Science vs. the sea lamprey: Researcher uncovers a natural compound to combat the invasive water species

Science vs. the sea lamprey: Researcher uncovers a natural compound to combat the invasive water species: A promising -- and natural -- solution to curb destructive the sea lamprey population has been developed by a team of researchers.

Roads are driving rapid evolutionary change in our environment: Study explains why road ecology matters

Roads are driving rapid evolutionary change in our environment: Study explains why road ecology matters: Roads are causing rapid evolutionary change in wild populations of plants and animals according to a new paper. The study looks at the evolutionary changes that are being caused by the way roads slice and dice our planet.

Thought for Today

"Defenders of the short-sighted men who in their greed and selfishness will, if permitted, rob our country of half its charm by their reckless extermination of all useful and beautiful wild things sometimes seek to champion them by saying that "the game belongs to the people." So it does; and not merely to the people now alive, but to the unborn people. The "greatest good for the greatest number" applies to the number within the womb of time, compared to which those now alive form but an insignificant fraction. Our duty to the whole, including the unborn generations, bids us to restrain an unprincipled present-day minority from wasting the heritage of these unborn generations. The movement for the conservation of wild life and the larger movement for the conservation of all our natural resources are essentially democratic in spirit, purpose, and method."

Theodore Roosevelt, A Book-Lover's Holidays in the Open (1916)

Wishing you a Blessed 2017

Escaping Ornamentals: A Threat to Natural Area Biodiversity

Escaping Ornamentals: A Threat to Natural Area Biodiversity

Migrating birds pile up along Great Lakes' shores

A series of radar images was taken around sunrise show changes in migrating birds' activity.

Credit: K. Archibald, with data from NOAA

Migrating birds pile up along Great Lakes' shores: Birds prefer to migrate at night -- so much so that if day breaks while they're over water, they'll turn back toward the nearest shore rather than pressing on, concludes a new study that used weather radar to examine the behavior of birds crossing the Great Lakes.

Can bird feeders do more harm than good?

In neighborhoods with large concentrations of bird feeders and crows, American robin nests are less successful.

Credit: J. Malpass

Can bird feeders do more harm than good?: Many bird lovers put out feeders full of seed for their feathered friends -- but those feeders may also attract predators that eat eggs and nestlings. The researchers behind a new study tried to untangle these relationships through a four-year study of songbird nests, bird feeders, and predators in urban central Ohio.

Standing Together Against Violence

Standing Together Against Violence

Bat fatalities at wind farms prove unpredictable

This is photo of a wind farm, which are a threat to bats.

Credit: Fiona Mathews

Bat fatalities at wind farms prove unpredictable: Costly ecological impact assessments (EcIAs) completed prior to the building of wind farms have failed to protect bats from fatal collisions with the spinning blades. Researchers say that, for reasons that aren't yet entirely clear, that's because surveys of bat activity conducted only before building begins are poor predictors of future bat fatalities.

Why do seabirds eat plastic? The answer stinks marine plastic debris is an olfactory trap for seabirds

Great Shearwater, Ardenna gravis, in flight over sea. Plastic in ocean releases a sulfuric scent that prompts seabirds to forage. The scent is the same smell released by algae when it's being eaten by krill, a favorite food of seabirds. This olfactory cue tricks the birds into confusing marine plastic with food.
Credit: © hstiver / Fotolia

Why do seabirds eat plastic? The answer stinks marine plastic debris is an olfactory trap for seabirds:

If it smells like food, and looks like food, it must be food, right? Not in the case of ocean-faring birds that are sometimes found with bellies full of plastic. But very little research examines why birds make the mistake of eating plastic in the first place.

Life's Transitions

Evening Grosbeak

Experts say that major illness, death, job loss, moving and change in marital status can change one’s life in ways no other event can. In the past year, I have brushed up against most of them and I can say that the experts are not wrong. Although the events are now history, the residual effects remain with me.

It was those life events that brought me to this place far in the northwest Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I have been living in the house of my childhood for the past eight months. For most of this time, I have been busy attending to the needs of family members. With the urgent tasks addressed, at least for the moment, I can refocus my attention elsewhere.

Since my arrival, I have been enticing the neighborhood wildlife into returning to the yard. With the feeders and bird baths neglected, the only critters to frequent the yard are a large colony of chipmunks. When I returned in early July, I refilled the bird feeder, hung suet baskets and cleaned and replenished the bird baths. Slowly the birds, squirrels and rabbits returned.

This morning I was rewarded for all my efforts. After 36 hours of thunderstorms and dreary weather, I watched as the backyard was filled with an invasion of birds not seen in the past. Blackbirds fought with blue jays for access to the suet baskets. Chickadees, American Goldfinch and sparrows glided down from the lilac bush to pick up a sunflower seed or perch gingerly on the side of the bird bath for a quick drink of water.

That was the moment when I saw three birds I had never before saw in person. The first two were unknown to me. I hunted through the bird book I found in the bookcase, followed by a Google search of yellow perching birds with black wings and white back. Success!! I found a photograph of Evening Grosbeaks. They migrate south on an irregular basis so to see them here was an unexpected surprise. For the first time in ages, I grabbed my camera and began to take pictures. When I was satisfied that my avian highlight of the day had occurred, a stranger image landed on the bird feeder. It was a blue jay completely bald. My first thought was parasite infestation, something during my research offered as a possible cause. But I also learned that both blue jays and northern cardinals are known for experiencing complete molts in late summer/early fall. The poor bird looked so pathetic, but that was my interpretation. As for the jay, he jostled for a spot at the suet basket indifferent to his appearance.

Bald Blue Jay

As I write, the red-winged blackbirds return in mass squabbling with the jays and woodpeckers for food. The chipmunks climb the bushes in another fruitless attempt to reach the feeder. I realized this morning that what I needed through all of the drama of the last year and that I neglected to do was stop and immerse myself in nature. What I am witnessing this morning is nature’s own transition from summer into autumn. Nothing in life remains the same and the life events I felt so deeply are no different than the ones experienced by the natural world around me. The birds are preparing for their southern migration to warmer climates. Some will survive and return in the spring; others will succumb to illness and die. It is all part of the nature of life; there is no escape for any of us. 

Deadly fish virus still present in Wisconsin lake -- ScienceDaily

Deadly fish virus still present in Wisconsin lake -- ScienceDaily

Sea turtles face plastic pollution peril: Study warns that all seven species of marine turtle can ingest or become entangled in discarded plastic debris -- ScienceDaily

Sea turtles face plastic pollution peril: Study warns that all seven species of marine turtle can ingest or become entangled in discarded plastic debris -- ScienceDaily

Study looks at biofences for managing wolves

Study looks at biofences for managing wolves

2014-2015 Isle Royale Wolves Annual Report

The news from the 2014-15 winter research conducted on Isle Royale National Park is not good. The current population of wolves has dropped to three with one of the wolves showing signs of spinal deformities and a stunted tail.

Read the latest report at http://www.isleroyalewolf.org/sites/default/files/annual-report-pdf/Annual%20Report%2019%20April%202015.pdf

Michigan Department of Natural Resources - April 16, 2015

Press Release

---

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 16, 2015

Contact: Lori Sargent, 517-284-6216


Calling all citizen scientists – report reptile and amphibian sightings
as part of the Herp Atlas ProjectThe Department of Natural Resources is calling all citizen scientists to help collect vital information about Michigan’s reptiles and amphibians. Anyone can help by reporting sightings of turtles, frogs, toads, snakes, salamanders and lizards in Michigan to the Herp Atlas Project.

“We need Michigan’s citizen scientists to send us information about the reptiles and amphibians they see,” said Herp Atlas Project coordinator Lori Sargent. “We need information on all species, no matter how common or rare they are.”

The Herp Atlas Project is the first statewide inventory of reptiles and amphibians ever conducted in Michigan. Its purpose is to document the distribution of Michigan’s reptiles and amphibians, collectively known as herpetofauna or “herps.”

Although local surveys have been performed in several areas, the Herp Atlas is one of just a few to be conducted over multiple years. Observations of all herp species will continue to be collected, and data collected will be mapped to evaluate species’ distribution over the entire state.

“With continued effort, we can document changes in herp populations,” added Sargent. “The atlas will also serve as a baseline for looking at distribution changes.”

The Herp Atlas Project is managed by Herpetological Resource and Management. Citizen scientists can enter their sightings online at www.miherpatlas.org. There is also a mobile app available for download from the website to make field reporting quick and easy. The Mobile Mapper is available for Android and iOS (Apple) devices.

Information about the atlas and data submission instructions can be found on the atlas website or can be obtained by sending an e-mail to SargentL@michigan.gov, calling 517-284-6216 or writing to DNR Wildlife Division, Herp Atlas, P.O. Box 30444, Lansing, MI 48909.

Observations must be verified by a knowledgeable source or by submission of a photo, audio recording or body part accompanied by the data card. Animals should NOT be killed for the purpose of identification.

Citizen scientists also are encouraged to attend the Herp Atlas Project’s first Herpathon, scheduled for Saturday, May 16, at Port Sheldon Natural Area in Ottawa County. The Herpathon is a volunteer event to identify amphibian and reptile diversity and distribution within Michigan’s unique landscapes. Information will be provided to the Michigan Herp Atlas Project and the Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission. Preregistration is required. Visit the Ottawa County website atwww.miottawa.org/Parks or call 616-786-4847 to register.

To learn more about Michigan’s amphibians and reptiles, visit www.michigan.gov/wildlife and click "Wildlife Species." Find additional citizen science projects by clicking on Wild Science. 

---

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.

/Editors, please note: An accompanying photo is available below for download.

Suggested caption: Spot a spotted salamander – or one of the many other turtles, frogs, toads, snakes, salamanders and lizards found in Michigan – and report the sighting to help the DNR collect vital information about the state’s reptiles and amphibians./

• spotted salamander.jpg

If you received this from a friend and would like to get emails on DNR topics that interest you, please sign up.For DNR-related questions, contact us. For suggestions on how the DNR can improve the emails you receive, please email DNR-Bulletins@michigan.gov. 

Michigan’s bald eagles full of flame retardants. — Environmental Health News

Michigan’s bald eagles full of flame retardants.

ShareThis

Ray Dumas/flickr

What does your old couch have to do with the health of the nation’s most iconic bird? More than you think.

February 9, 2015

By Brian BienkowskiEnvironmental Health News

Christopher P. Bills/flickr

It is unclear what, if anything, the flame retardants contaminating Michigan's bald eagles might mean for their health.

Christopher P. Bills/flickr

It is unclear what, if anything, the flame retardants contaminating Michigan's bald eagles might mean for their health.

Michigan’s bald eagles full of flame retardants. — Environmental Health News

A message from Rolf Peterson - Isle Royale Wolf Moose Study

To all those interested in wolves and moose in Isle Royale National Park:

John Vucetich and I are working on the annual report, providing an update
through the winter study in 2015.  We hope to have this posted within a couple
weeks, and we will send you an email notification when it is available on our
website.

This message is about fund-raising.  With help from many of you, we were
successful in raising $60,000 in 2014 to match a generous donation of $60,000
from a private donor.  It is stipulated that the match must be from private,
non-governmental sources.  We have one more year with a similar match
challenge, and we want to highlight this opportunity for you to support the
ongoing study of wolves and moose at Isle Royale.  Governmental funds have
either been flat-lined or absent in the past couple years, so private donations
were critical for the 2014 Winter Study, and they will be critical again in
2015.

Tax-deductible donations can be sent to Wolf-Moose Study, Michigan Tech Fund,
Michigan Technological University, 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, Michigan
49931-1295 OR, IF YOU PREFER, donate online through our research website (upper
right corner of home page):

https://www.banweb.mtu.edu/pls/owa/gift.p_give?desig=1816_Wolf_Moose_Fund

There will be two more Winter Study blogs posted which will conclude this
year’s winter study (see http://www.isleroyalewolf.org/winter-study), and
postings on the Wolves and Moose of Isle Royale Facebook page will continue
throughout the year.

Thanks very much for your interest and assistance.  We could not do it without
you!


Rolf Peterson

P.S.  we are strategizing for ways to raise an ambitious endowment fund that
would provide permanent support for wolf-moose research, about $5 million.
Bequests and trusts are an important way to provide significant funding for
your favorite causes.  Think about it!

Michigan Department of Natural Resources - March 16, 2015

Upper Peninsula DNR News

---

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMarch 16, 2015
Contact: Chad Stewart, 517-282-4810 or Dean Beyer, 906-227-1627

Michigan DNR completes latest moose population survey
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources today announced the results of its 2015 moose population survey in the western moose range of the Upper Peninsula, an important tool in managing the species.

The 2015 population estimate in the western U.P. is 323, compared to an estimate of 451 in 2013. From 1997 to 2007, surveys of prime moose habitat in Baraga, Iron and Marquette counties suggested the U.P.’s moose population was growing at a modest rate of about 10 percent per year. From 2009 to 2013, survey results showed an apparent change in that trend, with the growth rate slowing to about 2 percent per year.

“There is inherent uncertainty with any population survey, and due to the fact that the 2013 and 2015 estimates have some overlap in confidence intervals, the potential remains that the state’s moose population has remained steady rather than declining,” said Chad Stewart, deer, elk and moose management specialist for the DNR. “However, coupled with survey records that show a decrease in the number of moose calves seen with cows this year, it’s quite possible that we’re looking at a considerable drop in numbers.”

Future surveys will be needed to identify any long-term trend for Michigan’s moose population. Other states and provinces have reported declines in moose populations near the southern edge of North America’s moose range, yet other populations are holding steady or increasing. Researchers in Michigan have hypothesized several potential causes for a possible decline of moose numbers in Michigan. Among potential factors:

• Back-to-back severe winter weather that negatively affected moose condition, survival and reproductive success.
  
• Year-round climatic changes, especially warmer temperatures, that led to increased parasite loads on moose, weakening their overall condition.
  
• A possible increase in wolf predation on moose calves due to the region’s lowered deer population.

The moose range in the western Upper Peninsula covers about 1,400 square miles. Every other year, DNR staff members survey most of that area from the air. In 2015, the flights covered all survey plots within the core moose area – where 80 to 90 percent of the western U.P. moose population is located – along with a sampling of the non-core plots as well.
The survey is completed by flying transects over prime moose habitat to count moose seen from the air. The number counted is then extrapolated by a computerized population modeling program to attain the final estimate. The next moose population survey is planned for early 2017. However, given moose population trends, the DNR will again recommend to the Michigan Natural Resources Commission that there be no moose hunt in the state.
For more information about moose in Michigan, visit www.michigan.gov/moose.

---

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources - March 4, 2015

Press Release

---

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMarch 4, 2015
Contact: Kevin Swanson, 906-226-1357


Public comment sought on draft update of 2008 Michigan Wolf Management Plan


The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has completed a draft update of the 2008 Michigan Wolf Management Plan and is seeking public comment during a 30-day period beginning today, March 4. The 2008 Wolf Management Plan was created using extensive public input to identify important issues and assess public attitudes toward wolves and their management, as well as a review of the biological and social science on wolves. The four principal goals within the plan are to:

• Maintain a viable wolf population.
• Facilitate wolf-related benefits.
• Minimize wolf-related conflicts.
• Conduct science-based and socially acceptable management of wolves.  

The plan and, more specifically, the four principal goals within the plan have guided wolf management in Michigan for the last six and a half years.

Beginning in November 2014, the DNR sought comments on the implementation of the 2008 plan. During the comment period, the DNR received more than 3,000 responses to its online and hard-copy survey. Based on those responses and corresponding comments, and an internal review of the document, a draft updated plan recently was completed and is available for public review and comment.

The four principal goals in the 2008 plan remain the same in the updated plan. The 2015 draft also includes updated scientific literature and new information and facts regarding wolves in Michigan. A companion document, which summarizes DNR management accomplishments in addressing the action items from the 2008 plan, also is available for public review.

The draft updated plan and the 2008 Summary of Management Accomplishments document are available for download at Michigan.gov/wolves.

Send comments on the draft updated plan to DNR-Wildlife@michigan.gov or via U.S. mail to DNR Wildlife Division, P.O. Box 30444, Lansing MI 48909. Comments must be received no later than April 3.

---

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.