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Results for “Winging It”

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At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources
USGS2013

Pathophysiology of white-nose syndrome in bats: A mechanistic model linking wing damage to mortality

White-nose syndrome is devastating North American bat populations but we lack basic information on disease mechanisms. Altered blood physiology owing to epidermal invasion by the fungal pathogen Geomyces destructans ( Gd ) has been hypothesized as a cause of disrupted torpor patterns of affected hibernating bats, leading to mortality. Here, we present data on blood electrolyte concentration, haematology and acid–base balance of hibernating little brown bats, Myotis lucifugus , following experimental inoculation with Gd . Compared with controls, infected bats showed electrolyte depletion (i.e. lower plasma sodium), changes in haematology (i.e. increased haematocrit and decreased glucose) and disrupted acid–base balance (i.e. lower CO 2 partial pressure and bicarbonate). These findings indicate hypotonic dehydration, hypovolaemia and metabolic acidosis. We propose a mechanistic model linking tissue damage to altered homeostasis and morbidity/mortality.

Biology Letters↗
USGS1994

Body composition dynamics of ruddy ducks during wing moult

A method was developed for indexing moulting costs in waterfowl based on intensity of moult and proportional mass of feathers in seven feather regions (ADJMOLT). This method was then applied to an examination of relations between moulting costs and size-adjusted body mass and composition of postbreeding male and female ruddy ducks ( Oxyura jamaicensis ) collected in southwestern Manitoba, 30 July – 24 August 1985. Moderate to heavy moult (25 to > 50% of moulting feathers) was recorded in all feather regions. The intensity of down moult was greater in males than in females, but no differences between sexes in moult score by contour feather region, overall mean moult score, or ADJMOLT were detected. Relations between ADJMOLT and body fat (FAT), liver protein (LIVER), and size-adjusted body mass (ADJMASS), body protein (ADJPROT), and leg and breast muscle protein (ADJLEG and ADJBR, respectively) were not influenced by sex, but there was a sex effect on the relation of ADJMOLT to gizzard mass (GIZZWT). ADJPROT and ADJBR were negatively associated with ADJMOLT, whereas female GIZZWT was positively related to ADJMOLT. ADJMASS, ADJLEG, FAT, and LIVER were unrelated to ADJMOLT. Female ruddy ducks were structurally smaller and had less ADJMASS, ADJPROT, ADJLEG, and FAT than males, but there were no sex-related differences in ADJBR. I found no evidence of nutritional stress in post-breeding ruddy ducks, but argue that stress associated with moult in waterfowl is most likely to occur in females, especially small-bodied species that are primarily herbivorous.

Southwest Manitoba↗
USGS1964

Woodcock age and sex determination from wings

Age of woodcock ( Philohela minor ) can be accurately determined throughout the year by differences in pattern, color, and wear of secondary feathers. Immature woodcock retain most secondaries during the postjuvenal molt that begins in July or August and ends in October. In contrast, subadults (first-year adults) and older woodcock molt all secondaries during the postnuptial molt beginning in June or July and ending in October. Retention of juvenal secondaries by immatures and molt of these feathers by adults form the basis for age determination. Sex of woodcock can be accurately determined by width of the outer three primaries, which are conspicuously narrower on males.

Louisiana↗
USGS1968

Sensitive resettable odometer aids roadside census of red-winged blackbirds

A sensitive resettable odometer reading to 0.01 mile facilitated censusing breeding male redwinged blackbirds ( Agelaius phoeniceus ) from a vehicle. Territorial males along roadsides were 'marked' with recorded mileage readings rather than with landmarks of the types employed by Hewitt for censuses based on the Lincoln index principle. Sensitive odometers that can be reset have many potential uses in wildlife investigations.

Journal of Wildlife Management↗
USGS1952

Progress report on geologic study of the Crosby and Ironton area of the Cuyuna Range, Crow Wing County, Minnesota

The detailed geology of part of the Guyana manganiferous iron-ore district was mapped during the summer and autumn of 1951. The only exposures of bedrock in or near this area are in the open-pit and underground mines where two or more layers of iron-formation and associated elastic sediments have been deformed into a complex fold system and have been intruded by large dikes. The accompanying maps and sections show the distribution of the several rock types exposed, brief descriptions of these materials, and data on the geologic structure. For the most part this structural and lithologic information has been generalized from much more detailed maps prepared in the field on scales of 30, 40, or 50 feet equal to one inch.

Minnesota↗