Thesis (M.S.)--West Virginia University, 1999. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains vii, 55 p. : ill., maps. Vita. Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Queensland, 2002. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Delaware, 2009. / Principal faculty advisor: George R. Parsons, College of Earth, Ocean, & Environment. Includes bibliographical references.

"April 1994"--P. (4). / Shipping list no.: 94-0334-P.

Many migratory shorebirds rely on estuaries as stop-over sites to refuel during migration, and the loss of stop-over sites is a primary threat to shorebird populations on the West Coast of the United States (e.g. Calidris alpina pacifica, C. mauri). Conservation and research has focused on the largest of these sites; however, smaller estuaries also host thousands of migratory shorebirds. Furthermore, the reasons for site selection are largely unknown. Estuarine inter-tidal microhabitats are non-uniform and both abiotic and biotic factors may serve as predictors of whether an abundance of shorebirds will use a site. I investigated shorebird site selection on broad and fine scales within Oregon estuaries. To identify factors that relate to shorebird abundance on large spatial scales, I compiled shorebird abundance data from estuaries throughout the Pacific Northwest as well as data on site quality factors. To investigate site selection on a finer scale I measured shorebird abundance, habitat characteristics, and food resources―invertebrates and a newly considered source, biofilm―within two Oregon estuaries during the fall migration period. Finally, I examined whether channels are preferentially used by foraging Calidrid shorebirds by conducting observations during the spring migration. I investigated whether channels may be superior foraging habitat possibly because prey are more abundant, are found at shallower depths, or because sediments are more penetrable (increasing the opportunity for shorebird probing) by taking infauna cores and measuring force required to probe in the sediment at channel and open mudflat sites. Among estuaries, shorebird densities in spring were best predicted by estuary size, as opposed to the amount of any one habitat. During fall migration, the amount of grassland in the surrounding watershed was also a good predictor, pointing to the probable importance of roost sites as well as feeding grounds. The amount of infauna also related to the density of shorebirds using a site. Within estuaries, shorebird distribution in the inter-tidal region was not generally predicted by prey abundance. Channels were used preferentially by shorebirds, and infauna abundance along channels was greater than in the surrounding mudflats. The more penetrable sediments of the channel also made it easier for shorebirds to probe and capture prey. Identification of these large-scale and fine-scale factors that influence site quality for migratory shorebirds will assist land and wildlife managers' efforts to protect these species.

Thesis (M. Phil.)--University of Hong Kong, 1997. / Includes bibliographical references (leaf 249-270).

I studied the piping plover on Assateague Island during the 1986 and 1987 breeding seasons. In 1987, I estimated the population to be 69 pairs. During both years, plovers nested on only a few portions of the island. I think that this pattern of nesting was determined by the distribution of three types of foraging habitats: bayside mud and sand flats, saltwater pools formed by storm tides, and a drawn down waterfowl impoundment. Reproductive rates were lower than two recent estimates of the level necessary to maintain a stable population. The primary problem was poor nest success and the leading cause of nest loss was nest predation by red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and raccoons (Procyon Iotor). I was not able to identify factors responsible for chick mortality, but my data show a relationship between chick survival and foraging habitat. Broods feeding on bayside foraging areas had a much higher survival rate than broods which did not have access to these areas. Management efforts should focus on reducing nest predation. Recent experiments have indicated that predator exclosures constructed around individual nests can be used to reduce nest predation. These exclosures should be tested on Assateague. Future research efforts should focus on the role of foraging habitat in breeding site selection and the relationship between chick survival and the type of foraging used. / Master of Science

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Rutgers University, 2008. / "Graduate Program in Ecology and Evolution." Includes bibliographical references.

published_or_final_version / Ecology and Biodiversity / Master / Master of Philosophy

Thesis (M.E.S.)--Evergreen State College, 2006. / Title from title screen viewed (3/30/2009). Includes bibliographical references (leaves 40-45).