\u3ci\u3eDiving Birds of North America\u3c/i\u3e: Color Plates

1. Arctic loon, adult in breeding plumage. Photo by author. 2. Red-throated loon, nesting adult. Photo by Kenneth W. Fink. 3. Yellow-billed loon, adult in breeding plumage. Photo by Kenneth W. Fink. 4. Common loon, nesting adult. Photo by Kenneth W. Fink. 5. Pied-billed grebe, adult in breeding plumage. Photo by author. 6. Least grebe, adult and young. Painting by Mark E. Marcuson. 7. Red-necked grebe, nesting adult. Photo by author. 8. Eared grebe, adults with young. Photo by Kenneth W. Fink. 9. Horned grebe, nesting adult. Photo by Kenneth W. Fink. 10. Western grebe, adult with young. Photo by Gary Nuechterlein. 11. Downy young of grebes, including light (top left) and dark phases (top right) of western, black-necked (upper left), horned (middle left), least (lower left), red-necked (middle right), and pied-billed (lower right). Painting by Jon Fjeldså. 12. Dovekie, adult in breeding plumage. Photo by Frank S. Todd. 13. Razorbill, adult in breeding plumage. Photo by author. 14. Common murre, adult in winter plumage. Photo by author. 15. Thick-billed murre, adult in breeding plumage. Photo by author. 16. Black guillemot, adult in breeding plumage. Photo by Frank S. Todd. 17. Pigeon guillemot, breeding colony. Photo by Frank S. Todd. 18. Pigeon guillemots, immature plumage (left), rhinoceros auklet (middle), and common murre, breeding plumage (right). Photo by author. 19. Marbled murrelet, incubating adult. Photo by Stuart Johnson. 20. Kittlitz murrelet, incubating adult. Photo by David G. Roseneau. 21. Cassin auklet, immature plumage. Photo by author. 22. Parakeet auklet, adults in breeding plumage. Photo by author. 23. Crested auklet, adults in breeding plumage. Photo by author. 24. Crested and least auklets, adults in breeding plumage. Photo by author. 25. Least auklet, juvenal plumage. Photo by Frank S. Todd. 26. Whiskered auklet, juvenal plumage. Photo by C. Fred Zeillemaker. 27. Whiskered, least, and crested auklets, breeding adults. Painting by Mark C. Marcuson. 28. Rhinoceros auklet, adult in breeding plumage. Photo by Frank S. Todd. 29. Tufted puffin, adults in breeding plumage. Photo by author. 30. Atlantic puffin, breeding colony. Photo by Frank S. Todd. 31. Atlantic puffin, adult in breeding plumage. Photo by Frank S. Todd. 32. Horned puffin adults in breeding plumage. Photo by author

An observation of Black-necked Stork hunting and eating an Australasian Grebe

In October 2015 a male Black-necked Stork (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus australis) was seen stalking, catching, killing and eating an Australasian Grebe (Tachybaptus novaehollandiae) at Hasties Swamp National Park, northern Queensland. This appears to be only the third record in Australia and the first in Queensland of predation on a waterbird. Detailed photographs are included

\u3ci\u3eBirds of the Rocky Mountains\u3c/i\u3e—Checklist of Birds of the Rocky Mountain Parks

Checklist of Birds of the Rocky Mountain Parks: United States: Rocky Mountain, Grand Teton, Yellowstone, Glacier Canada: Waterton Lakes, Kootenay, Yoho, Banff/Jasper Symbols: R = breeding resident; r = resident, breeding unproven; S = breeding summer resident; s = summer resident, breeding unproven; M = migrant, including wintering visitors; V = vagrant, out of normal range; X = extirpated from area; * = species also included in the Birds of the Great Plains (Johnsgard, 1979). A 16-page tabl

Concurrent Acquisition of a Single Nucleotide Polymorphism in Diverse Influenza H5N1 Clade 2.2 Sub-clades

Highly pathogenic Influenza A H5N1 was first identified in Guangdong Province in 1996, followed by human cases in Hong Kong in 1997. The number of confirmed human cases now exceeds 300, and the associated Case Fatality Rate exceeds 60%. The genetic diversity of the serotype continues to increase. Four distinct clades or sub-clades have been linked to human cases. The gradual genetic changes identified in the sub-clades have been attributed to copy errors by viral encoded polymerases that lack an editing function, thereby resulting in antigenic drift. We report here the concurrent acquisition of the same polymorphism by multiple, genetically distinct, clade 2.2 sub-clades in Egypt, Russia, and Ghana. These changes are not easily explained by the current theory of “random mutation” through copy error, and are more easily explained by recombination with a common source. This conclusion is supported by additional polymorphisms shared by clade 2.2 isolates in Egypt and Germany

Additions to 1982 Occurrence Reports

ADDITIONS TO 1982 OCCURRENCE REPORTS Information on sightings at the North Platte NWR in 1982 provide some additions to the species reported in the Scotts Bluff column, and some expansion of the dates, for both spring and fall reports, and some additions to the state list for the fall report. The North Platte NWR information has been included in the Scotts Bluff column for the last few years. Sherry McCoy was the reporter, and Kevin Brenner, Dan Walsworth, Jim McCole and Mike McCoy were the additional observers. Spring 1982. The additional species reported were: Common Loon, Ap 16; American White Pelican, Ap lO-My 5; Ruddy Duck, Ap lO-Je 16; Greater Yellowlegs, Ap 16; Spotted Sandpiper, My 5-My 15; Willet, Ap 16; Tree Swallow, Ap 10; White-breasted Nuthatch, Mr 5; Eastern Meadowlark, Ap 10. The expanded dates are shown as Mo x - for an earlier date, - Mo x for a later date, and Mo x - Mo x when both are changed: Horned Grebe, Ap 1O-Je3;EaredGrebe, Ap lO-Je 30; Western Grebe Ap 10-Je 30; Double-crested Cormorant, Ap 10; Black-crowned Night Heron, My S-Je 16; Canada Goose, W-; Wood Duck -Je 30; Green-winged Teal, -Ap 22; Blue-winged Teal, Ap 10-; Northern Shoveler, -Je3; Gadwall, Mr SoAp 22; American Wigeon, My 5; Canvasback, Mr SoAp 22; Redhead, Mr S-Je 3; Common Goldeneye, -Mr 20; Bufflehead, Mr 5-; American Coot, Ap 10-Je 30; Long-billed Curlew, My 1-Je 3; Marbled Godwit, Ap 16-; Baird\u27s Sandpiper, My 1-; Long-billed Dowitcher, Ap 16-; Franklin\u27s Gull, Ap 16-S; Herring Gull,Ap 22; Mourning Dove, Mr 20-; Western Kingbird, Ap 16-; American Tree Sparrow, -My 5; Claycolored Sparrow, My 1-; Dark-eyed Junco, -My 30. The total number of species reported for Scotts Bluff is increased to 153

Winter Field Report, December 2015 to February 2016

As has been the trend in recent years, many species are lingering later in fall and even arriving earlier in spring. Along with lingering birds, mid-winter and overwintering records have increased. This winter was phenomenal in this respect, especially in that records were across the board in terms of species, suggesting that water conditions have moderated (more open water) and temperatures in general have also (passerines). Unprecedented records included first wintering White-winged Scoter and first Jan or Feb record of Orange-crowned Warbler. Second or third such records were set by Blue-winged Teal, Surf Scoter, Ruddy Duck, Eared Grebe, Greater Yellowlegs, Rock Wren, and Yellow-rumped (Audubon\u27s) Warbler. Late-lingering species were many, highlighted by record late Red-throated Loon, Pied-billed Grebe, and Least Sandpiper. Other noteworthy laggards were Red-necked Grebe, Double-crested Cormorant, Whooping Crane, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Savannah Sparrow, Lincoln\u27s Sparrow, and Dickcissel, while Eastern Bluebirds set a new CBC high and Yellow-rumped Warblers were present through winter in almost unprecedented numbers (see last winter). Early spring arrivals are usually determined by factors other than local Nebraska environmental conditions, and so are perhaps less variable; nevertheless there were early-arriving Turkey Vulture, American Woodcock, and Franklin\u27s Gull. Perhaps the presence of these numerous winter phenomena allowed other species to winter farther north; there were no Herring Gulls reported 6-27 Jan, only 3 Red Crossbill reports were received, at least one of those of Pacific Coast Type 3 birds, and very few Townsend\u27s Solitaires were counted. Perhaps the only species that was unexpectedly low in numbers given these occurrences was Red-headed Woodpecker, virtually absent from the state, even at its winter stronghold, Indian Cave State Park. Additional significant numbers were a report of 10,000 American Robins, large numbers of Pine Siskins and American Goldfinches, and good numbers again of Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers. Interesting observations included an apparent shift eastward of wintering Brown Creepers, the still-parlous state of Black-billed Magpie in the state, now only in fair numbers in Keith and Scotts Bluff Cos. Eurasian Collared-Doves are abundant in the west, but in the east numbers are far lower, albeit increasing slowly. The third record of Barred Owl in Lincoln Co was of one in a large parking lot in North Platte; it was surmised that all three may have been hit by semis on 1-80 and transported there. As well as all of the winter excitement, there were several rarities detected, including one first state record. Unfortunately, it was Mute Swan, finally added to the state list based on numerous reports that have been difficult to pass off as escapees or released birds. In addition, Nebraska\u27s 7th Black-throated Sparrow appeared at the feeders of the Records Committee Chairman (I think it will be accepted), and there were rare sightings of Barrow\u27s Goldeneye in the east, near adult Kumlien\u27s Gull, Gyrfalcon, Common Raven (they like Applebee\u27s and Burger King), Varied Thrush, and Pine Grosbeak

Aggregation of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in a Human H5N1 Clade 2.2 Hemagglutinin

The evolution of H5N1 has attracted significant interest 1-4 due to linkages with avian 5,6 and human infections 7,8. The basic tenets of influenza genetics 9 attribute genetic drift to replication errors caused by a polymerase complex that lacks a proof reading function. However, recent analysis 10 of swine influenza genes identifies regions copied with absolute fidelity for more than 25 years. In addition, polymorphism tracing of clade 2.2 H5N1 single nucleotide polymorphisms identify concurrent acquisition 11 of the same polymorphism onto multiple genetic backgrounds in widely dispersed geographical locations. Here we show the aggregation of regional clade 2.2 polymorphisms from Germany, Egypt, and sub-Sahara Africa onto a human Nigerian H5N1 hemagglutinin (HA), implicating recombination in the dispersal and aggregation of single nucleotide polymorphisms from closely related genomes

Behavioural responses of non-breeding waterbirds to marine traffic in the near-shore environment

Capsule: Recording of behavioural responses to ferry traffic for 11 target species showed that Red-throated Diver Gavia stellata, Slavonian Grebe Podiceps auratus, and Black-throated Diver Gavia arctica were most likely to react to passing vessels. Aim: To provide information on how responses to marine traffic vary between waterbird species to inform marine spatial planning and environmental impact assessments in the near-shore environment. Methods: We recorded behavioural responses to ferry traffic for 11 target species in near-shore waters: Common Eider Somateria mollissima, Goldeneye Bucephala clangula, Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis, Velvet Scoter Melanitta fusca, Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator, Black-throated Diver, Great Northern Diver Gavia immer, Red-throated Diver, European Shag Gulosus aristotelis, Slavonian Grebe and Black Guillemot Cepphus grylle. Responses were analysed using generalized linear models and mixed models. Results: Red-throated Diver, Black-throated Diver and Slavonian Grebe were the most likely species to exhibit a response to passing vessels. While Red-throated Divers and Slavonian Grebes were highly likely to flush, Black-throated Divers and Great Northern Divers rarely took flight, instead favouring swim or dive responses. In rougher sea conditions birds were more likely to take flight, and the propensity to respond declined across the wintering period. Conclusions: This research provides comparative evidence on the behavioural responses of waterbirds to marine traffic. The results support previous studies which highlighted the high sensitivity of diver species to disturbance and provide new evidence that Slavonian Grebe may also be a high sensitivity species

Broughton Archipelago Clam Terrace Survey : final report

During a 1995 aerial video survey of the coastline of Johnstone Strait, an unusual shoreline feature was noted and termed “clam terraces” (inset) because of the terrace-type morphology and the apparent association with high clam productivity on the sandflats. Typical alongshore lengths of the terrace ridges are 20-50m, and across-shore widths are typically 20-40m. An area with an especially high density of clam terraces was noted in the Broughton Archipelago, between Broughton and Gilford Islands of southeastern Queen Charlotte Strait. Clam terraces in this area were inventoried from the aerial video imagery to quantify their distribution. The terraces accounted for over 14 km of shoreline and 365 clam terraces were documented. A three-day field survey by a coastal geomorphologist, archeologist and marine biologist was conducted to document the features and determine their origin. Nine clam terraces were surveyed. The field observations confirmed that: the ridges are comprised of boulder/cobblesized material, ridge crests are typically in the range of 1-1.5m above chart datum, sandflats are comprised almost entirely of shell fragments (barnacles and clams) and sandflats have very high shellfish production. There are an abundance of shell middens in the area (over 175) suggesting that the shellfish associated with the terraces were an important food source of aboriginal peoples. The origin of the ridges is unknown; they appear to be a relict feature in that they are not actively being modified by present-day processes. The ridges may be a relict sea-ice feature, although the mechanics of ridge formation is uncertain. Sand accumulates behind the ridge because the supply rate of the shell fragments exceeds the dispersal rate in these low energy environments. The high density areas of clam terraces correspond to high density areas of shell middens, and it is probable that the clam terraces were subjected to some degree of modification by aboriginal shellfish gatherers over the thousands of years of occupation in the region. (Document contains 39 pages

Do individuals recognize cascade behavior of others? An Experimental Study

In an information cascade experiment participants are confronted with artificial predecessors predicting in line with the BHW model (Bikchandani et al., 1992). Using the BDM (Becker et al., 1964) mechanism we study participants' probability perceptions based on maximum prices for participating in the prediction game. We find increasing maximum prices the more coinciding predictions of predecessors are observed, regardless of whether additional information is revealed by these predictions. Individual price patterns of more than two thirds of the participants indicate that cascade behavior of predecessors is not recognized