Most species distribution models (SDMs) predict the probability of presence (POP) of a species at any location based on an analysis of known occurrences and environmental variables; however, such SDMs cannot predict how much the POP of a species that requires young forest would change if a new patch of young forest is created at a certain location. We developed a new SDM tool to identify and prioritize sites where forest management efforts to create young forest vegetation would likely have the most positive effect for Scolopax minor (American Woodcock), an important umbrella species for other birds that require similar habitat. The primary output of the tool was a 50-m raster of the predicted POP in any upland forest location in the state after young forest is created. We conducted a preliminary assessment of the predictions of the tool, and concluded that our new tool can allow land managers to identify optimal locations on their properties to create young forest for woodcock, and help conservation agencies identify private landowners with suitable properties for improving woodcock habitat.

Intraguild predation can play a significant role in structuring species composition with intraguild prey under both competitive and predatory pressure from intraguild predators. How intraguild prey are able to persist at sites with their predators is a complex issue with empirical evidence not always supporting theoretical models, indicating a need for more in situ research. A prominent grassland predator in the south central region of Pennsylvania, Coluber constrictor constrictor (Northern Black Racer), co-occurs with potential prey snakes including Lampropeltis triangulum (Eastern Milksnake) and Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis (Eastern Gartersnake). Starting in 2008, this 7-year study examined how intraguild predation may differentially influence the body size and demographic traits of prey species in south-central Pennsylvania at sites with and without Northern Black Racers. The body size of adult Eastern Milksnakes was unaffected by the presence of racers. Eastern Milksnakes were more abundant, but with fewer juveniles, at racer-present sites. Adult female Eastern Gartersnakes were larger in body size, and adult males were less frequently encountered, in racer-present sites. These results indicate that intraguild predation in a snake community may affect the body size and demographic traits of prey species differentially, likely through predatory exclusion. However, the exact mechanisms behind our findings, and the resulting dynamics of snake diversity, are unclear and require further analyses.

We used contemporary data of Aythya affinis (Lesser Scaup) and A. marila (Greater Scaup) (hereafter referred together as Scaup) to explore the utility of mark–recapture analysis to estimate annual abundance of Scaup at Great South Bay (GSB), NY, in winter 2019. We also used historic banding data to estimate temporal and spatial changes in Scaup banded along the north, mid-, and south Atlantic Coast regions during winter and recovered by hunters within <1 year. Capture bias of banded Scaup was substantial because we estimated ≤8130 Scaup on GSB using the upper 95% confidence limit of models, but regularly observed ≥30,000 near banding sites. We did not detect a spatial or temporal influence on Greater Scaup recoveries. Lesser Scaup recovery longitude differed by region and shifted 209 km east from 1920 to 2019.

Four species of fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) are newly described herein: Photuris anna n. sp., P. sheckscheri n. sp., P. eliza n. sp., P. sellicki n. sp. All were discovered occupying acidic peat wetlands of high ecological quality in the mid-Atlantic and northeastern United States (Delaware, New Jersey, New York). I present a diagnostic phenotypic profile for each as a means to aid in the identification of Photuris fireflies. The association of these species with specific wetland types suggests that the edaphic heterogeneity of wetlands may be a driver of Photuris diversification.

To better understand winter foraging patterns of Odocoileus virginianus (White-tailed Deer) in the context of global change, we assessed foraging trends using microhistological analysis of fecal pellets from 2006–2018 across a network of monitoring plots in 39 relict Tsuga canadensis (Eastern Hemlock) stands in the western Upper Peninsula of Michigan. We found that deciduous browse comprised the majority of the diet, but conifer species were also eaten. During severe winters, Eastern Hemlock and Abies balsamea (Balsam Fir) were more prevalent in the diet, whereas in mild winters, Thuja occidentalis (Northern White Cedar) was more prevalent. Because Northern White Cedar comprises only a small amount of the forest community in these stands, deer were likely traveling beyond these winter yarding areas to forage. The relationship between conifer consumption and winter severity highlights the importance of energy conservation for winter survival of White-tailed Deer. More extreme winter weather is predicted with climate change, potentially prolonging confinement and limited forage availability, which is liable to alter energy budgets of deer, thus potentially altering population dynamics.

Despite harsh conditions provided by wave action, salinity, UV exposure, and other pressures, lichens provide most of the substrate cover in the rocky littoral zone. We documented the vertical zonation and general ecology of several littoral members of the lichenized ascomycete family Verrucariaceae from 7 sites along Nova Scotia's Bay of Fundy coast. We identified lichens morphologically and confirmed species using ITS rDNA barcoding to provide novel biodiversity data. We documented 8 lichens in Nova Scotia littoral zones, with all transects showing low lichen diversity and moderate evenness. Vertical zonation was not strongly correlated with mean low tide; a variety of biotic and abiotic factors likely affected the distribution of the few species determining lichen community composition in this region.

Falco sparverius (American Kestrel), an obligate cavity-nesting bird species, has experienced declines in much of its range for decades. Among possible causes for the decline are loss of suitable habitat and availability of nesting cavities. The species seems to benefit from nest boxes installed at locations assumed to meet all other habitat requirements. Nest boxes mounted on billboard posts and the backs of road signs—especially along 4-lane highways—are becoming more commonplace because of the perceived cover associated with these landscapes. Based on monitoring American Kestrel occupancy of nest boxes (n = 37) from 2015 to 2017 in southeastern Ohio, we were able to create a database of occupied versus unoccupied sites, as well as documenting the presence/absence of Sturnus vulgaris (European Starling), an apparent competitor for nesting cavities. Using this database, we conducted a GIS-based analysis of land cover across multiple scales for each site, with the objective of identifying a suite of landscape-cover features that might enable deployment of nest boxes in the region with greater usage by American Kestrels. Using principal components analysis coupled with k-means clustering, we identified 2 landscape niche clusters, which differed significantly along the PC1 axis (P < 0.001). One cluster was occupied by American Kestrels and European Starlings, the other was occupied by European Starlings only. The American Kestrel-occupied cluster had 10–40% herbaceous and <15% cropland across all spatial scales, with a higher median percentage of forest being prevalent at the 3000-m scale. The European Starling-only cluster had more cropland and less forest cover. At the micro-scale, American Kestrels appeared to favor nest boxes located closer (median distance = 11.5 m) to the road surface than those placed further (median distance = 24.5 m) away. Future efforts should take these trends into account to effectively deploy nest boxes intended for American Kestrels and minimize availability to and possible occupancy by European Starlings.

Persicaria perfoliata (Mile-a-Minute Weed), an invasive vine, forms monocultural patches of various sizes within infested landscapes among patches also containing other plants. We compared the species composition of P. perfoliata-dominated patches and adjacent nondominated patches in 2 topographically homogeneous sites using 20 paired plots, nonmetric multidimensional scaling, multi-response permutation procedure, and indicator species analyses. Richness and diversity were lower in the P. perfoliata-dominated patches but both patch types had uncommon native plants present. The patch types differed significantly in composition, and the nondominated patches were dominated by another nonnative invader, Microstegium vimineum (Japanese Stiltgrass), or a native weed, Ambrosia artemisiifolia (Common Ragweed). Documenting potentially interacting native and exotic species within an invaded landscape will help predict likely restoration success in response to targeted nonnative-invasive plant removal.

We asked how genetic diversity of Spartina alterniflora (Smooth Cordgrass) partitions across multiple spatial scales in mid-Atlantic salt marshes. We analyzed samples from 5 Virginia marshes, spanning ∼ 35 km of coastline, using microsatellite markers to examine genetic diversity and genotype clustering. In a single marsh, nested spatial analysis of the genotypes allowed indirect evaluation of colonization dynamics. Samples collected ≥10 m apart had clonal and allelic diversity levels similar to those of other geographic locations; however, genotypic richness and evenness of samples collected 0.2 and 1.0 m apart were reduced. Sampling scale had little effect on allelic diversity. Expected heterozygosity exceeded observed heterozygosity values at all sites and spatial scales, suggesting Smooth Cordgrass inbreeding is common in these marshes. We hypothesize that the observed spatial patterns indicate there is genetic dominance of a few, well-adapted clones balanced by sexual reproduction and recruitment, especially after disturbance, thereby creating genetically diverse and potentially resilient marshes.

Evidence for earlier spring arrival times of migratory breeding birds is often linked to changing climatic conditions, especially increasing temperatures. Using data collected and recorded in a research diary, this article documents changes in bird-arrival dates within the city of Sherbrooke, QC, Canada. Spring arrival dates of 31 bird species were observed and recorded over a 26-year period, from 1994 to 2019, during a series of 1376 walks along a regular 6.5–7.5-km route. Temperature data for this period were collected from the regional Environment Canada climate station. Arrival dates displayed a strong correlation to changing climate conditions; 28 species had a trend toward arrival dates when correlated to mean temperatures, and this effect was significant in 12 species. Climate change, as indicated by increasing spring temperatures, seems to be having a major influence on the advancement in bird-arrival dates in the spring at this locality.

Pheretimoid earthworms (“Jumping Worms”) are Asian annelids with characteristics that make them effective invaders in the northeastern United States. Because many species of Jumping Worms thrive in wood mulches, gardening practices may play a significant role in distributing them. Despite mounting evidence that Jumping Worms can cause damage to gardens and natural ecosystems, the current range of Jumping Worms in North America is poorly known. We compiled reports of Jumping Worms from many different data sources to better understand the potential for amateur community scientists to contribute information regarding undescribed populations of these invasive species. Additionally, we conducted a survey of Cooperative Extension Master Gardener volunteers to better understand the perception of these species within the gardening community and attempts at control. Amateur reporting from community-science programs and gardeners resulted in a large number of potential, undescribed Jumping Worm populations, especially in areas unstudied by the small number of earthworm researchers in our study region. Within the gardening community, the perception of Jumping Worms is less favorable compared to other earthworms, largely owing to their perceived negative ecological effects in gardens and natural ecosystems. As a result, homeowners frequently attempt to control their abundance. Gardeners and community scientists can importantly contribute to our understanding of the range and negative effects of invasive Jumping Worms in the Northeast.

Nest-box trails designed for Sialia sialis (Eastern Bluebird) increase viable nesting sites for several native bird species as well as invasive species such as Passer domesticus (House Sparrow). The management technique of egg and nest removal is purported to cause sparrow usurpation at neighboring boxes. We studied the behavior of nesting House Sparrow pairs before, during, and after application of 2 management treatments: egg swapping and nest removal. Video surveillance did not detect House Sparrows visiting neighboring boxes during the management period. After the removal treatment, 42% of the pairs renested in the same nest box. We also tested the hypothesis that nest removal may shift sparrow interference to neighboring boxes spaced on average 170 m apart. In the week after management, 91% of boxes neighboring a managed box proceeded without incident, which was not different from the outcomes of boxes in areas without sparrow competition. We conclude that nest-box failure does not correlate with management technique at this study site.

We report a record of Dryopteris goldieana (Goldie's Fern; Dryopteridaceae) from the Bras d'Or Lakes watershed, new to the native flora of Nova Scotia. A small population of the species was discovered in 2020 in a Populus balsamifera (Balsam Poplar) floodplain forest of the Baddeck River, Victoria County, Cape Breton Island, NS, Canada.