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Stanley N. Wiemeyer

Publications and source records attributed to Stanley N. Wiemeyer.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
USGS1991

Environmental contaminants in bald eagle eggs

Bald Eagle eggs (1968-84) were analyzed for organochlorine pesticides, PCBs and mercury. DDE declined in WI, ME and the Chesapeake Bay. DDE was most closely related to shell thickness and reproduction at sampled breeding areas. Sixteen ppm DDE (wet weight) was associated with 15% shell thinning. Reproduction was normal when eggs at sampled breeding areas contained <3.6 ppm DDE; success was nearly halved between 3.6 and 6.3 ppm and halved again when concentrations exceeded 6.3 ppm. Other contaminants were associated with poor reproduction and eggshell thinning; however, their impact appeared secondary to that of DDE.

Journal of Raptor Research↗
USGS1990

Eggshell thinning and contaminant levels in bald eagle eggs from Arizona, 1977 to 1985

The mean eggshell thickness of 11 eggs of bald eagles (Haliaeetus leuccocephalus) and 21 samples of eggshell fragments (n = 32) collected from 14 nests in Arizona during 1977 to 1985 was 0.539 mm, 8.8% thinner than the pre-1947 (pre-DDT) mean for eggs from southern California and Baja California, Mexico. Eleven eggs analyzed for contaminants contained slightly elevated concentrations of DDE (3.3pmm wet weight) and mercury (0.14 ppm). Productivity of sampled pairs was low but improving. The predictive equations of Wiemeyer et al. (1984) were also verified.

Southwestern Naturalist↗
USGS1989

Effects of Kelthane® on reproduction of captive eastern screech-owls

Eastern screech-owls ( Otus asio ) were fed diets containing 10 ppm Kelthane® with 3.4% DDT-related contaminants (old technical formulation), 10 ppm Kelthane with no detectable DDT contaminants (new technical formulation) or a control diet. Food consumption, adult weight and date of initiation of egg laying were similar for birds in control and dosed treatment groups. Most measures of reproductive success were similar for control and dosed treatment groups. Shell weight and thickness index were significantly lower for both dosed groups than for controls. Shell thickness was significantly lower for the new Kelthane treatment than for controls. Concentrations of p,p' -DDE were significantly higher in eggs laid by pairs receiving old Kelthane than in those of birds receiving new Kelthane or in controls. Concentrations of dichlorobenzophenone, dicofol and dechlorodicofols were significantly higher in carcasses of dosed owls than in controls, whereas concentrations of DDE were significantly higher in carcasses of owls fed old Kelthane than in controls or owls fed new Kelthane.

Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry↗
USGS1989

Effects of strychnine on raptors: A commentary

A commentary on Cheny, C.D., S.B. VanderWall, and R.J. Poehlmann. 1987. Effects of strychnine on the behavior of great horned owls and red-tailed hawks. Journal of Raptor Research 21(3):103-110.

Journal of Raptor Research↗
USGS1989

Environmental contaminants in blood of western bald eagles

0.40 ppm) in wintering Bald Eagles in Oregon and north California and migrants in Montana, and most frequently (56%) in nestlings from Washington but at low concentrations (<0.40 ppm). Mercury concentrations were low (<0.70 ppm) in samples from Washington nestlings and higher in samples from Oregon and northern California birds and in Montana migrants. Adults tended to have higher concentrations of Hg than hatch year birds or nestlings. Two Bald Eagles from Montana had clearly elevated Hg concentrations (7.0 and 9.5 ppm). DDE and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations were generally low (most means <0.20 ppm) with adults having higher concentrations than subadults or nestlings. A few resident adult Bald Eagles from Oregon had elevated concentrations of DDE."}" data-sheets-userformat="{"2":8403202,"4":[null,2,16777215],"11":4,"14":[null,2,0],"15":"Inconsolata, monospace, arial, sans, sans-serif","16":11,"26":400}" data-sheets-formula="=VLOOKUP(R[0]C[-5],Fixed!R2C[-6]:C[-4],3,false)">Blood samples collected in 1979-81 from wintering Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) in Oregon and northern California, residents in Oregon, migrants in Montana and residents in Washington were analyzed for lead (Pb), mercury (Hg) and organochlorines. Lead was detected infrequently (5%) and at low concentrations (<0.25 ppm) in nestlings from Oregon, more frequently (41%) and at occasionally elevated concentrations (>0.40 ppm) in wintering Bald Eagles in Oregon and north California and migrants in Montana, and most frequently (56%) in nestlings from Washington but at low concentrations (<0.40 ppm). Mercury concentrations were low (<0.70 ppm) in samples from Washington nestlings and higher in samples from Oregon and northern California birds and in Montana migrants. Adults tended to have higher concentrations of Hg than hatch year birds or nestlings. Two Bald Eagles from Montana had clearly elevated Hg concentrations (7.0 and 9.5 ppm). DDE and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations were generally low (most means <0.20 ppm) with adults having higher concentrations than subadults or nestlings. A few resident adult Bald Eagles from Oregon had elevated concentrations of DDE.

Journal of Raptor Research↗
USGS1988

Effects of dietary fluoride on reproduction in eastern screech-owls

Sixty-six eastern screech-owls ( Otus asio ) were paired and randomly assigned to dietary treatment groups of 0, 40, or 200 ppm (mg/kg) fluoride (as sodium fluoride) in November 1981. Hatching success was adversely affected at the 200 ppm (mg/kg) level, suggesting potential detrimental impacts to wild populations exposed to fluoride pollution. Eggshell thickness was unaffected. Although fluoride concentrations were elevated in bone and eggshells, large variations among individuals were observed as well as a trend for eggshell residues to increase with sequence of laying. Females had higher residues of fluoride in bone than males. Although fluoride levels in bone and eggshells are useful indicators of exposure, the variability in residues among individuals makes residue data from field collections of limited usefulness in assessing hazards in wild birds.

Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxico↗
USGS1988

Organochlorine pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, and mercury in osprey eggs – 1970-79 – And their relationships to shell thinning and productivity

Osprey ( Pandion haliaetus ) eggs were collected in 14 states in 1970–79 and analyzed for organochlorine pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and mercury. Moderate shell thinning occurred in eggs from several areas. DDE was detected in all eggs, PCBs in 99%, DDD in 96%, dieldrin in 52%, and other compounds less frequently. Concentrations of DDT and its metabolites declined in eggs from Cape May County, New Jersey between 1970–72 and 1978–79. Eggs from New Jersey in the early 1970s contained the highest concentrations of DDE. Dieldrin concentrations declined in eggs from the Potomac River, Maryland during 1971–77. Five different contaminants were significantly negatively correlated with shell thickness; DDE was most closely correlated. Ten percent shell thinning was associated with 2.0 ppm DDE, 15% with 4.2 ppm, and 20% with 8.7 ppm in eggs collected from randomly selected nests before egg loss. Shell thickness could not be accurately predicted from DDE concentrations in eggs collected after failure to hatch, presumably because the eggs with the thinnest shells had been broken and were unavailable for sampling. DDE was also significantly negatively correlated with brood size. Other contaminants did not appear to adversely affect shell thickness or reproductive success.

Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxico↗
USGS1988

Environmental contaminants in California condors

Five wild California condors ( Gymnogyps californianus ) that died in 1980-86 were necropsied and tissues were analyzed for environmental contaminants. Three died of lead (Pb) poisoning, 1 presumably of cyanide (CN) poisoning, and 1 nestling of handling shock. Organochlorine concentrations were low in 4 condors that were analyzed for these contaminants. Blood samples from 14 wild and 14 captive condors were analyzed primarily for Pb. Five of 14 wild condors sampled had elevated (> 0.70 ppm) concentrations of Pb in blood whereas Pb concentrations in all captive condors were low. Lead levels in individual birds often fluctuated over time. Lead exposure, especially poisoning, was a major factor affecting the wild California condor population during 1982-86. The probable source of Pb was bullet fragments in carrion on which condors were feeding.

California↗
USGS1987

The use of kestrels in toxicology

Various species of kestrels have become important bioindicators of environmental quality and test species for comparative toxicology in captivity. At least 7 species of kestrels have been used to document the presence of environmental contamination primarily organochlorines and metals, in at least 15 countries. Captive kestrels have been used in studies involving a wide variety of environmental contaminants and toxicants examining: bioaccumulation; lethal toxicity using acute, chronic, and secondary exposures; effects on reproduction, eggshell thickness, and related enzyme systems; and effects on a wide variety of physiological and biochemical parameters. Field studies have examined the response of kestrels to exposure to insecticides. Kestrels should continue to play a vital role as a bioindicator and raptorial 'white mouse', especially because of their relationship to other falconiformes, several of which have been shown to be extremely sensitive to environmental changes.

Book chapter↗
USGS1986

Analysis of cyanide in whole blood of dosed cathartids

A gas-liquid chromatographic method was modified to quantify both unmetabolized (“free”) and metabolized (“bound”, i.e., thiocyanates) cyanides. The methods for both are efficient and sensitive to 0.05 ppm. Repeated freezing and thawing of whole blood from treated cathartids caused an initial increase in free cyanide concentrations, followed by a gradual decline to a plateau. Bound cyanide concentrations declined after repeated freezing and thawing.

Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry↗
USGS1986

Environmental contaminants in surrogates, foods, and feathers of California condors (Gymnogyps californianus)

California condor ( Gymnogyps californianus ) foods and feathers, and turkey vultures ( Cathartes aura ), common ravens ( Corvus corax ), and their eggs were collected within the condor range to determine exposure of condors to environmental contaminants. Samples were analyzed for organochlorines and trace elements. Food items contained low concentrations of organochlorines and generally low concentrations of lead. DDE was detected in all vulture carcasses and nearly all raven carcasses at generally moderate concentrations. Other organochlorines occurred infrequently in carcasses and generally at low concentrations. Turkey vulture eggshells were 16% thinner than the pre-DDT mean; there was no change in shell thickness of raven eggs. Vulture eggs contained an average of 6.9 ppm DDE and two contained excessive concentrations of endrin. DDE concentrations were low in raven eggs. Residues of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Ni, Se, Tl, and Zn in tissues of vultures and ravens appeared normal when compared with reference values for other species. Lead concentrations in bone of turkey vultures and feathers of condors appeared to be elevated above normal background concentrations in some cases. Current exposure of condors to organochlorines appears low; however, we are concerned about the excessive exposure of turkey vultures to organochlorines, possibly in Central America. Lead exposure to vultures and condors has occurred, but its significance to their populations is unknown.

Environmental Monitoring and Assessment↗
USGS1986

Acute oral toxicity of sodium cyanide in birds

Sensitivities of six avian species, black vulture ( Coragyps atratus ), American kestrel ( Falco sparverius ), Japanese quail ( Coturnix japonica ), domestic chicken ( Gallus domesticus ), eastern screech-owl ( Otus asio ), and European starling ( Sturnus vulgaris ), to acute poisoning by sodium cyanide (NaCN) were compared by single dose LD50's. Three species, domestic chickens, black vultures, and turkey vultures ( Cathartes aura ), were dosed with NaCN to determine cyanide residues in those that died and also in survivors, in addition to postmortem fate. Three flesh-eating species (black vulture, American kestrel, and eastern screech-owl; LD50's 4.0–8.6 mg/kg) were more sensitive to NaCN than three species (Japanese quail, domestic chicken, and European starling; LD50's 9.4–21 mg/kg) that fed predominantly on plant material. Elevated concentrations of cyanide were found in the blood of birds that died of cyanide poisoning; however, concentrations in birds that died overlapped those in survivors. Blood was superior to liver as the tissue of choice for detecting cyanide exposure. No gross pathological changes related to dosing were observed at necropsy.

Journal of Wildlife Diseases↗
USGS1986

DDE, DDT + dieldrin: Residues in American kestrels and relations to reproduction

Captive American kestrels (Falco sparverius) given long-term dietary dosages of DDT and dieldrin in combination, at low and high rates, were compared with controls to determine the effects of the toxicants on reproductive success and eggshell thickness. Additional kestrels were dosed with DDE to determine its effect on shell thickness. Tissues of birds that died or were sacrificed, and eggs, were analyzed for DDE, DDD, DDT, and dieldrin. Eight paired birds, mostly males, given a high dosage of DDT + dieldrin died of dieldrin poisoning. Three periods of heavy mortality involving only dosed birds, which occurred in summer 1966, fall 1967, and spring 1968, followed temperature declines and other stress factors. Organochlorine concentrations in tissues of sacrificed birds and eggs in all units of the DDT + dieldrin study were significantly different among treatments. Residue concentrations in tissues of birds on high dosage of DDT + dieldrin were about 3 times higher than those on low dosage, a difference similar to the relative magnitude of the dose rates. Concentrations of some toxicants, especially DDE, were significantly higher in tissues of males than females, although these differences were difficult to interpret because males generally were sacrificed later than females. Concentrations in tissues and eggs of dosed yearlings, placed on clean food 7 to 9 weeks before pairing, were often significantly lower than in those yearlings that remained on dosage. Concentrations of each toxicant were usually highly correlated (r > 0.85) among tissues, especially for DDE and dieldrin. Organochlorine concentrations in brains and eggs could be predicted from concentrations in carcasses. DDE and dieldrin concentrations in eggs were about one-half those in carcasses, DDD about one-seventh, and DDT 1.5 to 2 times higher in eggs than carcasses. Eggshells of DDT + dieldrin-dosed kestrels were 6-23% thinner than eggshells of corresponding controls in different groups and years. Organochlorine concentrations in eggs and tissues of females were poorly correlated with shell thickness. Of the four toxicants in eggs, DDE was significantly and most closely correlated with fledging success. Interpretation of direct comparisons between our DDT + dieldrin studies and most current field situations are difficult because contaminant profiles in our birds are unlike those in most field samples.

Fish and Wildlife Technical Report↗