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Priority Landscapes: Midcontinent Migration Connectivity Collaborative (Platte River)

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By Land Management Research Program September 22, 2022

The Platte PES focuses on restoration of the Central Platte river in Nebraska which has been designated as Critical Habitat for the survival and recovery of the Endangered whooping crane. USGS conducts research which informs the rehabilitation of the structure and function of habitat used by whooping cranes. The Platte PES is an element within the larger Midcontinent Migration Connectivity Collaborative led by USGS that encompasses the entire Central Flyway and supports a rich diversity of migrating birds each year. This team meets monthly to oversee progress, troubleshoot potential issues, and develop new avenues for research. Members represent the U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Environment and Climate Change Canada, and Parks Canada.

Midcontinent Migration & Platte River Research

link
Wildlife biologist and veterinarian preparing to release a whooping crane.

Migration and winter ecology of the Aransas-Wood Buffalo Population of whooping cranes

The only self-sustaining population of endangered whooping cranes nests within and near Wood Buffalo National Park, Canada, migrates through the Great Plains, and winters primarily along the Texas Gulf Coast. Our objectives of this collaborative project are to address the entire annual life cycle of this species by advancing knowledge of breeding, wintering, and migration ecology, including...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Land Change Science Program, Land Management Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center
link

Migration and winter ecology of the Aransas-Wood Buffalo Population of whooping cranes

The only self-sustaining population of endangered whooping cranes nests within and near Wood Buffalo National Park, Canada, migrates through the Great Plains, and winters primarily along the Texas Gulf Coast. Our objectives of this collaborative project are to address the entire annual life cycle of this species by advancing knowledge of breeding, wintering, and migration ecology, including...
Learn More
link
Photo of field crew members nest searching for piping plover and least tern nests.

Breeding ecology and demographics of least terns and piping plovers at the Central Platte River, Nebraska

The Platte River Recovery Implementation Program (PRRIP) partnered with Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center (NPWRC) to study demographics of least terns and piping plovers at the Central Platte River in Nebraska. Due to water management and other alterations, riverine habitat for least terns and piping plovers has become degraded. Least terns and piping plovers, however, have begun breeding...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Land Management Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center
link

Breeding ecology and demographics of least terns and piping plovers at the Central Platte River, Nebraska

The Platte River Recovery Implementation Program (PRRIP) partnered with Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center (NPWRC) to study demographics of least terns and piping plovers at the Central Platte River in Nebraska. Due to water management and other alterations, riverine habitat for least terns and piping plovers has become degraded. Least terns and piping plovers, however, have begun breeding...
Learn More
link
Geographic distribution of mid-continent sandhill cranes as determined by satellite telemetry

Ecology and management of midcontinent sandhill cranes

Midcontinent sandhill cranes occupy a large geographic area of central and western North America and northeastern Asia during breeding, winter, and migration. They are a species representing a unique convergence of multiple user groups with an interest in the continued health of this population. Tens of thousands of people view cranes during spring staging at the Platte River Valley in Nebraska...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Land Management Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center
link

Ecology and management of midcontinent sandhill cranes

Midcontinent sandhill cranes occupy a large geographic area of central and western North America and northeastern Asia during breeding, winter, and migration. They are a species representing a unique convergence of multiple user groups with an interest in the continued health of this population. Tens of thousands of people view cranes during spring staging at the Platte River Valley in Nebraska...
Learn More
link
wind turbine

Evaluating the Possible Effects of Wind Power Development on Refuging Waterbirds in the Great Plains, Upper Midwest and East Front of Northern Rocky Mountains

We will address the question of whether wind farms can be built near refuges for large concentrations of waterbirds and not cause mortality or critical habitat avoidance. Much is known about many waterbirds (waterfowl, cranes, shorebirds and others) and the places where they concentrate (refuge) during migration. The primary areas of uncertainty in placing wind turbines in relation to the location...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Energy and Minerals Mission Area, Land Management Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center
link

Evaluating the Possible Effects of Wind Power Development on Refuging Waterbirds in the Great Plains, Upper Midwest and East Front of Northern Rocky Mountains

We will address the question of whether wind farms can be built near refuges for large concentrations of waterbirds and not cause mortality or critical habitat avoidance. Much is known about many waterbirds (waterfowl, cranes, shorebirds and others) and the places where they concentrate (refuge) during migration. The primary areas of uncertainty in placing wind turbines in relation to the location...
Learn More

Explore data related to Midcontinent Migration below.

Least tern movements and foraging behavior on the Platte River, Nebraska, 2009-2010

This data set is part of a data release as a companion to a manuscript titled "Foraging movements and colony attendance of least terns (Sternula antillarum) on the central Platte River". This data release includes three tabular digital data file representing movement patterns, behaviors, and foraging success of least terns that nested on sandpits near the Platte River during 2009 and 2010. Movemen
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center

Sandhill crane phenology at the Platte River, Nebraska, 2001-2007

The central Platte River Valley represents a key mid-latitude stopover. This dataset supports a contemporary analysis of spring migration phenology at the Platte River during 2001-2007. We recorded timing of sandhill crane arrivals and departures from the Platte River.
By
Species Management Research Program, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center

Recent publications (2019-2022) related to USGS Midcontinent Migration research are listed below. A complete listing of USGS Midcontinent Migration publications is available from the button below.

Complete List of Publications

Foraging movements and colony attendance of Least Terns (Sternula antillarum) on the central Platte River, Nebraska, USA

Least Terns (Sternula antillarum) are known to forage away from nesting colonies, yet little information is available about movement rates and distances. We used VHF transmitters and a network of datalogging receivers to monitor movements of 23 Least Terns on the central Platte River, Nebraska, USA. We typically detected incubating and brood-rearing birds within 8 km of colonies during daylight ho
Authors
Mark H. Sherfy, Megan Ring, Jennifer H. Stucker, Michael J. Anteau, Terry L. Shaffer, Marsha A. Sovada
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center

Temporospatial shifts in Sandhill Crane staging in the Central Platte River Valley in response to climatic variation and habitat change

Over 80% of the Mid-Continent Sandhill Crane (Antigone canadensis) Population (MCP), estimated at over 660,000 individuals, stops in the Central Platte River Valley (CPRV) during spring migration from mid-February through mid-April. Research suggests that the MCP may be shifting its distribution spatially and temporally within the CPRV. From 2002 to 2017, we conducted weekly aerial surveys of Sand
Authors
Andrew J. Caven, Emma M. Brinley Buckley, Kelsey C King, Joshua D Wiese, David M. Baasch, Greg D. Wright, Mary J. Harner, Aaron T. Pearse, Matt Rabbe, Dana Varner, Brice Krohn, Nicole Arcilla, Kirk D Schroeder, Kenneth F Dinan
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center

Roosting habitat use by sandhill cranes and waterfowl on the North and South Platte Rivers in Nebraska

Migration ecology and habitat use of spring migrating birds using the Central Platte River is a well-explored topic, yet less is known about use of the North and South Platte rivers (NSPR) in western Nebraska. The efficiency and effectiveness of conservation efforts in the NSPR could be greatly improved with access to information about where and when birds roost and landscape prioritization tools.
Authors
Dana M Varner, Aaron T. Pearse, Andrew Bishop, Jonas Davis, John Denton, Roger Grosse, Heather E. Johnson, Emily Munter, Kirk D Schroeder, Robert E. Spangler, Mark Vrtiska, Angelina Wright
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center

Deposition potential and flow-response dynamics of emergent sandbars in a braided river

Sandbars are ubiquitous in sandy‐braided rivers throughout the world. In the Great Plains of the United States, recovery and expansion of emergent sandbar habitat (ESH) has been a priority in lowland rivers where the natural extent of sandbars has been degraded. Recovery efforts are aimed at protection of populations of the interior least tern (Sterna antillarum) and piping plover (Charadrius melo
Authors
Jason S. Alexander, Brandon McElroy, Snehalata Huzurbazar, Caroline M. Elliott, Marissa L. Murr
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Columbia Environmental Research Center

Whooping crane use of riverine stopover sites

Migratory birds like endangered whooping cranes (Grus americana) require suitable nocturnal roost sites during twice annual migrations. Whooping cranes primarily roost in shallow surface water wetlands, ponds, and rivers. All these features have been greatly impacted by human activities, which present threats to the continued recovery of the species. A portion of one such river, the central Platte
Authors
David M. Baasch, Patrick D. Farrell, Shay Howlin, Aaron T. Pearse, Jason M. Farnsworth, Chadwin B. Smith
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center

The Platte PES focuses on restoration of the Central Platte river in Nebraska which has been designated as Critical Habitat for the survival and recovery of the Endangered whooping crane. USGS conducts research which informs the rehabilitation of the structure and function of habitat used by whooping cranes. The Platte PES is an element within the larger Midcontinent Migration Connectivity Collaborative led by USGS that encompasses the entire Central Flyway and supports a rich diversity of migrating birds each year. This team meets monthly to oversee progress, troubleshoot potential issues, and develop new avenues for research. Members represent the U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Environment and Climate Change Canada, and Parks Canada.

Midcontinent Migration & Platte River Research

link
Wildlife biologist and veterinarian preparing to release a whooping crane.

Migration and winter ecology of the Aransas-Wood Buffalo Population of whooping cranes

The only self-sustaining population of endangered whooping cranes nests within and near Wood Buffalo National Park, Canada, migrates through the Great Plains, and winters primarily along the Texas Gulf Coast. Our objectives of this collaborative project are to address the entire annual life cycle of this species by advancing knowledge of breeding, wintering, and migration ecology, including...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Land Change Science Program, Land Management Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center
link

Migration and winter ecology of the Aransas-Wood Buffalo Population of whooping cranes

The only self-sustaining population of endangered whooping cranes nests within and near Wood Buffalo National Park, Canada, migrates through the Great Plains, and winters primarily along the Texas Gulf Coast. Our objectives of this collaborative project are to address the entire annual life cycle of this species by advancing knowledge of breeding, wintering, and migration ecology, including...
Learn More
link
Photo of field crew members nest searching for piping plover and least tern nests.

Breeding ecology and demographics of least terns and piping plovers at the Central Platte River, Nebraska

The Platte River Recovery Implementation Program (PRRIP) partnered with Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center (NPWRC) to study demographics of least terns and piping plovers at the Central Platte River in Nebraska. Due to water management and other alterations, riverine habitat for least terns and piping plovers has become degraded. Least terns and piping plovers, however, have begun breeding...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Land Management Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center
link

Breeding ecology and demographics of least terns and piping plovers at the Central Platte River, Nebraska

The Platte River Recovery Implementation Program (PRRIP) partnered with Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center (NPWRC) to study demographics of least terns and piping plovers at the Central Platte River in Nebraska. Due to water management and other alterations, riverine habitat for least terns and piping plovers has become degraded. Least terns and piping plovers, however, have begun breeding...
Learn More
link
Geographic distribution of mid-continent sandhill cranes as determined by satellite telemetry

Ecology and management of midcontinent sandhill cranes

Midcontinent sandhill cranes occupy a large geographic area of central and western North America and northeastern Asia during breeding, winter, and migration. They are a species representing a unique convergence of multiple user groups with an interest in the continued health of this population. Tens of thousands of people view cranes during spring staging at the Platte River Valley in Nebraska...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Land Management Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center
link

Ecology and management of midcontinent sandhill cranes

Midcontinent sandhill cranes occupy a large geographic area of central and western North America and northeastern Asia during breeding, winter, and migration. They are a species representing a unique convergence of multiple user groups with an interest in the continued health of this population. Tens of thousands of people view cranes during spring staging at the Platte River Valley in Nebraska...
Learn More
link
wind turbine

Evaluating the Possible Effects of Wind Power Development on Refuging Waterbirds in the Great Plains, Upper Midwest and East Front of Northern Rocky Mountains

We will address the question of whether wind farms can be built near refuges for large concentrations of waterbirds and not cause mortality or critical habitat avoidance. Much is known about many waterbirds (waterfowl, cranes, shorebirds and others) and the places where they concentrate (refuge) during migration. The primary areas of uncertainty in placing wind turbines in relation to the location...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Energy and Minerals Mission Area, Land Management Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center
link

Evaluating the Possible Effects of Wind Power Development on Refuging Waterbirds in the Great Plains, Upper Midwest and East Front of Northern Rocky Mountains

We will address the question of whether wind farms can be built near refuges for large concentrations of waterbirds and not cause mortality or critical habitat avoidance. Much is known about many waterbirds (waterfowl, cranes, shorebirds and others) and the places where they concentrate (refuge) during migration. The primary areas of uncertainty in placing wind turbines in relation to the location...
Learn More

Explore data related to Midcontinent Migration below.

Least tern movements and foraging behavior on the Platte River, Nebraska, 2009-2010

This data set is part of a data release as a companion to a manuscript titled "Foraging movements and colony attendance of least terns (Sternula antillarum) on the central Platte River". This data release includes three tabular digital data file representing movement patterns, behaviors, and foraging success of least terns that nested on sandpits near the Platte River during 2009 and 2010. Movemen
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center

Sandhill crane phenology at the Platte River, Nebraska, 2001-2007

The central Platte River Valley represents a key mid-latitude stopover. This dataset supports a contemporary analysis of spring migration phenology at the Platte River during 2001-2007. We recorded timing of sandhill crane arrivals and departures from the Platte River.
By
Species Management Research Program, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center

Recent publications (2019-2022) related to USGS Midcontinent Migration research are listed below. A complete listing of USGS Midcontinent Migration publications is available from the button below.

Complete List of Publications

Foraging movements and colony attendance of Least Terns (Sternula antillarum) on the central Platte River, Nebraska, USA

Least Terns (Sternula antillarum) are known to forage away from nesting colonies, yet little information is available about movement rates and distances. We used VHF transmitters and a network of datalogging receivers to monitor movements of 23 Least Terns on the central Platte River, Nebraska, USA. We typically detected incubating and brood-rearing birds within 8 km of colonies during daylight ho
Authors
Mark H. Sherfy, Megan Ring, Jennifer H. Stucker, Michael J. Anteau, Terry L. Shaffer, Marsha A. Sovada
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center

Temporospatial shifts in Sandhill Crane staging in the Central Platte River Valley in response to climatic variation and habitat change

Over 80% of the Mid-Continent Sandhill Crane (Antigone canadensis) Population (MCP), estimated at over 660,000 individuals, stops in the Central Platte River Valley (CPRV) during spring migration from mid-February through mid-April. Research suggests that the MCP may be shifting its distribution spatially and temporally within the CPRV. From 2002 to 2017, we conducted weekly aerial surveys of Sand
Authors
Andrew J. Caven, Emma M. Brinley Buckley, Kelsey C King, Joshua D Wiese, David M. Baasch, Greg D. Wright, Mary J. Harner, Aaron T. Pearse, Matt Rabbe, Dana Varner, Brice Krohn, Nicole Arcilla, Kirk D Schroeder, Kenneth F Dinan
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center

Roosting habitat use by sandhill cranes and waterfowl on the North and South Platte Rivers in Nebraska

Migration ecology and habitat use of spring migrating birds using the Central Platte River is a well-explored topic, yet less is known about use of the North and South Platte rivers (NSPR) in western Nebraska. The efficiency and effectiveness of conservation efforts in the NSPR could be greatly improved with access to information about where and when birds roost and landscape prioritization tools.
Authors
Dana M Varner, Aaron T. Pearse, Andrew Bishop, Jonas Davis, John Denton, Roger Grosse, Heather E. Johnson, Emily Munter, Kirk D Schroeder, Robert E. Spangler, Mark Vrtiska, Angelina Wright
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center

Deposition potential and flow-response dynamics of emergent sandbars in a braided river

Sandbars are ubiquitous in sandy‐braided rivers throughout the world. In the Great Plains of the United States, recovery and expansion of emergent sandbar habitat (ESH) has been a priority in lowland rivers where the natural extent of sandbars has been degraded. Recovery efforts are aimed at protection of populations of the interior least tern (Sterna antillarum) and piping plover (Charadrius melo
Authors
Jason S. Alexander, Brandon McElroy, Snehalata Huzurbazar, Caroline M. Elliott, Marissa L. Murr
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Columbia Environmental Research Center

Whooping crane use of riverine stopover sites

Migratory birds like endangered whooping cranes (Grus americana) require suitable nocturnal roost sites during twice annual migrations. Whooping cranes primarily roost in shallow surface water wetlands, ponds, and rivers. All these features have been greatly impacted by human activities, which present threats to the continued recovery of the species. A portion of one such river, the central Platte
Authors
David M. Baasch, Patrick D. Farrell, Shay Howlin, Aaron T. Pearse, Jason M. Farnsworth, Chadwin B. Smith
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center