Showing papers on "Heron published in 2007"

Heavy metal concentrations in diet and livers of Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax and Grey Heron Ardea cinerea chicks from Pyeongtaek, Korea.

Abstract: This study presents concentrations of iron, manganese, zinc, copper, lead and cadmium in diet and livers of Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax and Grey Heron Ardea cinerea chicks from Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do, Korea. Heavy metal concentrations of heron chicks were not related to concentrations in the diet. Copper concentrations were significantly greater in the diet of Black-crowned Night Herons (geometric mean = 13.6 wet μg/g) than Grey Herons (7.45 wet μg/g), other metal concentrations did not differ between the diet of two species. Manganese (respectively 3.20 wet μg/g, 1.41 wet μg/g) and cadmium (respectively 13.4 wet μg/kg, 1.41 wet μg/kg) concentrations were higher in livers of Black-crowned Night Heron chicks than Grey Heron chicks, but zinc, iron, copper and lead concentrations in livers did not differ in between two herons. The essential elements were at background levels, however copper concentrations were relatively higher than previously reported from Korea. Lead and cadmium concentrations were within background levels for herons.

The Use of Feathers to Monitor Heavy Metal Contamination in Herons, Korea

Abstract: This study measured concentrations of iron, manganese, zinc, copper, lead, and cadmium in environmental substrates (water and sediment) as well as in the diet and feathers of Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax and Grey Heron Ardea cinerea chicks from Pyeongtaek heronry, Gyeonggi-do, Korea. Zinc and cadmium concentrations in sediment were relatively high, but lead was low. In the diet, only copper concentrations were higher in Black-crowned Night Herons than in Grey Herons. Cadmium concentrations in the diet of two heron species from a Pyeongtaek heron colony were also higher than reported in other studies. In feathers, iron, copper, and lead concentrations were significantly different between heron species. Iron and copper concentrations were higher in Black-crowned Night Heron chicks than in Grey Heron chicks, but lead concentrations were not. Therefore, with the exception of lead, heavy metal concentrations in feathers were not related to concentrations in the diet. Zinc, iron, and lead concentrations in heron feathers were within the ranges reported by other heron studies, but manganese, copper, and cadmium were much higher. Lead and cadmium concentrations in feathers of Black-crowned Night Heron and Grey Heron chicks were elevated to lead and cadmium concentrations in the diet. Therefore, we suggest that lead and cadmium concentrations in heron feathers reflect contamination of breeding sites and are useful bioindicators of local contamination.

Thermodynamics and NMR studies on Duck, Heron and Human HBV encapsidation signals.

Abstract: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication is initiated by binding of its reverse transcriptase (P) to the apical stem-loop (AL) and primer loop (PL) of epsilon, a highly conserved RNA element at the 5'-end of the RNA pregenome. Mutation studies on duck/heron and human in vitro systems have shown similarities but also differences between their P-epsilon interaction. Here, NMR and UV thermodynamic data on AL (and PL) from these three species are presented. The stabilities of the duck and heron ALs were found to be similar, and much lower than that of human. NMR data show that this low stability stems from an 11-nt internal bulge destabilizing the stem of heron AL. In duck, although structured at low temperature, this region also forms a weak point as its imino resonances broaden to disappearance between 30 and 35 degrees C well below the overall AL melting temperature. Surprisingly, the duck- and heron ALs were both found to be capped by a stable well-structured UGUU tetraloop. All avian ALs are expected to adhere to this because of their conserved sequence. Duck PL is stable and structured and, in view of sequence similarities, the same is expected for heron - and human PL.

Predação da cobra d'água Helicops infrataeniatus (Serpentes, Colubridae) pela maria-faceira Syrigma sibilatrix (Aves, Ardeidae) no sul do Brasil

Abstract: Predation of the water snake Helicops infrataeniatus (Serpentes, Colubridae) by the Whistling Heron Syrigma sibilatrix (Aves, Ardeidae) in southern Brazil. In this work, we describe the predation of the water snake (Helicops infrataeniatus) by the Whistling Heron (Syrigma sibilatrix) in a wetland of Santa Catarina state, southern Brazil. This particular item of the Whistling Heron diet had not been reported previously in the scientific literature.

Heron of Alexandria (c. 10–85 AD)

Abstract: Heron of Alexandria was a mathematician, physicist and engineer who lived around 10–85 AD. He taught at Alexandria’s Musaeum and wrote many books on Mathematics, Geometry and Engineering, which were in use till the medieval times. His most important invention was the Aeolipile, the first steam turbine. Other inventions include automated machines for temples and theaters, surveying instruments, and military machines and weapons.

Trophic Transfer of Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, Illinois, United States

Abstract: In this study, polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations were measured in great blue heron (GBHE) (Ardea herodias) chicks and eggs at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge (CONWR) in southern Illinois. In addition, biomagnification factors (BMFs) from gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) and their effects on reproductive effort were examined. Total PCBs (ΣPCBs) in chicks and shad were greater at the east end of Crab Orchard Lake (i.e., near the site of contamination) than the west end, but chick concentrations (4.1 to 10.1 mg/kg lipid weight) were lower than those typically associated with adverse effects. Chick BMFs based on shad from diet samples were greater than those based on shad collected from the lake. Furthermore, the two shad sources had dissimilar dioxin-like congener patterns and ΣPCBs, suggesting that there was variation in PCB load and composition and that the more contaminated shad were a small proportion of the actual heron chick diet. The number of eggs laid per nest was similar between colonies, suggesting no observable population level effects. Further study may be necessary to evaluate long-term effects on GBHEs at CONWR.

An update on the distribution of the 'Endangered' White-eared Night Heron Gorsachius magnificus in China

Abstract: Summary The literature on the past distribution and status of the White-eared Night Heron in China isreviewed, and updated based on recent field investigations and reports from Hubei, Jiangxi,Guangxi, Guangdong and Hainan. Recent records reveal the species to be more widespread thanpreviously thought, but there remain many uncertainties about the area of occupancy andconnectivity between known populations. The rate of discovery of new sites suggests the speciesmay be under-recorded, but a number of recent sites have been lost, and no truly securepopulations are known. There thus remains an urgent need for better information fromthroughout the species’ range, especially from historical sites, as well as increased protection. Introduction Since its discovery at Wuzhishan, Hainan Island, in 1899, the White-eared Night HeronGorsachius magnificus has been recorded from eight provinces in southern China, together withtwo records from north-eastern Vietnam (BirdLife International 2001, 2004; He and Lin 2004).Until the end of the twentieth century, the recorded distribution of White-eared Night Heron inmainland China formed a horseshoe shape, with an empty core in the provinces of Jiangxi andHunan (Figure 1). Available records suggest the species has a highly fragmented distribution andis extremely rare. Due to the scarcity of recent records and a lack of known viable populations,the bird has been classified as Critically Endangered (CR) (Collar et al. 1994; IUCN 1996), andlater Endangered (EN), both globally (BirdLife International 2000, 2001, 2003) and in China(Wang and Xie 2004). It has been referred to as the most threatened heron species in the world(Kushlan and Hafner 2000), but its current distribution remains poorly known.A literature review was conducted to clarify the historical distribution of the species in China,while recent field studies have revealed some new localities for the bird in China, mainly fromJiangxi, reducing the distribution gap. The present paper updates the known distribution of thespecies in China, and discusses implications for its status. Site numbers and codes given in thetext refer to those in Figure 1.

Great Blue Herons in Puget Sound

Abstract: : The Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) is an iconic species representing the natural heritage, interconnectedness and ecological richness of Puget Sound and the greater Salish Sea (Puget Sound, Strait of Georgia and Strait of Juan de Fuca). This area constitutes the greatest concentration of Great Blue Herons on the West Coast and harbors some of the largest heronries in North America. As a predator and nearshore-associated species, heron populations are indicative of levels of environmental toxins, availability and connectivity of shoreline-upland habitat, and conditions of eelgrass and intertidal habitats.

A poem about a bird can be a picture of the world: Reading 'Heron's Place' by Jeremy Cronin

Abstract: A few kilometres outside Kimberley in South Africa is a pan called Kamfers Dam which is home to the largest population of flamingoes in the country. When I first saw them, stopping the car on the side of the N7 highway to Johannesburg and getting out to look, the multitude of birds seemed like an affirmation of joy and wildness after the grey dust of the diamond city. Wading, chattering, flying, the pink flowering of a myriad flamingoes was something wonderful — a glimpse of liveliness and continuity before, or perhaps beyond, the troubled history of the mines and the world that they made possible. This journal article is available in Kunapipi: http://ro.uow.edu.au/kunapipi/vol29/iss2/6

Interaction Between Fish and Colonial Wading Birds Within Reed Beds of Lake Neusiedl, Austria

Abstract: Data from two projects carried out within the extensive (180 km2) reed belt of Lake Neusiedl, Austria – one about the fish community and the other about the colonial breeding piscivorous birds, great white egret, Casmerodius albus L., purple heron, Ardea purpurea L., grey heron, Ardea cinerea L., and spoonbill, Platalea leucorodia L. – were used to assess the impact of fish-eating birds on the fish population. Piscivorous birds ate about 12% of total fish standing stock within the reed belt. Their food intake was estimated to account for 21% of fish production within a size range of 3–25 cm total length (potential prey size). Competition between fish-eating birds and commercial fisheries was considered to be negligible.

Type of intraspecific and interspecific interaction among three heron species, while foraging around Pulau Dua Nature Reserve, Serang, Banten's province

Abstract: This research intends to know interaction type among three heron species while foraging around Pulau Dua Nature Reserve, SerangBanten's Province. Observational method that is utilized is direct observing up to 6 months, pictures taking supported watch utilizeHandycam by focal observation method, meanwhile data analyze was done by using scan sampling method. The research’s result points out that interaction during foraging for three species herons, namely Casmerodius albus, Egretta garzetta, and Bubulcus. Ibis, cover neutralism, competition and cooperation. C. albus showed cooperative's interaction as much as 66.67%. This interaction is happening between C. albus and Phalacrocorax sp. The competition and neutralism on C. albus each of them are 16.67%. E. garzetta showed neutralism as much as 50%, between E. garzetta and other waterbird which are Threskiornis melanocephalus and Plegadis falcinellus. Meanwhile, cooperative as high as 37.50% and competitions as high as 12.50%. B. ibis showed neutralism, as high as 44.44% between B. ibis and both Ardeola speciosa and P. falcinellus. Neutralism and competition interaction each of them are 33.33% and 22.22%.© 2007 Jurusan Biologi FMIPA UNS SurakartaKey words: interaction, cooperation, neutralism, competition, heron.

The First Specimen Record of Gray Heron (Ardea cinerea) for North America

Abstract: A Gray Heron (Ardea cinerea) was found alive on 11 October 1996 in Newfoundland, Canada. It was identified as a Great Blue Heron (A. herodias), and prepared as a study skin for a university teaching collection. We give a description of this first specimen for North America and summarize previous records from the western hemisphere.

The First Specimen Record of Gray Heron (Ardea cinerea) for

Abstract: Abstract A Gray Heron (Ardea cinerea) was found alive on 11 October 1996 in Newfoundland, Canada. It was identified as a Great Blue Heron (A. herodias), and prepared as a study skin for a university teaching collection. We give a description of this first specimen for North America and summarize previous records from the western hemisphere.

Truly Australian - the HERON Reaction

Abstract: Steve Glover describes the origin of his HERON reaction and its adoption by the Merck Index as a named organic reaction.

Breeding Site Preferences and the Effects of Breeding Black-crowned Night Herons (Nycticorax nycticorax) on Soil Characteristics at Bamsum Island in Seoul

Abstract: Nest density was determined and tree and soil characteristics around Nycticorax nycticorax breeding sites and non-breeding sites on Bamsum Island in Seoul were analyzed from May 2005 to October 2006 to identify breeding site preferences of N. nycticorax and the effects of N. nycticorax nesting density on nesting tree structure and soil characteristics. N. nycticorax preferred trees of low height (3.5~6 m) and small diameter at breast height in high density Salix communities. Excrement of heron juveniles was dropped on the soil under the nests. The soil nutrient content under nests (P: 126.0 mg/kg, N: 202.8 mg/kg, EC: 549 μS/cm, pH 4.7) was much higher than that of control soils from Bamsum Island not enriched by heron excrement (P: 41.5 mg/kg, N: 42.0 mg/kg, EC: 342 μS/cm, pH 5.1). Formation of Salix communities on the shores of Bamsum Island is ongoing, and their structure has been directly influenced by annual flooding. After flooding, the nutrient content differences between heron-affected soils and control soils were not significant. This might be the reason that Salix communities on Bamsum were not affected by nesting herons as in other terrestrial communities where herons nest. This result indicates that flooding plays an important role in sustaining Salix communities on Bamsum Island where herons nest. The results of this study may increase understanding of N. nycticorax breeding behavior which may be useful for conservation planning.

Heron triangles with two fixed sides

Abstract: In this paper, we study the function H(a, b), which associates to every pair of positive integers a and b the number of positive integers c such that the triangle of sides a, b and c is Heron, i.e., has integral area. In particular, we prove that H(p, q) ≤ 5 if p and q are primes, and that H(a, b) = 0 for a random choice of positive integers a and b.

91.51 Heron triangles with ∠B = 2∠A

Abstract: Postscript The formulae corresponding to (3), (4), (5) and (6) for the general ratios (1) are: hv 1 , hw In (l) — = — and • H ml + m + 1 H In + I + 1 from a combination of Menelaus' theorem for AU I UL and AW IWL with similar triangles. IA (ii) AWCA = AALC AWLC = In + I + 1 and, from cyclic change to A VBC,— = . H nm + n + 1 (iii) AUVW = AABC (AUAB + AVBC + AWCA) (Imn 1)A (In + I + \\)(ml + m + \\)(nm + n + 1)' which is called Routh's theorem in [3]. (In + I + l)WU (Ic + b cos A) + b sin A (lv) = (Imn l) (ml + m + l) from WU = AU AW in terms of AL, with AL given by generalising Apollonius' theorem for AABC. (v) (ml+m+l)cotZWUV = (I + l)cotA+/(m+ l)cotfi-/ncotC from the application of the cotangent rule to AABL and AABC.

Seabird and Colonial Wading Bird Nesting in the Gulf of Panama

Abstract: — The Gulf of Panama is a highly productive marine ecosystem at the southern edge of North America. Although the Gulf’s aquatic bird populations have been remarked upon by ornithologists for over 50 years, nesting populations have been neither systematically studied nor completely characterized. In 2005 and 2006, the entire Gulf of Panama was inventoried to document the nesting status of seabirds and other colonial waterbirds. Over 50,000 birds of 20 species nesting at 57 sites were documented. Seabirds nested during the dry season, the period of oceanographic upwelling. Coastal colonial waterbirds nested at the end of the dry season and in the early wet season, when inland feeding habitats were optimal. Brown Pelicans ( Pelecanus occidentalis ) were the most numerous seabird with over 4,800 nests and 10,000 individuals counted. Over 3,600 Neotropic Cormorant ( Phalacrocorax brasilianus ) nests and over 2,200 Magnificent Frigatebird ( Fregata magnificens ) nests were documented. Cattle Egrets ( Bubulcus ibis ) were the most abundant colonial wading birds, followed by Great Egrets ( Ardea alba ). Great Egrets were the first wading birds to nest, Cattle Egrets the last. Seven sites contained over 1,000 nests. Colony locations and numbers differed markedly from the historic literature. Some historic information is erroneous, but other differences reflect changes in distribution. More nesting Brown Pelicans and Sooty Terns ( Sterna fuscata ) and fewer Neotropic Cormorants were found than expected from the literature. New sites documented included some of global or regional conservation importance. This paper presents the first breeding records for Panama of Little Blue Heron ( Egretta caerulea ), Glossy Ibis ( Plegadis falcinellus ), and Bridled Tern ( Sterna anaethetus ), and third record for Cocoi Heron ( Ardea cocoi ). There is no evidence for long-term declines of seabirds or colonial wading birds in the Gulf of Panama. Populations reaching conservation thresholds globally or biogeographically include Brown Pelican, Bare-throated Tiger-Heron ( Tigrisoma mexicanum ), White Ibis ( Eudocimus albus ), Glossy Ibis, and Bridled Tern. The Black-crowned Night-Heron ( Nycticorax nycticorax ) exceeded conservation thresholds for Central America. Six new sites of global importance for bird conservation were identified and the continued importance of another site confirmed. The continued health of the waterbird populations of Panama will depend on environmental education and protection of important colony sites from disturbance and development . Received: 29 September 2006, accepted 25 May 2007.