I present here the first description of the mating behavior of the empidid fly Empis gulosa. Males of this predatory species appear to provide their copulatory partners with a nuptial gift in the form of a small insect that the female consumes while mating. In northern Virginia, copulations occur in late April and early May primarily in the late afternoon or evening.

I observed Tamiasciurus hudsonicus (Red Squirrel) harvesting Castanea dentata (American Chestnut) fruits in 2 different manners: they either snipped off relatively immature fruit (burrs) and chewed them open on the ground to feed on the unripe seeds, or they foraged on the tree as the ripened fruit opened and released their seeds, carried 1 seed at a time down to the ground, and cached them. I also saw Cyanocitta cristata (Blue Jay) on the trees, but only after the fruit dehisced. Both Blue Jays and Red Squirrels likely played a significant role in the dispersal of American Chestnut seeds, but the Blue Jays spread primarily single or several seeds per cache, while the Red Squirrels created caches of seeds clustered closely together.

We report an instance of a large number of Myotis bats, probably Myotis lucifugus (Little Brown Bat), landing on a fishing vessel and roosting overnight on it and on some of its gear ∼110 km from the nearest land in the Gulf of Maine. This sighting was considerably beyond what would be considered a normal distance from land (∼10 km) for these bats to fly.

Pekania pennanti (Fisher) is believed to have occurred in portions of western Virginia prior to the late 1800s. However, except for fossil remains, no specimen or evidence of this species from Virginia has ever been reported in a museum collection. Here we document recent evidence of Fishers in Virginia from verified photographic records submitted to the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and voucher specimens deposited into the Mammal Collection of the Virginia Museum of Natural History. These recently collected and observed Fishers in Virginia are likely dispersers from expanding Fisher populations in western Maryland and eastern West Virginia. This report provides the foundation for future investigations into the distribution and abundance of this species in Virginia.

Pyractomena ecostata is an uncommon firefly primarily associated with brackish tidal marshes of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of Florida. A geographically isolated occurrence is known from coastal southern New Jersey. Herein, we report 2 unpublished locality records from Kent County, DE, that expands the range of the Mid-Atlantic population into the Delaware Bay Estuary. We also report a previously unpublished modern-day record from Cape May County, NJ, perhaps the first New Jersey specimen secured since 1898. These data bring the total known number of Mid-Atlantic collection sites to 6. Although the species is very rare in the Mid-Atlantic, the disjunct population remains extant and therefore should be considered a significant inventory and conservation target due to impending sea-level rise and the spread of the invasive Phragmites australis (Common Reed).

The proportion by age class of wild Canis lupus (Gray Wolf) females that reproduce in any given year remains unclear; thus, we evaluated the applicability to our long-term (1972–2013) data set of the Mech et al. (1993) formula that categorizes female Gray Wolf breeding status by nipple size and time of year. We used the formula to classify Gray Wolves from 68 capture events into 4 categories (yearling, adult non-breeder, former breeder, current breeder). To address issues with small sample size and variance, we created an ambiguity index to allow some Gray Wolves to be classed into 2 categories. We classified 20 nipple measurements ambiguously: 16 current or former breeder, 3 former or adult non-breeder, and 1 yearling or adult non-breeder. The formula unambiguously classified 48 (71%) of the nipple measurements; based on supplemental field evidence, at least 5 (10%) of these were incorrect. When used in conjunction with an ambiguity index we developed and with corrections made for classifications involving very large nipples, and supplemented with available field evidence, the Mech et al. (1993) formula provided reasonably reliable classification of breeding status in wild female Gray Wolves.

To assess long-term changes in the population status of breeding Ammodramus maritimus (Seaside Sparrow) in Rhode Island, we repeated surveys conducted in 1982 by Stoll and Golet (1983). In June and July of 2007 and 2008, we surveyed 19 of Rhode Island's largest salt marshes. Seaside Sparrow abundance had declined at 9 of 11 marshes where the species was present in 1982, and we detected no sparrows at 4 smaller (<20 ha) marshes where they were present in 1982. Seaside Sparrow abundance increased at 3 marshes, including 1 at which the birds were not detected in 1982. We used aerial photographs to quantify changes in marsh size and human development within 150-m and 1-km buffers surrounding each marsh. From 1981 to 2008, the overall average number of structures within the 150-m and 1-km buffers increased by 37% and 66%, respectively. Concomitantly, salt-marsh area decreased by an overall average of 11%. Seaside Sparrow abundance was related to marsh size, but our analyses did not detect a statistical relationship of landscape or habitat-loss variables with the decline in sparrows. The Seaside Sparrow is currently classified as a species of concern in Rhode Island. However, given the population decline we documented, and the impending threat to salt-marsh habitats imposed by rising sea levels, we suggest that the classification be reassessed now and periodically in the future, and that monitoring efforts for the species be continued.

Onondaga Lake in Syracuse, NY, is recovering from a century of industrial and municipal pollution. The distribution and diversity of aquatic macrophytes have increased significantly in the past decade, and the plants currently cover 80% of the littoral area. To assess the effects of aquatic vegetation on aquatic biota, we employed quantitative sampling to examine associations of epiphytic macroinvertebrates in 4 assemblages of submerged aquatic vegetation in Onondaga Lake in 2010 and 2011. Two assemblages were predominantly monocultures—one of Stuckenia pectinata (Sago Pondweed) and the other of Chara sp. (stonewort). The third was dominated by Potamogeton foliosus (Leafy Pondweed) and Potamogeton pusillus (Small Pondweed), and the fourth was a heterogeneous community that included Ceratophyllum demersum (Coon's Tail), Myriophyllum spicatum (Eurasian Watermilfoil), and Elodea canadensis (Canadian Waterweed). Measures of invertebrate community composition—which included taxa richness, ETO richness, family richness, and NCO richness—were not consistently different in any particular macrophyte assemblage. Overall densities of epiphytic macroinvertebrates were similar to or higher than those reported in other quantitative studies of epiphytic macroinvertebrates. We found differences in the abundance of specific macroinvertebrate taxa associated with a particular macrophyte assemblage. Stonewort and the heterogeneous beds supported a similar community of gastropods and amphipods in both years, which was distinct from the high densities of Oligochaeta and Chironomidae associated with Sago Pondweed. Our observations suggest that the current distribution of aquatic macrophytes and the high density of associated macroinvertebrates provide abundant prey for sizable populations of fishes and waterfowl that prey on macroinvertebrates.

Vermivora chrysoptera (Golden-winged Warbler) and Scolopax minor (American Woodcock, hereafter, Woodcock) are 2 young-forest-dependent species of eastern North America that are experiencing population declines due to loss of breeding habitat. The goals of our study were to compare avian abundance and habitat similarities and differences in sites used by the 2 species. A portion of our survey plots were manipulated under Woodcock or Golden-winged Warbler habitat prescriptions in managed shrublands, and others were on regenerating timber-harvest sites. In north-central PA, we compared Woodcock abundance in 10-ha experimental plots assigned to one of 3 habitat prescriptions: uncut controls, Woodcock strip plots, and Golden-winged Warbler mosaic plots. We also quantified vegetation characteristics in each 10-ha study plot. Woodcock density was higher in the strip (4.8 males/10 ha) and mosaic (5.1 males/10 ha) plots compared to the uncut reference plots (3.3 males/10 ha). Woodcock density was negatively correlated with sapling cover in the north-central PA study plots. In regenerating timber harvests in northeastern PA, we demonstrated that vegetation characteristics overlap regardless of whether we detected only Woodcock or both species. Mean basal area of harvested stands with only Woodcock (i.e., 11.5 m²/ha) was greater than the mean basal area in stands used by Golden-winged Warbler (8.4 m²/ha). Our results suggest that creation of young forests at the stand level using either the Woodcock or Golden-winged Warbler habitat guidelines has benefits for both species. However, the Golden-winged Warbler is less flexible in the density of herbaceous cover and residual trees it requires. We recommend that in areas where the 2 species coexist, the Golden-winged Warbler guidelines be implemented to benefit both species.

One of the depleted endemic fish species of the Great Lakes, Acipenser fulvescens (Lake Sturgeon), has been the target of extensive conservation efforts. One strategy is reintroduction into historically productive waters. The St. Regis River, NY, represents one such adaptive-management effort, with shared management between New York and the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe. Between 1998 and 2004, a total of 4977 young-of-year Lake Sturgeon were released. Adaptive management requires intermediate progress metrics. During 2004 and 2005, we measured growth, habitat use, and survivorship metrics of the released fish. We captured a total of 95 individuals of all stocked ages. Year-class minimal-survival rates ranged from 0.19–2.1%. The size-at-age and length/biomass relationships were comparable to those reported for juveniles in other Great Lakes waters. These intermediate assessment metrics can provide feedback to resource managers who make restoration-program decisions on a much shorter time-scale than the time-frame in which the ultimate goal of a self-sustaining population can be attained.

We examined seasonal-habitat use by subyearling and yearling Oncorhynchus mykiss (Rainbow Trout or Steelhead) in Trout Brook, a tributary of the Salmon River, NY. We determined daytime fish-habitat use and available habitat during August and October of the same year and observed differences in habitat selection among year classes. Water depth and cover played the greatest role in Steelhead habitat use. During summer and autumn, we found yearling Steelhead in areas with deeper water and more cover than where we observed subyearling Steelhead. Both year classes sought out areas with abundant cover during both seasons; this habitat was limited within the stream reach. Subyearling Steelhead were associated with more cover during autumn, even though available cover within the stream reach was greater during summer. Principal component analysis showed that variation in seasonal-habitat use was most pronounced for subyearling Steelhead and that yearling Steelhead were more selective in their habitat use than subyearling Steelhead. The results of this study contribute to a greater understanding of how this popular sportfish is adapting to a new environment and the factors that may limit juvenile Steelhead survival. Our findings provide valuable new insights into the seasonal-habitat requirements of subyearling and yearling Steelhead that can be used by fisheries managers to enhance and protect the species throughout the Great Lakes region.

Surveys of wintering waterfowl can aid in both identifying estuarine habitats currently being used by species of conservation concern so that the sites can be targeted for protection and restoration, and in providing a baseline assessment from which the effects of future changes in wintering habitat can be assessed. In an effort to better understand the local distribution of wintering waterfowl during the period 2005–2014, we undertook a study of waterfowl abundance and distribution in Narragansett Bay, RI, a moderate-sized estuary located in the northeastern US within the Atlantic Flyway. Overall waterfowl abundance in the Bay ranged from 15,002 individuals in 2006 to 26,163 individuals in 2010 and averaged 20,062 ± 3393 individuals over the 10-y period. Species richness ranged from 1.80 to 10.8 per site; most of the sites with high species richness were located in the Upper Bay. Based on our counts from 67 ground locations, the Narragansett Bay waterfowl community was dominated by Aythya affinis (Lesser Scaup) and A. marila (Greater Scaup), Branta bernicla (Brant), and Branta canadensis (Canada Geese) over the survey period. Waterfowl-community composition indicated that the Upper Bay, an environment characterized by low wave-energy, shallow coves, sheltered embayments, and salt marshes, supported mostly dabbling ducks, geese, and swans. The Lower Bay, an environment characterized by higher wave-energy, rocky shorelines, and deeper open-water habitats, supported mostly sea ducks and other diving-duck species. Abundance over the survey period was relatively stable, and observed patterns of waterfowl distribution suggest that conservation actions to maintain shallow-water habitats, including efforts to protect and restore salt marsh habitat, will help to maintain resources needed by many of the waterfowl species wintering in the Bay.

Myomorph rodents play important roles in trophic systems and can have rapid population-level responses to food pulses, such as mast. The purpose of our study was to measure such responses and record potential interactions among the rodent species in a northern hardwood forest. We used mark—recapture methods to estimate abundances of 3 myomorphs commonly found in northern hardwood forests—Peromyscus spp. (deer mice, hereafter, Peromyscus), Napaeozapus insignis (Woodland Jumping Mouse), and Myodes gapperi (Red-backed Vole)—over 2 years (2006 and 2007). Seedfall was measured concurrently. The abundance of Peromyscus and Red-backed Voles substantially increased in response to the 2006 mast, which was the highest in 7 years of continuously recorded data at Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest. Adult-mean weights of all 3 species were higher during the spring following mast production than during the preceding spring. Following these responses to the mast and during the subsequent lean summer of 2007, Woodland Jumping Mice completely disappeared from the study area, mean Peromyscus weight dropped to its lowest level during the study, and reproductive activity of Peromyscus and Red-backed Voles substantially declined. Woodland Jumping Mice likely dispersed from the area in response to interference competition from a substantially increased Peromyscus population. These pulses in food, particularly the larger seeds of Fagus grandifolia (American Beech), and the consequent population responses corroborate the patterns found by others and may influence the food webs of these northern-hardwood forest communities beyond the trophic level of granivores.

Lake acidification is a major problem in northeastern US lakes that can control fish presence or absence. We examined the history of fish populations in Lake Minnewaska, in eastern New York. We examined historical documents and found that Lake Minnewaska was fishless from 1922–2008 because of high lake-acidity. Following 30 years of recovery from acidic conditions, Notemigonus crysoleucas (Golden Shiner), a small minnow species, was introduced in 2008 and quickly proliferated, peaking at∼15,000 individuals in 2013. In 2012, the piscivorous species Micropterus salmoides (Largemouth Bass) was introduced, and the minnow population was effectively removed by 2014. We present a conceptual model of the history of fish in Lake Minnewaska as fish disappeared and reappeared over 100 years as a consequence of acid rain and human introductions.

Overbrowsing has created depauperate plant communities throughout the eastern deciduous forest. We hypothesized these low-diversity plant communities are associated with lower insect diversity. We compared insects inside and outside a 60-year-old fenced deer exclosure where plant species richness is 5x higher inside versus outside. We sampled aboveground and litter insects using sweep nets and pitfall traps and identified specimens to family. Aboveground insect abundance, richness, and diversity were up to 50% higher inside the fenced exclosure versus outside. Conversely, litter insect abundance and diversity were consistently higher outside the exclosure. Community composition of aboveground insects differed throughout the summer (P < 0.05), but litter insects differed only in late summer. Our results demonstrate that the indirect effects of long-term overbrowsing can reduce aboveground insect diversity and abundance, and change composition even when plant communities are in close proximity.

Trapping harvest and snow tracking are frequently used to infer population dynamics, yet there have been few evaluations of these indices. We developed population indices for Martes americana (American Marten), Mustela spp. (weasels), and Tamiasciurus hudsonicus (American Red Squirrel) from 9 years of snow-tracking data in eastern Canada. We employed mean track counts per unit effort as population indices derived from a generalized linear model (GLM) of track counts as a function of year and covariates including forest age. Mean track counts were significantly correlated with American Marten and weasel pelt sales and year effects in GLM were correlated with American Red Squirrel and weasel pelt sales. The results of both methods are in agreement; therefore they are likely valid sources to infer population dynamics for these species.

To understand the habitat components that contribute to the presence of populations of a rare butterfly, we examined the abundance of critical plant-components of old fields that support some of the last remaining Eastern Speyeria idalia (Regal Fritillary Butterfly) subpopulations at Fort Indiantown Gap (FTIG), a National Guard training facility in south-central Pennsylvania. We compared densities of larval-host plants (Viola spp. [violets]), adult-nectar plants (Asclepias spp. [native milkweeds] and Cirsium spp. [thistles]), and native, tussock-forming, warm-season bunch grasses that provide protective resting and pupation sites in fields occupied by the butterfly and in nearby fields that were unoccupied. We found no significant difference in violet density among sites. Fields with Regal Fritillary Butterfly populations had significantly more nectar-plant flowering structures and greater bunch-grass percent cover. Grassland habitat occupied by Regal Fritillaries was characterized by a violet density of at least 1.55 plants/m² and particular varieties of flowering nectar-plants available throughout the June–September flight period. Bunch grasses were also important to persistence of Regal Fritillaries; occupied sites had 20–45% bunch-grass cover and tussock formation. Understanding the habitat needs of this rare butterfly in Pennsylvania is vital to its restoration and reintroductions of the eastern form in the mid-Atlantic and northeastern US.

Western Maryland's population of Ursus americanus (American Black Bear; hereafter Black Bear) was nearly extirpated by the 1950s but recovered to 326 individuals by 2005. A knowledge gap currently exists regarding home-range dynamics of this recovering population. One of the most basic questions that managers wish to understand is how much space these Black Bears are using. To provide this information, we examined the home-range dynamics of 18 adult female Black Bears in western Maryland from 2006 to 2007 using GPS collars. We predicted that home-range estimates in our study population would be similar to that of surrounding states because Black Bear populations have been recovering for the past 50 years throughout Appalachia. Fixed-kernel estimates for spring, summer, and fall home ranges were 8.9 km², 15.4 km², and 20.7 km², respectively. Fall and summer home ranges were similar, and both were larger (P < 0.10) than spring home ranges. Solitary females had spring home ranges 6.9 times larger than females with cubs, but ranges for all females were similar during other seasons. Home-range fidelity among seasons was high. As predicted, home-range sizes were comparable to those from other Appalachian states. With our results, managers can better understand space use of Black Bears in this recovering population.