Jill Shaffer
Jill Shaffer is an Ecologist with the USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center in Jamestown, North Dakota.
Jill Shaffer is an avian ecologist whose research advances the understanding of the effects of wind-energy facilities on birds. She has evaluated the behavioral impacts of wind facilities on grassland birds and waterfowl and devised a method, the Avian-Impact Offset Method, that quantifies those impacts so that State and Federal agencies can seek offsetting measures for the impacts.
When not working on renewable-energy projects, Jill continues work on the writing of a 43-chapter synthesis on the effects of rangeland practices on grassland birds, an endeavor undertaken for 27 years and counting.
Professional Experience
1999-present; Ecologist, USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Jamestown, North Dakota
1996-1999; Biological Science Technician, USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Jamestown, North Dakota
Education and Certifications
M.S. (1996) Zoology, University of Arkansas
B.S. (1993) Biology, University of Wisconsin
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 102
The effects of management practices on grassland birds—Lark Bunting (Calamospiza melanocorys)
Keys to Lark Bunting (Calamospiza melanocorys) management include providing short vegetation with protective nest cover and tailoring grazing systems to the type of grassland. Lark Buntings have been reported to use habitats with 6–72 centimeter (cm) average vegetation height, 2–11 cm visual obstruction reading, 13–71 percent grass cover, less than or equal to (≤) 48 percent forb cover,...
Authors
Jill A. Shaffer, Lawrence D. Igl, Douglas H. Johnson, Marriah L. Sondreal, Christopher M. Goldade, Amy L. Zimmerman, Betty R. Euliss
The effects of management practices on grassland birds—Merlin (Falco columbarius)
The key to Merlin (Falco columbarius) management is maintaining an interspersion of groves of deciduous or coniferous trees for nesting and open grasslands for hunting. Merlins do not build their own nests but rather use former nests of other bird species, including those of corvids (crows, ravens, and magpies) and accipitrids (hawks). In recent decades, Merlins have established breeding...
Authors
Paul M. Konrad, Jill A. Shaffer, Lawrence D. Igl
The effects of management practices on grassland birds—Sprague’s Pipit (Anthus spragueii)
Keys to Sprague’s Pipit (Anthus spragueii) management include providing suitable grassland habitat, especially native prairie, with intermediate vegetation height and low visual obstruction, and controlling succession therein. Sprague’s Pipits have been reported to use habitats with no more than 49 centimeters (cm) average vegetation height, 4–14 cm visual obstruction reading, 15–53...
Authors
Jill A. Shaffer, Lawrence D. Igl, Douglas H. Johnson, Marriah L. Sondreal, Christopher M. Goldade, Melvin P. Nenneman, Travis L. Wooten, Jason P. Thiele, Betty R. Euliss
The effects of management practices on grassland birds—Thick-billed Longspur (Rhynchophanes mccownii)
The key to Thick-billed Longspur (Rhynchophanes mccownii) management is providing short, sparsely vegetated native grasslands of adequate size. Mixed-grass prairies can be made suitable for breeding Thick-billed Longspurs by implementing moderate-to-heavy or season-long grazing. Thick-billed Longspurs have been reported to use habitats with 5–42 centimeters (cm) average vegetation height...
Authors
Jill A. Shaffer, Lawrence D. Igl, Douglas H. Johnson, Marriah L. Sondreal, Christopher M. Goldade, Paul A. Rabie, Travis L. Wooten, Betty R. Euliss
The effects of management practices on grassland birds—Swainson’s Hawk (Buteo swainsoni)
The key to Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) management is providing open grasslands that contain patches of trees for nesting and perching, sometimes near cultivated areas.
Authors
Jill A. Shaffer, Lawrence D. Igl, Douglas H. Johnson, Meghan F. Dinkins, Christopher M. Goldade, Travis L. Wooten, Betty R. Euliss
The effects of management practices on grassland birds—Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna)
The key to Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna) management is providing large areas of contiguous grassland of moderate height with significant grass cover and moderate forb density. Eastern Meadowlarks have been reported to use habitats with 10–187 centimeters (cm) average vegetation height, 6–88 cm visual obstruction reading, 53–86 percent grass cover, 4–50 percent forb cover, less...
Authors
Scott D. Hull, Jill A. Shaffer, Lawrence D. Igl
The effects of management practices on grassland birds—Ferruginous Hawk (Buteo regalis)
Keys to Ferruginous Hawk (Buteo regalis) management are providing suitable nest sites, protecting active nest areas from human disturbance, and providing suitable habitat for prey.
Authors
Jill A. Shaffer, Lawrence D. Igl, Douglas H. Johnson, Marriah L. Sondreal, Christopher M. Goldade, Amy L. Zimmerman, Jason P. Thiele, Betty R. Euliss
The effects of management practices on grassland birds—Northern Harrier (Circus hudsonius)
The key to Northern Harrier (Circus hudsonius) management is providing tall, dense vegetation in extensive mesic or xeric grasslands or in wetlands. Northern Harriers have been reported to use habitats with 15–106 centimeter (cm) average vegetation height, 28–75 cm visual obstruction reading, 24–53 percent grass cover, 18–25 percent forb cover, less than or equal to 2 percent shrub cover...
Authors
Jill A. Shaffer, Lawrence D. Igl, Douglas H. Johnson, Marriah L. Sondreal, Christopher M. Goldade, Jason P. Thiele, Betty R. Euliss
The effects of management practices on grassland birds—Wilson’s Phalarope (Phalaropus tricolor)
The key to Wilson’s Phalarope (Phalaropus tricolor) management is providing wetland complexes containing suitable wetland characteristics (that is, open water, emergent vegetation, and open shoreline) and upland habitat (native grassland or tame hayland) throughout the breeding season. Wilson’s Phalaropes have been reported to use habitats with 15–32 centimeters (cm) average vegetation...
Authors
Jill A. Shaffer, Lawrence D. Igl, Douglas H. Johnson, Christopher M. Goldade, Amy L. Zimmerman, Betty R. Euliss
The effects of management practices on grassland birds—Mountain Plover (Charadrius montanus)
The key to Mountain Plover (Charadrius montanus) management is maintaining sparsely vegetated grasslands. Grasslands can be made suitable for breeding Mountain Plovers by preserving large prairie dog (Cynomys species) towns, conducting prescribed burns, or implementing heavy grazing in some situations. Mountain Plovers have been reported to use habitats with 2–38 centimeters average...
Authors
Jill A. Shaffer, Lawrence D. Igl, Douglas H. Johnson, Marriah L. Sondreal, Christopher M. Goldade, Melvin P. Nenneman, Travis L. Wooten, Betty R. Euliss
The effects of management practices on grassland birds—Marbled Godwit (Limosa fedoa)
Keys to Marbled Godwit (Limosa fedoa) management include providing large expanses of short, sparsely to moderately vegetated landscapes that include native grasslands and wetland complexes. Optimal wetland complexes should contain a diversity of wetland classes and sizes, such as ephemeral, temporary, seasonal, semipermanent, permanent, and alkali wetlands, as well as intermittent...
Authors
Jill A. Shaffer, Lawrence D. Igl, Douglas H. Johnson, Marriah L. Sondreal, Christopher M. Goldade, Melvin P. Nenneman, Betty R. Euliss
The effects of management practices on grassland birds—Willet (Tringa semipalmata inornata)
Keys to Willet (Tringa semipalmata inornata) management include providing large expanses of native grasslands and wetland complexes. Wetland complexes should contain a diversity of wetland sizes and classes, such as ephemeral, temporary, seasonal, semipermanent, and permanent wetlands, as well as intermittent streams. Willets use wetlands of various salinities. Willets require short...
Authors
Jill A. Shaffer, Lawrence D. Igl, Douglas H. Johnson, Marriah L. Sondreal, Christopher M. Goldade, Barry D. Parkin, Jason P. Thiele, Betty R. Euliss
Non-USGS Publications**
Dechant, J. A. 2001. Range expansion of Pileated Woodpecker in North Dakota. Prairie Naturalist 33:163-182.
https://pubs.er.usgs.gov/publication/1001692
https://pubs.er.usgs.gov/publication/1001692
Winter, M., S. E. Hawks, J. A. Shaffer, and D. H. Johnson. 2003. Guidelines for finding nests of passerine birds in tallgrass prairie. Prairie Naturalist 35:197-211.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1159&context=usgsnpwrc.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1159&context=usgsnpwrc.
Shaffer, J. A., L. D. Igl, and F. VanHove. 2003. Historical and recent records and first nest records of Henslow’s Sparrow in North Dakota. Prairie Naturalist 35:81-94.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/usgsnpwrc/159/.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/usgsnpwrc/159/.
**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
Filter Total Items: 102
The effects of management practices on grassland birds—Lark Bunting (Calamospiza melanocorys)
Keys to Lark Bunting (Calamospiza melanocorys) management include providing short vegetation with protective nest cover and tailoring grazing systems to the type of grassland. Lark Buntings have been reported to use habitats with 6–72 centimeter (cm) average vegetation height, 2–11 cm visual obstruction reading, 13–71 percent grass cover, less than or equal to (≤) 48 percent forb cover,...
Authors
Jill A. Shaffer, Lawrence D. Igl, Douglas H. Johnson, Marriah L. Sondreal, Christopher M. Goldade, Amy L. Zimmerman, Betty R. Euliss
The effects of management practices on grassland birds—Merlin (Falco columbarius)
The key to Merlin (Falco columbarius) management is maintaining an interspersion of groves of deciduous or coniferous trees for nesting and open grasslands for hunting. Merlins do not build their own nests but rather use former nests of other bird species, including those of corvids (crows, ravens, and magpies) and accipitrids (hawks). In recent decades, Merlins have established breeding...
Authors
Paul M. Konrad, Jill A. Shaffer, Lawrence D. Igl
The effects of management practices on grassland birds—Sprague’s Pipit (Anthus spragueii)
Keys to Sprague’s Pipit (Anthus spragueii) management include providing suitable grassland habitat, especially native prairie, with intermediate vegetation height and low visual obstruction, and controlling succession therein. Sprague’s Pipits have been reported to use habitats with no more than 49 centimeters (cm) average vegetation height, 4–14 cm visual obstruction reading, 15–53...
Authors
Jill A. Shaffer, Lawrence D. Igl, Douglas H. Johnson, Marriah L. Sondreal, Christopher M. Goldade, Melvin P. Nenneman, Travis L. Wooten, Jason P. Thiele, Betty R. Euliss
The effects of management practices on grassland birds—Thick-billed Longspur (Rhynchophanes mccownii)
The key to Thick-billed Longspur (Rhynchophanes mccownii) management is providing short, sparsely vegetated native grasslands of adequate size. Mixed-grass prairies can be made suitable for breeding Thick-billed Longspurs by implementing moderate-to-heavy or season-long grazing. Thick-billed Longspurs have been reported to use habitats with 5–42 centimeters (cm) average vegetation height...
Authors
Jill A. Shaffer, Lawrence D. Igl, Douglas H. Johnson, Marriah L. Sondreal, Christopher M. Goldade, Paul A. Rabie, Travis L. Wooten, Betty R. Euliss
The effects of management practices on grassland birds—Swainson’s Hawk (Buteo swainsoni)
The key to Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) management is providing open grasslands that contain patches of trees for nesting and perching, sometimes near cultivated areas.
Authors
Jill A. Shaffer, Lawrence D. Igl, Douglas H. Johnson, Meghan F. Dinkins, Christopher M. Goldade, Travis L. Wooten, Betty R. Euliss
The effects of management practices on grassland birds—Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna)
The key to Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna) management is providing large areas of contiguous grassland of moderate height with significant grass cover and moderate forb density. Eastern Meadowlarks have been reported to use habitats with 10–187 centimeters (cm) average vegetation height, 6–88 cm visual obstruction reading, 53–86 percent grass cover, 4–50 percent forb cover, less...
Authors
Scott D. Hull, Jill A. Shaffer, Lawrence D. Igl
The effects of management practices on grassland birds—Ferruginous Hawk (Buteo regalis)
Keys to Ferruginous Hawk (Buteo regalis) management are providing suitable nest sites, protecting active nest areas from human disturbance, and providing suitable habitat for prey.
Authors
Jill A. Shaffer, Lawrence D. Igl, Douglas H. Johnson, Marriah L. Sondreal, Christopher M. Goldade, Amy L. Zimmerman, Jason P. Thiele, Betty R. Euliss
The effects of management practices on grassland birds—Northern Harrier (Circus hudsonius)
The key to Northern Harrier (Circus hudsonius) management is providing tall, dense vegetation in extensive mesic or xeric grasslands or in wetlands. Northern Harriers have been reported to use habitats with 15–106 centimeter (cm) average vegetation height, 28–75 cm visual obstruction reading, 24–53 percent grass cover, 18–25 percent forb cover, less than or equal to 2 percent shrub cover...
Authors
Jill A. Shaffer, Lawrence D. Igl, Douglas H. Johnson, Marriah L. Sondreal, Christopher M. Goldade, Jason P. Thiele, Betty R. Euliss
The effects of management practices on grassland birds—Wilson’s Phalarope (Phalaropus tricolor)
The key to Wilson’s Phalarope (Phalaropus tricolor) management is providing wetland complexes containing suitable wetland characteristics (that is, open water, emergent vegetation, and open shoreline) and upland habitat (native grassland or tame hayland) throughout the breeding season. Wilson’s Phalaropes have been reported to use habitats with 15–32 centimeters (cm) average vegetation...
Authors
Jill A. Shaffer, Lawrence D. Igl, Douglas H. Johnson, Christopher M. Goldade, Amy L. Zimmerman, Betty R. Euliss
The effects of management practices on grassland birds—Mountain Plover (Charadrius montanus)
The key to Mountain Plover (Charadrius montanus) management is maintaining sparsely vegetated grasslands. Grasslands can be made suitable for breeding Mountain Plovers by preserving large prairie dog (Cynomys species) towns, conducting prescribed burns, or implementing heavy grazing in some situations. Mountain Plovers have been reported to use habitats with 2–38 centimeters average...
Authors
Jill A. Shaffer, Lawrence D. Igl, Douglas H. Johnson, Marriah L. Sondreal, Christopher M. Goldade, Melvin P. Nenneman, Travis L. Wooten, Betty R. Euliss
The effects of management practices on grassland birds—Marbled Godwit (Limosa fedoa)
Keys to Marbled Godwit (Limosa fedoa) management include providing large expanses of short, sparsely to moderately vegetated landscapes that include native grasslands and wetland complexes. Optimal wetland complexes should contain a diversity of wetland classes and sizes, such as ephemeral, temporary, seasonal, semipermanent, permanent, and alkali wetlands, as well as intermittent...
Authors
Jill A. Shaffer, Lawrence D. Igl, Douglas H. Johnson, Marriah L. Sondreal, Christopher M. Goldade, Melvin P. Nenneman, Betty R. Euliss
The effects of management practices on grassland birds—Willet (Tringa semipalmata inornata)
Keys to Willet (Tringa semipalmata inornata) management include providing large expanses of native grasslands and wetland complexes. Wetland complexes should contain a diversity of wetland sizes and classes, such as ephemeral, temporary, seasonal, semipermanent, and permanent wetlands, as well as intermittent streams. Willets use wetlands of various salinities. Willets require short...
Authors
Jill A. Shaffer, Lawrence D. Igl, Douglas H. Johnson, Marriah L. Sondreal, Christopher M. Goldade, Barry D. Parkin, Jason P. Thiele, Betty R. Euliss
Non-USGS Publications**
Dechant, J. A. 2001. Range expansion of Pileated Woodpecker in North Dakota. Prairie Naturalist 33:163-182.
https://pubs.er.usgs.gov/publication/1001692
https://pubs.er.usgs.gov/publication/1001692
Winter, M., S. E. Hawks, J. A. Shaffer, and D. H. Johnson. 2003. Guidelines for finding nests of passerine birds in tallgrass prairie. Prairie Naturalist 35:197-211.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1159&context=usgsnpwrc.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1159&context=usgsnpwrc.
Shaffer, J. A., L. D. Igl, and F. VanHove. 2003. Historical and recent records and first nest records of Henslow’s Sparrow in North Dakota. Prairie Naturalist 35:81-94.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/usgsnpwrc/159/.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/usgsnpwrc/159/.
**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.