Environmental Studies Program
Date of this Version
Spring 5-2011
Abstract
Stable-hydrogen isotopes are becoming an increasingly popular method of studying migratory birds, though sample preparation methods may affect results. In this study I examined feathers from red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis) to determine the relationship between measure of δD due to inter-feather variation or drying methods, assessed the accuracy of results by using two birds of known-origin and estimated possible natal origins of migratory red-tailed hawks. Two feathers per individual were taken from 81 wild hawks caught at Hitchcock Nature Center near Crescent IA and from 2 rescued red-tailed hawks, Raptor Recovery Nebraska near Eagle, NE. 119 of the collected feathers were used. I found that there was no significant inter-feather variation, and that there was no significant difference between air-drying and oven-drying feathers. δD results of the known-origin birds corresponded with Eagle and the origin of their food (Madison, WI). Maps were constructed using ArcGIS that display possible origins of wild birds and known-origin birds based on δD of their feathers.
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Biochemistry Commons, Environmental Chemistry Commons, Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment Commons, Environmental Monitoring Commons, Other Animal Sciences Commons, Other Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Commons, Other Environmental Sciences Commons, Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology Commons, Zoology Commons