bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diet and Prey Consumption Rates of Nesting Boreal Owls, Aegolius funereus, in Alaska
Authors: Whitman Jackson S.
Published: January 2017

Dietary composition and prey consumption rates of nesting Boreal Owls, Aegolius funereus, were investigated during 2004–2006 using two methods. Dietary composition was determined during nest visits through examination of 1882 fresh remains containing at least 11 mammalian and 15 avian species. Consumption rates were calculated based on laboratory examination of seven prey detritus bricks following fledging, yielding 1051 items of five different taxa. During 2003–2006, small mammal snap-trapping was conducted in the vicinity of occupied nest boxes, and relative abundance of potential prey items was estimated. A total of 4020 trap-nights yielded 695 small mammal captures of eight species. Consumption rates of nestling owls ranged from 22.0 to 29.7 g of food per day, averaging 24.2 g (SD = 1.8). Comparisons between availability of small mammals (as indicated by snap-trapping) and consumption (as indicated by nest visits and analysis of prey detritus bricks) showed that Boreal Owls are generally preying on mammals proportionate to their occurrence.
Are Non-Native Gastropods a Threat to Endangered Lichens?
Authors: Cameron Robert
Published: January 2017

Extensive grazing by gastropods was found on endangered Boreal Felt Lichen (Erioderma pedicellatum) at Sixth Lake, Nova Scotia, in 2004. At least 80% of arboreal gastropods observed at the site were the introduced species Arion subfuscus. Subsequent surveys at five other locations in Nova Scotia showed 90% of arboreal gastropod individuals observed were introduced species. Potential impact on native lichen species, and in particular on rare and endangered species, is discussed.
Declines of Bighorn Sheep, Ovis canadensis, on Deteriorating Winter Range in Jasper National Park, Alberta, 1981-2010
Authors: Dekker Dick
Published: January 2017

Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis) wintering in the lower Athabasca River valley of Jasper National Park, Alberta, were monitored from 1981 to 2010 by recording maximum band sizes per annum on two traditional but separate sheep ranges. In study area #1, the ram band declined significantly from a 20-year mean of 18 in the period 1981-2001 to a 5-year mean of 11 in the period 2001-2006, with a slight recovery in 2006-2010. Ewes in area #1 dwindled from a mean of 20 in the period 1981-1995 to zero in the period 1995-2010. In area #2, the ewe band dropped significantly from a mean of 40 in the period 1981-2001 to 24 in the period 2001-2010. The declines in area #1 coincided with an invasion of Russian Thistle (Salsola kali). Range conditions in area #2 deteriorated following four years with lower than average annual precipitation. The mean lamb:ewe ratio in area #2, pooled for 29 years, was 22:100 (n = 646). The sheep were protected from hunting, but were subject to a full range of indigenous carnivores. However, predation did not appear to be the primary cause of the declines, nor was competition for forage with American Elk (Cervus elaphus).
Red Maple, Acer rubrum, Wetland Composition and Structure in Nova Scotia
Authors: Cameron Robert
Published: January 2017

Red Maple (Acer rubrum) wetlands occur when Red Maple dominated forest occupies imperfectly drained to saturated soils. Plots were established in 28 Red Maple wetlands in Nova Scotia to document structure and plant composition. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) was used to assess vegetation differences by wetland type (floodplain, depression, slope) and geographic region (inland vs. coastal and western vs. eastern shore). Seventy-eight species of vascular plants and 35 species of non-vascular plants were found in plots. Two species of rare vascular plants and four rare Sphagnum species were found in plots or within the wetlands. Sphagnum species richness was very high. Red Maple wetlands are structurally complex, often having five distinct vertical layers. NMDS species composition analyses suggest little difference between wetland types and geographic regions. Given the diversity of vascular and non-vascular plants and the structural complexity of Red Maple wetlands in Nova Scotia, these wetlands make a significant contribution to the biodiversity and heterogeneity of the landscape.
Bias in American Ornithologists' Union Bird Names
Authors: Eagles Paul F. J. , Ceballos-Lascurain Hector
Published: January 2017

Ornithology has developed bodies to make collective decisions on the taxonomy, scientific names, and common names of birds. This tradition within ornithology assists with communication and reduces confusion. For North and Central America, a committee of the American Ornithologists' Union standardizes the taxonomy and nomenclature of all the birds that naturally occur within that area. This paper makes the point that this activity has been dominated by members from the United States, with insufficient attention paid to the appropriate use of the term "American" or to the concerns of citizens of countries other than the USA. As a result, the term "American" is used inappropriately as a synonym for North American in a geographic distribution sense. In addition, the terms "Canadian" and "Mexican" are used very sparingly or not at all in the English common name for species that occur in those countries. Suggestions are made with regards to the membership of the nomenclature committee and for remedying this problem with English common names.
Diel Activity Patterns of Mink, Neovison vison, Change with Habitat
Authors: Wellman Sara T. , Haynes James M.
Published: January 2017

Using video traps, we tested the commonly held view that Mink, Neovison vison, are mostly nocturnal. We compared Mink passages during daylight and darkness in two habitats. Mink were significantly more nocturnal in uplands with streams and significantly more diurnal in wetlands. Assuming that uplands have a higher proportion of terrestrial prey active at night and wetlands have a higher proportion of aquatic prey, the observed difference in activity periods may be related to the difficulty of seeing aquatic prey at night and suggests a dynamic interaction between food visibility and diel activity in Mink.
Effects of Forest Fire on Young-of-the-year Northern Pike, Esox lucius, in the Northwest Territories
Authors: Cott Peter A. , Zajdlik Barry A. , Bourassa Kelly J. , Lange Marc , Gordon Andrew M.
Published: January 2017

In 1998, a forest fire burned 58% of the forested shoreline surrounding Tibbitt Lake, Northwest Territories, including riparian vegetation used by Northern Pike (Esox lucius) as spawning habitat. This presented an opportunity to investigate the effects that habitat disturbance from a natural forest fire had on young-of-the-year (Y-O-Y) Northern Pike. Pike fry were collected from three burned and three unburned sites around Tibbitt Lake in 1999 (the first post-fire spawning season) and again in 2001. Differences in size and relative abundance were evaluated between sites. Y-O-Y Northern Pike were significantly larger at the unburned sites (P<0.01) and the relative abundance of Y-O-Y Northern Pike increased significantly at burned sites (alpha=0.1; P<0.07) following re-vegetation two years post fire. These differences may be due to fire-induced changes in physical habitat or food availability. Forest fires decrease the density of riparian vegetation, which likely provides better spawning and rearing habitat for Northern Pike in the long-term.En 1998, un feu de forêt a brûlé 58% de la rive boisée entourant le lac Tibbitt, situé dans les Territoires du Nord-Ouest, y compris la végétation riveraine utilisé par le grand brochet (Esox lucius) comme habitat de fraie. Cet événement a présenté une occasion pour étudier les effets causés par un feu de foret sur l'habitat de jeunes de l'année du grand brochet. Les jeunes brochets ont été recueillis sur trois sites brûlées et trois sites non brûlés autour du lac Tibbitt en 1999 (la première année de fraie après le feu de forêt) et à nouveau en 2001. La différence de grandeur et l'abondance relative des poissons ont été analysés entre les différents sites. Les jeunes grands brochets aux sites non-atteints par le feu étaient considérablement plus grands (P < 0,01) que ceux aux sites brulés. Les sites brulés, subissant une rapide revégétation dans les deux années après le feu, ont augmenté en abondance relative de jeunes grands brochets (alpha = 0,1, P < 0,07). Ces différences peuvent être dues aux changements induits par le feu sur l'aspect physique de l'habitat ou sur la disponibilité de nourriture. Les incendies de forêt réduisent la densité de la végétation riveraine, qui fournit probablement de meilleure habitat de fraie et d'alevinage pour le grand brochet à long terme.
Development and Growth of Northern Leopard Frog, Lithobates pipiens, Tadpoles in North American Waterfowl Management Plan Permanent Basins and in Natural Wetlands
Authors: Pouliot Daniel , Frenette Jean-Jacques
Published: January 2017

We monitored the development and growth of a cohort of Northern Leopard Frog (Lithobates pipiens) tadpoles, in one North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP) permanent basin and in one natural environment, a bay of the St. Lawrence River. We wanted to know if this kind of artificial wetland could be considered as suitable habitat for this declining species and compare the environment that was provided to the tadpoles to those found in natural conditions. We also measured metamorphs' snout-vent length at three different permanent basins and natural bays to verify if the results from the detailed monitoring could be generalized. Our results have showed that the tadpoles were able to complete their development in the permanent basin and that their growth was superior to those from the natural site. The metamorphs from the permanent basins were also, on average, longer than those from the natural sites. The NAWMP permanent basins are suitable for the Northern Leopard Frog and could be a useful tool in the conservation of this species.Nous avons suivi le développement et la croissance d'une cohorte de têtards de Grenouille Léopard du Nord (Lithobates pipiens) dans un bassin permanent du Plan Nord Américain de Gestion de la Sauvagine (PNAGS) et dans un site naturel, une baie du fleuve Saint-Laurent. Nous voulions vérifier si ce type d'aménagement pouvait être considéré comme un habitat potentiel pour cette espèce en déclin et comparer les conditions environnementales disponibles pour les têtards. Nous avons aussi mesuré la longueur museau-cloaque des métamorphes provenant de trois bassins permanents et de trois baies du Saint-Laurent pour vérifier si les résultats obtenus par le suivi détaillé pouvaient être généralisés. Nos résultats ont montré que les têtards pouvaient compléter leur développement dans le bassin permanent et que leur croissance était aussi supérieure que dans le site naturel. Les métamorphes des trois bassins permanents étaient aussi, en moyenne, de taille supérieure à que ceux des sites naturels. Les bassins permanents du PNAGS peuvent être considérés comme des habitats potentiels pour la Grenouille Léopard du Nord. Ils pourraient représenter des outils utiles pour la conservation de cette espèce.
Arm Deflation in the Rare Thorny Sea Star, Poraniopsis inflatus (Asteroidea: Poraniidae), A Defensive Response to other Sea Stars?
Authors: Anderson Roland C. , Shimek Ronald L.
Published: January 2017

The Thorny Sea Star, Poraniopsis inflatus, is rare in the Northeastern Pacific. It lacks pedicellariae or other overt defenses for protection against other predatory sea stars. During an earlier study, a P. inflatus confronted by an asteroid-eating sea star was observed to exhibit a possible defensive reaction: "arm deflation." It was 15 years before another P. inflatus specimen could be obtained and that hypothesis confirmed by testing with individuals of 18 other sea-star species. Contact with individuals of four predatory sea-stars, Asterina miniata, Crossaster papposus, Solaster dawsoni, and Pycnopodia helianthoides, elicited the reaction in the P. inflatus. The specimen collapsed ("deflated") an arm closest to the predatory star, possibly by expelling coelomic fluid, exposing more of its embedded thorns (hence its common name) which may discourage other sea stars from attempting to eat it.
Further to the Occurrence of Red Abalone, Haliotis rufescens, in British Columbia
Authors: Sloan N. A. , McDevit D. C. , Saunders G. W.
Published: January 2017

We report on additional occurrences of Red Abalone (Haliotis rufescens Swainson, 1822) that bring the total to seven from British Columbia coastal waters. Possible causes of the presence of Red Abalone include northward (winter) transport via kelp rafts from the Oregon-California area. We tested this hypothesis by performing DNA barcoding analyses on a fragment of kelp holdfast on the surface of one such shell establishing its identity as Nereocystis luetkeana (Mertens) Postels & Ruprecht - a giant kelp with a hollow stipe terminating in a bulbous pneumatocyst (gas-filled float). The occurrence of Red Abalone due to natural processes, besides being important biogeographically, has had important implications for indigenous peoples' pre- and post-contact trade and material culture.
Scavenging of an Elk, Cervus elaphus, Carcass by Multiple Cougars, Puma concolor, in Southeastern Alberta
Authors: Bacon Michelle M. , Boyce Mark S.
Published: January 2017

We report the confirmed or suspected scavenging by six different Cougars, Puma concolor, on an Elk (Cervus elaphus) carcass, from January to April 2009, near Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park in southeastern Alberta, Canada. Visitations by Cougars were captured by a camera trap focused on the carcass; we were able to tentatively identify 6 individual Cougars by the presence of radio-collars, ear sizes and tail characteristics. Our photos are the first published event of >2 Cougars feeding on the same carcass.
Scavenging by a Bobcat, Lynx rufus
Authors: Platt Steven G. , Salmon Gerard T. , Miller Stanlee M. , Rainwater Thomas R.
Published: January 2017

There are few available reports of scavenging (carrion foraging) by Bobcats (Lynx rufus). We recovered the remains of a Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) from the stomach of a road-killed female Bobcat in Dutchess County, New York. The presence of Blow Fly eggs on the squirrel remains indicate that it was consumed as carrion. To our knowledge this is the third confirmed instance of scavenging by a Bobcat.
Recent Expansion of Spiranthes cernua (Orchidaceae) into Northern Ontario due to Climate Change?
Authors: Catling Paul M. , Oldham Michael J.
Published: January 2017

The expansion northward since 1980 of the native orchid Nodding Ladies'-tresses (Spiranthes cernua) in Ontario is described and assessed with respect to the possibility of the expansion being a recent response to climate change. Based on evidence of the extent of the orchid's distribution from prior botanical surveys, it is considered to be a recent arrival in a previously unoccupied area of northern Ontario. Second-order polynomial regression revealed a significant increase in mean yearly temperature of 1 Celsius degree in parts of northern Ontario since 1980. Based on close association with limits of yearly temperature, this is considered sufficient to explain the expansion, and the individual extensions of range fit well into the anticipated newly available territory. Based on a consideration of the location of extensions with respect to plant hardiness zones, the landscape that has become available since 1980 is 160 000 km2, in a band approximately 200 km wide across the southern part of northern Ontario. Assuming further temperature increases, this band is expected to expand to a width of approximately 300 km by 2040, providing 360 000 km2 of newly available landscape over six decades. Spiranthes cernua produces thousands of seeds per flower by adventitious embryony, allowing single individuals to establish populations through long-distance wind dispersal with no reliance on pollination. Spiranthes cernua is therefore well adapted to quickly colonize new territory that becomes available through climate warming.
Two Vascular Plants New to Nova Scotia: Yellow Glandweed (Parentucellia viscosa (L.) Caruel) and Whorled Loosestrife (Lysimachia quadrifolia L.)
Authors: Macdonald Michael , Freedman Bill
Published: January 2017

Yellow Glandweed (Parentucellia viscosa (L.) Caruel), found near Yarmouth, and Whorled Loosestrife (Lysimachia quadrifolia L.), found near Halifax, are reported as new to Nova Scotia. The former is also new to the Atlantic coast of North America.
The Recent Spread and Potential Distribution of Phragmites australis subsp. australis in Canada
Authors: Catling Paul M. , Mitrow Gisèle
Published: January 2017

To provide information on geographic occurrence, rate of spread, and potential distribution of European Common Reed, Phragmites australis subsp. australis, in Canada, we measured 1740 herbarium specimens from 21 collections across Canada, entered the information into a database, and mapped and analyzed these records. The European subspecies australis was first documented in Canada 100 years before it was recognized as an alien invader. It was not until the invading plants had entered a phase of rapid local increase after 1990 that they attracted sufficient attention that a comparison of the invasive and non-invasive plants was made. By 2001, two different races had been distinguished, and soon after they were separated as different subspecies. The first Canadian collection of the alien subsp. australis was made in southwestern Nova Scotia in 1910. By the 1920s, it occurred in southern Nova Scotia, along the St. Lawrence River near Quebec City and at Montreal. The first southwestern Ontario specimen was collected in 1948. Thus by 1950 subsp. australis was known from only four relatively small areas of Canada based on 22 collections. At this same time, the native race, subsp. americanus, had a widespread distribution in Canada represented by 325 collections. This strongly supported the comparable and limited distribution of subsp. australis at the time. By 1970, subsp. australis had spread locally but was still found only in southwestern Nova Scotia, in the St. Lawrence River valley, and in southwestern Ontario. By 1990, subsp. australis had become much more frequent in the St. Lawrence River valley and in southwestern Ontario, and it had extended westward into eastern Ontario. By 2010, it had spread throughout much of southern Ontario and southern Quebec, and it had a more extensive distribution in Atlantic Canada, but the biggest change was its spread into western Canada. It appeared in northern Ontario, northwestern Ontario, southern Manitoba, and interior southern British Columbia. The rate of spread is increasing and within a decade or two, based on the extent of appropriate plant hardiness zones currently occupied, it is expected to become abundant in the prairie provinces and across most of southern Canada.
Evidence Confirms the Presence of Cougars (Puma concolor) in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Rosatte Rick
Published: January 2017

A study was initiated to collect and collate evidence to resolve the long-standing question of whether free-ranging Cougars (Puma concolor) exist on the Ontario landscape. A total of 497 pieces of evidence confirmed that Cougars were present in Ontario during the period 1991 to 2010. That evidence included 21 pieces of class 1 evidence (scat, hair, DNA, tracks, photographs of a Cougar), 13 class 2 sightings (by qualified observers such as biologists), and 463 class 3 sightings (credible sightings by unqualified observers). The evidence presented in this paper indicates the presence in Ontario of free-ranging Cougars of unknown origin.
Interpretations of Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus) Tracks by Inuit Hunters: Inter-rater Reliability and Inferences Concerning Accuracy
Authors: Wong P. B. Y. , Van Coeverden de Groot P. , Fekken C. , Smith H. , Pagès M. , Boag P. T.
Published: January 2017

Due to their tracking experience in pursuing Polar Bears (Ursus maritimus), Inuit hunters could provide non-invasive estimates of Polar Bear characteristics from tracks, and Polar Bear monitoring programs could benefit from Inuit input. We determined i) inter-rater reliability of estimates of the sex, age, and size of Polar Bears, and estimates of the age of tracks made by a group of nine Inuit hunters who interpreted 78 tracks; ii) we made preliminary comparisons of sex and size estimates with conventional (scientific) estimates; iii) we catalogued the Polar Bear hunting experience and track interpretation techniques of nine Inuit hunters; and iv) we explored relationships between hunting experience and the ability to interpret tracks. The group of Inuit hunters made reliable and consistent estimates of Polar Bear sex, age, and size, as well as estimates of age of track (after data from one participant was excluded). Although our comparisons are based on small samples, our findings suggest that Inuit hunters may be accurate in estimating the sex of Polar Bears (74.42% agreement with genetic determinations) and the size of Polar Bears from their tracks. Our data indicate shared tracking techniques used by hunters may explain high agreement in making specific estimates, while individual hunting experience and particular methods used to interpret tracks may lead to inter-rater reliability and accuracy in interpreting tracks.
Killing and Caching of an Adult White-tailed Deer, Odocoileus virginianus, by a Single Gray Wolf, Canis lupus
Authors: Nelson Michael E.
Published: January 2017

A single Gray Wolf (Canis lupus) killed an adult male White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and cached the intact carcass in 76 cm of snow. The carcass was revisited and entirely consumed between four and seven days later. This is the first recorded observation of a Gray Wolf caching an entire adult deer.
Slender False Brome (Brachypodium sylvaticum, Poaceae), an Invasive Grass New to Ontario, Canada
Authors: Miller Brian M. , Aitken Robert J. , Oldham Michael J. , Reznicek Anton A.
Published: January 2017

Brachypodium sylvaticum, Slender False Brome, an invasive Eurasian grass, is reported for the first time in Ontario and eastern Canada from Grey County, southern Ontario. The only previous Canadian record is from Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The species is widespread in the U.S. Pacific Northwest, where it is spreading aggressively throughout much of western Oregon. In the eastern U.S.A., known populations are few and localized, although the species will likely spread.
Some Observations of Short-eared Owl, Asio flammeus, Ecology on Arctic Tundra, Yukon, Canada
Authors: Reid Donald G. , Doyle Frank I. , Kenney Alice J. , Krebs Charles J.
Published: January 2017

We investigated nesting behavior, food habits, and interspecific interactions of Short-eared Owls (Asio flammeus) within an arctic tundra raptor community on Herschel Island and Komakuk Beach, northern Yukon, Canada. Short-eared Owls were the least common nesting raptor. We found only three nests, all on Herschel Island. All nests were on relatively elevated sites with fairly substantial vegetative cover. All nests failed in the egg stage, from a combination of human disturbance and possible predation by Arctic Fox (Vulpes lagopus) or Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes). Short-eared Owls nested only in years when small rodent densities were at least 4 to 5 individuals per hectare in the spring. Short-eared Owls ate Northern Collared Lemmings (Dicrostonyx groenlandicus), Brown Lemmings (Lemmus trimucronatus), and Tundra Voles (Microtus oeconomus) almost exclusively, without clear selectivity. Peregrine Falcons (Falco peregrinus) killed two adult Short-eared Owls. In northern Yukon, the Short-eared Owl remains an uncommon summer resident and uses the region as a migration route. Spring rodent densities and interspecific predation are prominent limiting factors, and human disturbance also limits nesting success. We recommend restricting access to most tundra areas during periods when the birds are mating, initiating nesting, and incubating eggs. We recommend that human infrastructure be designed so that it cannot support novel nesting (and therefore local range expansion) by other nesting raptors that compete with and prey on Short-earned Owls.
Kudzu Vine, Pueraria montana, Adventive in Southern Ontario
Authors: Waldron Gerald E. , Larson Brendon M. H.
Published: January 2017

Kudzu is reported for the first time in Canada. A population was found covering about 3500 m² on a bank above Lake Erie near the town of Leamington, Ontario. We detected high seed viability and germination rates but no evidence that the population has been expanding beyond this site. Nonetheless, we recommend that measures be taken to prevent its continued expansion.
An Extra-Limital Population of Black-tailed Prairie Dogs, Cynomys ludovicianus, in Central Alberta
Authors: Trefry Helen E. , Holroyd Geoffrey L.
Published: January 2017

An introduced population of Black-tailed Prairie Dogs, Cynomys ludovicianus, has persisted for the past 50 years east of Edmonton, Alberta, over 600 km northwest of the natural prairie range of the species. This colony has slowly expanded at this northern latitude within a transition ecotone between the Boreal Plains ecozone and the Prairies ecozone. Although this colony is derived from escaped animals, it is worth documenting, as it represents a significant disjunct range extension for the species and it is separated from the sylvatic plague (Yersina pestis) that threatens southern populations. The unique northern location of these Black-tailed Prairie Dogs makes them valuable for the study of adaptability and geographic variation, with implications for climate change impacts on the species, which is threatened in Canada.
Bat Populations and Cave Microclimate Prior to and at the Outbreak of White-Nose Syndrome in New Brunswick
Authors: Vanderwolf Karen J. , McAlpine Donald F. , Forbes Graham J. , Malloch David
Published: January 2017

Information on bat populations and hibernacula is important for understanding the impacts of white-nose syndrome (WNS), a fatal fungal disease of bats. Estimates of bat populations prior to the outbreak of white-nose syndrome are presented for 2009–2011 for the most significant bat hibernacula known in New Brunswick. At one of these sites we recorded a major mortality event from white-nose syndrome, the first in the Maritime provinces, late in the winter of 2011. Winter surveys of hibernating bats suggest that a minimum of 7000 bats overwintered in these hibernacula prior to the outbreak of white-nose syndrome in New Brunswick. The majority of hibernating bats in New Brunswick caves are Myotis lucifugus (Little Brown Myotis) and M. septentrionalis (Northern Myotis), with low numbers of Perimyotis subflavus (Tricolored Bat). The New Brunswick hibernacula that support the greatest numbers of overwintering bats have little temperature variation, winter dark zone temperatures averaging 4–5°C, and minimum dark zone temperatures dropping to no lower than 3.1°C. New Brunswick caves with these temperature patterns characteristically have ≥140 m of main passage and lack both running water and multiple entrances. Few cave sites in the province meet these criteria, and the known winter bat population appears to be smaller than the summer population. Many bats present during the summer in New Brunswick either hibernate in unknown locations in the province or migrate out of the province to locate suitable hibernacula. Such movements may have hastened the arrival of white-nose syndrome in New Brunswick.
Site Fidelity and Annual Survival of the Western Yellow-breasted Chat (Icteria virens auricollis) at the Northern Edge of its Range
Authors: McKibbin René , Bishop Christine A.
Published: January 2017

We studied return rates, site fidelity, dispersal, and survivorship of an endangered population of the Western Yellow-breasted Chat (Icteria virens auricollis) in the southern Okanagan River valley, British Columbia, between 2001 and 2007. Between 2001 and 2006, we banded a total of 75 adults and 385 nestlings. Apparent survival for male Western Yellow-breasted Chats banded as adults was 65%, and survival and recapture were constant across time. Other results were as follows: 44% of males and 13% of females banded as adults were re-sighted during the period 2002–2007; 33% of males and 10% of females were re-sighted the year after they were banded; 31% of males and 10% of females had fidelity to the study site where they were banded as adults; 10% of Western Yellow-breasted Chats banded as nestlings returned and, of these, 62% of males and 54% of females returned to their natal study site to breed. The dispersal distance for males banded as adults (n = 5) that did not return to their sites ranged from 6.4 km to 42.9 km. Natal dispersal ranged from 2.5 km to 15.6 km for males (n = 7) and 2.3 km to 2.6 km for females (n = 2); 16 males and 7 females banded as nestlings did not disperse. These findings contrast with predictions that species at the northern limit of their range will have low site fidelity and return rates and higher dispersal distances than passerine populations at the core of their range.
Proximity to Hibernacula and Road Type Influence Potential Road Mortality of Snakes in Southwestern Saskatchewan
Authors: Fortney Ashley N. , Poulin Ray G. , Martino Jessica A. , Parker Dennilyn L. , Somers Christopher M.
Published: January 2017

The behaviour of snakes makes them vulnerable to road mortality, which may have conservation implications for some species. We examined factors affecting road mortality of snakes around Grasslands National Park of Canada (GNP), Saskatchewan, an area inhabited by a unique snake community within Canada, including the threatened Eastern Yellow-bellied Racer (Coluber constrictor flaviventris). Systematic surveys (n = 45) of roads in the Grasslands National Park area in 2009 yielded 36 dead and 18 live snakes. Multivariate modelling revealed that proximity to hibernacula was positively correlated with presence of snakes on roads. Paved roads had disproportionately higher numbers of snake mortalities, suggesting that traffic patterns are a bigger risk factor than road use per se. Some radio-tracked Eastern Yellow-bellied Racers (2 of 17; 12%) and Bullsnakes (Pituophis catenifer sayi) (4 of 5; 80%) captured at emergence from hibernacula had road areas in their home ranges. These individuals equipped with radio-transmitters used roads and immediately adjacent areas significantly more than expected, based on their availability, suggesting possible selection for roads. Strategies to reduce road mortality of snakes should focus on key stretches of roads, such as those near winter hibernacula or riparian zones. The placement of paved roads in sensitive areas like those in and around Grasslands National Park should be carefully considered to minimize snake mortality.
Observations of Nocturnal Hunting Behaviour of American Badgers, Taxidea taxus, in Southwestern Saskatchewan
Authors: Proulx Gilbert , MacKenzie Neil
Published: January 2017

This study describes the nocturnal hunting behaviour of American Badgers (Taxidea taxus) in areas inhabited by Richardson’s Ground Squirrels (Urocitellus richardsonii) in southwestern Saskatchewan. Adult American Badgers searched for prey by zigzagging through clusters of Richardson’s Ground Squirrel burrows or by going back and forth between one enlarged Richardson’s Ground Squirrel burrow and other adjacent burrows. American Badgers’ movements were not random and they were oriented to encounter prey.
Severe Maxillary Osteomyelitis in a Gray Wolf (Canis lupus)
Authors: Barber-Meyer Shannon
Published: January 2017

Whereas dental injuries and abnormalities have been documented in Gray Wolves (Canis lupus), severe maxillary necrosis has not previously been implicated in a Gray Wolf fatality. Here I report maxillary osteomyelitis in a wild Gray Wolf from northeastern Minnesota of such severity that I hypothesize it ultimately led to death by starvation.
Visitations by Snowshoe Hares (Lepus americanus) to and Possible Geophagy of Materials from an Iron-Rich Excavation in North-Central British Columbia
Authors: Rea Roy V. , Stumpf Christina L. , Hodder Dexter P.
Published: January 2017

Fecal pellet samples and photo data were collected and analyzed to investigate the suspected occurrence of geophagy of soils by Snowshoe Hares (Lepus americanus) at a small iron-rich mineral excavation in north-central British Columbia. Pellet samples from Snowshoe Hares collected near the excavation site in both February 2004 and 2005 showed higher levels of iron (II) sulphate in pellets than in samples from control areas (P < 0.05). Using remote wildlife camera technology, we determined that Snowshoe Hares accounted for 72% of visits by mammals to the site. Ninety percent of these visits occurred at night; this timing corresponds with the use of mineral licks by several other species of mammals in North America. Use occurred in winter (49%) and spring (47%), but was rare in summer and autumn, and may have coincided with periods of nutritional stress in Snowshoe Hares.
Consumption of Truffles and other Fungi by the American Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) and the Eastern Chipmunk (Tamias striatus) (Sciuridae) in Northwestern Ontario
Authors: Teron Jocelin N. , Hutchison Leonard J.
Published: January 2017

Faecal matter collected from the American Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) and the Eastern Chipmunk (Tamias striatus) on the campus of Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ontario, was examined for the presence of consumed fungal tissue. A total of 14 faecal samples were collected from live-trapped animals over six trapping periods (19 June to 25 September 2010). Eight samples contained intact remains of spores representative of hypogeous truffle fungi found in the genera Elaphomyces, Gautieria, Hymenogaster, Hysterangium, and Leucangium, as well as spores of epigeous mushrooms found in the orders Boletales and Pezizales and possibly in the family Tricholomataceae of the Agaricales. The results of this brief survey suggest not only the importance of mycophagy in the diet of American Red Squirrels and Eastern Chipmunks in the boreal mixed wood forests of northwestern Ontario but also the important role played by sciurids in vectoring spores of truffle fungi in this region.
Indirect Cannibalism by Crèche-aged American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) Chicks
Authors: Bartos Alisa J. , Sovada Marsha A. , Igl Lawrence D. , Pietz Pamela J.
Published: January 2017

At nesting colonies of American White Pelicans (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos), many chicks die from siblicide, severe weather, and disease; this results in carcasses available for scavenging by conspecifics (i.e., indirect cannibalism). Indirect cannibalism has not been reported previously for this species. We describe five cases of crèche-aged American White Pelican chicks consuming or attempting to consume dead younger chicks at two nesting colonies in the northern plains of North America. Cannibalism in the American White Pelican appears to be rare and likely plays no role in the species’ population ecology or dynamics; however, it might be an important survival strategy of individual chicks when food resources are limited.
Temporal variation in food habits of the American Black Bear (Ursus americanus) in the boreal forest of northern Ontario
Authors: Romain Derrick A. , Obbard Martyn E. , Atkinson James L.
Published: January 2017

We used scat analysis to investigate temporal variation in the food habits of American Black Bears (Ursus americanus) in the boreal forest of northern Ontario. Specifically, we examined whether there was a seasonal shift in foraging over three years (1990–1992) and which foods, if any, varied in occurrence among years. American Black Bears ate foods ranging from green vegetation in the spring to ants in mid-summer and berries and nuts in late summer and fall. Late summer berry forage, especially blueberries (Vaccinium spp.), varied greatly among years. American Black Bears in northern Ontario consumed a variety of foods opportunistically. Understanding how American Black Bears in northern Ontario exploit food resources and how these food items vary among years can provide insights into demographic processes and help wildlife managers better anticipate changes in the structure of the harvest of American Black Bears and in human–bear conflict levels. In northern Ontario, forest management practices that increase the availability of early successional species would be beneficial to American Black Bear populations.
Using Coefficients of Conservatism and the Floristic Quality Index to Assess the Potential for Serious and Irreversible Damage to Plant Communities
Authors: Catling Paul M.
Published: January 2017

Coefficients of Conservatism and the Floristic Quality Index can be used to assess potential damage to plants and plant communities as a result of anthropogenic disturbances. This has benefit because it may be more powerful than an opinion and more easily understood and trusted by non-botanists and land use decision-makers.
Survey methodology for the detection of Wood Turtles (Glyptemys insculpta)
Authors: Flanagan Melissa , Roy-McDougall Vanessa , Forbes Graham , Forbes Glen
Published: January 2017

Wood Turtles (Glyptemys insculpta) are difficult to survey because their use of aquatic and terrestrial environments varies spatio-temporally. Existing survey methodology is highly variable and typically involves searching for Wood Turtles within water and on land 0 to >20 m from the shoreline from spring to autumn. The mobility of Wood Turtles suggests that detection is likely influenced by distance surveyed from water and the amount of vegetation, which varies by season. To determine an ideal survey methodology for the Wood Turtle, we recorded distances from a waterway of 31 radio-tagged turtles at Canadian Forces Base, Gagetown, New Brunswick, in 2003 and 2004. Ordinal logistic regression was used to determine the probability of finding male or female Wood Turtles with increasing distance from water at different times of day or season. Sex and time of day were not significant factors in detecting Wood Turtles. Season was a significant factor, with highest probability (69%) of finding Wood Turtles at a distance of 0–10 m of a waterway up to July 1 (corresponding to pre-nesting and nesting periods), compared to probabilities of <10% for any 10-m distance between 10 m and 50 m from a waterway. After July 1, the highest detection probability (50%) was at distances greater than 50 m from a waterway. We recommend that Wood Turtle surveys for environmental impact assessments and population monitoring be conducted on warm days (i.e., 10–25°C) within 10 m of waterways up to July 1.
Behaviour of American Crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) when encountering an oncoming vehicle
Authors: Mukherjee Shomen , Ray-Mukherjee Jayanti , Sarabia Robin
Published: January 2017

A carrion feeder attempting to forage on a road benefits greatly from an appropriate response to vehicular traffic. In this observational study, we tested the ability of American Crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) to judge the behaviour of fast-moving vehicles and avoid collision on a narrow road. Unsurprisingly, American Crows feeding in the same lane as the approaching vehicle always flew off, but interestingly, a significant proportion of American Crows in the opposite lane chose to remain on the road. In addition, 21% of the American Crows in the same lane as the approaching vehicle walked over to the opposite lane to avoid injury, but none of the American Crows in the opposite lane walked over to the lane in which the vehicle was approaching. These are among the first quantitative data indicating that a non-human animal can detect the directionality of oncoming vehicles on a road and, like humans, actively move out of the way or switch lanes to avoid death based on an understanding of the bahaviour of vehicular traffic.
Attempted predation of a diurnally active Spotted Bat (Euderma maculatum) by a Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon)
Authors: Jung Thomas S.
Published: January 2017

Most species of bats (Chiroptera) are nocturnal, and diurnal activity is only occasionally reported. I observed a Spotted Bat (Euderma maculatum) flying along a lakeshore in the Okanagan Valley of southcentral British Columbia, Canada, in mid-afternoon. The Spotted Bat flew along the shoreline and drank from the lake. During the course of its flight, the Spotted Bat was attacked by a Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon), but it escaped. This is the first reported observation of a Spotted Bat active during the daytime. It is also the first reported observation of attempted predation of a bat by a Belted Kingfisher. It is not known how prevalent daytime activity is in Spotted Bats, but this observation supports the hypothesis that predation risk may be high for bats that are active during the day.
Distribution and abundance of benthic macroinvertebrates and zooplankton in lakes in Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site of Canada, Nova Scotia
Authors: Nussbaumer Christina , Burgess Neil M. , Weeber Russ C.
Published: January 2017

As part of the Acid Rain Biomonitoring Program at Environment Canada, we sampled aquatic biodiversity in 20 acidic lakes in 2009 and 2010 in Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site of Canada and vicinity in Nova Scotia. We established an inventory of current aquatic macroinvertebrate and zooplankton species composition and abundance in each of the 20 study lakes. A total of 197 macroinvertebrate taxa were identified; the number of taxa observed was positively correlated with pH across the 20 lakes. Acid-tolerant taxa, such as isopods, amphipods, trichopterans, and oligochaetes, were common and abundant, while bivalves, gastropods, and leeches were lower in abundance. The number of isopods and amphipods collected was correlated with calcium concentration; a greater proportion of isopods than amphipods were collected from lakes with low calcium and low pH. Taxa with hard, calcareous shells, such as bivalves and gastropods, were not present in lakes with low calcium and low pH, with bivalves occurring only in lakes above pH 4.9. Odonates and ephemeropterans, which were low in abundance, were associated with a wide range of acidity. Coleopteran abundance was positively correlated with concentrations of dissolved organic carbon. A total of 26 zooplankton taxa were collected, but only cyclopoid abundance was correlated with lake pH. Results presented here provide a summary of aquatic biodiversity in lakes in Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site and vicinity and provide a baseline for future monitoring as acid deposition continues to affect this acid-sensitive region in Atlantic Canada.
Thickness of Common Murre (Uria aalge) eggshells in Atlantic Canada
Authors: Pirie-Hay Donald W. , Bond Alexander L.
Published: January 2017

Reported values for eggshell thickness in Common Murre (Uria aalge) are few, and even fewer since the decline in use of organochlorine pesticides and other environmental pollutants that caused significant thinning of shells. The eggshells of Common Murres and Thick-billed Murres (Uria lomvia) are among the thickest and heaviest, proportionately, of any bird and this represents a non-trivial maternal investment. We measured the length and breadth of Common Murre eggs collected from Machias Seal Island, New Brunswick, in 2006, and Gull Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, in 2012, and we measured the thickness of the eggshells. Shell thickness was not related to egg size or volume, and it varied in individual eggs. The shells of Common Murre eggs from Machias Seal Island (mean and standard deviation [SD] (0.767, SD 0.078 mm) and Gull Island (0.753, SD 0.057 mm) were significantly thicker than any previously reported value and among the thickest of all birds. Such thickness is likely a result of nesting on rock substrate with no nesting material and, perhaps, high breeding densities.
Effect of food patch discovery on the number of American Crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) using a flight lane
Authors: Langley William
Published: January 2017

In winter, American Crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) move back and forth between night roosts and foraging sites along flight lanes. If communal roosts act as information centres, we would expect more birds to use a particular flight lane after discovery of a new food patch on that route. In this study, I investigated how the number of crows using different flight lanes was affected by the establishment of artificial food patches, as well as how crows responded to multiple days of provisioning and to the location of the food patch relative to the flight lane. After discovery of a food patch, the number of crows using the flight lane closest to it increased, while numbers using adjacent flight lanes remained the same or decreased, particularly when the patch was in the path of the flight lane and when food provisioning occurred for 2 consecutive days. These results support the idea that crows using winter roosts may make use of information on food availability obtained at the roost.
Observations of the summer birds of Tukarak Island (Belcher Islands, Nunavut), Nastapoka Islands (Nunavut), and Lac Guillaume-Delisle (northern Quebec)
Authors: Swarth Christopher W. , Bleeker Wouter
Published: January 2017

In a survey of land and water birds of Tukarak and Nastapoka Islands and Lac Guillaume-Delisle in summer 2011, we recorded 22 of the 30 species known to breed on the Belcher Islands, as well as five non-breeding species, and we observed 32 species in Lac Guillaume-Delisle. In all areas surveyed, we observed a total of 43 species: 10 waterfowl, 2 gallinaceous birds, 3 loons, 2 hawks, 3 shorebirds, 1 auk, 3 gulls, 2 falcons, and 17 songbirds. In this area of Hudson Bay, a number of species reach the southern or northern limit of their breeding distribution in eastern Canada. In light of the impact that climate change may have on bird distribution in northerly latitudes, the Belcher Islands and adjacent mainland areas could be particularly useful locations for monitoring changes in the breeding range of birds.
Comparing the diet of Great Horned Owls (Bubo virginianus) in rural and urban areas of southwestern British Columbia
Authors: Hindmarch Sofi , Elliott John E.
Published: January 2017

We investigated the diet of Great Horned Owls (Bubo virginianus) in southwestern British Columbia. Our objective was to compare the diets of owls in urban and rural areas and determine whether urban owls consume a higher proportion of commensal rodents to understand possible pathways of secondary rodenticide poisoning of Great Horned Owls. Among 546 prey items identified at seven sites, Townsend’s Vole (Microtus townsendii [Bachman, 1839]) and rats (Rattus G. Fischer, 1803) were the two main prey items, making up 65.9% and 13.1% of the diet, respectively. The proportion of rats in the diet was positively correlated with the degree of urban development in the owls’ home range (rp = 0.83, P < 0.05, df = 5).
Range extension for Pygmy Whitefish (Prosopium coulterii) in the Northwest Territories, Canada
Authors: Vecsei Paul , Panayi Damian
Published: January 2017

We document the first occurrence of Pygmy Whitefish (Prosopium coulterii) in the Northwest Territories outside of Great Bear Lake. Six specimens were captured in Bluefish Lake in September 2012. Bluefish Lake is on the Yellowknife River, approximately 25 km upstream from Great Slave Lake.