Abstracts » Zoology and wildlife conservation

Wintering waterbird use of two aquatic plant habitats in a southern reservoir

Article Abstract:

Grass carp should not be used to control aquatic plants at locations where providing waterfowl habitat is a key management goal. This research, undertaken at Guntersville Reservoir, an impoundment of the Tennessee River in northest Alabama, involved revegetating areas of the reservoir with native aquatic plants by excluding grass carp. Density, species composition and activity of migrating and wintering waterbirds using these sites were compared with those dominated by milfoil. In circumstances where grass carp are used for aquatic plant management, it may be possible to keep them out of areas significant to waterfowl.

Waterfowl management, Carp, Carp (Fish)

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Frequency of nest box maintenance: effects on wood duck nesting in South Carolina

Article Abstract:

Researchers investigated the effects of maintenance of wood duck nest boxes on nest box usage, and egg and duckling production. The study revealed that egg boxes which were cleaned of nesting materials, including feathers and egg shells, at least once during the breeding season had a higher hatching success rate. This may be due to the removal of ectoparasites. The study also investigated the effects of frequency of monitoring on accuracy of data and found that more frequent monitoring of nest boxes produces more accurate estimates of egg and duckling production.

Bird eggs, Bird nests, Wood duck, Wood ducks

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Diet selectivity of gadwalls wintering in Alabama

Article Abstract:

The dietary preferences of gadwalls at Guntersville Reservoir, AL, were studied. Composition of food consumed and available to gadwalls varied by month but not by sex or age. Food preference was generally not related to nutrient content of food, however, ranks of food preference were positively correlated. Despite changes in the nutrient content of available food over time, the nutrient composition of gadwall diets remained relatively constant.

Natural history, Birds, Animal food, Guntersville, Alabama

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