Leann B. Blem

RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD SUCROSE PREFERENCE: PRECISION OF SELECTION VARIES WITH CONCENTRATION

Abstract We tested concentration preferences of Rufous Hummingbirds (Selasphorus rufus) offered sucrose solutions in small feeders in the field. When sucrose solutions differing in increments of 10%, from 10% to 70%, were presented simultaneously, hummingbirds preferred 50% to higher and lower concentrations. They did not show a significant preference in the range from 50% to 70% . When options were offered in pairs of choices differing from 1–25%, hummingbirds demonstrated statistically significant preferences that varied with mean concentration in a curvilinear manner. At concentrations approximating those of hummingbird-pollinated flowers (20%), hummingbirds showed greatest specificity and could distinguish solutions differing by only 1%. At concentrations above and below 20%, greater differences between choices were required to elicit significant preferences.

The Eastern Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus) at the Northern Edge of its Range

The northernmost population of the eastern cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus) is in Virginia near Hopewell at the confluence of the James and Appomattox rivers. Female cottonmouths there produce relatively large litters and attain sexual maturity at sizes greater than reported elsewhere. Meristic characters of the northernmost population differ only slightly or not at all from neighboring populations in southeastern Virginia or northeastern North Carolina, but melanism increases significantly southward. Vitellogenesis, ovulation, and birth in the northernmost population appear to occur several weeks later than in southern populations. Most small cottonmouths did not survive cold winters and few individuals less than 600 mm snout-vent length were observed; thus the population is comprised largely of older snakes (>4 yr). Most mature females (91.7%) reproduced annually. Winter mortality in hibernacula may be an important limiting factor in this northernmost population of cottonmouths.

Estimation of Body Mass of Voles from Crania in Short-Eared Owl Pellets

-Voles comprised more than 95% of the diet of short-eared owls (Asio fammeus) breeding in western Montana. Regression analyses were used to estimate body mass of meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus) and montane voles (M. montanus) from measurements of crania found in pellets of these owls. Most voles eaten by the owls were in a size class typical of subadults, and only a few adult voles were eaten. Mean body mass of the two species of voles appearing as prey items in pellets did not differ significantly. Body mass estimated from cranial dimensions by regression is superior to the common practice of assuming that all prey items are adults, or to calculation of mass from single skeletal measurements.

Lipid reserves of the brown water snake Nerodia taxispilota

Abstract 1. 1. Lipid stores of the brown water snake (Nerodia taxispilota) varied seasonally with reserves increasing before ovulation in females and prior to hibernation in both sexes. 2. 2. Gravid females had greater lipid reserves than either males or nongravid females of equal size. 3. 3. Relative lipid content of fat bodies increased with weight of fat bodies; small fat bodies had low lipid content while large fat bodies were more than 98% lipid. 4. 4. Mass of fat bodies was an accurate predictor of energy content of fat bodies; however, small masses provided inaccurate estimates since little of the fat body actually was lipid.

VARIATION IN MASS OF FEMALE PROTHONOTARY WARBLERS DURING NESTING

Abstract Over an 18-year period (1987–2004), we examined variation in body mass of female Prothonotary Warblers (Protonotaria citrea) captured throughout their nesting cycle. As is typical for many small passerine birds, body mass was greatest during egg laying and decreased throughout incubation and feeding of young. Mass decreased significantly between the onset of incubation and fledging of both first and second broods. Mass loss was gradual during incubation, noteworthy during the first 2 days of feeding nestlings, but did not continue to decrease throughout the feeding period. Mass lost while raising the first brood was regained before initiating the second brood. Mass of female warblers, adjusted for effects of nest attempt, year, clutch size, and day and stage of nesting, increased slightly with age. Body mass of nesting female warblers varied significantly with day of the nest cycle during incubation but not during egg laying or feeding of young. Mass was associated with clutch size during incubation in both first and second broods, but was not associated significantly with brood size when females were feeding nestlings. Frequency of food delivery to nestlings was associated negatively with female body mass. Females typically made more feeding trips per day than males. Feeding rates were correlated among pairs; that is, females with higher rates of delivery were mated to males that made a higher number of trips.

EFFECTS OF SOME METEOROLOGICAL VARIABLES ON BASKING BEHAVIOR IN VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS

Abstract At Flathead Lake Biological Station in western Montana, Violet-green Swallows (Tachycineta thalassina) sunbathed during a restricted period and under specific meteorological conditions in an apparent attempt to rid themselves of ectoparasites. Sunbathing was done only in direct sunlight, at mean ambient temperatures ≥23.4 C and wind velocities of 14 km/h or less. The number of birds sunbathing at any given time was a function of both ambient temperature and wind velocity. Swallows basked at lower temperatures when wind velocities were low. Duration of basking likewise was a function of both ambient temperature and wind velocity. Length of basking bouts decreased as numbers of birds increased. Relative humidity did not significantly affect number of birds sunbathing or duration of bouts. Although numerous sites were available, swallows sunbathed only at one specific site, a reflective silver roof, and then only over a period of a few weeks from late June through July.

William and Nancy Klamm Service Award For 2016: Edward H. Burtt, Jr.

Each year, the Wilson Ornithological Society recognizes a member who has provided extensive service to the Society with the William and Nancy Klamm Service Award. The award honors the memory of extensive service and commitment to the Wilson Ornithological Society shown by Bill and Nancy Klamm, who generously supported the Society with both their time and a substantial financial bequest. This year’s award is being given to a member whose involvement with the Society overlapped Bill’s work on the Audit Committee. In 1988, Edward H. Burtt, Jr., known to all as Jed, began his regular attendance at WOS meetings. In 1989 he was elected to a two-year term as an elective councilor. The following year, he co-chaired the scientific program committee for the Wilson meeting in Norton, Massachusetts. In 1993, he was elected as Second Vice President of the Society and after serving as Second Vice President and then First Vice President, he served as President from 1997 to 1999. During this time, he organized an interactive workshop on undergraduate teaching in ornithology and a workshop in the management of ornithological collections at teaching institutions and nature centers. Jed wanted to provide resources for teaching faculty, so after the former workshop, Jed shepherded the process of converting those exercises to a laboratory manual that was posted online free of charge. As First Vice President of the Wilson Society, Jed initiated the Margaret Morse Nice medal and plenary lecture in 1997. The award recognizes a lifetime of ornithological research and work as a mentor. Jed’s introductions to these lectures have been quite inspiring by providing information about Margaret Morse Nice’s life and her influential career as a scientist. As he introduced the recipients, he was able to find direct connections between their career and Nice’s. The detailed and individual information in the introductions of the recipients were typical of Jed’s work in the Society, integrating a commitment to high quality ornithological research with personal touches and a family feel. Although he completed his work on the executive committee in 1999, Jed continued to be active both on the Council and in the Society. In fact, Jed hosted the 2003 Wilson meeting at Ohio Wesleyan University, in joint session with the Association of Field Ornithologists and the Clark Ornithology Symposium. Jed’s interest in creating a special feel for the students at the meeting included scheduling the poster session during an extended lunch period, with lunch in the poster venue included in the registration. His interest in providing additional opportunities for students and professionals to interact included having the Ohio Wesleyan Jazz Band perform at the end of the banquet. Most years, Jed willingly served on the committee that judged student presentations and he served for many years on the nominating committee, helping to identify ornithologists who would be able to bring fresh perspectives to Council and many who could benefit from mentoring relationships with other Council members. Perhaps Jed’s most influential involvement with the Wilson Society is his attendance at meetings with students. Most meetings included several students from Ohio Wesleyan. His mentorship of

William and Nancy Klamm Service Award for 2013: Clait E. Braun

The Wilson Ornithological Society established the William and Nancy Klamm Service Award in 2007 to honor the memory of Bill and Nancy Klamm, who generously supported the society with both their time and a substantial financial bequest. This award recognizes the reliance of a non-profit society on the generous donation of time and money of countless people who serve many roles within the Society including committee members, committee chairs, council members, officers, editors, article reviewers, editorial assistants, and local hosts. The Klamm Service Award recognizes someone who has an extensive history of service to the Society. Clait Braun has been a long-time supporter of and advocate for the Wilson Society. Clait began his service to the Society as Chair of the Conservation Committee in 1975. In 1977, he was elected to the Wilson Council. He was elected Second Vice-President in 1981, First Vice-President in 1983, and President in 1985. Like many of the people who have been elected as an officer of the society, Clait served the Society in a variety of ways, having served on the membership committee, on the nominations committee, on the publications committee, on a local committee, and as chair of numerous scientific sessions. What is truly remarkable about Clait is his service after being an officer. He has served on the committees selecting student research awards, student presentation awards, and the best paper in the Society’s journal. For the last 20 years, Clait has been a strong proponent for and an active participant in the Wilson Ornithological Society’s journal. He served as the Chair of the Publications Committee, on the editorial board of the journal under three different editors, and, for the last six years, as the Editor of the Wilson Journal of Ornithology. He has encouraged authors to submit manuscripts, helped authors refine their submissions (especially international authors), and ensured the high standards of the journal. For his The Wilson Journal of Ornithology 125(4):852–853, 2013