Golden eagle chick in nest with ground squirrel and raptor carcasses
Garth Herring
I am an Avian Ecologist at the U.S. Geological Survey Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center in Corvallis, Oregon. My research focuses on identifying and understanding environmental threats primarily to avian populations and providing sound scientific research to implement conservation solutions.
My work focuses on understanding the physiological responses of wildlife to environmental contaminants and landscape-scale stressors. I specialize in field-based ecological studies to assess the impacts of stressors (lead, mercury, prey availability, rodenticides) on the behavior and reproduction of avian species. Additionally, my laboratory-based studies examine the physiological responses of a variety of wildlife (birds, amphibians, and fishes) to a wide array of environmental contaminants.
Professional Experience
2012 – Present: Ecologist, USGS Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Corvallis, OR
2008–2012: Post-doctoral Research Scholar, University of California, Davis & USGS Western Ecological Research Center, Davis, CA
Education and Certifications
Ph.D., Integrative Biology, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL (2008)
M.S., Fisheries & Wildlife Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC (2003)
B.S., Environmental Science, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada (1999)
Affiliations and Memberships*
2019-2022: Associate Editor, Avian Research
2014-2016: Associate Editor, Journal of Wildlife Management
2012-2015: Associate Editor, Wetlands
Science and Products
Contaminant Ecology Research Team (FRESC)
The FRESC Contaminant Ecology research program evaluates the distribution, movement, and ecological effects of environmental contaminants across the landscape and strives to provide relevant science in support of natural resource conservation, management, and decision making.
If you are unable to access or download a product, email fresc_outreach@usgs.gov a request, including the full citation, or call (541) 750-1030.
Mercury in bird blood and benthic aquatic invertebrates in Plumas National Forest, 2015-2016
The dataset includes specifics on bird blood and aquatic invertebrate tissue mercury concentrations measured using direct mercury analysis.
Bibliography of hydrological and ecological research in the Great Basin terminal lakes, USA
This database contains literature citations and associated abstracts pertaining to the ecology and hydrology of terminal lakes in the Great Basin region of the western United States. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list, nor did we perform a systematic meta-analysis; rather, literature records were included based on topical relevance.
Anticoagulant rodenticide concentrations in blood and tissue of California condors and turkey vultures (ver. 2.0, May 2023)
The dataset includes specifics on liver tissue and blood plasma anticoagulant rodenticide concentrations measured using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.
Anticoagulant rodenticide exposure in Barred Owls (Strix varia) collected in Washington and Oregon 2015-2017
This dataset includes anticoagulant rodenticide (AR) screening results of 40 Barred Owls (Strix varia) collected in forested landscapes of Washington and Oregon from 2015-2017. Liver tissue was collected from each owl and screened for exposure to eight AR compounds, including 4 first-generation ARs (warfarin, diphacinone, chlorophacinone, and coumachlor), and 4 second-generation ARs (brodifacoum,
Pacific Northwest Avian Scavenger Lead and Mercury Dataset, 2012-2016
The dataset includes the bird species, region where sampled, sampling site, capture location, mercury concentration in whole blood, lead concentration in whole blood, sulfur stable isotope concentration in blood plasma, carbon isotope concentration in blood plasma, whole blood ALAD activity, and fecal corticosterone concentrations.
Summary of Total Mercury Concentrations in Dragonfly Larvae, Western Mosquitofish, and Tree Swallow Eggs Collected from Cosumnes River Preserve 2011 2013
The Cosumnes River Preserve in the Californias Central Valley contains a mosaic of managed wetlands where conditions may promote high levels of methylmercury bioaccumulation. In order to document potential environmental health risk in these wetlands due to mercury, we analyzed dragonfly larvae, western mosquitofish, and tree swallow eggs collected from wetlands and rice fields of the Preserve from
Fluctuating asymmetry in waterbirds in relation to mercury exposure
The dataset includes the bird species, sex, mercury concentration in breast feathers and whole blood, and the composite measure of fluctuating asymmetry. Statistical models were developed for each species to analyze the relationship between mercury exposure in either breast feathers or whole blood and the composite measure of fluctuating asymmetry, while accounting for the sex of each bird.
Bullet fragments in Belding's ground squirrels in Oregon and California in 2014-2015
The dataset includes specifics on fragments of bullets recovered from shot Belding's ground squirrels from Oregon and California. Ground squirrels were radiographed and then we used ImageJ software to count and measure the area of those bullet fragments. A subset of shot carcasses were then digested and bullet fragments were recovered. Statistical models were developed to predict either the number
Golden eagle chick in nest with ground squirrel and raptor carcasses
Golden eagle chick in nest with ground squirrel and raptor carcasses
Golden eagle chick in nest with ground squirrel and raptor carcasses
If you are unable to access or download a product, email fresc_outreach@usgs.gov a request, including the full citation, or call (541) 750-1030.
Filter Total Items: 38
Imperiled Great Basin terminal lakes: Synthesizing ecological and hydrological science gaps and research needs for waterbird conservation
Terminal lakes are declining globally because of human water demands, drought, and climate change. Through literature synthesis and feedback from the resource and conservation community, we review the state of research for terminal lakes in the Great Basin of the United States, which support millions of waterbirds annually, to prioritize ecological and hydrologic information needs. From an ecologi
Authors
Garth Herring, Ashley L. Whipple, Cameron L. Aldridge, Bryce Alan Pulver, Collin A. Eagles-Smith, Rich D. Inman, Elliott Matchett, Adrian P. Monroe, Elizabeth Kari Orning, Benjamin Seward Robb, Jessica E. Shyvers, Bryan C. Tarbox, Nathan D. Van Schmidt, Cassandra Smith, Matthew J. Holloran, Cory T. Overton, David O'Leary, Michael L. Casazza, Rebecca Frus
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Water Resources Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Water Availability and Use Science Program, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Fort Collins Science Center, Nevada Water Science Center, Oregon Water Science Center, Utah Water Science Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC), Saline Lake Ecosystems Integrated Water Availability Assessment
Wildfire burn severity and stream chemistry influence aquatic invertebrate and riparian avian mercury exposure in forested ecosystems
Terrestrial soils in forested landscapes represent some of the largest mercury (Hg) reserves globally. Wildfire can alter the storage and distribution of terrestrial-bound Hg via reemission to the atmosphere or mobilization in watersheds where it may become available for methylation and uptake into food webs. Using data associated with the 2007 Moonlight and Antelope Fires in California, we examin
Authors
Garth Herring, Lora B. Tennant, James Willacker, Matthew Johnson, Rodney B. Siegel, Julie S. Polasik, Collin A. Eagles-Smith
Integrated science strategy for assessing and monitoring water availability and migratory birds for terminal lakes across the Great Basin, United States
Executive SummaryIn 2022, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) established the Saline Lake Ecosystems Integrated Water Availability Assessment (IWAAs) to monitor and assess the hydrology of terminal lakes in the Great Basin and the migratory birds and other wildlife dependent on those habitats. Scientists from across the USGS (with specialties in water quantity, water quality, limnology, avian biolog
Authors
Rebecca J. Frus, Cameron L. Aldridge, Michael L. Casazza, Collin A. Eagles-Smith, Garth Herring, Scott A. Hynek, Daniel K. Jones, Susan K Kemp, Thomas M. Marston, Christopher M. Morris, Ramon C. Naranjo, Cee Nell, David R. O'Leary, Cory T. Overton, Bryce A. Pulver, Brian E. Reichert, Christine A. Rumsey, Rudy Schuster, Cassandra D. Smith
Anticoagulant rodenticides are associated with increased stress and reduced body condition of avian scavengers in the Pacific Northwest
Anticoagulant rodenticides (AR) have been used globally to manage commensal rodents for decades. However their application has also resulted in primary, secondary, and tertiary poisoning in wildlife. Widespread exposure to ARs (primarily second generation ARs; SGARs) in raptors and avian scavengers has triggered considerable conservation concern over their potential effects on populations. To iden
Authors
Garth Herring, Collin A. Eagles-Smith, Jeremy A. Buck
A 37 K SNP array for the management and conservation of Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos)
We describe the development of a custom 37 K Affymetrix Axiom myDesign single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array for a culturally and ecologically important apex predator, the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos). Using this SNP array, we performed population genomic analysis on 154 individuals of known natal localities and detected three genetic clusters that we designated as Taiga/High Arctic, Grea
Authors
Megan E. Judkins, Gary W. Roemer, Brian Millsap, Joseph G. Barnes, Bryan E. Bedrosian, Stephen L. Clarke, Robert Domenech, Garth Herring, Myles Lamont, Brian W. Smith, Dale W. Stahlecker, Matthew J. Stuber, Wesley C. Warren, Ronald A. Van Den Bussche
Collateral damage: Anticoagulant rodenticides pose threats to California condors
Anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) are widespread environmental contaminants that pose risks to scavenging birds because they routinely occur within their prey and can cause secondary poisoning. However, little is known about AR exposure in one of the rarest avian scavengers in the world, the California condor (Gymnogyps californianus). We assessed AR exposure in California condors and surrogate tur
Authors
Garth Herring, Collin A. Eagles-Smith, Rachel Wolstenholme, Alacia Welch, Chris West, Barnett A. Rattner
Mercury exposure of tidal marsh songbirds in the northeastern United States and its association with nest survival
The biogeochemistry of tidal marsh sediments facilitates the transformation of mercury (Hg) into the biologically available form methylmercury (MeHg), resulting in elevated Hg exposures to tidal marsh wildlife. Saltmarsh and Acadian Nelson’s sparrows (Ammospiza caudacutua and A. nelsoni subvirgatus, respectively) exclusively inhabit tidal marshes, potentially experiencing elevated risk to Hg expos
Authors
Katherine J Ruskin, Garth Herring, Collin A. Eagles-Smith, Alyssa B. Eiklor, Chris S Elphick, Matthew A. Etterson, Chrisopher B. Field, Rebecca A. Longnecker, Adrienne I. Kovach, W Greg Shriver, James F. Walsh, Brian J. Olsen
Small mammal shooting as a conduit for lead exposure in avian scavengers
Lead (Pb) exposure is a widespread wildlife conservation threat. Although commonly associated with Pb-based ammunition from big-game hunting, small mammals (e.g., ground squirrels) shot for recreational or pest-management purposes represent a potentially important Pb vector in agricultural regions. We measured the responses of avian scavengers to pest-shooting events and examined their Pb exposure
Authors
Garth Herring, Collin A. Eagles-Smith, John Goodell, Jeremy A. Buck, James Willacker
The lead (Pb) lining of agriculture‐related subsidies: enhanced Golden Eagle growth rates tempered by Pb exposure
Supplementary food resources (e.g., subsidies) associated with agriculture can benefit wildlife species, increasing predictability and availability of food. Avian scavengers including raptors often utilize subsidies associated with both recreational hunting and pest shooting on agricultural lands. However, these subsidies can contain lead (Pb) fragments if they are culled with Pb‐based ammunition,
Authors
Garth Herring, Collin A. Eagles-Smith, Jeremy A. Buck, Alyssa E. Shiel, Chris R. Vennum, Colleen Emery, Branden L. Johnson, David Leal, Julie A. Heath, Benjamin M Dudek, Charles R. Preston, Brian Woodbridge
Anticoagulant rodenticides in Strix owls indicate widespread exposure in west coast forests
Exposure of nontarget wildlife to anticoagulant rodenticides (AR) is a global conservation concern typically centered around urban or agricultural areas. Recently, however, the illegal use of ARs in remote forests of California, USA, has exposed sensitive predators, including the federally threatened northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina). We used congeneric barred owls (S. varia) as a
Authors
David Wiens, Krista E. Dilione, Collin A. Eagles-Smith, Garth Herring, Damon B. Lesmeister, Mourad W. Gabriel, Greta Wengert, David C. Simon
Mercury and lead exposure in avian scavengers from the Pacific Northwest suggest risks to California condors: Implications for reintroduction and recovery
Mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) are widespread contaminants that pose risks to avian scavengers. In fact, Pb exposure is the primary factor limiting population recovery in the endangered California condor (Gymnogyps californianus) and Hg can impair avian reproduction at environmentally relevant exposures. The Pacific Northwest region of the US was historically part of the condor's native range, and eff
Authors
Garth Herring, Collin A. Eagles-Smith, Daniel E. Varland
Critically assessing the utility of portable lead analyzers for wildlife conservation
Lead (Pb) exposure in wildlife is a widespread management and conservation concern. Quantitative determination of Pb concentrations in wildlife tissues is the foundation for estimating exposure and risk. Development of low‐cost, portable instruments has improved access and cost‐effectiveness of determining Pb concentrations in blood samples, while also facilitating the ability for wildlife researc
Authors
Garth Herring, Collin A. Eagles-Smith, Bryan Bedrosian, Derek Craighead, Robert Domenech, Heiko W. Langner, Chris N. Parish, Adam Shreading, Alacia Welch, Rachel Wolstenholme
Non-USGS Publications**
Lyons, J.E., Collazo, J.A., Herring, G., 2015, Testing assumptions for conservation of migratory shorebirds and coastal managed wetlands: Wetlands Ecology Management, p. online, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11273-015-9477-4.
Ackerman, J.T., Herzog, M., Hartman, C.A., Herring, G., 2014, Forster’s tern chick survival in response to a managed relocation of predatory California gulls: The Journal of Wildlife Management, v. 78, no. 5, p. 818-829, https://doi.org/10.1002/jwmg.728.
Hartman, C.A., Ackerman, J.T., Herring, G., Isanhart, J., Herzog, M., 2013, Marsh wrens as bioindicators of mercury in wetlands of Great Salt Lake- do blood and feathers reflect site-specific exposure risk to bird reproduction?: Environmental Science and Technology, v. 47, no. 12, p. 6597-6605, https://doi.org/10.1021/es400910x.
Herring, G., Ackerman, J.T., Herzog, M.P., 2012, Mercury exposure may suppress baseline corticosterone levels in juvenile birds: Environmental Science and Technology, v. 46, p. 6339-6346.
Hill, N.J., Takekawa, J.Y., Ackerman, J.T., Hobson, K.A., Herring, G., Cardona, C.J., Runstadler, J.A., Boyce, W.M., 2012, Migration strategy affects avian influenza dynamics in mallards (Anas platyrhynchos): Molecular Ecology, p. online, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-294X.2012.05735.x.
Herring, G., Ackerman, J.T., 2011, California gull chicks raised near colony edges have elevated stress levels: General and Comparative Endocrinology, v. 173, p. 72-77.
Herring, G., Herring, H.K., Gawlik, D.E., 2015, Social Cues and Environmental Conditions Influence Foraging Flight Distances of Breeding Wood Storks (Mycteria americana): Waterbirds, v. 38, no. 1, p. 30-39, https://doi.org/10.1675/063.038.0105.
Herring, G., Ackerman, J.T., Takekawa, J.Y., Eagles-Smith, C.A., Eadie, J.M., 2011, Identifying nest predators of American avocets (Recurvirostra americana) and black-necked stilts (Himantopus mexicanus) in San Francisco Bay, California: Southwestern Naturalist, v. 56, no. 1, p. 35-43.
Beerens, J.M., Gawlik, D.E., Herring, G., Cook, M.I., 2011, Dynamic habitat selection by two wading bird species with divergent foraging strategies in a seasonally fluctuating wetland: Auk, v. 128, p. 651-662.
Herring, G., Ackerman, J.T., Eagles-Smith, C.A., Adelsbach, T.L., Melancon, M.J., Stebbins, K.R., Hoffman, D.J., 2010, Organochlorine and PBDE concentrations in relation to cytochrome P450 activity in livers of Forster's terns (Sterna forsteri)and Caspian terns(Hydroprogne caspia),in San Francisco Bay, California: Sm, v. 58, p. 863-873.
Herring, G., Ackerman, J.T., Eagles-Smith, C.A., Takekawa, J.Y., 2010, Sexing California gulls using morphometrics and discriminant function analysis: Waterbirds, v. 33, no. 1, p. 79-85.
Herring, G., Collazo, J.A., 2009, Site characteristics and prey abundance at foraging sites used by lesser scaup (Aythya affinis)wintering in Florida: Southeastern Naturalist, v. 8, p. 363-374.
Herring, G., Gawlik, D.E., 2012, Differential physiological responses to prey availability by the great egret and white ibis: Journal of Wildlife Management, p. online, https://doi.org/10.1002/jwmg.445.
Dorn, N.J., Cook, M.I., Herring, G., Boyle, R.A., Nelson, J., Gawlik, D.E., 2011, Aquatic prey switching and urban foraging by the white ibis Eudocimus albusare determined by wetland hydrological conditions: Ibis, v. 153, p. 323-335.
Herring, G., Cook, M.I., Gawlik, D.E., Call, E.M., 2011, Food availability is expressed through physiological stress indicators in nestling white ibis- a food supplementation experiment: Functional Ecology, v. 25, p. 682-690.
Herring, G., Gawlik, D.E., 2010, Avian radio-transmitter harness wear and failure: Southeastern Naturalist, v. 9, p. 595-604.
Herring, G., Ackerman, J.T., Eagles-Smith, C.A., 2010, Embryo malposition as a potential mechanism for mercury-induced hatching failure in bird eggs: Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, v. 29, no. 8, p. 1788-1794.
Herring, G., Gawlik, D.E., Cook, M.I., Beerens, J.M., 2010, Sensitivity of nesting great egrets (Ardea alba)and white ibises(Eudocimus albus)to reduced prey availability: Auk, v. 127, p. 660-670.
Herring, G., Gawlik, D.E., Rumbold, D.G., 2009, Feather mercury concentrations and physiological condition of great egret and white ibis nestlings in the Florida Everglades: Science of the Total Environment, v. 407, p. 2641-2649.
Herring, G., Gawlik, D.E., 2009, Stability of avian fecal corticosterone metabolite levels in frozen avian feces: Journal of Wildlife Management, v. 73, p. 1010-1013.
Dorn, N.J., Herring, G., Gawlik, D.E., 2008, Estimation of crayfish abundance and size-structure in diets of white ibis chicks: Waterbirds, v. 31, p. 417-423.
Herring, G., Gawlik, D.E., Beerens, J.M., 2008, Evaluating two new methods for capturing large wetland birds: Journal of Field Ornithology, v. 79, p. 102-110.
Herring, G., Gawlik, D.E., 2008, Potential for successful population establishment of the nonindigenous sacred ibis in the Florida Everglades: Biological Invasions, v. 10, p. 969-976.
Herring, G., Gawlik, D.E., Beerens, J.M., 2008, Sex determination for the great egret and white ibis: Waterbirds, v. 31, p. 298-303.
Marx, D.E., Hejl, S.J., Herring, G., 2008, Wintering grassland bird habitat selection following summer prescribed fire in a Texas Gulf Coast tallgrass prairie: Fire Ecology Special Issue, v. 4, no. 2, p. 46-62.
Herring, G., Gawlik, D.E., 2007, The role of stress proteins in the study of allostatic overload in birds- Use and applicability to current studies in avian ecology: The Scientific World Journal, v. 7, p. 1596-1602.
Herring, G., Collazo, J.A., 2006, Lesser scaup winter foraging and nutrient reserve acquisition in east-central Florida: Journal of Wildlife Management, v. 70, p. 1682-1689.
Rivera-Milan, F.F., Collazo, J.A., Stahala, C., Moore, W.J., Davis, A., Herring, G., Steinkamp, M., Pagliaro, R., Thompson, J.L., Bracey, W., 2005, Estimation of density and population size and recommendations for monitoring trends of Bahama parrots on Great Abaco and Great Inagua: Wildlife Society Bulletin, v. 33, p. 823-834.
Herring, G., Collazo, J.A., 2005, Habitat use, movements, and home range of wintering lesser scaup in Florida: Waterbirds, v. 28, p. 71-78.
Herring, G., Collazo, J.A., 2004, Winter survival of lesser scaup in east-central Florida: Journal of Wildlife Management, v. 68, p. 1082-1087.
Knapton, R.W., Petrie, S.A., Herring, G., 2000, Human disturbance of diving ducks on Long Point Bay, Lake Erie: Wildlife Society Bulletin, v. 28, p. 923-930.
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
Science and Products
Contaminant Ecology Research Team (FRESC)
The FRESC Contaminant Ecology research program evaluates the distribution, movement, and ecological effects of environmental contaminants across the landscape and strives to provide relevant science in support of natural resource conservation, management, and decision making.
If you are unable to access or download a product, email fresc_outreach@usgs.gov a request, including the full citation, or call (541) 750-1030.
Mercury in bird blood and benthic aquatic invertebrates in Plumas National Forest, 2015-2016
The dataset includes specifics on bird blood and aquatic invertebrate tissue mercury concentrations measured using direct mercury analysis.
Bibliography of hydrological and ecological research in the Great Basin terminal lakes, USA
This database contains literature citations and associated abstracts pertaining to the ecology and hydrology of terminal lakes in the Great Basin region of the western United States. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list, nor did we perform a systematic meta-analysis; rather, literature records were included based on topical relevance.
Anticoagulant rodenticide concentrations in blood and tissue of California condors and turkey vultures (ver. 2.0, May 2023)
The dataset includes specifics on liver tissue and blood plasma anticoagulant rodenticide concentrations measured using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.
Anticoagulant rodenticide exposure in Barred Owls (Strix varia) collected in Washington and Oregon 2015-2017
This dataset includes anticoagulant rodenticide (AR) screening results of 40 Barred Owls (Strix varia) collected in forested landscapes of Washington and Oregon from 2015-2017. Liver tissue was collected from each owl and screened for exposure to eight AR compounds, including 4 first-generation ARs (warfarin, diphacinone, chlorophacinone, and coumachlor), and 4 second-generation ARs (brodifacoum,
Pacific Northwest Avian Scavenger Lead and Mercury Dataset, 2012-2016
The dataset includes the bird species, region where sampled, sampling site, capture location, mercury concentration in whole blood, lead concentration in whole blood, sulfur stable isotope concentration in blood plasma, carbon isotope concentration in blood plasma, whole blood ALAD activity, and fecal corticosterone concentrations.
Summary of Total Mercury Concentrations in Dragonfly Larvae, Western Mosquitofish, and Tree Swallow Eggs Collected from Cosumnes River Preserve 2011 2013
The Cosumnes River Preserve in the Californias Central Valley contains a mosaic of managed wetlands where conditions may promote high levels of methylmercury bioaccumulation. In order to document potential environmental health risk in these wetlands due to mercury, we analyzed dragonfly larvae, western mosquitofish, and tree swallow eggs collected from wetlands and rice fields of the Preserve from
Fluctuating asymmetry in waterbirds in relation to mercury exposure
The dataset includes the bird species, sex, mercury concentration in breast feathers and whole blood, and the composite measure of fluctuating asymmetry. Statistical models were developed for each species to analyze the relationship between mercury exposure in either breast feathers or whole blood and the composite measure of fluctuating asymmetry, while accounting for the sex of each bird.
Bullet fragments in Belding's ground squirrels in Oregon and California in 2014-2015
The dataset includes specifics on fragments of bullets recovered from shot Belding's ground squirrels from Oregon and California. Ground squirrels were radiographed and then we used ImageJ software to count and measure the area of those bullet fragments. A subset of shot carcasses were then digested and bullet fragments were recovered. Statistical models were developed to predict either the number
Golden eagle chick in nest with ground squirrel and raptor carcasses
Golden eagle chick in nest with ground squirrel and raptor carcasses
Golden eagle chick in nest with ground squirrel and raptor carcasses
Golden eagle chick in nest with ground squirrel and raptor carcasses
If you are unable to access or download a product, email fresc_outreach@usgs.gov a request, including the full citation, or call (541) 750-1030.
Filter Total Items: 38
Imperiled Great Basin terminal lakes: Synthesizing ecological and hydrological science gaps and research needs for waterbird conservation
Terminal lakes are declining globally because of human water demands, drought, and climate change. Through literature synthesis and feedback from the resource and conservation community, we review the state of research for terminal lakes in the Great Basin of the United States, which support millions of waterbirds annually, to prioritize ecological and hydrologic information needs. From an ecologi
Authors
Garth Herring, Ashley L. Whipple, Cameron L. Aldridge, Bryce Alan Pulver, Collin A. Eagles-Smith, Rich D. Inman, Elliott Matchett, Adrian P. Monroe, Elizabeth Kari Orning, Benjamin Seward Robb, Jessica E. Shyvers, Bryan C. Tarbox, Nathan D. Van Schmidt, Cassandra Smith, Matthew J. Holloran, Cory T. Overton, David O'Leary, Michael L. Casazza, Rebecca Frus
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Water Resources Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Water Availability and Use Science Program, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Fort Collins Science Center, Nevada Water Science Center, Oregon Water Science Center, Utah Water Science Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC), Saline Lake Ecosystems Integrated Water Availability Assessment
Wildfire burn severity and stream chemistry influence aquatic invertebrate and riparian avian mercury exposure in forested ecosystems
Terrestrial soils in forested landscapes represent some of the largest mercury (Hg) reserves globally. Wildfire can alter the storage and distribution of terrestrial-bound Hg via reemission to the atmosphere or mobilization in watersheds where it may become available for methylation and uptake into food webs. Using data associated with the 2007 Moonlight and Antelope Fires in California, we examin
Authors
Garth Herring, Lora B. Tennant, James Willacker, Matthew Johnson, Rodney B. Siegel, Julie S. Polasik, Collin A. Eagles-Smith
Integrated science strategy for assessing and monitoring water availability and migratory birds for terminal lakes across the Great Basin, United States
Executive SummaryIn 2022, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) established the Saline Lake Ecosystems Integrated Water Availability Assessment (IWAAs) to monitor and assess the hydrology of terminal lakes in the Great Basin and the migratory birds and other wildlife dependent on those habitats. Scientists from across the USGS (with specialties in water quantity, water quality, limnology, avian biolog
Authors
Rebecca J. Frus, Cameron L. Aldridge, Michael L. Casazza, Collin A. Eagles-Smith, Garth Herring, Scott A. Hynek, Daniel K. Jones, Susan K Kemp, Thomas M. Marston, Christopher M. Morris, Ramon C. Naranjo, Cee Nell, David R. O'Leary, Cory T. Overton, Bryce A. Pulver, Brian E. Reichert, Christine A. Rumsey, Rudy Schuster, Cassandra D. Smith
Anticoagulant rodenticides are associated with increased stress and reduced body condition of avian scavengers in the Pacific Northwest
Anticoagulant rodenticides (AR) have been used globally to manage commensal rodents for decades. However their application has also resulted in primary, secondary, and tertiary poisoning in wildlife. Widespread exposure to ARs (primarily second generation ARs; SGARs) in raptors and avian scavengers has triggered considerable conservation concern over their potential effects on populations. To iden
Authors
Garth Herring, Collin A. Eagles-Smith, Jeremy A. Buck
A 37 K SNP array for the management and conservation of Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos)
We describe the development of a custom 37 K Affymetrix Axiom myDesign single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array for a culturally and ecologically important apex predator, the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos). Using this SNP array, we performed population genomic analysis on 154 individuals of known natal localities and detected three genetic clusters that we designated as Taiga/High Arctic, Grea
Authors
Megan E. Judkins, Gary W. Roemer, Brian Millsap, Joseph G. Barnes, Bryan E. Bedrosian, Stephen L. Clarke, Robert Domenech, Garth Herring, Myles Lamont, Brian W. Smith, Dale W. Stahlecker, Matthew J. Stuber, Wesley C. Warren, Ronald A. Van Den Bussche
Collateral damage: Anticoagulant rodenticides pose threats to California condors
Anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) are widespread environmental contaminants that pose risks to scavenging birds because they routinely occur within their prey and can cause secondary poisoning. However, little is known about AR exposure in one of the rarest avian scavengers in the world, the California condor (Gymnogyps californianus). We assessed AR exposure in California condors and surrogate tur
Authors
Garth Herring, Collin A. Eagles-Smith, Rachel Wolstenholme, Alacia Welch, Chris West, Barnett A. Rattner
Mercury exposure of tidal marsh songbirds in the northeastern United States and its association with nest survival
The biogeochemistry of tidal marsh sediments facilitates the transformation of mercury (Hg) into the biologically available form methylmercury (MeHg), resulting in elevated Hg exposures to tidal marsh wildlife. Saltmarsh and Acadian Nelson’s sparrows (Ammospiza caudacutua and A. nelsoni subvirgatus, respectively) exclusively inhabit tidal marshes, potentially experiencing elevated risk to Hg expos
Authors
Katherine J Ruskin, Garth Herring, Collin A. Eagles-Smith, Alyssa B. Eiklor, Chris S Elphick, Matthew A. Etterson, Chrisopher B. Field, Rebecca A. Longnecker, Adrienne I. Kovach, W Greg Shriver, James F. Walsh, Brian J. Olsen
Small mammal shooting as a conduit for lead exposure in avian scavengers
Lead (Pb) exposure is a widespread wildlife conservation threat. Although commonly associated with Pb-based ammunition from big-game hunting, small mammals (e.g., ground squirrels) shot for recreational or pest-management purposes represent a potentially important Pb vector in agricultural regions. We measured the responses of avian scavengers to pest-shooting events and examined their Pb exposure
Authors
Garth Herring, Collin A. Eagles-Smith, John Goodell, Jeremy A. Buck, James Willacker
The lead (Pb) lining of agriculture‐related subsidies: enhanced Golden Eagle growth rates tempered by Pb exposure
Supplementary food resources (e.g., subsidies) associated with agriculture can benefit wildlife species, increasing predictability and availability of food. Avian scavengers including raptors often utilize subsidies associated with both recreational hunting and pest shooting on agricultural lands. However, these subsidies can contain lead (Pb) fragments if they are culled with Pb‐based ammunition,
Authors
Garth Herring, Collin A. Eagles-Smith, Jeremy A. Buck, Alyssa E. Shiel, Chris R. Vennum, Colleen Emery, Branden L. Johnson, David Leal, Julie A. Heath, Benjamin M Dudek, Charles R. Preston, Brian Woodbridge
Anticoagulant rodenticides in Strix owls indicate widespread exposure in west coast forests
Exposure of nontarget wildlife to anticoagulant rodenticides (AR) is a global conservation concern typically centered around urban or agricultural areas. Recently, however, the illegal use of ARs in remote forests of California, USA, has exposed sensitive predators, including the federally threatened northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina). We used congeneric barred owls (S. varia) as a
Authors
David Wiens, Krista E. Dilione, Collin A. Eagles-Smith, Garth Herring, Damon B. Lesmeister, Mourad W. Gabriel, Greta Wengert, David C. Simon
Mercury and lead exposure in avian scavengers from the Pacific Northwest suggest risks to California condors: Implications for reintroduction and recovery
Mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) are widespread contaminants that pose risks to avian scavengers. In fact, Pb exposure is the primary factor limiting population recovery in the endangered California condor (Gymnogyps californianus) and Hg can impair avian reproduction at environmentally relevant exposures. The Pacific Northwest region of the US was historically part of the condor's native range, and eff
Authors
Garth Herring, Collin A. Eagles-Smith, Daniel E. Varland
Critically assessing the utility of portable lead analyzers for wildlife conservation
Lead (Pb) exposure in wildlife is a widespread management and conservation concern. Quantitative determination of Pb concentrations in wildlife tissues is the foundation for estimating exposure and risk. Development of low‐cost, portable instruments has improved access and cost‐effectiveness of determining Pb concentrations in blood samples, while also facilitating the ability for wildlife researc
Authors
Garth Herring, Collin A. Eagles-Smith, Bryan Bedrosian, Derek Craighead, Robert Domenech, Heiko W. Langner, Chris N. Parish, Adam Shreading, Alacia Welch, Rachel Wolstenholme
Non-USGS Publications**
Lyons, J.E., Collazo, J.A., Herring, G., 2015, Testing assumptions for conservation of migratory shorebirds and coastal managed wetlands: Wetlands Ecology Management, p. online, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11273-015-9477-4.
Ackerman, J.T., Herzog, M., Hartman, C.A., Herring, G., 2014, Forster’s tern chick survival in response to a managed relocation of predatory California gulls: The Journal of Wildlife Management, v. 78, no. 5, p. 818-829, https://doi.org/10.1002/jwmg.728.
Hartman, C.A., Ackerman, J.T., Herring, G., Isanhart, J., Herzog, M., 2013, Marsh wrens as bioindicators of mercury in wetlands of Great Salt Lake- do blood and feathers reflect site-specific exposure risk to bird reproduction?: Environmental Science and Technology, v. 47, no. 12, p. 6597-6605, https://doi.org/10.1021/es400910x.
Herring, G., Ackerman, J.T., Herzog, M.P., 2012, Mercury exposure may suppress baseline corticosterone levels in juvenile birds: Environmental Science and Technology, v. 46, p. 6339-6346.
Hill, N.J., Takekawa, J.Y., Ackerman, J.T., Hobson, K.A., Herring, G., Cardona, C.J., Runstadler, J.A., Boyce, W.M., 2012, Migration strategy affects avian influenza dynamics in mallards (Anas platyrhynchos): Molecular Ecology, p. online, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-294X.2012.05735.x.
Herring, G., Ackerman, J.T., 2011, California gull chicks raised near colony edges have elevated stress levels: General and Comparative Endocrinology, v. 173, p. 72-77.
Herring, G., Herring, H.K., Gawlik, D.E., 2015, Social Cues and Environmental Conditions Influence Foraging Flight Distances of Breeding Wood Storks (Mycteria americana): Waterbirds, v. 38, no. 1, p. 30-39, https://doi.org/10.1675/063.038.0105.
Herring, G., Ackerman, J.T., Takekawa, J.Y., Eagles-Smith, C.A., Eadie, J.M., 2011, Identifying nest predators of American avocets (Recurvirostra americana) and black-necked stilts (Himantopus mexicanus) in San Francisco Bay, California: Southwestern Naturalist, v. 56, no. 1, p. 35-43.
Beerens, J.M., Gawlik, D.E., Herring, G., Cook, M.I., 2011, Dynamic habitat selection by two wading bird species with divergent foraging strategies in a seasonally fluctuating wetland: Auk, v. 128, p. 651-662.
Herring, G., Ackerman, J.T., Eagles-Smith, C.A., Adelsbach, T.L., Melancon, M.J., Stebbins, K.R., Hoffman, D.J., 2010, Organochlorine and PBDE concentrations in relation to cytochrome P450 activity in livers of Forster's terns (Sterna forsteri)and Caspian terns(Hydroprogne caspia),in San Francisco Bay, California: Sm, v. 58, p. 863-873.
Herring, G., Ackerman, J.T., Eagles-Smith, C.A., Takekawa, J.Y., 2010, Sexing California gulls using morphometrics and discriminant function analysis: Waterbirds, v. 33, no. 1, p. 79-85.
Herring, G., Collazo, J.A., 2009, Site characteristics and prey abundance at foraging sites used by lesser scaup (Aythya affinis)wintering in Florida: Southeastern Naturalist, v. 8, p. 363-374.
Herring, G., Gawlik, D.E., 2012, Differential physiological responses to prey availability by the great egret and white ibis: Journal of Wildlife Management, p. online, https://doi.org/10.1002/jwmg.445.
Dorn, N.J., Cook, M.I., Herring, G., Boyle, R.A., Nelson, J., Gawlik, D.E., 2011, Aquatic prey switching and urban foraging by the white ibis Eudocimus albusare determined by wetland hydrological conditions: Ibis, v. 153, p. 323-335.
Herring, G., Cook, M.I., Gawlik, D.E., Call, E.M., 2011, Food availability is expressed through physiological stress indicators in nestling white ibis- a food supplementation experiment: Functional Ecology, v. 25, p. 682-690.
Herring, G., Gawlik, D.E., 2010, Avian radio-transmitter harness wear and failure: Southeastern Naturalist, v. 9, p. 595-604.
Herring, G., Ackerman, J.T., Eagles-Smith, C.A., 2010, Embryo malposition as a potential mechanism for mercury-induced hatching failure in bird eggs: Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, v. 29, no. 8, p. 1788-1794.
Herring, G., Gawlik, D.E., Cook, M.I., Beerens, J.M., 2010, Sensitivity of nesting great egrets (Ardea alba)and white ibises(Eudocimus albus)to reduced prey availability: Auk, v. 127, p. 660-670.
Herring, G., Gawlik, D.E., Rumbold, D.G., 2009, Feather mercury concentrations and physiological condition of great egret and white ibis nestlings in the Florida Everglades: Science of the Total Environment, v. 407, p. 2641-2649.
Herring, G., Gawlik, D.E., 2009, Stability of avian fecal corticosterone metabolite levels in frozen avian feces: Journal of Wildlife Management, v. 73, p. 1010-1013.
Dorn, N.J., Herring, G., Gawlik, D.E., 2008, Estimation of crayfish abundance and size-structure in diets of white ibis chicks: Waterbirds, v. 31, p. 417-423.
Herring, G., Gawlik, D.E., Beerens, J.M., 2008, Evaluating two new methods for capturing large wetland birds: Journal of Field Ornithology, v. 79, p. 102-110.
Herring, G., Gawlik, D.E., 2008, Potential for successful population establishment of the nonindigenous sacred ibis in the Florida Everglades: Biological Invasions, v. 10, p. 969-976.
Herring, G., Gawlik, D.E., Beerens, J.M., 2008, Sex determination for the great egret and white ibis: Waterbirds, v. 31, p. 298-303.
Marx, D.E., Hejl, S.J., Herring, G., 2008, Wintering grassland bird habitat selection following summer prescribed fire in a Texas Gulf Coast tallgrass prairie: Fire Ecology Special Issue, v. 4, no. 2, p. 46-62.
Herring, G., Gawlik, D.E., 2007, The role of stress proteins in the study of allostatic overload in birds- Use and applicability to current studies in avian ecology: The Scientific World Journal, v. 7, p. 1596-1602.
Herring, G., Collazo, J.A., 2006, Lesser scaup winter foraging and nutrient reserve acquisition in east-central Florida: Journal of Wildlife Management, v. 70, p. 1682-1689.
Rivera-Milan, F.F., Collazo, J.A., Stahala, C., Moore, W.J., Davis, A., Herring, G., Steinkamp, M., Pagliaro, R., Thompson, J.L., Bracey, W., 2005, Estimation of density and population size and recommendations for monitoring trends of Bahama parrots on Great Abaco and Great Inagua: Wildlife Society Bulletin, v. 33, p. 823-834.
Herring, G., Collazo, J.A., 2005, Habitat use, movements, and home range of wintering lesser scaup in Florida: Waterbirds, v. 28, p. 71-78.
Herring, G., Collazo, J.A., 2004, Winter survival of lesser scaup in east-central Florida: Journal of Wildlife Management, v. 68, p. 1082-1087.
Knapton, R.W., Petrie, S.A., Herring, G., 2000, Human disturbance of diving ducks on Long Point Bay, Lake Erie: Wildlife Society Bulletin, v. 28, p. 923-930.
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government