Winter Movements Research Articles

Role of Stream Ice on Fall and Winter Movements and Habitat Use by Bull Trout and Cutthroat Trout in Montana Headwater Streams

We used radiotelemetry and underwater observation to assess fall and winter movements and habitat use by bull trout Salvelinus confluentus and westslope cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus clarki lewisi in two headwater streams in the Bitterroot River drainage, Montana, that varied markedly in habitat availability and stream ice conditions. Bull trout and cutthroat trout made extensive (>1 km) downstream overwintering movements with declining temperature in the fall. Most fish remained stationary for the remainder of the study (until late February), but some fish made additional downstream movements (1.1–1.7 km) in winter during a low-temperature (⩽1°C) period marked by anchor ice formation. Winter movement was more extensive in the mid-elevation stream where frequent freezing and thawing led to variable surface ice cover and frequent supercooling (<0°C). Habitat use of both species varied with availability; beaver ponds and pools with large woody debris were preferred in one stream, and pools with boulders were preferred in the other. Trout overwintered in beaver ponds in large (N = 80–120), mixed aggregations. In both streams, both species decreased use of submerged cover following the formation of surface ice. Our results indicate that (1) continued activity by trout during winter is common in streams with dynamic ice conditions and (2) complex mixes of habitat are needed to provide suitable fall and winter habitat for these species.

Winter Movements and Habitat Use by Greater Snow Geese

We studied local movements, feeding patterns, and roost site use of 38 female greater snow geese (Chen caerulescens atlantica) radiomarked at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge on the Delmarva (Del.-Md.-Va.) Peninsula from October 1990 to March 1991. In early (Oct-Nov), mid- (Dec-Jan), and late (Feb-Mar) seasons, mean distances traveled by marked birds from roosts to feed (5, 11, and 4 km) and between roosts (4, 23, and 11 km) differed seasonally (P 0.05), but use of tidal saltmarsh differed seasonally (P 50% from early (27.9%) to late (12.1%) season. Seasonal differences in use of harvested corn (P < 0.0078) were evident as geese fed heavily in cornfields in early (56.5%) and mid-(46.2%) seasons, but use decreased in late season (32.8%). Use of small grain fields (green vegetation) for feeding differed seasonally (P < 0.0001) as they were used little in early season (5.7%) but became the most important feeding habitat in late season (34.6%). Overall, radiomarked snow geese used a variety of habitats and dispersed widely over the Delmarva Peninsula and into New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Provision of green vegetation in fall (e.g., small grains) may help satisfy dietary needs of geese and reduce local destruction of tidal saltmarsh habitat by feeding geese, but this likely will increase winter survival and ultimately lead to an increased population size. Therefore, the complex issue of habitat management on and near the refuge will be particularly important as the greater snow goose population continues to increase.

Fall and Winter Movements of and Habitat Use by Cutthroat Trout in the Ram River, Alberta

Abstract Fall and winter movements of and habitat use by cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus clarki were studied with radiotelemetry in low, mid, and high altitudes of a river system to evaluate the timing and extent of habitat shifts when fish moved from summer feeding areas to overwintering areas. The movements of 20 fish were monitored from August to November 1991, and 17 fish were monitored from October to December 1992. Cutthroat trout moved out of summer habitats in mid-September, and many made a two-stage shift in habitat use from summer to winter that was associated with anchor ice formation. When cutthroat trout were excluded from fall habitats by anchor ice, they moved to overwintering areas less likely to be influenced by frazil and anchor ice: deep pools with ice cover or areas where water temperatures were higher than the rest of the stream because of springs or upwelling warm groundwater. Cutthroat trout used deeper water and smaller diameter substrates in winter than in summer but used less cover ...

Winter movements and site-fidelity of Pink-footed GeeseAnser brachyrhynchusringed in Britain, with particular emphasis on those marked in Lancashire

Census data show that the distribution of Pink footed Geese Anser brachyrhynchus in different parts of their winter range in Britain changes within seasons. Large numbers arrive during October and November in Grampian Region, east-central Scotland, Borders Region, Lothian Region and Lancashire. Numbers peak in England during mid-winter, with few persisting into March, by which time the more sedentary winter populations of south-west Scotland and throughout eastern Scotland have begun to be augmented, presumably through arrivals from further south. Maximum numbers occur in northern Grampian and the Moray Firth from March onwards and peak during April. Individually marked Pink footed Geese captured in Lancashire dispersed to the Ribble Estuary, the south Lancashire Mosses and elsewhere in north-west England. Part of this population moves on to spend mid-winter in Norfolk. In January, there is a conspicuous migration northwards in Britain, with individuals travelling through Fylde, the Solway and east-centra...

Winter movements of burbot (Lota lota) during an extreme drawdown in Bull Lake, Wyoming, USA

AbstractWinter movements of burbot (Lota lota) were monitored in Bull Lake, Wyoming during a record low water storage period in the winter of 1985–1986. Burbot with surgically implanted ultrasonic transmitters were commonly sedentary during the drawdown. The fish that did move were most active during dusk and at night in winter and during the day in spring. Burbot did not appear to occupy well defined home ranges or show discernible movement patterns. Movement into shallow water during winter was attributed to colder water temperatures and the onset of the spawning season. Burbot were always found associated with silt substrates during the drawdown. Aerial photographs of the exposed bottom revealed that virtually all suitable spawning and nursery habitat for burbot was eliminated by the 13.4‐m drawdown.

Autumn and Winter Movements and Sexual Segregation of Willow Ptarmigan

Ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus alexandrae) in northern British Columbia leave their breeding areas during autumn and winter. The movements differ between males and females. In this study I examine the causes and extent of these differences. Ptarmigan did not leave their breeding grounds immediately after the breeding season, but remained on or near their territories until December. After chicks fledged, part of the population moved uphill from their territories. Coincident with moult into winter plumage, ptarmigan moved farther from their territories. Both movements were probably to areas with better protection against predators. After moulting, all tagged males and half of the tagged females returned to their territories, and males resumed territorial display. Ptarmigan remained on their territories until increasing snow cover depleted cover, forcing them to leave. Males left the breeding grounds later than females and returned earlier in spring. In winter females moved farther than males, supporting the reproductive strategy hypothesis, but segregation was not complete. Sexual segregation may not be related to migration alone, but could occur at any time ptarmigan are in flocks.Key words: willow ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus alexandrue), autumn territoriality, winter movements, sexual segregation, northern British Columbia

Winter movements and habitat use by Cabot's Tragopans Tragopan caboti in southeastern China

The endangered Cabot's Tragopan Tragopan caboti is endemic to the lower montane forests of southeastern China. Three individuals in Wuyanling Natural Reserve were radiotracked over the winter of 1987/88 to study their movements and habitat use. Home ranges varied from 2.9 to 20.0 ha, declining in size in December.Marked individuals used areas with thick undergrowth, a greater percentage of bare ground, proximity to water sources and a gentle slope. Also selected were areas containing an abundance of fallen nuts of Lithocarpus sp., Cyclobalanopsis (= Quercus) sp. and the seed capsules of Schima superba. The tree Daphniphyllum macropodum was important for roosting and the leaves and fruits were eaten.Conservation of the Cabot's Tragopan will depend on protection of its remaining forest habitat, including habitat management to ensure the continued availability of the essential habitat features identified in this study.

Influence of site, season and year on contributions made by marine, estuarine, diadromous and freshwater species to the fish fauna of a temperate Australian estuary

Catches obtained at regular intervals by beach seining, gill netting and otter trawling at ten, four and six sites, respectively, have been used to determine the contribution of the different species and life-cycle categories of fish to the ichthyofauna of the large Swan Estuary in temperate south-western Australia between February 1977 and December 1981. These data were also examined to investigate the influence of site, season and year on the densities of the more abundant species. A total of 630 803 fish, representing 36 families and 71 species, were caught in the shallows using beach seines during this 5 yr study. Although the majority of these species were marine teleosts that were caught infrequently (marine stragglers), representatives of 7 of the 15 most abundant species were marine teleosts which entered the estuary regularly, and in large numbers (marine estuarine-opportunists). Of the remaining 8 most abundant species in the shallows, 7 completed their life cycle within the estuary (estuarine species) and 1 (Nematalosa vlaminghi) was anadromous, feeding for a period at sea and spawning in the upper reaches of the estuary. The contribution of individuals of the marine estuarine-opportunist category to catches in the shallows declined from nearly 95% in the lower estuary, to 17% in the middle estuary and 6% in the upper estuary. The estuarine and anadromous groups made a considerable contribution to the catches in both the middle and upper estuaries. By contrast, the contribution of freshwater species was small and even in the upper estuary accounted for only 0.2% of the catch. Site within the estuary generally influenced the catches of individual species to a greater extent than either season or year, or the interactions between these factors. When seasonal effects were strong, they could be related to summer spawning migrations into the upper estuary (Nematalosa vlaminghi, Amniataba caudavittatus), spring immigrations into the lower estuary (Mugil cephalus), or winter movements into deeper and more saline waters (Apogon rueppellii). Annual variations in the density of Torquigener pleurogramma were related to marked annual differences in the recruitment of the 0+age class.

Habitat Use and Movements of Female Ring-Necked Pheasants during Fall and Winter

We studied diurnal habitat use and movements of 56 female ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) on private and public lands in southern Wisconsin from September through April 1968-71 using radio telemetry. Habitat use of female pheasants was a function of month, year, female age, and snow cover depth, but not female survival through April. Females preferred food patches and brush, and avoided pastures and active croplands in all 7 months. Shrub-carr wetlands were preferred by females in all months except October, and marshes were preferred in all months except January and February. Retired croplands were preferred from October to December, but avoided in January. Upland hardwoods were avoided in most months except for periods of deep snow cover. Monthly home-range sizes averaged 32 ha. Home-range size during 10-day periods peaked in late October through early November, and declined to a low in early January through early February. Juveniles had larger ranges than adults, and preyed-upon females had larger ranges than surviving females. Home-range size was positively related to corn harvesting and pheasant hunting pressure, and negatively related to snow cover depth. Females began a directional move (f = 1,150 m) to winter cover in late September. Distance to winter cover was also a function of female age, female fate, corn harvest, and snow cover depth. Heavy hunting pressure appeared to temporarily suppress the use of food patches and strip cover, and accelerate the final move to winter cover, but did not cause females to move off public lands. Females remained in winter cover from early November through early February, using a variety of areas and habitats. The abundance of wetland cover in winter may have been responsible for a lack of winter concentration and independent moves between adults and juveniles. J. WILDL. MANAGE. 53(2):462-475 Habitat management has been advocated to reverse the decline of ring-necked pheasant populations in the midwestern United States (Farris et al. 1977, Edwards 1985). An understanding of the movement and habitat use of pheasants is basic to prescribing habitat management. The pheasant has adopted different patterns of habitat use and movements in response to local habitat conditions (Olsen 1977), so that regional data on pheasant behavior are not universally applicable. There have been several general descriptions of pheasant habitat use and movements during fall and winter, mostly of winter concentrations (Olsen 1977), but few with data on habitat preference or home-range size. Gates and Hale (1974) documented habitat preferences in Wisconsin during winter and described fall and winter movements through visual observations of marked birds, but could not detail home range dynamics during these seasons. Recent workers have used radio telemetry to study the details of habitat use and movements in pheasants (Hanson and Progulske 1973, Warner 1979), but their data extended only into early fall. Wooley and Rybarczyk (1981) documented female pheasant habitat preferences and movements throughout the year with telemetry in southern Iowa. Penrod and Hill (1985) related female pheasant habitat preferences and home range sizes to female age, fate, and winter severity using telemetry in western New York. Dumke and Pils (1973) used radio telemetry to document the dynamics of pheasant survival centered on public land in Wisconsin. We present data on pheasants during the fall and winter from the same study area. Our objectives were to describe female pheasant habitat use, preference, and movements during fall and winter in Wisconsin, and show how they related to age, fate, hunting pressure, crop harvesting, and weather. Additionally, we tested 4 hypotheses advanced by Gates and Hale (1974): 1) movements in early fall and those to winter cover are separate, 2) females return to fall sites during spring, 3) movements of juvenile females to winter cover are not independent of adult movements, and 4) adults from the same fall sites move to winter cover in the same direction. H. H. Miller, of the University of Wisconsin' Present address: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707.

Additional Evidence of Nocturnal Migration by Yellow-Rumped Warblers in Winter

Migration is a response to changing environmental conditions (Gauthreaux 1982). Migratory behavior spans a continuum from highly fixed behavior (obligate migration) to very flexible behavior (facultative migration). Whereas facultative migration occurs in response to deteriorating environmental conditions, obligate migration appears to be fundamentally a result of an endogenous, circannual program (see Gwinner 1986 for a recent review). Even obligate migrations, however, are not performed entirely without integration of environmental information. For example, migrants make daily decisions to migrate or not to migrate based upon environmental factors such as weather conditions, food and water availability at stopover sites, and competition (e.g., Rappole and Warner 1976, Richardson 1978, Mehlum 1983, Biebach 1985, Gwinner 1986, Biebach et al. 1986). The degree to which migratory behavior is subject to environmental influence appears to be quite variable (Terrill and Ohmart 1984). There is evidence that at least some species of annual, migrant passerines facultatively extend migration after the fall migratory period if environmental conditions become unfavorable for overwinter survival at a particular locality (Perdeck 1964, Niles et al. 1969, Moreau 1972, Lack 1983; Terrill and Ohmart 1984; Terrill 1987, in press). Presumably, the ability to perform facultative migrations enables these birds to respond to relatively unpredictable winter environments by migrating in an appropriate direction if conditions necessitate it. Patterns of migration and distribution of Yellowrumped Warblers (Dendroica coronata) indicate that they switch from an obligate phase to a facultative phase over the course of fall migration (Terrill and Ohmart 1984). Winter populations shift southward if conditions become unusually severe. When placed in Emlen funnels (Emlen and Emlen 1966), Yellowrumped Warblers showed southerly nocturnal orientation into early January (after which no birds were tested). While the orientation data support the hypothesis that winter movements like fall movements are nocturnal, the evidence is indirect. Here we present direct evidence that winter movements by Yellow-rumped Warblers are in fact noctur' Received 15 April 1987. Final acceptance 27 August 1987. 2 Present address: 208 Junius St., Thomasville, GA 31792. SHORT COMMUNICATIONS 261

Winter movements and habitat use of Starlings in Norfolk

Four hundred and fifty two Starlings were wing‐tagged at a pig farm in Norfolk and the 148 subsequent sightings within the same winter showed that these birds used a large number of other feeding sites throughout East Anglia and neighbouring counties. First‐year birds tended to travel to a greater number and more distant feeding sites (relative to the place of marking) than adults. Throughout the winter, most Starlings were associated with farm‐yards where they fed on food put out for farm livestock. These results contrasted with a study in Hampshire where different patterns of movements and habitat use were recorded, possibly due to differences in the distribution and availability of food.

Denning and winter range of the porcupine

Long-term radiotelemetry was used to study patterns of den use and winter movement in porcupines (Erethizon dorsatum) in New York. Six of eight animals used dens regularly; the rest spent most of their winters in the shelter of hemlock stands (Tsuga canadensis). Animals entered dens in October–November after minimum daily temperatures had fallen below 0 °C for 6.8 days. Before this period, animals used temporary dens in response to rain or cold weather. Dens were abandoned in April when minimum daily temperatures rose above 0 °C and snow cover melted. Animals that left dens early typically sought the shelter of hemlock stands. Animals changed dens, on average, every 23 days. A single den-using adult male changed dens every 9.3 days. Den change was stimulated by disturbance. Animals showed strong year to year den fidelity. Animals shared dens 12% of the time. In all cases where sharing animals could be identified, they constituted a male–female pair that had previously shared a summer territory. Animals denned only in ready-made cavities such as rock outcrops, live hollow trees, outbuildings, and hollow logs. Heat-conserving features of such dens and of hemlock shelters are discussed. For three of four winters of the study, winter range averaged 7.4 ha, 11.4% of the nonwinter range. During the fourth winter, when snowfall was only 40% of normal, winter range did not differ significantly from nonwinter range.

Regional Variations in the Dispersal Patterns of Shags Phalacrocorax aristotelis in Northern Europe

Recoveries of Shags ringed at colonies in north Europe showed marked differences between regions in the timing and extent of dispersal from colonies outside the breeding season. In addition to differences between populations, age-related and annual variations occur. Whereas some populations were comparatively consistent in their year to year dispersal patterns and there were no age related differences, others, e.g. the Forth/Farnes, showed marked age related and annual variations. Populations on exposed coasts showed greater variation in dispesal between years, possibly due to influences of weather on food availability. For most populations, median winter movements were generally less than 100 km, and winter ranges of different breeding populations were relatively discrete. North Norwegian Shags apparently undergo migratory rather than dispersive movements but important biases may be included in the data. It is concluded that eruptive movements are merely the later stages in a graded response to deteriorating environmental conditions and the occurrence of such behaviour in different populations is determined by the availability of sheltered feeding conditions.

Oxygen Consumption for Locomotion by Caribou Calves

Oxygen consumption (VO,, ml/g-hour) by caribou (Rangifer tarandus granti) calves trained to walk on a treadmill was measured using a headstall. Both the standing-resting VO, and the oxygen cost of locomotion (ml 02/g-km) decreased with increasing body weight. Net VO, (walking VO, minus VO, standing at rest) increased linearly with walking velocity, but an upward deflection was noted at velocities >3-5 km/ hour in the younger animals. In all caribou the stride frequency increased linearly with walking velocity between 2 and 7 km/hour. Evidence is presented that the oxygen cost of locomotion is different between Rangifer subspecies and an effect of leg length is implicated. J. WILDL. MANAGE. 50(1):148-152 Caribou usually are born in May-June (Kelsall 1968, Skoog 1968) and must grow to an adequate stature to meet the demands of summer movements, such as dispersal and assembly of nursery groups (Kelsall 1968, Skoog 1968, White et al. 1981). Summer movements are followed by fall migration, winter movements, and a 2nd long migration in spring (Duquette 1984). Consequently, the amount of energy required for locomotion may affect the growth and survival of caribou, especially those in their 1st year of life. The energy costs of movements in caribou are unknown; however, they could be estimated from interspecies prediction equations that show that the energy cost of locomotion/unit body weight declines markedly as body weight increases (Taylor et al. 1970, 1982; Robbins 1983; Parker et al. 1984). These studies suggest that the calf is of particular interest because its cost of locomotion/unit weight may be higher than that of its mother. The prediction of locomotory energy costs from interspecies comparisons must be made with caution since there are species-specific variations in the responses including nonlinear changes in the energy cost as velocity increases (Magaria et al. 1963, Yousef and Dill 1969, Cohen et al. 1978, Parker et al. 1984). The energy cost of locomotion in semidomestic reindeer (R. t. tarandus) walking on tundra surfaces (White and Yousef 1978) or on a treadmill (Nilssen et al. 1984) potentially could be applied to caribou. Yet, application of these data to caribou can be criticized because caribou have longer legs than reindeer and have been under continued selection for migration (Fancy and White 1985). The objective of this study was to determine the energy cost of walking in caribou; special emphasis was placed on calves of varying body size a d on verifying the linearity of the locomotory cost in relation to velocity. A preliminary report of this work was published elsewhere (Luick and White 1983). We acknowledge the assistance of J. L. Davis and P. Valkenburg from the Alaska Dep. Fish and Game for capture of caribou calves. Grants from the Inst. Arct. Biol. and the State of Alaska (Alaska Counc. Sci. and Technol., Grant 46-82) suppor ed equipment construction and testing and the healthcare and feeding of the caribou. We thank L. A. Harbo, K. M. Frisby, P. Line, L. L. Axtel, and S. Dier for their devoted care of animals through the critical period of bottle raising.

Subflocking and Winter Movements of Canada Geese in Southern Illinois

Subflocking and Winter Movements of Canada Geese in Southern Illinois

Snow Depths Influencing Winter Movements of Elk

Snow Depths Influencing Winter Movements of Elk

Winter movements of Arctic Foxes, Alopex lagopus, in a petroleum development area

Winter movements of Arctic Foxes, Alopex lagopus, in a petroleum development area

Patterns in Seasonal Abundance, Growth and Biomass of the Atlantic Silverside, Menidia menidia, in a New England Estuary

Patterns in seasonal abundance (no. per m2 surface area), growth and biomass (g per m2 surface area) of an annual fish, the Atlantic silverside, Menidia menidia (L.) were investigated in a marsh and more seaward bay region of Essex Bay, Massachusetts from August 1976 to May 1978 using a quantitative beach seining technique. Silverside abundance varied greatly by season and year class during the study period. Abundance was high in 1976 but winter mortality (99%) left an adult density of only .01 per m2 surface area in the marsh during spring 1977. Resultant 1977 year class density in the marsh was 1.88 per m2 by late fall 1977 but winter mortality again produced an adult density of .01 per m2 in spring 1978. Abundance was generally higher in the marsh than in the bay region especially during spring and late fall when catches in the bay were negligible. Based on catch rate comparisons, the summer and fall juvenile abundance of the 1976 year class was much higher than the juvenile abundance of the 1977 year class. Coincidentally, mean lengths and condition of the abundant 1976 year class in the late fall were significantly lower than those of the 1977 year class, suggesting density dependent population regulation. In both years, juveniles grew rapidly and reached full adult size by November when an offshore movement to deeper waters outside Essex Bay occurred. Biomass peaked in the marsh region in late fall 1977 at 7.8 g per m2 wet weight. Winter mortality was size selective, favoring larger individuals. The annual life history design of M. menidia including an offshore winter movement and high winter mortality suggests that silversides represent an important pathway of energy flow from marsh to offshore trophic systems.

Winter Movements of Mammals across a Large Northern River

Winter Movements of Mammals across a Large Northern River

On the ecology of wintering Dippers(Cinclus cinclus) in northern Sweden

Wintering Dippers were studied in the coastal region of the province Vasterbotten in northern Sweden with special emphasis on winter movements, winter site-tenacity and population dynamics. In three different streams the number of wintering Dippers varied markedly during the winter, with maximum numbers in mid-winter (December–January). Sex and age ratio also varied during the winter. ♂ and adult birds outnumbered ♀ and juvenile birds during most of the winter. The wintering Dippers showed a good site-tenacity and about 17 % of the birds returned to the same stream the following season. Two long-distance recoveries and one control of a Dipper banded in Finland might indicate the origin of the wintering Dippers as well as the migratory routes of the species in northern Scandinavia, all in consistence with earlier studies of the migration of the species. Body-weight and wing-length data corresponded well with earlier investigations in southern Scandinavia. It is suggested that the structure of the wintering Dipper population can be explained by a mechanism of dominance-influenced migration proposed byGauthreaux (1978).