasz, Ashley M. Eder, Angela M. Kooren, Julia R. Goroski , Kayla C. Kenney, Ryan M. Rothstein, Kara K. Nygaard, Elizabeth A. Miller, Jaime L. Kallstrom, Janna M. Gilbertson, Emily A. Jorgenson, Amie R. Nowacki, Ashlyn A. Kuklock, Kris M. Wittman, and Donna M. Bruns Stockrahm. Minnesota State University Moorhead, Biosciences Department, Moorhead, MN, [email protected].


Urban Canada geese (Branta canadensis) are becoming too numerous in many places, including the

Fargo (ND)/Moorhead (MN) area. Since 2010, we have monitored nests and oiled eggs on land owned

by American Crystal Sugar (ACS) in Moorhead which has year‐round open water in holding ponds and

minimal numbers of predators, providing optimal breeding habitat. In the spring of 2010‐2013, we


quantified goose numbers (March‐April), monitored nests (April‐May), and oiled (April) all but 1‐2 eggs

in each nest as part of a long‐term management plan to curb goose numbers. For 2010‐2012, number of

nests declined from 123 to 64 to 28. However, in 2013, nest numbers jumped to 52. Mean clutch size

(5.9, 5.8, 5.1, 5.8) and range (1‐12, 3‐14, 1‐13, 2‐10) have remained fairly stable over the 4‐year period.

Counts of geese decreased since 2010 with maximum counts approaching 440, 250, 300, and 274 for

each year, respectively. Comparing nest numbers with numbers of geese on the premises indicate many

of the geese using the habitat are not necessarily nesting there. Concurrently, but separate from our

study, any remaining adult geese and/or hatchlings still present on the property by late June of each

year were rounded up and removed. The combination of egg oiling and goose removal has reduced

goose numbers, but long‐term effects are not yet known. Possibly, the vacated habitat on ACS grounds

will be re‐populated with other resident geese in the Fargo/Moorhead area. Nest monitoring is

expected to continue through spring 2014.

Lead Fragmentation and Deposition in Shotgun Slug Harvested White‐tailed Deer

Kay Neumann, SOAR – Saving Our Avian Resources, Dedham, IA, [email protected].

Session 2 (Tues.) – 4:30‐4:50

Over 130 species of wildlife are known to be adversely impacted by ingesting lead from spent

ammunition (Tranel et al 2009). There have been several studies done to document lead availability in

rifle harvested deer carcasses, gut piles (Hunt et al 2006, MDNR 2008) and the resulting venison

(Cornatzer et al 2009, Hunt et al 2009). Lead slugs have a much different design. Controlled tests show

that lead slugs do fragment (MDNR 2008). This research is an effort to demonstrate the amount of

fragmentation in lead slugs used during field hunting conditions. SOAR partnered with Whiterock

Conservancy, and USFWS to x‐ray lead‐slug harvested, field‐dressed deer carcasses and gut piles to

document the incidence, abundance, and distribution of available lead fragments. Fourteen, legally,

lead‐slug harvested field‐dressed deer carcasses were x‐rayed. Twelve of the 14 lead‐slug harvested

deer carcasses contained from 6 to 96 lead fragments. Three of these 12 retained the remains of an

entire slug and 11 carcasses contained fragments larger than 3 mm up to 6 cm. Eighty‐six percent of

lead‐slug harvested deer carcasses contained multiple lethal doses of lead for scavenging bald eagles.

Thirteen of the 20 legally, lead‐slug harvested, deer gut piles x‐rayed contained lead fragments.

Fragments in gut piles ranged from 2 to 89, with six gut piles containing fragments larger than 3 mm.

Sixty‐five percent of lead‐slug harvested deer gut piles contained multiple lethal doses of lead for

scavenging bald eagles.

Lead Poisoning in Iowa Bald Eagles

Kay Neumann, SOAR – Saving Our Avian Resources, Dedham, IA, [email protected].


Iowa wildlife rehabilitators have been gathering lead poisoning information on Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus

leucocephalus) admitted since January 2004.Blood, liver, or bone samples were analyzed for lead levels


from 225 of the 270 eagles currently in the database. One hundred fifteen eagles showed lead levels in

their blood above 0.2 ppm or lead levels in their liver above 6 ppm, which is considered lethal poisoning

without chelation treatment. Forty‐six eagles showed exposure levels of lead (between 0.1 ppm and 0.2

ppm in blood samples, between 1 ppm and 6 ppm in liver samples, or between 10 ppm and 20 ppm in

bone). Many eagles admitted with traumatic injuries showed underlying lead exposure or poisoning.

Sixty percent of the eagles being admitted to Iowa wildlife rehabilitators have ingested lead. One

hundred forty four eagles have had full body x‐rays. Eleven of these x‐rays showed shrapnel in the

digestive tract. Six of these x‐rays showed shot in the digestive tract. One of these x‐rays showed an

entire lead core copper jacketed rifle bullet in the digestive tract. Of the eagles x‐rayed, 92 had

abnormal lead levels and 20 were not tested. Behavioral observations, time‐of‐year data analysis, and x‐

ray information point to spent lead ammunition remaining in game animal carcasses to be the source of

ingested lead for scavenging eagles. With thousands of Bald Eagles wintering in Iowa, this poisoning

mortality could be significant and is preventable. Educational efforts are being directed at encouraging

hunters to switch to non‐toxic/non‐lead ammunition.

Breeding Bird Trends in Minnesota National Forests, 1995‐2013

Gerald J. Niemi, Edmund Zlonis, and Alexis Grinde. Natural Resources Research Institute, University of Minnesota, Duluth, MN, [email protected].

Session 5 (Thur.) – 8:30‐8:50

We sampled breeding bird populations in > 300 forest stands annually from 1995‐2013 in the Chippewa

and Superior National Forests (NFs) of northern Minnesota. Sampling consisted of 10‐minute, unlimited

distance point counts gathered in a randomly, stratified design in proportion to the available forest

cover types. We tested trends for 73 species. Over 90 % of species tested in both forests were either

stable or increasing, while three species in the Chippewa NF and six species in the Superior NF

significantly declined. With the two NFs combined, 13 species increased in both forests and only one,

the Connecticut Warbler, had a declining trend. These trends are likely related to many interacting

factors including changes in forest cover, forest composition, and climate change. Besides calculating

trends, these data can be used for habitat and landscape modeling that are essential for effective

conservation and management of these species.

Assessing Wetland Quantity Changes for Minnesota from 2006 to 2011

Doug Norris and Steve Kloiber. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, St. Paul, MN, [email protected].

Session 3 (Tues.) – 3:50‐4:10

The State of Minnesota has developed a monitoring program to provide scientifically sound data

regarding long‐term changes in wetland quantity and quality. Modeled after the national status and

trends program, the Minnesota program assesses changes in wetland acreage and type over time using

repeat assessment of permanent, random plots using remote sensing and photo‐interpretation. This

program tracks land cover change for 4,990 one‐square mile plots over repeating 3‐year sampling cycles.


The analysis presented here includes the results from the first two complete sampling cycles, 2006–2008

and 2009–2011. Somewhat surprisingly, a small, but statistically significant net gain in wetland acreage

was identified for this period. Extrapolating these results statewide indicates that Minnesota had a net

gain of 2,080 acres of wetland during the study period, or about 0.02% of Minnesota’s total wetland

area of 10.62 million acres. In spite of this gain, the data raise questions regarding changes in wetland

quality as well as the relative permanence of the observed changes in wetland quantity.

Update on Purple Martin Migration and Roost Use

Michael R. North, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Brainerd, MN, [email protected].

Kelly Applegate and Tony Lau, Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe DNR, Onamia, MN.

Dick Doll, Purple Martin Working Group, Willmar, MN.

Larry Leonard, Purple Martin Working Group, Brainerd, MN.


Last year we reported on the use of 4 major purple martin roosts in Minnesota, and the hemispheric

movements of 5 adult purple martins marked with geolocators. This poster updates information on

roost use and movements for the year 2013 and from additional marked birds from South Dakota in

2012. New roost locations were documented at Bald Eagle Lake (Washington‐Ramsey County), Lake

Sissabagahmah (Aitkin County), a cornfield near Parkers Prairie (Ottertail County), Swan Lake (Nicollet

County), and an approximate location in western Swift County. We also provide maps from two

geolocators recovered in 2013, including from one bird also tracked in 2011‐2012, showing alternative

migration routes that apparently were taken in order to avoid a developing hurricane. The adult male

that was tracked on two consecutive round trip migrations showed plasticity in routes taken and

wintering sites, but remarkably consistent timing between movements and durations of stay at

wintering locations. Three additional recoveries of birds banded in Canada supplement a recovery from

last year, showing consistent migrations of birds from western Canada through Minnesota.

Survival Rates of Purple Martins Fledged Near Willmar, Minnesota


Dick Doll, Purple Martin Working Group, Willmar, MN.


We color banded purple martin nestlings at a natal colony on King Lake 6 km north of Willmar, MN

annually since 2008. Each band was red and had a white code consisting of 1 letter followed by 3 digits.

Recoveries of color‐banded birds were accomplished primarily by reading color bands at colonies and

roosts with a 75x Nikon ED25‐75 Field Scope, and by hand recaptures at nesting colonies. The

serendipitous juxtaposition of this colony with one of the premier post‐fledging fall roost sites in


Minnesota 3 km south of Willmar allowed for a unique opportunity to explore first year survival rates

and site fidelity through mark‐recapture analysis. Estimated first‐year survival rates ranged from 6.1‐

29.0% for individual cohorts from 2008‐2012 based on simple enumeration of direct observations. Mark‐

recapture analysis could be accomplished on the cohorts from 2010‐2012, which showed first‐year

survival ranged from 6.8‐37.7%. Mark‐recapture survival rate estimates (n=4) were 36‐52% higher than

survival rates from simple enumeration of direct observations. Estimates of second‐year through

fourth‐year survival (from simple enumeration) averaged 49.84% (n=9, range 0‐112.5%, median 56.5%,

mode 57.1%) for individual cohorts. The fidelity rate to the natal colony for the 2010 cohort was

estimated at 35% from 1 year of data, but refined to 28% based on 2 years of data.

Impacts of Twin Cities Metropolitan Area Development on Local Breeding Bird Distributions


William E. Faber, Natural Resources Department, Central Lakes College, Brainerd, MN.

Session 5 (Thur.) – 8:50‐9:10

Urban development is known to impact avian distribution and abundance, although there are

surprisingly few studies, especially experimental studies, on such effects. Marzluff et al. (2001) found

the majority of such studies focused on changes in relative abundance in forested ecosystems, and they

found only nine studies that examined changes in presence/absence. We examined distribution maps

on the Minnesota Breeding Bird Atlas website to identify species that visually appeared to be adversely

affected in their distribution due to urbanization. We identified 22 species for which there was strong

visual evidence of an adverse impact, and 16 species with weaker visual evidence. We established three

zones around the metro area, one each representing intensive urbanization, suburban development,

and exurban/rural development; we randomly selected 25 priority blocks in each strata for further

analysis. For each priority block (n=75) we recorded presence/absence for 37 species and one species

complex (meadowlarks) and compared the results with a chi‐square test for independence; 25 of 37

species had a significant chi‐square value indicating adverse impacts. Species most affected by

urbanization were grassland species and ground‐nesting species, and marsh‐nesting species. The five

highest chi‐square values were for vesper sparrow, savannah sparrow, horned lark, dickcissel and

bobolink.


Birds of the Beltrami Island Area


Gretchen Mehmel, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Red Lake Wildlife Management Area, Roosevelt, MN.

Bethany J. Walters, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND.


The Beltrami Island area is recognized as an Important Bird Area, yet no avian community studies were

conducted in the area until 1978 and no comprehensive assessment of the avifauna has been

accomplished to date. We completed surveys of 23 Breeding Bird Atlas priority blocks, initiated two

Nightar Survey routes and compiled data from 4 Breeding Bird Survey routes and 2 Western Great lakes

Survey Routes to accomplish a comprehensive assessment of the area’s avifauna resources as one of the

priority tasks identified in the Beltrami Island LUP comprehensive plan. Both the Breeding Bird Atlas and

the Breeding Bird Survey results indicated that red‐eyed vireos, white‐throated sparrows, Nashville

warblers, common yellowthroats, and ovenbirds were the most abundant breeding species, while ruffed

grouse, common snipe, northern flickers and American robins ranked high in importance. Assessment

of guilds showed northern flickers were the most ecologically important primary cavity nester, and that

hairy woodpeckers were twice as important as downy woodpeckers. The most significant raptor species

were red‐tailed hawks and American kestrels. The most abundant aerial insectivores were least and

alder flycatchers and the most abundant foliage gleaners were common yellowthroats, Nashville

warblers and red‐eyed vireos. Waterfowl were relatively unimportant as a guild. An important caveat is

that lowland conifer forest species were likely under‐censused.

Marbled Godwit Migration Characterized with Satellite Telemetry

Bridget E. Olson, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Litchfield, MN, [email protected].

Kimberly A. Sullivan, Utah State University, Logan, UT.

Adrian H. Farmer, Wild Ecological Solutions, Fort Collins, CO.

Session 5 (Thur.) – 9:50‐10:10

Marbled Godwits breed in three disparate areas: the majority in the prairies of midcontinent North

America, and two small and widely separated tundra‐breeding populations in eastern Canada and the

coast of the Alaska Peninsula, USA. The major winter ranges include the Atlantic, Pacific and Gulf coasts

of the USA and Mexico. Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge at Great Salt Lake, Utah hosts large godwit

populations in the spring and fall. Though the distribution of Marbled Godwit populations and their

habitats across the landscape are generally known, the linkages between them are not. We tracked 28

Marbled Godwit (Limosa fedoa) equipped with satellite transmitters (2006 – 2010). Our goals were to

characterize the migration strategy of Marbled Godwit populations and determine migratory

connectivity of major breeding, staging and wintering areas. We found, 1) godwits breeding in western


USA and Canada followed an overland route to winter sites in Mexico after departing their Utah

stopover site, 2) godwits tagged in eastern Canada migrated across the continental USA and wintered at

sites along the Gulf of California, Mexico and 3) godwits wintering in coastal Georgia bred in North and

South Dakota. We believe this to be the first demonstration of a continental “criss‐ cross” migration

pattern in a shorebird. Godwits from eastern Canada employed the more energetically expensive

“skipping” migration strategy while those stopping over in Utah used a “hopping” strategy. The birds

tagged in eastern Canada also traveled the longest distance between breeding and wintering grounds.

Assessing the Value of Sediment Removal in Wetland Restoration

Shawn G. Papon, USFWS, Fergus Falls Wetland Management District, Fergus Falls, MN, [email protected].

Sheldon Myerchin, USFWS, Minnesota Private Lands Office, Waite Park, MN, [email protected].

Session 3 (Tues.) – 1:40‐2:00

The typical wetland restoration project conducted on public or private lands usually involves plugging or filling drainage ditches and/or breaking tile lines to restore natural hydrological cycles to drained wetland basins. However, some managers have noticed that not only are these degraded basins drained by ditches or tile, the physical integrity of the basin has been further compromised by many inches and in some cases several feet of washed‐in sediment from the surrounding uplands. Native seed banks are buried, excess nutrients (N & P) are present, and soil characteristics at the surface are changed (organic matter, density, etc.). Thus, to fully restore these drained wetlands, many restoration projects have involved sediment removal in wetlands but these efforts have not always been well documented or monitored. The practice is costly and there are considerable uncertainties about if and when it is an appropriate tool to use to restore drained wetland basins. One thing managers want to know is whether or not removing the sediment will minimize or delay colonization by invasive plants such as reed canary grass and hybrid cattail. In an attempt to resolve these questions, the Service has turned to adaptive management (AM). As of December 2013, 95 wetland basins are part of the Wetland Sediment Project, with basins located in 4 Minnesota Wetland Management Districts (WMD), and in the Minnesota Private Lands Office (MNPLO) work area in central Minnesota. This presentation will summarize results of the AM project to date and provide several examples of sedimentation and post‐restoration plant response.

Detectable Zones of Simulated Grassland Birds: Implications for Bird Surveys

Elizabeth A. Rigby, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, [email protected].

Douglas H. Johnson, USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, St. Paul, MN.

Session 5 (Thur.) – 9:30‐9:50

Factors affecting detection of bird songs have been investigated via field simulation in forest habitats,

but have not been assessed previously in grasslands. We built a portable speaker apparatus for

broadcasting recorded bird songs in grasslands and assessed song detections by experienced and


inexperienced observers. We used logistic regression analyses with mixed models to evaluate covariates

of detection, using correct detection of a broadcast song as the binary response variable. Distance from

the sound source and wind speed and direction were the major factors affecting detection. The greatest

probability of detection was close to the sound source and downwind of the sound source, which

resulted in roughly teardrop‐shaped zones where songs could be detected. Detection zones were

constricted at higher wind speeds. When wind speed exceeded 4 m/s, detection upwind of the sound

source was ≤ 25% for distances ≥ 60 m. At low wind speed (≤ 1 m/s), upwind detection exceeded 40%

for distances ≤ 120 m. The asymmetry of detection zones suggests there may be substantial differences

in perceptibility of birds depending on their orientation regarding the observer and the wind, even if

they are equidistant from the observer and have equal availability. Wind effects should be considered in

bird survey design and survey points should be placed so as to avoid drastic differences in land cover

type surveyed under differing wind conditions.

Interpreting a Scientific Topic for an Internet Audience: An Example Using Secondary Lead Poisoning in Bald Eagles

Cindy Samples, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, Winona, MN, [email protected].

Maggie O’Connell, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Midwest Regional Office, Bloomington, MN.

Session 2 (Tues.) – 3:50‐4:10

Wildlife Management is built on a foundation of scientific principles and evidence. Conveying to a

general audience why wildlife is important, what emerging wildlife management issues are critical, and

why wildlife managers do the things they do is a separate skill and requires a fundamentally different

communication approach to be effective. We will present an example of how a current wildlife

management issue, secondary lead poisoning in bald eagles, can be effectively interpreted to reach a

broad, non‐scientific internet audience. Effective communication of this type of material requires the

application of principles that are fundamental to natural resource interpretation. Key principles include

defining the purpose, theme, goals and objectives; identifying opportunities and audiences; and

recognizing the need for both intellectual and emotional connections. We will demonstrate how these

principles can be effectively applied to our example of secondary lead poisoning in bald eagles.

Small Game Hunters Intentions to Support a Ban on Lead Shot in Minnesota’s Farmland Zone: How Beliefs Relate to Attitudes

Susan A. Schroeder and David C. Fulton. Minnesota Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, [email protected].

Session 2 (Tues.) – 3:30‐3:50

Shot from hunting adds toxic lead to environments worldwide. Existing lead shot regulations and

proposals for additional regulation have occurred with little understanding of hunter beliefs and

attitudes toward non‐toxic shot regulations. Using data from a mail survey of Minnesota small game


hunters, this study applies established theory to examine how beliefs, attitudes and norms influence the

behavioral intentions of small game hunters to support or oppose a ban on lead shot in Minnesota’s

farmland zone. Using the Theory of Reasoned Action, we found that attitudes were significantly related

to behavioral intentions, while norms were not. Then, we employed structure coefficients and

commonality analysis to enhance explanation from a regression of attitudes about a ban on behavioral

beliefs. Results suggest the positive beliefs that a ban on lead shot in Minnesota’s Farmland Zone would

benefit the quality of the environment and protect wildlife from lead poisoning, and the negative belief

that a ban would be unnecessary government regulation had the greatest influence on attitudes about

ban. Examining structure coefficients and commonality analysis, we found that the belief that a ban

would be unnecessary government regulation was most strongly related to attitudes among individuals

who intended to oppose a ban. The beliefs that a ban would benefit the quality of the environment and

protect wildlife from lead poisoning were most strongly related to attitudes among individuals

supportive of a ban.

Cause‐Specific Mortality of Moose Calves in Northeastern Minnesota: Results from the First Summer

William J. Severud, Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology; University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, [email protected].

Glenn D. DelGiudice, Forest Wildlife Populations and Research Group, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Forest Lake, MN.

Session 6 (Thur.) – 10:30‐10:50

Adult survival is an important driver of large herbivore population dynamics; however, low and variable

recruitment also can have a strong influence on population trajectory. The northeastern Minnesota

moose (Alces alces) population has been exhibiting a downward trend since 2006. Neonate and seasonal

survival rates and specific causes of mortality of calves are largely unknown. The greatest hazard relative

to survival occurs within the first 3‐4 months of life for ungulates. We tracked 73 adult female moose

fitted with global positioning system (GPS) collars (50 confirmed pregnant at capture by serum

progesterone concentrations, 6 unknown, 17 not pregnant) beginning 1 May 2013, looking for long

distance pre‐calving movements followed by localization. We confirmed presence of calves with a

helicopter capture crew. Forty‐nine neonates from 31 dams (58% twinning rate) were fitted with

expandable GPS collars during May 2013 and are being tracked intensely throughout their first year. We

are investigating survival rates and specific causes of calf mortalities on site. Thirty‐six mortalities have

occurred (with 4 slipped collars), leaving 9 calves “on air” to date. Natural and capture‐induced

abandonment by dams, predation by bears and wolves, drowning, and injury inflicted by the dam all are

preliminary causes of death. Identifying specific causes of calf mortality and understanding their

relations to various landscape and other extrinsic factors should yield insight into mechanisms

contributing to the declining moose population in northeastern Minnesota and serve as a basis for an

ecologically‐sound management response.


Breeding Waterfowl Habitat Use in the Great Lakes Region

Hannah M. Specht and Todd W. Arnold, Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology; University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, [email protected].

Chris Trosen, St. Croix Wetland Management District, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Nate Williams, Great Lakes Regional Office, Ducks Unlimited Inc.

Session 5 (Thur.) – 10:50‐11:10

Information on abundance and habitat preferences of breeding waterfowl is critical for efficient and

effective waterfowl management; however differences in survey methodologies in Minnesota,

Wisconsin and Michigan render regional estimates difficult. We developed a roadside survey protocol in

Minnesota and Wisconsin for breeding waterfowl that could be scaled up to the entire Great Lakes

Region. We sampled visible wetlands within 400m of the road along 25‐mile roadside transects,

conducting a 3 minute survey, similar to the Breeding Bird Survey. We employed removal methods to

account for calculate detection probabilities when determining wetland occupancy. We observed 1,326

breeding pairs of Canada geese, mallards, wood ducks, and blue‐winged teal at 2,114 individual

wetlands. Overall detectability was greater than 85% early in the breeding season but declined

significantly in the latter half of the season. Preliminary results suggest that wood ducks occupy 6.3% ( 0.5) of wetlands across the study area in the early season and are found more often than expected on

semi‐permanent wetlands and lakes. The quality of wetland data will limit the ability to develop

wetland‐based breeding pair models across the region; wetland inventory data for MN accurately

represented 89% of MN surveyed wetlands, while WI wetland data accurately represented only 30% of

WI surveyed wetlands. We will relate breeding pair occupancy to landscape attributes to build predictive

models of waterfowl abundance and hope to use our data to interpret historical surveys of waterfowl

abundance derived from the nation‐wide Breeding Bird Survey.

A Long‐term Dataset from a Furbearer Harvest Program on the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge

Brian Stemper and Stephen Winter, USFWS, Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, Winona, MN, [email protected].


The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge was established in 1924 and currently

encompasses 97,125 ha of property along 420 km of the Mississippi River. Regulated harvest of

furbearers has occurred on the refuge since 1929 and furbearer harvest is administered through the

issuance of Special Use Permits to individual trappers. Special Use Permits require trappers to submit

information on the numbers of each species harvested, geographic locality of harvest, and trapper

effort. This has resulted in a long‐term dataset that has potential for illuminating trends which may be

related to population dynamics, habitat conditions, and socio‐economic variables.


Demonstration of the Efficacy of Lead vs. Copper Ammunition at Hunter Workshops

Sean Strom, Bureau of Wildlife Management, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Madison, WI, [email protected].

Session 2 (Tues.) – 3:10‐3:30

As part of WI‐DNRs Lead Action Plan, demonstrations were conducted illustrating the benefits of using

copper rifle ammunition. The primary objective of these demonstrations was to allow hunters to

participate first hand and observe the performance differences between lead and copper rifle

ammunition. Both lead and copper rifle bullets were fired into water barrel bullet traps and the contents

of the bullet traps were compared. The primary messages stressed during these demonstrations include:

copper ammunition is accurate, does not foul barrels, retain nearly 100% of their weight, and do not

fragment. In addition, we also describe how the fragmentation of lead bullets can leave particles of lead

throughout the carcass and venison as well as gut piles that can ultimately contaminate the

environment and pose a threat to the health of scavengers. The feedback from participants has been

overwhelmingly favorable. For participating hunters, performance of the copper bullets seems to take

precedence over any potential toxicity issues resulting from lead bullet fragmentation. These

demonstrations are easy to conduct and are very effective once participants see the dramatic difference

between copper and lead bullets.

The Habitat of Winter Ticks in the Moose Range of Northeast Minnesota

Juliann M. Terry and Ron Moen, Natural Resource Research Institute, Duluth, MN, [email protected].

Session 6 (Thur.) – 10:50‐11:10

Periodic die‐offs of moose from 1931 to 2002 in Minnesota are attributed to winter ticks. Little is known

about the habitats where moose pick up winter ticks in the fall or what factors influence tick

abundances in different habitats. Ticks move little after dropping off of a moose, so moose locations in

the spring are where young larval ticks are in the fall. Twenty‐minute movements from GPS collared

moose in the spring of 2013 identified moose beds and foraging paths. Sites were visited in the fall of

2013 and ticks collected by dragging a 1m2 flannel across the vegetation. Microhabitat measurements

were also taken. GIS analyses of spring and fall overlaps from 22 moose in 2011 and 2012 identified

potential tick transmission habitats. A total of 28,730 ticks were found in 25 sites over 0.2 ha. Ticks were

found in 52% of all sites (n = 48) with ticks at 33% of bed sites (n = 21) and 66% of foraging paths (n =

27). Ticks at bed sites accounted for 21% of the total ticks found, and ticks at foraging paths accounted

for 79%. Ticks were found in microhabitats with an average of 30% canopy cover. The habitat overlap

analysis showed a total of 4% overlap of spring and fall paths for a total of 72 ha over both years for all

moose. The most common habitat types in the overlapping area were mixed‐wood forests (44%), bogs

(21%), and conifer forests (13%).


Patterns in white‐tailed deer density and parasite prevalence in Voyageurs National Park: Implications for disease transmission to moose

Kimberly VanderWaal, Conservation Department, Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley, MN, [email protected]

Steve K. Windels and Bryce T. Olson, Voyageurs National Park, International Falls, MN.

Ron Moen, University of Minnesota‐Duluth, Natural Resources Research Institute, Duluth, MN.

Session 6 (Thur.) – 11:10‐11:30

The moose population in northeastern Minnesota has declined by over 50% in the past three years, and

the moose population in northwestern Minnesota has almost disappeared. Voyageurs National Park is a

paradox in that its low‐density moose population is stable despite high white‐tailed deer densities. High

deer densities are generally thought to increase the risk of parasite transmission from deer to moose. In

particular, liver flukes (Fascioloides magna) and brainworm (Parelaphostrongylus tenuis) primarily infect

deer, but these parasites can cause morbidity and mortality when incidentally infecting moose. Here, we

assess how deer and moose densities are related at a local scale, and if high deer densities lead to

higher infection risk. Deer and moose pellet counts were conducted across 78 survey units in and

around Voyageurs National Park from 2009 ‐ 2011. We found that moose presence/absence in survey

units was not influenced by the density of deer. Among plots where moose were present, moose pellet

density was positively correlated with deer pellet density. This may be because some plots were poor

quality habitat for both species, and other plots were characterized by habitat that was beneficial for

both species simultaneously. In 29 survey units, deer pellet groups (n = 10 per unit) were sampled for

the presence of P. tenuis larvae and F. magna eggs. Overall, 68.8% of deer pellets were infected with P.

tenuis, and 56.9% were infected with F. magna. P. tenuis infection was higher in VNP than outside the

park (76.7% versus 40%, respectively). Deer were slightly more likely to be infected in units with higher

deer density. More research is needed to understand the ecological factors leading to higher prevalence

in VNP.

Introducing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles into Wildlife and Habitat Management

Michael C. Vogt, North American Robotics, Prior Lake, MN, [email protected].


Drones, or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are still not allowed by the Federal Aviation Administration

(FAA) to be operated commercially, but are being used effectively for research applications, especially

where they can be utilized to manage land and wildlife resources. Larger drones are typically built to

duplicate military performance and capabilities, but those types are challenging to operate and use for

modest land surveying and wildlife population management. Instead, smaller hand‐launched drones, be

they fixed‐wing (airplanes) or rotary‐wing (‘copters) represent a reasonably mature tool for shoreline

inspections, nest spotting, species tracking, and vegetation analysis. Drones can deliver satellite‐

like near‐remote sensing, at higher resolutions, lower costs and with more scheduling

convenience. Visible, near‐infra‐red (NIR), and soon thermal infra‐red (TIR) imaging is available, along


with GIS processing to aid in detecting nests, invasive plant species, and spatially‐mapped water

turbidity. Specialized drones have been developed that have safety advantages over military cousins,

making them quieter, more flexible to operate, and significantly lesser risk to ground objects in the

event of a crash. With the growing selection of options to choose from, it is an ideal time to begin

exploring how drones can help your wildlife stewardship programs.

Estimating Moose Use of Canopy Closure During Foraging and Bedding Using LIDAR

Rachel Ward and Ron Moen, Natural Resources Research Institute, University of Minnesota‐Duluth, Duluth, MN, [email protected].

Session 6 (Thur.) – 9:10‐9:30

LiDAR is a remote‐sensing technology that can collect data about canopy cover across the landscape by

measuring the distance from the aircraft to the canopy. However, this technology has been used very

infrequently in wildlife studies to date. LiDAR data for various forestry applications has been developed

by the Superior National Forest. Some of the output variables include vegetation density, canopy cover,

and canopy height. We took known foraging and bed sites of moose (Alces alces) and determined

relative canopy closure of these areas and searched for correlations between bedding and foraging

areas with the LiDAR data. We also compared the LiDAR data results to results based on field methods

such as densiometer readings and fish‐eye photographs. Results will indicate how LiDAR can help us

understand characteristics associated with bedding and foraging locations and increase understanding

of how moose balance acquiring enough biomass in summer with the need to avoid heat stresses

associated with warm temperatures. Once the analysis technique is developed it will be possible to

evaluate the use of LiDAR data for other applications including movements of Canada lynx, snowshoe

hare, deer, and wolf.

Lost and Discarded Fishing Tackle in Voyageurs National Park: Implications for Piscivorous Birds

Jerry Warmbold, University of South Dakota, Vermilion, SD, [email protected].

Steve Windels, Voyageurs National Park, International Falls, MN, and [email protected].

Session 2 (Tues.) – 4:50‐5:10

Fishing is the primary recreational activity for the majority of visitors to Voyageurs National Park (VNP). The amount of fishing tackle lost into lacustrine systems in Minnesota, including lakes within Voyageur National Park (VNP), is astounding. A recent study suggests that approximately 211,000 individual pieces of lead tackle were cumulatively lost in Rainy Lake between 1983 and 2004, an average of nearly 10,000 pieces per year. Ingestion of lead tackle by aquatic bird species, including common loons, gulls, cormorants, and eagles can result death by lead poisoning. Piscivorous birds may also become entangled in fishing line or snagged by hooks from lost or discarded fishing tackle. In the summers of 2012 and 2013, we surveyed sections of shoreline along the large lakes in VNP to estimate accumulation rates of lost and discarded tackle that may collect along shorelines and be encountered by piscivorous birds and other wildlife. We also surveyed nest sites of double‐crested cormorants and bald eagles to


assess incidence of fishing tackle being brought to nestling birds. Lastly, we summarized known instances of wildlife being entangled or hooked in fishing tackle and the outcome of those events. We will report preliminary results from our study and discuss the implications for risk of injury or mortality to individual birds from encounters with lost or discarded tackle.

Waterbird Mortality Surveys on the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge: Monitoring the Impact of Trematodiasis

Stephen Winter, USFWS, Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, Winona, MN, [email protected].

Calvin Gehri, Wendy Woyczik, Kendra Niemec, and Dustan Hoffman. USFWS, Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, La Crosse, WI.

Session 5 (Thur.) – 11:30‐11:50

Mortality of waterbirds due to trematodiasis was first documented on the Upper Mississippi River

National Wildlife and Fish Refuge (Refuge) in 2002. Collection and submission of waterbird specimens to

the USGS National Wildlife Health Center has documented trematodiasis in Pools 7, 8, and 9 of the

Upper Mississippi River with 13 species known to be affected (two Rallidae and 11 Anatinae). Repeated

surveys by Refuge staff along standard routes during spring and fall migration periods provide data on

the seasonal distribution and magnitude of die‐offs that have occurred in Pools 7 and 8. Two species

have been most severely affected: American coot (Fulica americana) and lesser scaup (Aythya affinis).

The effect of trematodiasis on lesser scaup is of particular concern given the decades‐long decline in

continental scaup populations. This presentation will provide an overview of the results of 11 years of

waterbird mortality surveys conducted by the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge.

Prevalence of Lead Poisoning in Bald Eagles in the Upper Midwest

Ed Britton, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, Thomson, IL.

Sarah Warner, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Green Bay Field Office, Madison WI.

Drew Becker and Michael Coffey, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Rock Island Ecological Services Field Office, Moline, IL.

Timothy Yager and Stephen Winter, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, Winona MN, [email protected].

Session 2 (Tues.) – 4:10‐4:30

The bald eagle is a commonly observed resident and migrant of the Upper Mississippi River and other

locations in the Upper Midwest. While bald eagles in the lower 48 States were recently removed from

the federal list of threatened and endangered species, they remain a protected species under the

Golden and Bald Eagle Protection Act. Bald eagles that have been found dead in the field, or have died

in captivity at a zoo or rehabilitation center, are eventually transferred to the National Eagle Repository,

a federal facility that serves as the central location for receipt, storage, and distribution of dead eagles


and their parts to qualified Native Americans for use in religious ceremonies. We took advantage of this

“pipeline” of bald eagle carcasses to a federal facility to collect tissue samples that could be analyzed for

the presence of lead. Eagle carcasses from several Midwestern states were collected by state and

federal agency employees and transferred to a National Wildlife Refuge office in Illinois where necropsy

was performed and clinical signs of body condition were identified." Liver tissue samples were then

submitted to the USGS National Wildlife Health Center for analysis while the remainder of each carcass

was transferred to the National Eagle Center. This presentation will provide an overview of the results

generated by this collection effort and tissue analyses.

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