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Geology topics

Charles J. Henny

Publications and source records attributed to Charles J. Henny.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources
USGS1985

A review of organochlorine pesticide residues in Swainson's hawk eggs

U. s. Fish and Wildlife Service research projects during the last 10 years in the Pacific Northwest resulted in the collecting of a sample egg from 35 Swainson's Hawk nests (Henny and Kaiser, 1979. Murrelet 60:2-5; Henny et al. 1984. Raptor Research 18:41-48). Pesticide residues, eggshell thickness, and reproductive success from these nests will be reviewed. In addition, egg residues from other published studies in the Pacific Northwest and elsewhere will be discussed.

Book chapter↗
USGS1985

Alaska peregrine falcon productivity in 1984 and the role of organochlorine residues

Twenty Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) eggs (one per eyrie) were collected at random in Alaska in 1984 for organochlorine residue analysis. Prior to this study we had obtained only addled eggs which were possibly not representative of the egg-laying population if addled eggs contained different levels of organochlorines than viable eggs that hatched. Ten eggs were collected from the American (anatum) population (8 upper Yukon River, 2 Tanana River) and 10 eggs from the Arctic (tundrius) popUlation were later collected in the study area. Productivity at specific eyries and eggshell thickness were evaluated in relation to residue burdens in sample eggs collected. Residue levels and residue profiles for the two subspecies were compared. The tentative 'critical' residue level in Peregrine eggs of 15-20 ppm DDE (wet weight) was compared to results obtained from this study. We also present some data on residue levels in prey species from the study area.

Book chapter↗
USGS1985

A review of organochlorine pesticide residues in ferruginous hawk eggs

Ten Ferruginous Hawk nests in northeast Oregon were studied from 1978 to 1980. Pesticide residues, eggshell thickness, and reproductive success from these nests will be reviewed. In addition, egg residues from other published studies in the Pacific Northwest and elsewhere will be discussed.

Book chapter↗
USGS1985

Breeding chronology, molt, and measurements of accipiter hawks in northeastern Oregon

Most northern goshawks completed laying eggs in April, while most Cooper's hawks completed their clutches in May with essentially no overlap. The sharp-shinned hawks laid in late May and June. Juvenile females represented 4% of the northern goshawk breeding population; 22% of the Cooper's hawk breeding population (highest reported for the species) and 60% of the sharp-shinned hawk breeding population, northern goshawks and Cooper's hawks in juvenal plumage generally nested later in the season, but not sharp-shinned hawks. Females of each species began molting first. Primaries were molted from the innermost outward in all species, but rectrix molt sequence was variable. Usually R1 was molted first. Primary molt of the 2 wings was usually synchronous; however, the rectrix molt was not as orderly. Arrested molt was observed in some individuals of all species; it probably has an energy-saving function. Wing chords of adult northern goshawks from Oregon were not different from Wisconsin fall migrants or birds from Alaska; however, rectrices were significantly shorter in Oregon than Wisconsin. Cooper's hawks nesting in Oregon were much smaller than those trapped in Wisconsin. Wing chords and rectrices were significantly shorter for both sexes, and, although weights were not directly comparable, Oregon Cooper's hawks also weighed much less. The limited number of sharp-shinned hawks measured precluded statistical analyses.

Journal of Field Ornithology↗
USGS1984

Inheritance patterns of enzymes and serum proteins of mallard-black duck hybrids

From 1974 to 1976, a breeding program was used to produce hybrids of black ducks and mallards for the evaluation of inheritance patterns of serum proteins and serum, liver and muscle enzymes. In addition to the crosses designed to produce hybrids, a series of matings in 1975 and 1976 were designed to evaluate inheritance patterns of a hybrid with either a black duck or mallard. At the F1 level, hybrids were easily distinguished using serum proteins. However, once a hybrid was crossed back to either a mallard or black duck, only 12?23% of the progeny were distinguishable from black ducks or mallards using serum proteins and 23?39% using esterases. Muscle, serum and liver enzymes were similar between the two species.

Biochemical Systematics and Ecology↗
USGS1984

Effects of heptachlor- and lindane-treated seed on Canada geese

A study of Canada geese (B. canadensis) was conducted in the Pacific Northwest from 1978 through 1981. Lowered reproductive success, mortality of adults, and a population decline of resident western Canada geese (B. c. moffitti) at the Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge (Umatilla NWR) Oregon and Washington [USA] were associated with the use of heptachlor-treated wheat. Analyses of eggs and tissues from dead geese provided strong evidence that heptachlor was responsible for the mortality and decreased production. Residues of heptachlor epoxide (HE) in brains of B. c. moffitti found dead in 1978 and 1979 equalled or exceeded the lethal hazard zone of 8-9 .mu.g/g in experimental passerine birds; HE residues of > 10 .mu.g/g in sample eggs were associated with low nest success. The breeding population of Canada geese at Umatilla decreased from 129 pairs in 1974 to about 100 pairs in 1979. The heptachlor problem was restricted to the Umatilla area; HE residues were low in tissues and eggs collected at other sites in Oregon, Washington and Idaho. In Sept., 1979, the use of heptachlor-treated seed was banned in a 1700-km2 area that encompassed both sides of the Columbia River near Umatilla. Lindane was substituted for heptachlor in the restricted area in 1979, and its use was extended to much of the Columbia Basin in 1981. Concurrently, reproductive success of geese increased, mortality decreased, and the nesting population increased to 170 pairs by 1983. There was no evidence for either biomagnification of lindance residues from treated seed to goose tissues or eggs or for induction of adverse effects by this compound.

Oregon, Washington↗
USGS1984

Current impact of DDE on black-crowned night-herons in the intermountain west

Organochlorine contamination was studied in eight black-crowned night-heron ( Nycticorax nycticorax ) populations nesting in Washington, Oregon, and Nevada in 1978-80. DDE was detected in 220 eggs sampled; eggshell thickness was negatively correlated with residues of DDE and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB's). Other contaminants were detected in 35% or fewer of the eggs. Except for the two Columbia River colonies in which local DDE contamination was a probable compounding factor, a strong north-south clinal pattern of DDE residues among colonies existed. Southern colonies were most contaminated, and observed productivity was below population maintenance in one colony (Ruby Lake). At DDE levels in eggs above 8 ppm, clutch size and productivity decreased, and the incidence of cracked eggs increased. No evidence of breeding-ground DDE-DDT contamination was found except along the Columbia River.

Nevada, Oregon, Washington↗
USGS1984

Age-specific productivity and nest site characteristics of Cooper's hawks (Accipiter cooperii)

Nesting Cooper's Hawks (Accipiter cooperii) were studied in northeastern Oregon. Second-year (SY) males did not breed, but 22 percent of the breeding females were SY's. Mean clutch size (P = 0.012) and mean number of young fledged per pair that laid eggs (P < 0.10) were lower for SY females than for adult (after second year [ASY}) females; however, an equal percentage of the eggs (excluding a collected sample egg) yielded fledged young for each age class. Stepwise discriminant analysis suggested differences in structural characteristics of the nest site habitat for ASY and SY females, i.e., SY female nest sites were associated with younger successional stages than ASY female nest sites. Nests of both age groups were built in trees with high crown volume, but ASY females utilized mistletoe (Arceuthobium sp.) for nest structures more frequently (P < 0.01) than SY females.

Northwest Science↗
USGS1984

Heptachlor seed treatment contaminates hawks, owls, and eagles of Columbia Basin, Oregon

We evaluated organochlorine residues in 12 species of hawks. owls, and eagles from the Columbia Basin of Oregon between 1978 and 1981. Companion studies showed that heptachlor epoxide (HE) induced adult mortality and reduced productivity of the Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) and American Kestrel (Falco sparverius).ln this study, brain tissue from raptors found dead and sample eggs from 90 nests were analyzed for organochlorines. The primary concern was HE that entered raptor food chains through the ingestion of heptachlor-treated seed by their prey. HE residues were detected in eggs from 9 of 10 species and ranged as high as 4.75 ppm (wet wt), but no definite effects of HE on productivity were readily apparent from the limited series of nests. However, the hazard of heptachlor seed treatments to birds of prey was demonstrated by the occurrence of lethal residues of HE in brain tissue of 3 Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) and 1 Rough-legged Hawk (Buteo lagopus). Other organochlorine pesticides were present in the eggs and significant relationships were found between DDE and eggshell thickness for the Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) and Western Screech-Owl (Otus kennicotti), although shell thinning (9.6% and 7.4%) was below the generally accepted range where reproductive problems have been known to occur.

Raptor Research↗
USGS1983

Effects of heptachlor on American kestrels in the Columbia Basin, Oregon

Wheat seeds treated with heptachlor to control wireworms (Ctenicara pruinina) resulted in American kestrels (Falco sparverius) in the Columbia Basin accumulating residues of heptachlor epoxide (HE) that reduced productivity and caused some adult mortality. The kestrel is more sensitive to HE residues in eggs than the Canada goose (Branta canadensis moffitti), i.e., reduced productivity occurs at > 1.5 ppm in kestrel eggs vs. > 10 ppm in Canada goose eggs. Neither kestrel eggshells nor Canada goose eggshells were thinned by HE. The reduced use of heptachlor in 1979, because of a partial ban, resulted in an immediate lowering of HE concentrations in kestrel eggs the following year.

Oregon↗
USGS1983

Distribution and abundance of nesting ospreys in the United States

Nesting Ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) in the contiguous United States now number about 8,000 pairs. Five regional populations exist (in order of abundance): Atlantic Coast, Florida and Gulf Coast, Pacific Northwest, Western Interior, and Great Lakes. Pesticides severely impacted the populations in the northern portion of the Atlantic Coast (Boston to Cape May) and the Great Lakes, but both are now recovering. During recent years in the west, especially in the Western Interior, reservoirs have been responsible for a range expansion and, perhaps, a population increase. However, a strong fidelity to ancestral breeding areas (short dispersal distance) has slowed the range expansion. Unique introductions to distant reservoirs (from breeding populations) are now being made and followed with intense interest. Ospreys adapted to man, his structures, and many of his habitat changes, but proved sensitive to his chemical pollutants. These characteristics make the Osprey an excellent environmental indicator species.

Book chapter↗
USGS1983

Nest site characteristics of three coexisting Accipiter hawks in northeastern Oregon

Habitat data were evaluated at 34 Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis), 31 Cooper's Hawk (A. cooperii), and 15 Sharp-shinned Hawk (A. striatus) nest sites in coniferous forests of northeastern Oregon. Crown volume profiles indicate a strong similarity in vegetative structure at nest sites of cooperii and striatus; both commonly nest in younger successional stands than gentilis. Habitat separation of nest sites among the three species was illustrated using a stepwise discriminant analysis; 88% of all gentilis sites were correctly classified. Interspecific overlap in nest site habitat was further demonstrated using a canonical analysis of habitat variables. Nest site habitat space of gentilis is distinct and is less variable in structure than that of the other species. Cooperii preferred nesting sites with norhern aspects, whereas striatus and gentilis showed no preference. The use of mistletoe (Arceuthobium sp.) growth by cooperii for nest platforms (64% of all nests) may explain its preference for Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) as a nesting tree. Douglas fir is most commonly parasitized by mistletoe.

Raptor Research↗
USGS1983

Organochlorine pesticides and PCB's: A continuing problem for the 1980s

In general. decreases in OC contamination in North America are unmistakable. This is documented by the NPMP. but. more importantly. it is borne out by improvements in the reproduction and population status of the brown pelican. bald eagle, peregrine falcon, and osprey. However, some OC contamination still persists, and several species, particularly predatory birds and insectivorous bats, continue to be vulnerable. Current OC problems in North America result from present and past usage and from industrial contamination. In addition, some studies suggest that some migrant bird species that winter south of the U.S. border are exposed to higher levels of OC pesticide than non-migrants. However, heavy OC pesticide contamination is known to exist in Arizona, New Mexico, and in southern California where migratory birds might stop during migration. At this time, we do not have the information to assess specifically the sources of contamination for most migrant species. From the number of recent OC problems identified in North America, it is apparent that OC's are not confined to the past and that we must continue to monitor and study OC's during this decade. However, current administrative, management, and research priorities are being directed toward the search for potential impacts of newer pesticides, air pollution. industrial waste, and other contaminants. Although it is necessary to build a body of scientific data on these types of contaminants, we feel that we cannot neglect continued work on OC's for which harmful effects impacting our wildlife resources are already known.

Transactions of the North American Wildlife and Na↗
USGS1982

Organochlorine residues and shell thinning in Oregon seabird eggs

A single egg was collected at 62 nests of 10 seabird species from Oregon in 1979. The eggs were analyzed for organochlorine contaminants; contemporary shell thickness was compared with eggshells collected during earlier time periods. Concentrations of DDE and PCB's in 1979 were generally low with the most contaminated species being the Double-crested Cormorant ( Phalacrocorax auritus ), Leach's Storm Petrel ( Oceanodroma leucorhoa ), and Forktailed Storm Petrel ( O. furcata ). Limited eggshell data provide evidence that shell thinning was more severe along the Oregon coast in the 1950's than in 1979. With the possible exception of the Fork-tailed Storm Petrel, the residues in 1979 posed no known threat to the welfare of the species.

Oregon↗
USGS1982

Migratory peregrine falcons, Falco peregrinus, accumulate pesticides in Latin America during winter

Blood samples from 433 Peregrine Falcons (Falco peregrinus) during fall and spring migrations, 1976-80, indicated that most of their pesticide burden, primarily DDE, was accumulated on wintering grounds in Latin America. DDE in spring migrants returning from Latin America for the first time declined significantly from 1979 to 1980. Only about 10% of breeding-age females contained organochlorine residues likely to adversely affect reproduction. The organochlorine pesticide threat in Latin America may be diminishing.

Canadian Field-Naturalist↗