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Dan Arndt Dave Kittaka Budd Veverka

Tim Carter Brian McGowan Chad Stewart

Sandy Clark-Kolaks Mark Pyron Sally Weeks

Jason Doll Shawn Rossler Jason Wade

Jeremy Sobecki

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President Sandy Clark-Kolaks

President-Elect Mark Pyron

Vice President Tom Bacula

Past President Michelle Cain

Secretary/Treasurer Dan Arndt

President Budd Veverka

President-Elect Rob Chapman

Secretary/Treasurer Sally Weeks

Member-at-Large Shawn Rossler

Past President Chad Stewart

The Indiana Chapter of the American Fisheries Society (IAFS) supports the con-servation of fisheries and aquatic ecosystems in Indiana by promoting profes-sional excellence in fisheries science, management, and education.

Our mission is to enhance the ability of wildlife professionals to conserve diver-sity, sustain productivity, and ensure responsible use of wildlife resources for the benefit of society. The Wildlife Society encourages professional growth through certification, peer-reviewed publications, conferences, and working groups.

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Thursday, February 27

Registration

11:30 A.M. − 12:50 P.M.

Plenary

1:00 P.M. − 4:00 P.M.

Business Meetings

5:00 P.M. − 6:00 P.M.

Poster Set-up

6:00 P.M. − 6:30 P.M.

Dinner

6:30 P.M. − 8:00 P.M.

Social

8:00 P.M. − 10:30 P.M.

Friday, February 28

Technical Concurrent Sessions

8:00 A.M. − 12:00 P.M.

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11:30 A.M. − 12:50 P.M. Registration

1:00 P.M. − 1:10 P.M. Welcome/Opening Remarks

Mark Pyron, Budd Veverka

1:10 P.M. − 1:50 P.M. Joe Caudell, Ph.D., Assistant Professor

Murray State University

1:50 P.M. − 2:30 P.M. Steven Butler, Research Biologist

Illinois Natural History Survey

2:30 P.M. − 2:40 P.M. Break

2:40 P.M. − 3:20 P.M. Kate Howe, Ph.D., Coordinator

Midwest Invasive Plant Network

3:20 P.M. − 4:00 P.M. Andy Deines, Ph.D., Editor

Invasivore.org

4:00 P.M. − 5:00 P.M. Break/Room Check-in

5:00 P.M. − 6:00 P.M. AFS/TWS Business Meetings

6:00 P.M. − 6:30 P.M. Poster Set-up

6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Dinner/Keynote Address/Awards

John Goss, Asian Carp Director, CEQ

8:00 p.m.– 10:30 p.m. Social

Thursday, February 27

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Steven Butler, M.S. − Illinois Natural History

Mr. Steven Butler is a Research Biologist with the Illinois Natural History Survey. He received his B.S. in Fish and Wildlife Biology from Kansas State University and his M.S. in Natural Resources and Environmental Sci-ences from the University of Illinois. Steve's research interests include an-thropogenic effects on lotic systems, life histories and conservation of non-game fishes, and the effects of introduced fishes on aquatic ecosystems. He has studied the effects of dam removal on aquatic communities, move-ments of several fish species in lotic systems via radiotelemetry, and the early life history and foraging ecology of gar (Lepisosteidae) taxa. Most recently, Steve has worked to understand the distribution, factors affecting recruitment, and the vulnerability of different life stages of Asian carp in the

Illinois River. Steve currently lives in Urbana, Illinois, which serves as a home base for his back-packing, kayaking, and fly fishing expeditions.

Dr. Katherine (Kate) Howe is the Coordinator of the Midwest Invasive Plant Network (MIPN), an organization hosted by Purdue University and based in Indianapolis, IN that is focused on reducing the impact of invasive plant spe-cies in the Midwest. MIPN is a network of public and private agencies, cor-porations, organizations, and individuals working on invasive plant control, prevention, research, and education across the region. Kate has been in her current position since 2005. She has a BA in Biology from Macalester Col-lege, an MS in Ecology from the University of Minnesota, and a PhD in Biol-ogy from the University of Washington. Kate also serves on the National Invasive Species Council’s Invasive Species Advisory Committee, the Ex-ecutive Committee of the National Association of Exotic Pest Plant Councils, and the Advisory Committee of the Great Lakes Phragmites Collaborative.

Joe Caudell, Ph.D. − Murray State University

Dr. Joe Caudell is an Assistant Professor in Wildlife Biology at Murray State University in Kentucky. Dr. Joe obtained his B.S.F.R. from the War-nell School of Forest Resources at the University of Georgia and his M.S. and Ph.D. from Utah State University on brown tree snake and eared grebes, respectively. Dr. Joe worked for Wildlife Services from 2004 until 2013 in Maine, Las Vegas (NV), and Indiana, where he worked as the Wildlife Disease Biologist for 8 years. He has worked with exotic and inva-sive species and wildlife disease both in the US and abroad since 1998. Dr. Joe's research interest is working on wildlife wound ballistics, exotic wildlife, and wildlife economics.

Kate Howe, Ph.D. − Midwest Invasive Plant Network

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Dr. Andy Deines’ primary interests lie at the intersections of global freshwater fisheries, invasive species, and food. Dr Deines believes global freshwater fisheries are far more important to economies and nutrition than is apparent from past and current policies governing their sustainable management and introduced species are having wide-ranging effects, positive and negative, on freshwater fisheries and the ecosystems that support them. At the University of Notre Dame, Dr. Deines started Invasivore.org in 2011 as a fun way to en-gage people with the complex issues of invasive species and sustainability by serving up dishes featuring invasive species, while he received his PhD, with research focused on the effects of the introduction of Nile tilapia to the Kafue River, Zambia. His current projects include developing models of global inland fisheries production to better estimate the contribution of these under-described fisheries to the local and global economies.

Andy Deines, Ph.D. − Invasivore.org

Mr. John Goss reports to the White House Council on Environmental Qual-ity. He is chair of the Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee (ACRCC), which is a team of Federal, state and local agencies working together to prevent Asian carp from establishing populations in the Great Lakes.

Mr. Goss joined CEQ from the Indiana Wildlife Federation. He previously served as Director of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources from 2001-2005, appointed by Governor O’Bannon.

Mr. Goss was Director of Tourism for the State of Indiana, Chief of Staff for Lt. Governor Frank O’Bannon, District Director for Congressman Frank

McCloskey and Deputy Mayor for the City of Bloomington, Indiana. He received his Masters of Pub-lic Affairs and his B.A. in Economics from Indiana University.

John Goss, M.S. − W.H. Council on Environmental Quality

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Time Presentation

8:15 A.M. Welcome/Opening Remarks

Mark Pyron

8:20 A.M. Ecological predictors of the spawning and movements of bigheaded carps

in the Wabash River, IN

Alison Coulter, Purdue University

8:40 A.M. An evaluation of Indiana’s new urban fishing program: Go FishIN in the City

Sandy Clark-Kolaks, Indiana DNR, Division of Fish and Wildlife

9:00 A.M. What caused a regime shift in the Wabash River?

Mark Pyron, Ball State University

9:20 A.M. Bt corn in Indiana Streams: Potential Fisheries Implications

Matthew D. Linn, Bowling Green State University

9:40 A.M. Indiana’s State Wildlife Action Plan: Update

Amanda Wuestefeld, Indiana DNR, Division of Fish and Wildlife

10:00 A.M. Break

10:20 A.M. Landscape-level patterns of macroinvertebrate and fish communities are controlled more by

environmental gradients than trophic interactions in a Gulf-Slope river ecosystem

Jesse C. Becker, Ball State University

10:40 A.M. Aquatic invasive plant management: building consensus for improved

management in the future

Scott Shuler, SePRO Corporation

11:00 A.M. Effects of Hydrology on Growth Rate in Large River Fishes

Stephen J. Jacquemin, Wright State University - Lake Campus

11:20 A.M. Walleye recruitment in Monroe Reservoir

Jason C. Doll, Ball State University

11:40 A.M. Bighead and silver carp in the Wabash River

Daniel Arndt, Duke Energy

12:00 P.M. Adjourn (Lunch on your own)

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Time Presentation

8:15 A.M. Welcome/Opening Remarks

Budd Veverka

8:20 A.M. Developing forest habitat health monitoring at Indiana state parks

Mike Mycroft, Indiana DNR, Division of Parks and Reservoirs

8:40 A.M. Effects of co-occurring high deer and exotic plant densities on deciduous forests

Chad Stewart, Indiana DNR, Division of Fish and Wildlife

9:00 A.M. Developing a collective approach to address invasive plants at Indiana state parks & reservoirs

Mike Mycroft, Indiana DNR, Division of Parks and Reservoirs

9:20 A.M. Copperheads, invasive plants, and ecological traps

Bruce Kingsbury, Indiana - Purdue University Fort Wayne

9:40 A.M. Examination and discussion of fish and wildlife kills in Indiana during the past five years

Scott Salmon, Indiana DNR, Division of Fish and Wildlife

10:00 A.M. Break

10:20 A.M. Autumn bat activity relative to recent timber harvest at an Indiana state forest

Scott Haulton, Indiana DNR, Division of Forestry

10:40 A.M. Limiting impacts to box turtles from prescribed fire

Bruce Kingsbury, Indiana - Purdue University Fort Wayne

11:00 A.M. Cerulean warbler settlement cues: a conspecific attraction study

Kevin Barnes, Ball State University

11:20 A.M. Survival and cause-specific mortality of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) fawns

in urban and rural areas

Chad Williamson, Ball State University

11:40 A.M. Indiana’s State Wildlife Action Plan: Update

Amanda Wuestefeld, Indiana DNR, Division of Fish and Wildlife

12:00 P.M. Adjourn (Lunch on your own)

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Ecological predictors of the spawning and movements of bigheaded carps in the Wabash River, IN

Alison Coulter1, Doug Keller2, Reuben Goforth1 1Purdue University and 2Indiana DNR, Division of Fish and Wildlife

Bigheaded carps (Hypophthalmichthys spp.) continue to rapidly spread throughout the Mississippi River Basin

and information on their movements and spawning may prove vital for control efforts. Using data collected from

2011-2013, we will investigate environmental variables thought to influence the movements and spawning of

bigheaded carps in the Wabash River, Indiana. Movement data were collected with an acoustic telemetry study

involving 297 silver and bighead carp. Movements will be examined in relation to time, sex, temperature and

flow. Using temperature, growing degree day and flow characteristics, we will also examine factors thought to

be important as spawning cues as well as egg density as a surrogate for spawning activity. We expect this infor-

mation to be useful to both managers and those attempting to model bigheaded carp expansion in novel ecosys-

tems.

An evaluation of Indiana’s new urban fishing program: Go FishIN in the City

Sandy Clark-Kolaks1 and Matt Petersen2 1Indiana DNR, Division of Fish and Wildlife and 2Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

An urban fishing program called Go FishIN in the City was created in 2013 to increase angling opportunities for

residents that live in Indiana’s highly populated cities. Twelve lakes were selected to take part in this new pro-

gram and 5,000 large (12 to 16 in) channel catfish were stocked into these urban lakes multiple times throughout

the spring. A roving-access creel and tandem hoop nets were used to evaluate fishing pressure and harvest. A

total of 1,471 fish representing 15 species was collected in 18 hoop net series. Channel catfish was the most

abundant species by number (43%), followed by bluegill (42%) and black crappie (4%). A total of 633 channel

catfish was collected with a total weight of 430.7 lbs. A total of 24,044 anglers fished approximately 44,558 h

throughout nine of the urban fishing program lakes that were creeled from April through August, 2013. The total

catch of all urban fishing program lakes was 11,102 fish, of which 8,247 were harvested. Bluegill comprised

49% of the total harvest by number, followed by catfish (36%), and black and/or white crappie (10%). A total of

2,958 catfish were harvested out of all of the urban fishing sites creeled, and an additional 2,823 catfish were

release during the survey period. Based on creel and hoop net sampling adjustments will be made to the program

in 2014 to further improve channel catfish utilization and angler satisfaction.

What caused a regime change in the Wabash River?

Mark Pyron, Jesse C. Becker, Dawn DeColibus, Allison Rober, and Kevin Wyatt

Ball State University

In the 1960s high pollution from industry resulted in decreased biomass for many Wabash River biota. During

the following decades decreased point source pollution and increased N from agriculture and sewage likely re-

sulted in increased variation in biomass of phytoplankton, consumer fishes, benthic invertivore fishes, and preda-

tor fishes. Asian carp appeared in the Wabash River during the 1990s and likely compete with native planktivore

consumers, causing reductions in their biomass. We hypothesized that increased nutrients in the Wabash River

watershed contributed to changes in the phytoplankton assemblage, and subsequent cascades to alter higher tro-

phic levels. We present historic and contemporary data for phytoplankton assemblages and fish isotopes to iden-

tify causes of a regime shift in the 1990s.

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Bt corn in Indiana Streams: Potential Fisheries Implications

Matthew D. Linn, Bowling Green State University

Bt crops are one of the most commonly utilized genetically modified crops worldwide. Bt crops contain a gene

that is derived from the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis, which produces the Cry1Ab toxin. Bt corn that contains

the Cry1Ab toxin is used throughout the Midwest United States to control crop pests such as the European corn

borer (Ostrinia nubilalis). Headwater streams in regions known for intensive agriculture receive Bt corn detritus

following the fall harvest, which is then consumed by a diverse community of stream invertebrates. The rusty

crayfish (Orconectes rusticus) is a common invertebrate detritivore in these headwater streams. Both isogenic

and Bt corn were grown under the controlled environmental conditions of a greenhouse and, following senes-

cence, were tested for nutritional equality. Rusty crayfish were exposed to one of several detrital treatments

composed of Bt corn, Bt corn plus American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), isogenic corn, isogenic corn plus

P. occidentalis, or P. occidentalis for eight weeks. Crayfish were housed in live streams with a water tempera-

ture of 12.8°C and a 12:12 photoperiod. Survival and growth of animals within each experimental treatment

were monitored each week. After eight weeks of exposure, there was no statistically significant difference in

growth between crayfish in Bt and isogenic treatments. However, mortality was 31% higher in the Bt treatment

than the isogenic treatment. These results suggest that the Bt and isogenic corn were of equivalent nutritional

value, but Bt corn does have a toxic affect on rusty crayfish during long-term exposure.

Landscape-level patterns of macroinvertebrate and fish communities are controlled more by environ-

mental gradients than trophic interactions in a Gulf-Slope river ecosystem

Jesse C. Becker1, Kelly Rodibaugh2, Ben Labay3, Frances Lash4, Timothy Bonner4, Yixin Zhang4, & Weston Nowlin4 1Ball State University, 2Texas Comm. on Environmental Quality, 3University of Texas, and 4Texas State University

We quantified macroinvertebrate and fish community distribution and diversity in the Brazos River (Texas,

USA), and determined the interactions between the biotic communities, spatial arrangement on the landscape,

and physicochemical conditions. Multiple complimentary analyses showed that macroinvertebrate and fish com-

munity compositions and river physicochemical conditions were correlated and primarily influenced by broad-

scale environmental gradients. After accounting for landscape location, the fish community was influenced by

spatial autocorrelation at small (<45 river km) distance scales only, yet neither the macroinvertebrate or physico-

chemical data indicated autocorrelation between sites. Macroinvertebrate and fish communities changed in an

upstream-to-downstream pattern with the strongest concordance in the spring and summer. However, macroin-

vertebrate community composition had limited ability to predict fish community composition. These data further

suggest that surrogate species or species groups should be chosen with caution in monitoring and conservation

programs. Additionally, disentangling the roles of exogenous and endogenous influences on community distribu-

tions and interactions is important for understanding the response communities will have to changes in environ-

mental conditions.

Aquatic Invasive Plant Management: Building Consensus for Improved Management in the Future

Scott Shuler, SePRO Corporation

Aquatic invasive plants have been documented to cause significant ecological and economic impacts. In addi-

tion, these species can alter ecosystems significantly via changes to water quality, habitat or food web dynamics.

Water uses such as recreation, navigation, irrigation conveyance and fishing may be impacted by the introduc-

tion of these invasive plant species. Case studies on the management of invasive aquatic plants such as Hydrilla,

Egeria and Eurasian watermilfoil in Indiana and throughout the United States will be discussed. The need to

develop consensus on the approaches to management for aquatic invasive plants and the goals of management

for water quality, habitat, ecosystem management, recreation and other human uses will be reviewed.

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Effects of hydrology on growth rate of large river fishes

Stephen J. Jacquemin1, Jason C. Doll2, and Mark Pyron2 1Wright State University - Lake Campus and 2Ball State University

Understanding the influence that hydrology has on freshwater fish life history is essential for conservation and

management of lotic ecosystems. The objectives of this study were to 1) investigate growth patterns of Wabash

River freshwater drum Aplodinotus grunniens relative to ontogeny (age) and sex, 2) describe long term variation

in hydrology of the Wabash River, and 3) test whether long term hydrological variation is a significant predictor

of freshwater drum growth. Growth was estimated using back-calculated lengths from otolith measurements.

Hydrology was described using Indicators of Hydrologic Alteration flow metrics calculated from long term

stream flow data at USGS stations. A generalized linear mixed model was used to model growth as a function of

age, sex, and hydrology. We were able to explain growth variation by age, sex, and hydrological variation.

Freshwater drum exhibited indeterminate growth relative to age. Mean growth rates and mean length at age were

lower in males than females. High magnitude flow events were positively correlated with increased growth rates

in both males and females. However, the effect of hydrology on growth was stronger in males. The primary hy-

drological variables related to growth were magnitude-based and were not related to timing of flow events. We

attribute hydrological variation over the past century to watershed level hydrologic alterations. Low and high

flow magnitudes have been significantly altered over the past 40 years as a result of impoundment release re-

gimes.

Walleye recruitment in Monroe Reservoir

Jason C. Doll1, Thomas E. Lauer1, and Sandy Clark-Kolaks2 1Ball State University and 2Indiana DNR, Division of Fish and Wildlife

Walleye Sander vitreum are one of the most sought-after sport fish in Indiana, and to meet this demand, the Indi-

ana Division of Fish and Wildlife annually stocks this species statewide. However, there is a paucity of informa-

tion that describes what variables influence recruitment in Indiana reservoirs. The objective of this study was to

determine if stocking abundance is related to fall electrofishing catch rates of age-0 and age-2 (harvestable size)

Walleye in Monroe Reservoir. We additionally tested for the influence of biotic (Hybrid Striped Bass Morone

saxatilis x Morone chrysops stocking abundance) and abiotic variables (mean summer surface temperature,

mean summer discharge, and mean summer thermocline depth) on recruitment. These relationships were as-

sessed using two Beverton-Holt stock recruitment models fit with Bayesian inference. Recruitment was esti-

mated as fall electrofishing catch rate of age-0 (model 1) and age-2 (model 2) and stock was estimated as num-

ber of fish stocked per acre. Nine year classes were included in each model. Stocking density of walleye ranged

from 26.6 to 74.6 fish per acre, age-0 electrofishing catch rates ranged from 22 to 565 fish per hour, and age-2

catch rates ranged from 3 to 43 fish per hour. Stocking density was significantly related to recruitment to age-0

and age-2. There was no evidence to suggest biotic or abiotic variables are influencing recruitment to age-0;

however, Walleye recruitment to age-2 was negatively related to stocking abundance of Hybrid Striped Bass.

Despite a limited sample size, the Bayesian approach permits us to make informed management decision based

on the available data. These results will be used to optimize future stocking regimes to maximize recruitment.

Bighead and silver carp in the Wabash River

Daniel Arndt, Duke Energy

The bighead and silver carp have established viable populations in the Wabash River basin. In some areas of the

Mississippi River basin, these species have become the most abundant species, altered the trophic food web, and

are feared to replace native fish assemblages. Although evidence of such effects on native fish assemblages in

the Wabash River have not been documented, bighead and silver carp have the potential to have the same affect.

This study was conducted in an effort to review, analyze, and update previously presented bighead and silver

carp effects on native Wabash River fish assemblages from data collected by Duke Energy personnel.

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Developing forest habitat health monitoring at Indiana state parks

Mike Mycroft, Indiana DNR, Division of Parks and Reservoirs

Approximately 75% of the habitat across land on Indiana state parks (SPR) is woodland. Though all seral stages

are represented, 10% of this habitat type is considered early successional. Though some properties have had

research in the past that developed some information regarding overall health, nothing formal has ever occurred

across the parks. With this in mind, a prototype forest habitat health monitoring system is being developed with

assistance from the IDNR Division of Forestry’s Continuous Forest Inventory program. Three state parks will

be surveyed in spring of 2014. Parks were selected based on assumed overall habitat quality. Each park repre-

sents high, intermediate, or low overall quality. Occurrences of listed species and state significant natural com-

munities listed in the Natural Heritage Database were used to reinforce quality assumptions. Areas of each

park’s representative habitat quality are being mapped and will have fixed radius plots evenly distributed

throughout. Protocols are still being developed but parameters being sampled will include those that indicate

composition, structure, regeneration of species appropriate for reference conditions, growth rates, snag densities,

coarse woody debris, and diversity and abundance of native and non-native woody and herbaceous species.

Effects of co-occurring high deer and exotic plant densities on deciduous forests

Chad M. Stewart1, Norm A. Bourg2, and William J. Shea2 1Indiana DNR, Division of Fish and Wildlife and 2Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute

The interactive relationship between white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) herbivory and exotic invasive

plant proliferation has received little study, despite its potential impacts on native biodiversity and habitat man-

agement in eastern North America. We conducted a multi-year, 2x2 factorial field experiment in three forests

with high deer densities and exotic invasive plant populations. We proposed that deer exclusion and invasive

plant removal in tandem would yield increases in native plant species richness and abundance. We also pre-

dicted that deer exclusion would lead to decreases in invasive plant abundance over time. Plots with high initial

cover of exotic invasive plant removal, either solely or in combination with deer exclusion, exhibited the highest

response for species richness and abundance of native herbaceous plants and woody seedlings. Deer exclusion

alone was the primary factor causing significant increases in the number and diversity of native tree species.

Our study demonstrates that both invasive plant removal and deer control are needed for native forest commu-

nity restoration, and resource managers must plan for resolution or mitigation of both issues to achieve forest

conservation.

Developing a collective approach to address invasive plants at Indiana state parks and reservoirs

Mike Mycroft, Indiana DNR, Division of Parks and Reservoirs

Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of State Parks & Reservoirs (SPR) covers nearly 170,000

acres of terrestrial habitat. Included in this area are more than 110 occurrences recognized by the Natural Heri-

tage Database as state significant natural communities. Invasive plants are the highest threat to these areas as

well as others on SPR lands. A survey developed by the Indiana Invasive Plant Advisory Council (IPAC) was

taken by 30 SPR properties in 2013. The results highlighted current challenges and successes in addressing in-

vasive plants. Using survey results such as a ranking of which invasive plants are most common and what staff

identified as their greatest needs, SPR’s first Division-wide strategic plan for invasive plants was initiated. The

plan is still in development and input is welcome. The plan currently features guidance on monitoring, treat-

ment, control and best management practices as developed by IPAC. Landscaping plants, optimal treatment

windows, and project prioritization are also addressed. The plan will also provide the basis of the first formal

policy on invasive plants on SPR lands.

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Copperheads, Invasive Plants, and Ecological Traps

Bruce Kingsbury, Indiana - Purdue University Fort Wayne

Invasive plants have been identified as a potential factor in the decline of many forms of wildlife. Nevertheless,

there is a paucity of clear evidence regarding causative mechanisms. We investigated the effects of invasive

plant species on resource selection and thermoregulation by monitoring radio-tagged Northern Copperheads

(Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen) in Clifty Falls State Park in southern Indiana. Copperheads exhibited clear

avoidance of most exotic invasive plant species at multiple spatial scales, with exotic shrubs having the greatest

influence on copperhead habitat selection. Avoidance of most exotic plants appears to be at least partially attrib-

utable to limited thermoregulatory opportunities within exotic-dominated habitats relative to native habitats, with

exotic shrub habitats providing the lowest thermal quality as a group. Additional mechanisms underlying avoid-

ance may include lack of suitable cover and/or decreased prey availability, but their significance is currently un-

known. In many cases, shrub control in parks relates to maintenance of areas for visitors and is conducted in a

manner that is cost-effective and aesthetic rather than implemented with wildlife in mind. This creates the poten-

tial for ecotraps, identified as a major source of direct impacts on copperheads in the park, as well as increasing

the chances of snake-human interactions. Consideration of timing may resolve many issues, and additional clear-

ing away from human activity areas may be a cost-effective means of promoting suitable habitat for the snakes

and other ectotherms impacted by invasives.

Autumn bat activity relative to recent timber harvest at an Indiana state forest

Scott Haulton, Indiana DNR, Division of Forestry

Indiana’s Harrison-Crawford State Forest (HCSF) is home to hundreds of caves that serve as winter bat hiberna-

cula, including the well-known Wyandotte Cave complex, which has been designated as critical habitat for the

federally endangered Indiana bat. HCSF is also a 24,000 acre actively managed forest which provides roosting

and foraging habitat for bats of many species during the non-hibernation seasons. The autumn pre-hibernation

period is particularly important at HCSF since high concentrations of bats use the caves and surrounding forest

to prepare for hibernation or as a temporary stop-over during migration. Surprisingly, little is known about how

timber harvesting affects bat habitat use during this critical time of the year. This presentation will summarize

findings from studies conducted 2012-2013 comparing bat activity in various forest habitat types at HCSF. In

2012, acoustic bat detectors were used to compare bat activity in forest stands that had recently (i.e. < 5 years)

received selection harvests with activity levels observed in “intact” mature forest stands (i.e. >15 years since

single-tree selection harvest). In 2013, acoustic bat detectors were used to compare bat activity at edges of patch-

cut regeneration openings with activity in sites recently harvested using single-tree selection. Anabat SD2 ultra-

sonic detectors were used to monitor bat activity and bat calls were identified to species group (i.e. low-

frequency, mid-frequency, and Myotids) based on call characteristics using 3 automated software packages,

EchoClass, Kaleidoscope, and BCID. For all species groups, activity levels were greater (P<0.05) in recently

harvested stands, relative to intact forest. The Myotid and low-frequency species groups used opening edges and

single-tree selection sites similarly (P>0.05); however, bats in the mid-frequency species group had greater ac-

tivity levels (P<0.05) at opening edges. Results indicate that recent selection harvests may be an important re-

source to foraging bats during migration and the pre-hibernation period.

Examination and discussion of fish and wildlife kills in Indiana during the past five years

Scott Salmon, Indiana DNR, Division of Fish and Wildlife

This presentation will update attendees on the recent trends and issues with pollution-caused fish and wild ani-

mal kills in Indiana. Topics include an overview of how fish kill response efforts are handled by IDEM and

IDNR, an analysis of kills from the last 5 years and restoration projects completed in that time, as well as chal-

lenges faced by the DNR in assessing and recovering damages. This presentation will be of interest to biologists

interested in economic valuation of wildlife as well as public policy.

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Survival and cause-specific mortality of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) fawns

in urban and rural areas

Chad R. Williamson1, Timothy C. Carter1, and Chad M. Stewart2, 1Ball State University and 2Indiana DNR, Division of Fish and Wildlife

Urban populations of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are increasing in many areas throughout their

range. Expansion of urban development and residential suburbs provides white-tailed deer with suitable habitat

that is conducive to rapid increases in population growth along with increased risk of deer-vehicle collisions,

personal property damage, and elevated incidences of zoonotic diseases. Assessment of fawn survival and cause-

specific mortality is important for understanding the population dynamics in these areas. Comparisons between

urban and rural populations may provide additional insight about the factors that affect these populations. We

captured and radio-collared 47 fawns (29 in urban areas and 18 in rural areas) from 22 May to 15 June 2013.

Fawn survival was monitored a minimum of twice weekly using radio-telemetry through 2013. Primary cause of

mortality was vehicle collision in urban areas, and hunting in rural areas. Other causes included abandonment

and predation events. This information may help explain the population density differences in urban and rural

areas, and help determine which management strategies may work the most effectively.

Cerulean warbler settlement cues: a conspecific attraction study

Kevin Barnes, Kamal Islam, and Sasha A. Auer, Ball State University

Breeding bird habitat selection studies often define environmental components within occupied areas. However,

breeding aggregations tend to occur even when suitable unoccupied habitat is nearby, suggesting that settlement

cues go beyond habitat characteristics. The Cerulean Warbler (Setophaga cerulea) has a distribution that is

loosely clustered within large tracts of seemingly suitable habitat and habitat selection studies across its range

have been inconsistent when defining a preferred microhabitat. We assessed the influence of social information

on male Cerulean Warbler breeding site selection by broadcasting conspecific song in mature deciduous forests

that have not had an established Cerulean Warbler territory in the past six years. The experiment was conducted

in Morgan-Monroe State Forest, Indiana from 15 April to 23 July 2013. Point counts were conducted in treat-

ment and control plots every 3-6 days. Breeding territories were not established in control or treatment areas.

Treatment and control areas will be surveyed again next spring to determine if conspecific vocalizations heard

late in the season by dispersing individuals influence settlement in those areas the following spring. In addition,

in 2014 speakers will be installed in an aggregated arrangement to determine if Cerulean Warblers are attracted

to mock breeding aggregations.

Limiting Impacts to Eastern Box Turtles from Prescribed Fire

Bruce Kingsbury, Indiana - Purdue University Fort Wayne

Prescribed fire is a common management tool in the Midwest and beyond, valued for its cost-effectiveness in

combating invasive plants and inhibiting succession. However, the consequences to resident wildlife remain

poorly investigated. Here we report on observed impacts to a population of the Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene

carolina) at a site in Michigan, and explore means to mitigate those effects. Prescribed burns carried out in a

typical manner result in deaths of over 10% or more of turtles in the burn footprint and injuring about the same

proportion. Such losses are unsustainable if burning is repeated over time, and such is commonly the case. Tur-

tles that had not emerged from overwintering appear to be less susceptible to direct impacts from fire. Conse-

quently, a strategy to reduce population level losses from burning could include timing the fires when turtles are

still underground. To understand what factors drive emergence, we explored thermal and circannual cues. We

monitored body (carapace) and soil (surface, 15 and 30 cm) temperatures with iButton dataloggers, and also con-

sidered information from a local weather station and derivatives of Julian date to examine circannual rhythms.

Termination of overwintering was observed to be bi-phasic, with an initial “surfacing” phase from deeper under-

ground towards the soil surface stimulated by deeper (15 cm) soil temperatures rising above freezing. Complete

“emergence” was initiated when surface ground temperatures rose to 9C and virtually complete by the time soils

were 16C. We also explored the application of Growing Degree Days (GDDs) as a proxy for soil temperatures,

as such an approach would allow land managers to predict emergence without access to extensive soil tempera-

ture data. We found excellent predictive power for both surfacing and emergence using GDDs. With adjustment,

such an approach should have broad utility for predicting emergence by other herpetofauna as well.

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Pathogen Susceptibility of Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) and Bighead Carp

(Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) in the Wabash River

Kensey Thurner, Marisol Sepulveda, Reuben Goforth, & Cecon Mahapatra, Purdue University

Invasive, aquatic species pose threats to the balance of local ecosystems by competing with native species and

interfering with native habitats. Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) and Bighead Carp

(Hypophthalmichthys nobilis), also known as Asian carp, were introduced to U.S. in the 1970s and have become

prolific, invasive pests in Midwestern rivers. There is also concern that Silver Carp will spread into the Great

Lakes and cause declines in valuable commercial and sport fisheries. It is important to understand how Silver

Carp and Bighead Carp are able to thrive here, and one aspect of this is their susceptibility to native and invasive

pathogens. To help understand the role of disease in controlling Asian carp population size, we are identifying

viruses and bacteria affecting Silver Carp, Bighead Carp and native fishes in the Wabash and Tippecanoe Rivers

and the prevalence of these pathogens in each species. We collected tissue and blood samples from 14 species of

fish in the Wabash River and extracted DNA and RNA from the samples. We are use next-generation sequenc-

ing (NGS) to identify which pathogen DNA and RNA are present in each fish species and polymerase chain re-

action (PCR) to determine the percentage of affected fish in each species.

Morphological variation across the range of a widespread crayfish in native and invasive locations

Luke Etchison1, Mark Pyron1, and Christopher Taylor2 1Ball State University and 2Illinois Natural History Survey

We compared morphological variation in northern crayfish (Orconectes virilis) for native and non-native ranges.

Crayfish collections from the Illinois Natural History Survey were analyzed using geometric morphometrics and

tested for variation by gender, site type (native or non-native), watershed area, and latitude - longitude. We pre-

dicted that morphological variation is a result of adaptation to local habitats and regional landuse (human im-

pact). The presence of strong correlations for crayfish morphology with watershed-scale impacts indicates eco-

system-wide effects and a potential need for conservation. Furthermore, northern crayfish likely have the largest

distribution for North American crayfish; our results provide improved understanding of potential pathways for

non-native range establishment.

Nutrient limitations of Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum L.)

Aaron M. Marti, Melody J. Bernot, and Allison R. Rober, Ball State University

Nutrient limitation of Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM; Myriophyllum spicatum L.), an invasive plant in the US, is

relatively unknown. Therefore, we investigated EWM growth in response to concentration gradients of ammo-

nium (NH4), nitrate (NO3), phosphate (PO4), and combinations of N and P in vitro. EWM fragments (whorls)

were grown in mesocosms of nutrient-amended spring water for one week followed by measurement of biomass

change. Growth increased exponentially up to ~3 mg NO3-N L-1 and decreased exponentially with higher N

concentrations when nitrate was the only amendment added (0.5-12 mg NO3-N L-1). EWM growth did not re-

spond to singular amendments of ammonium or phosphate. However, with a combination of ammonium (1.6 mg

NH4-N L-1) and phosphate (0.05-0.8 mg PO4-P L-1) growth increased exponentially. These data suggest EWM

growth may be co-limited by ammonium and phosphate. Future trials will investigate nutrient-growth relation-

ships of EWM, specifically the strength of interaction between N and P, for development of predictive models to

aid in management of this invasive plant.

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Home range assessment of bighead carp within the Wabash River, IN

Austin R. Prechtel1, Alison A. Coulter1, Doug Keller2, and Reuben Goforth1 1Purdue University and 2Indiana DNR, Division of Fish and Wildlife

Since the 1970’s, bigheaded carp (Hypophthalmichthys spp.) have been spreading throughout much of the lower

and middle Mississippi River basin. Concern over their invasion has led to many efforts to assess their ecology

and impacts. Home range size can be used as a way to assess habitat needs and use of these fishes, as well as

provide insight when examining potential impacts on other species. The movements of bigheaded carp were

monitored over a 3-year period using Vemco acoustic telemetry. In total, 297 fish with individual tags were

monitored using both active and stationary tracking. Tracking data were imported into Arcmap 10.1 where both

summer (May-August) and the year-long home ranges were determined using maximum displacement. Results

showed that there was no difference between male and female year-long or summer home ranges. Summer

home range was significantly correlated with fish total length, but this correlation did not hold for year-long

home range. The home ranges of bighead carp, silver carp and their hybrids did not differ from each other re-

gardless of the time frame considered.

Channel catfish population dynamics on Eagle Creek Reservoir

Anna Settineri and Thomas E. Lauer, Ball State University

Eagle Creek reservoir is a 1,350 acre man-made reservoir on the northwest side of Indianapolis, Indiana. It was

built in 1968 and has since been the main water supply for Indianapolis, with the management of the water fal-

ling to the Department of Natural Resources. Our objective was to determine age and growth rates of Channel

Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, in the reservoir. The reservoir was sampled using gill, trap, and hoop nets from May

to August 2013. The left pectoral spine was removed through disarticulation and used to age fish. A total of

180 channel catfish was collected, ranging from 174mm to 610mm in total length and ranged in age from 0 to 17

years. Channel catfish PSD was 26, suggesting a productive fishery, with many quality sized fish.

Temporal Changes of the Fish Assemblage in Eagle Creek Reservoir

Nicholas W. Haunert and Thomas E. Lauer, Ball State University

Many sport predators, including walleye, hybrid striped bass, white bass and muskellunge, have been historically

stocked into Eagle Creek Reservoir, Indianapolis IN to enhance the fishery. However, their efficacy in providing

quality fishing is unclear. The objective of this study was to evaluate the length frequency distributions of the

selected species in Eagle Creek Reservoir and determine how they might influence angler satisfaction. Samples

were collected in July of 2012 and May of 2013 using gill nets, trap nets, and night electrofishing. Lengths were

recorded for all fishes collected. Proportional Stock Densities were used to determine whether the sport fishes

were of the size typically desired by anglers. The results of this study show that the bluegill PSD increased from

14% in 2012 to 39% in 2013. The length frequency distributions displayed little growth in the overall assem-

blage for bluegill. The largemouth bass PSD was 49% and then increased to 80%. The length frequency distribu-

tions had a similar distribution and shape for both years. The PSD for white bass was 55% in 2012, but only two

individuals were collected in 2013. The length frequency distributions of white bass displayed two age classes

and many larger individuals for 2012. The PSD for white crappie increased from 31% to 60%. The length fre-

quency distributions suggested that the age class displayed growth. The yellow bass PSD only increased from

62% to 65%. The length frequency distributions displayed growth for each age class. The length frequency dis-

tributions suggested that most of the gizzard shad population were larger than 200 mm.

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Comparing five macroinvertebrate bioassessments:

Are we meeting national water quality monitoring intent?

Jamie K. Lau and Thomas E Lauer, Ball State University

Variation in state freshwater stream macroinvertebrate assessments limits the ability to determine impairment

status across political jurisdictions. The objective of our study was to determine whether the macroinvertebrate

assessments created by Indiana, Maryland, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia provided similar impairment cate-

gorizations. Data from 100 Indiana and 100 West Virginia stream sites were used to compare the assessments.

With Indiana data, the proportion of impaired sites according to Ohio, Maryland, and West Virginia was signifi-

cantly lower than the proportion determined by Indiana. In contrast, the proportion of impaired sites using the

Virginia assessment was significantly higher. When we used the West Virginia data, the proportion of impaired

sites was significantly lower using Indiana and Maryland assessments than determined by West Virginia. The

proportion of impaired sites according to Ohio and Virginia were not different than the proportion determined by

West Virginia. Thus, impairment thresholds defined by individual states are sensitive to assessment variation;

therefore, we are suggesting the current state methods for assessing U.S. streams limit data comparability nation-

wide.

Spacial trends in Lake Michigan salmonid catches, 1992-2012

Stocked and naturally reproducing salmonids in Lake Michigan support an economically important charter boat

fishery which operates from multiple locations around the lake. Specific charter boat operators are dependent not

only on the sustainability of lake-wide salmonid populations, but also on the availability of salmonids in the par-

ticular portion of the lake they exploit. We hypothesize that the distribution of salmonids in Lake Michigan may

have changed over the past two decades in response to a) climate change induced lake warming and b) invasive

species mediated increased relative production in the nearshore zone of Lake Michigan. To investigate these hy-

potheses we analyzed the spatial distributions (10’ grid resolution) of charter boat catch rates from 1992-2002.

Specifically, we analyzed catches of Brown Trout, Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout, Coho Salmon, and Chinook

Salmon from charter boat operators in Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin (data provided by IL, MI and WI De-

partments of Natural Resources). Consistent with our hypotheses, from 1992-2012 catches of salmonids in Lake

Michigan have generally shifted towards shallower depths and higher latitudes. However, fishing effort has

shifted in a similar manner and it is not entirely clear as to the extent altered spatial catch patterns reflect a shift

in fish distributions versus a simple shift in fishing effort.

Nicholas Simpson1, Andrew Honsey1, Tomas Höök 1, Lacey Mason2, and Edward Rutherford3 1Purdue University, 2Institute for Fisheries Research and 3NOAA GLERL

Weak concordance among fish and macroinvertebrate assemblages in Indiana streams

Julie Backus and Mark Pyron, Ball State University

Our objective was to quantify if macroinvertebrate assemblages in Indiana streams were better predicted from co

-occurring fish assemblages or environmental variables. We used Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA)

with forward-selection of variables to identify significant environmental predictor variables for macroinverte-

brate and fish assemblages. A Mantel test was used to determine if fish assemblage composition and macroinver-

tebrate assemblage composition significantly co-vary. The CCAs resulted in two significant predictors of macro-

invertebrate distribution and abundance, and four significant predictors of fish distribution and abundance. Simi-

larity matrices of fish and macroinvertebrates were significantly, though weakly, correlated in the Mantel test (r

= 0.22, p = 0.019). Our results suggest that macroinvertebrates respond to local and regional environmental

variation, and less to local presence of fishes.

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Lunar phobia in temperate vespertilionid bats: modeling moonlight’s impact on bat activity

Aaron Cross1, Timothy C. Carter1, Dustin A.S. Owens2, and Timothy J. Sichmeller3 1Ball State University, 2Austin Peay University, and 3West, Inc.

Variation in state freshwater stream macroinvertebrate assessments limits the ability to determine impairment

status across political jurisdictions. The objective of our study was to determine whether the macroinvertebrate

assessments created by Indiana, Maryland, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia provided similar impairment cate-

gorizations. Data from 100 Indiana and 100 West Virginia stream sites were used to compare the assessments.

With Indiana data, the proportion of impaired sites according to Ohio, Maryland, and West Virginia was signifi-

cantly lower than the proportion determined by Indiana. In contrast, the proportion of impaired sites using the

Virginia assessment was significantly higher. When we used the West Virginia data, the proportion of impaired

sites was significantly lower using Indiana and Maryland assessments than determined by West Virginia. The

proportion of impaired sites according to Ohio and Virginia were not different than the proportion determined by

West Virginia. Thus, impairment thresholds defined by individual states are sensitive to assessment variation;

therefore, we are suggesting the current state methods for assessing U.S. streams limit data comparability nation-

wide.

Bambi’s in your backyard: white-tailed deer fawn bed-site selection in an urban matrix

Falyn Owens1, Chad M. Stewart1, Chad R. Williamson2, and Timothy C. Carter2 1Indiana DNR, Division of Fish and Wildlife and 2Ball State University

White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are an increasing concern for urban residents as their growing num-

bers reach and exceed the local social carrying capacity in urban centers. One common conflict arises each

spring, when does give birth and become aggressive to pets and humans when they perceive a threat to their

fawns. Urban dwellers wishing to avoid this conflict could disincentivize fawns from choosing their property as

a bed site, but only if knowledgeable about what factors are likely to attract fawns in the first place. In order to

uncover these factors, we located neonate fawns in a small Midwestern city (Bloomington, IN) and measured

several microhabitat features of their bed-sites. We then compared bed-sites to randomized locations where

fawns were not found. Preliminary analysis suggests fawns are more likely to bed in naturalized areas character-

ized by vine cover, unmanicured grasses, and forbs. The implication for homeowners might be the need to make

a choice between more yard maintenance and coping with aggressive deer dams.

Can deer movement be predicted by the lunar cycle?

Stephanie K. Raiman, Indiana DNR, Division of Fish and Wildlife

Numerous hunters and hunting forums claim that hunting by the lunar cycle is an accurate way to predict deer

activity and can be used as a way to determine the best days to hunt white-tailed deer. However, little research

about this subject has been conducted to verify if this is true. Using IDNR Archer Survey Indexes from 2011 and

2012, we attempted to determine if deer activity coincides with the lunar cycle. We looked at the number of total

deer observed and the number of bucks observed to determine if male activity varied. Data suggests that there is

no relationship between the lunar cycle and deer activity. There are multiple other factors that could influence

deer activity such as photoperiodism, weather, and hunting pressure, which make it difficult to predict deer ac-

tivity solely based on the lunar cycle. It is easy to see why the lunar cycle may seem like a tempting option to

use to predict deer activity since it is more predictable and is less variable across the state than other factors, but

with its limited association with deer activity, it is not a reliable method to predict deer activity and determine

the best days to hunt.

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Assessment of thermoregulation during torpor in three sympatric species of Myotis

Chad M. Argabright1, Dustin A.S. Owens2, Timothy C. Carter1, Timothy J. Sichmeller3, and H. Hohmann4 1Ball State University, 2Austin Peay University, 3West, Inc., and 4Army Corps of Engineers

Torpor is an important behavior that allows bats to conserve energy when they are not feeding. During torpor

bats slow their metabolisms and allow their body temperatures to drop to near ambient temperatures. This study

examined the differences in various aspects of torpor among three sympatric species of Myotis bats: Myotis luci-

fuga (MYLU), Myotis septentrionalis (MYSE), and Myotis sodalis (MYSO). Body temperatures of roosting bats

in Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois were collected via temperature-sensitive radio transmitters and analyzed to

quantify various aspects of torpor behavior and physiology. Kruskal-Wallis Tests revealed that MYLU tend to

enter torpor an hour earlier than MYSE or MYSO. MYSE and MYSO enter torpor around sunrise and MYLU

tend to enter torpor around 75 minutes before sunrise. However, overall the amount of time each species spends

in torpor is identical. There are also differences in body temperature rate of change among the three species, as

MYLU body temperature decreases at a faster rate than MYSE or MYSO. It is unknown what exactly causes this

higher rate of decrease, but it could be caused by a variety of factors, such as ambient temperature differences,

roosting behavior, or physiological differences.

Bat activity along the forest-harvest interface in an experimental landscape

Katherine L. Caldwell and Timothy C. Carter, Ball State University

Silvicultural practices alter forest structure that bats contend with for flight and foraging, creating hard edges at

the harvest-forest interface. Increased bat species abundance and richness along harvested edges have been docu-

mented, but use of the forested side of the edge has been scarcely investigated. Better understanding of forest

management influence on forest-dwelling bats is crucial to conservation and management efforts. We examined

bat activity along both sides of the harvest-forest interface using high-frequency acoustic detectors in Morgan-

Monroe and Yellowwood State Forests, Indiana from mid May to late July, 2013. We used Wildlife Acoustics

Song Meter SM2BAT+ to sample 36 edge locations: 18 sites on the harvest side of the harvest-forest interface

and 18 sites on the forest side of the harvest-forest interface. Species abundance and diversity was significantly

greater on the harvest side of the interface. Additionally, call abundance was significantly greater on the harvest

side of the interface for four species: Eptesicus fuscus, Lasiurus borealis, L. cinereus, and Perimyotis subflavus.

Myotis spp. did not show significant difference between the two edge locations. This information suggests both

sides of the edge are useful to bats of differing species, thus forest management that creates a mosaic of small

harvests can be beneficial to many bat species.

Using public awareness to assist in locating white-tailed deer fawns for research

Chad R. Williamson1, Timothy C. Carter1, and Chad M. Stewart2, 1Ball State University and 2Indiana DNR, Division of Fish and Wildlife

Radio-collaring of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) fawns helps managers and biologists to understand

the population dynamics in deer herds. Methods for locating and capturing newborn white-tailed deer fawns are

well documented. Conducting ground searches in efforts to locate neonates requires considerable resources in

terms of time and personnel. Urban areas can have additional difficulties such as land access and public aware-

ness. Involving community citizens in scientific research can be beneficial to both citizens and researchers. In

efforts to collar urban fawns, we implemented a public involvement strategy to promote support for the project

and to aid researchers in locating fawns. This strategy used two main modes of directly communicating with the

public including website/email and a phone hotline. We raised public awareness of the project through local

newspaper articles, radio interviews, mail fliers, community events, and via word of mouth. During this study

we captured and radio-collared 47 fawns in 2013. Of those, 32 were captured as a result of public reports. Time

spent on urban fawn capture was minimal when compared to time spent on rural fawn capture. Involving com-

munities in research-based science not only promotes learning and education but can also reduce efforts and

costs for conducting urban wildlife research.

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Diet Composition of Cerulean Warbler Nestlings in Southern Indiana

Sasha A. Auer1, Kamal Islam1, Jennifer R. Wagner2, Keith S. Summerville3, and Kevin W. Barnes1 1Ball State University, 2Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and 3Drake University

The Cerulean Warbler (Setophaga cerulea) is a Nearctic-Neotropical wood warbler that breeds in the hardwood

forests of eastern United States and southern Ontario, Canada and winters in the Andes mountain range in South

America. Breeding bird surveys indicate a population decline of 70% over the past five decades and the Ceru-

lean Warbler is a federal species of concern in the United States and is state-endangered in Indiana. Despite a

substantial increase in research during the past decade, Cerulean Warbler offspring diet has not been studied.

Our primary objectives were to determine which prey types Cerulean Warblers preferred to feed their nestlings,

and to describe the diet composition of nestlings. Other objectives were to determine if the proportion of Lepi-

doptera larvae (caterpillars) in the diet changed during the breeding season. Caterpillars have a higher fat content

than many other arthropods and they are an important food source for numerous birds. We determined the prey

types (insects and arachnids) that Cerulean Warbler parents fed their young during the 2011-2013 breeding sea-

sons and compared the proportions of different prey types to prey availability in 2013. Proportion of caterpillars

in the nestling diet was 65% (n = 23) in 2011, 40% in 2012 (n = 18) and 53% in 2013 (n = 366). In 2013, cater-

pillars comprised 89% of the diet during the peak nestling period which occurred during the end of May into

early June. The proportion of caterpillars in the nestling diet decreased during the season in 2013. Non-

caterpillar prey items included Orthoptera, Diptera, Neuroptera, Arachnida, Coleoptera, Hemiptera and Phas-

mida. Many songbirds rely on an abundant supply of caterpillars to raise their young, and their nesting phenol-

ogy has evolved to coincide with peaks in abundance of caterpillars. These species may be particularly prone to

the effects that changes in vegetation composition and climate likely have on the life cycle and abundance of

their food source and these effects may influence those songbirds’ reproductive success. The importance of cat-

erpillars in the diet of Cerulean Warbler nestlings should be considered in management decisions for this spe-

cies.

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