Haley Lloyd
"Going to the woods is going home."
-John Muir
"Going to the woods is going home."
-John Muir
"Going to the woods is going home."
-John Muir
Writing Samples
Grant Proposal:
This page showcases a couple of class assignments that I completed in my Wildlife Ecology for Conservation Program. The first assignment is a grant proposal based off of research that I conducted last summer at Bridgewater College with Dr. Kimberly Bolyard. I am most proud of this assignment because it was chosen to be funded by a mock grant council of fellow students in my program.
EOL: Veery Assignment:
The second assignment is a submission for the Encyclopedia Of Life (EOL) website written by myself and Maria Dellapina. It is on the Veery, which is a neotropical migrant bird that breeds in North America and travels to South America for winter residence. We hope that our submission on the Veery will be featured on the EOL website one day!
Grant Proposal
Personal Statement
The blacknose dace, Rhinichthys atratulus, is a common inhabitant in the rivers of the Shenandoah Valley (Jenkins & Burkhead, 1993). Some of these rivers have been contaminated and are currently under observation for potential restoration (South River Science Team, 2008). The main aim of this project is to assess whether antipredator behavior varies between two populations of fish that are exposed to differing levels of mercury contamination. Pressure from a model predator may affect the fright responses of the mercury contaminated South River fish differently than non-mercury contaminated fish from Dry River. The secondary goal of this project is to gain an understanding of biological and environmental research. I am looking to further my understanding of research so that I may be competitive in my applications for environmental science graduate schools this year. I would also like to further my researching skills such as scientific writing so I can better conduct research in graduate school as a George Mason University Alumnus and as an environmental consultant. As a future environmental consultant I will need to effectively assess environmental conditions, design solutions to these issues, and disseminate my ideas to my future clients; skills very similar to those I will obtain from this project. This project is part of the ongoing research of my professor’s work, Dr. Kimberly Bolyard at George Mason University.
Introduction
In 1929, DuPont, a chemical industry located in Waynesboro, Virginia released mercury into the South River during its production of rayon. In 1950, the company stopped using mercury and later found it in the ground surrounding their building. Since then, a 100 year monitoring program has been funded by DuPont to clean up the mercury and restore the South River (DuPont, 2012). Mercury has been known to impact the nervous system and physiological functions of aquatic organisms. In humans, impacts on cognitive thinking, memory, attention, language, and fine motor and visual spatial skills have been seen in children exposed to methylmercury in the womb (EPA, 2014). To understand the direct effects of contaminants on aquatic organisms, I would like to conduct research on the individual behaviors of minnow species. More specifically, I would like to focus on antipredator behaviors. In this study, I will investigate the effects of the presence of a smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) upon the antipredator behaviors of blacknose dace (R. atratulus). I will examine how behaviors are displayed by the dace and how habitat structures interact with predation. To understand the direct effects of contaminants on aquatic organisms, research will be conducted on individual species’ behaviors. If river contamination does have an effect on organisms’ behavior and physiological functions, then predator-prey relationships may be at risk. The relationships may become unbalanced due to the prey making itself more available to a predator, in which case the predator may deplete the source of prey (Volterra, 1928). When predator-prey relationships are altered, modifications in feeding relationships and food webs may occur (Jardine et al, 2013). “When fishes are attacked or startled by the presence of a predator, they frequently display a fright response that provides an obvious visual cue that a predator is in the vicinity” (Brown, 2006). Such fright reactions are also referred to as antipredator responses. Alterations in these behaviors may affect longevity of individuals and the age structure of populations, as well as the feeding relationships among fish. If the antipredator behavior of fish are altered, then it may hinder an individual’s ability to survive. In a study conducted by Daniel Weber, zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos were exposed to low tissue concentrations of mercury and showed significant unfavorable effects on their predator escape behavior (Weber, 2006). For these reasons, I hypothesize that South River dace will be more susceptible to predation due to fewer or delayed antipredator behaviors. Observing antipredator behaviors in fish may contribute to a greater understanding of how contamination impacts predator-prey relationships. With this research I will help address some of the unanswered questions about the effects that mercury contamination has on rivers. Knowledge gained from this research will be beneficial to understanding the complex ecosystems of contaminated waters and will be used to further the research in this field.
Process
This study will survey the effects of mercury on antipredator behaviors of two different populations of blacknose dace; one from South River and the other from Dry River. South River has significant mercury contamination (Delvecchio et al., 2010). High levels of mercury contamination have not been reported in Dry River. Blacknose dace live in both rivers and will be used as test subjects due to the lack of studies on them and the functionality of their capture. A model of the predator fish will be presented to the dace to measure their fright response. To produce a model predator, multiple morphometric measurements of an average smallmouth bass will be taken and sent to 3D-Hatched, a 3D printing company located in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Initial field observations will include surveying both South River and Dry River for adequate sites to collect fish. Once specific sites from both rivers are chosen, 20 blacknose dace will be lightly shocked from each river with an Electrofisher backpack (provided by GMU’s Environmental Science department) and collected from each river. All 40 fish will be measured for length (using digital calipers) and weight (using a digital scale), and will be placed and held individually into identical 9.46 liter tanks for an appropriate acclimation period. Each holding tank will be equipped with a fake plant and river rock substrate. All holding tanks will be conditioned and dechlorinated before fish are placed inside of them. All tanks, with exception of the test tanks, will be attached to air pumps. Paper dividers will be placed between each holding tank. The fish will be fed every day with bloodworms. So that the most accurate results are recorded, videos will be taken from behind a cardboard divider. Each experimental trial will contain one of three randomized stimuli placed beside the test tank: a plank of wood, the model bass, and an empty tank. The piece of wood is about the same size of the model bass and will act as a control for it in case the dace reacts to any object placed beside of the test tank. A paper divider will be placed between the two tanks between trial periods. A plant will be present as a source of refuge and placed in the rear corner of the test tank. Once the dace is placed into the test tank it will acclimate for 2 minutes. After the first two minutes the fish will be exposed to one of the three stimuli at random. A two minute rest period will follow subjection to the first stimuli and the then the next random stimuli will be presented. This process will happen again so that the fish is exposed to all stimuli and video recording will end after two minutes of exposure to the last stimuli. Measurements and observations will be recorded based on the types of antipredator reactions that the fish exhibit, and include their refuge use, retreats and approaches with respect to the predator, and their position in the tank (horizontal proximity to the stimuli). After experimentation, fish will be placed into 38 liter tanks with other tested fish from the same river and kept in the lab for observation.
Timeline
During the first month, I will research the morphometric measurements of a smallmouth bass and will then order the 3D bass print. During the second month, I will look for areas along the rivers to collect fish from. After I have received the 3D bass I will collect the dace from the rivers and allow them to acclimate to their individual holding tanks in the lab (Month 2). At the start of the third month I will begin with experimentation. The last month will be spent analyzing the videos, writing my research report, and presenting my project.
Expected Outcomes
I will expect to see that South River dace will be more susceptible to predation due to fewer or delayed antipredator behaviors. I also expect to see noticeable differences between swimming patterns and use of the plant shelter in the test tank. Results from this project may help others gain knowledge about the potential impacts of river contamination on aquatic organisms. This research will inspire law makers to construct stricter laws regarding contamination in rivers not only in Virginia, but all over the world. The project’s outcomes will be displayed in a poster and presented at the Virginia Academy of Science Research Symposium.
Budget
The 3D fish price may depend on the quote from 3D-Hatched. A teacher’s discount card will be used to purchase supplies from Petco so prices may vary. This budget is based on a $5000 grant.
Student Stipend
$3800
Faculty Stipend
$500
Supplies:
3D Printed fish $200
River Rock Gravel (20 lb x 3) $35
Water Plants (43) $40
Water Treatment (2) $10
Frozen Bloodworms (3) $15
Test Tanks (38 L x 4) $150
Holding Tanks (9.46 L x40) $250
Bibliography
Brown, C. (2006). Social Learning in Fishes. In Fish Cognition and Behavior. Oxford, UK: Blackwell Pub.
Delvecchio R., Friedman S., & Unsworth R. (2010). South River and South Fork of the Shenandoah River Natural Resource Damage
Assessment: Draft Damage Assessment Plan. Industrial Economics, Inc.: Cambridge, Mass.
DuPont Corporate Remediation Group. (2012). Final Report: Ecological Study of the South River and a Segment of the South Fork
Shenandoah River, Virginia. Wilmington, DE: Ralph G. Stahl, Jr.
Jardine T. D., Kidd K. A., & O’Driscoll N. (2013). Food web analysis reveals effects of pH on mercury bioaccumulation at multiple
trophic levels in streams. Aquatic Toxicology, 132, 13346-52. doi:10.1016/j.aquatox.2013.01.013
Jenkins R.E. & Burkhead N.M. (1993) Freshwater Fishes of Virginia. American Fisheries Society,
Bethesda, MD, U.S.A.
South River Science Team. (Spring 2008) At a glance: Bank restoration on the South River. Update. South River Science Team,
Waynesboro, VA.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2014). Health Effects. Retrieved November 16, 2015, from http://www.epa.gov/mercury/effects.htm
Volterra, V. (1928). Variations and fluctuations of the number of individuals in animal species living together. Journal du Conseil / Conseil
Permanent International pour l'Exploration de la Mer, 3(1), 3-51.
Weber, D. N. (2006). Dose-dependent effects of developmental mercury exposure on C-start escape responses of larval zebrafish Danio
rerio. Journal of Fish Biology, 69:75–94.
EOL
Haley Lloyd & Maria Dellapina
Veery (Catharus fuscescens)
Behavior
Veeries tend to behave in an inconspicuous manner; however, males are often the exception, emitting a beautifully complex song for which the species is named (Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 2015). Male veeries emit a cascading resonant song of da-vee-ur, vee-ur, vee-ur, veer veer veer. The song itself is rather complex, exhibiting a wide range of frequencies, patterns and phrases. Despite these variations, the standard veery song has two main parts: 1) an ascending introductory note and 2) a series of descending similar phrases (Samuel, 1972). Belinsky et al. (2015) found that male veeries tend to modulate their song in aggressive contexts, specifically while protecting territory from other males. Modulations include the elimination of the ascending introductory note and the addition of airy, high frequency calls often referred to as “whisper calls” (Belinksky et al., 2015).
Veeries, like many thrushes, chorus at dawn and dusk (Belinksy et al., 2012). When compared to the dusk chorus, Belinsky et al. (2012) found that dawn chorusing veeries experience increased acoustic competition. In their investigation, veeries were often covered up by three species (wood thrush, grey catbird and ovenbird) whose vocalizations share similar frequencies. Based on these findings, Belinsky et al. (2012) hypothesized that veery dusk choruses evolved in response to acoustic competition. That is, in order to increase communication efficacy, it appears veeries evolved to chorus at both dawn and dusk (Belinsky et al., 2012).
Veery foraging behavior mirrors that of other thrushes. Individuals can be found foraging on the ground or in low vegetation for insects and other invertebrates. Veeries tend to search for hidden prey by lifting and flipping leaves with their beaks (Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 2015; Kaufman, 2014). Individuals may watch for prey from a low perch prior to dropping to the ground to forage or capture insects through short spurts of flight (Kaufman, 2014).
Diagnostic Description
Veeries are medium-sized thrushes with a body shape similar to that of an American robin. Overall, they have a plump body and rounded head with a straight, narrow bill (Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 2015). Typical length from bill to tail tip is 7 inches while average wingspan is 12 inches. Veeries have reddish-brown upperparts, a thin gray eye ring, a faintly streaked buff throat and upper breast, light underparts, gray flanks and face patch, and pinkish legs (McCormac and Kennedy, 2004). Veeries express regional differences that may complicate the process of identification. In the far-western portion of their range, British Columbia, Alberta, Oregon, Montana, Idaho, and Newfoundland, veery populations have darker upperparts and more pronounced breast spotting, which may make them appear more like a Swainson’s thrush or gray-cheeked thrush (Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 2015)
Overall, veeries are easier to identify than other thrushes in their genus (Catharus) due to their reddish-brown upperparts. However, veeries can be mistaken for similar species including hermit thrush (Catharus guttatus), wood thrush (Hylocichla mustelina), gray-cheeked thrush (Catharus minimus), Swainson’s thrush (Catharus ustulatus) and brown thrasher (Taxostoma rufum). In comparison to veeries, hermit thrushes have a warm brown tail, lighter brown back and perform habitual tail bobbing. Wood thrushes express more pronounced spotting on the chest and belly. They also tend to be plumper than veeries. Gray-cheeked thrushes are grayer overall and lack the warm reddish brown color of the veery. Because of their gray color, gray-cheeked thrushes are more readily differentiated from veeries; however, identification can be difficult in portions of veery range. Swainson’s thrush tend to be more olive brown in color with more pronounced chest spots and a buff-colored eye ring. Brown thrashers are larger with a longer more curved bill and tail. Compared to veeries, brown thrashers also exhibit yellow eyes and darker streaking on the chest and belly (Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 2015).
Reproduction
During the breeding season, veeries favor dense understory thickets containing low leafy vegetation. Preferred sites are typically in close proximity to water (Kaufman, 2014). As ground nesting birds, veeries rarely place nests higher than five feet above ground. Female veeries are the primary nest constructors (Kaufman, 2014), building mostly cup-shaped structures. Nests are typically constructed with grapevine bark, weed stems, and wet decomposed leaves. These structures are often built on top of herbaceous vegetation or tucked into brush and debris against fallen logs (Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 2015).The diameter of a veery nest ranges from 3 to 6 inches. Nest height also exhibits variation, typically ranging between 3.5 to 5.5 inches (Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 2015).
Male veeries initiate the breeding season by arriving first at breeding grounds. Upon reaching adequate habitat, males mark and claim their territory prior to the arrival of females. During this time males are territorial with each other as well as exhibiting aggression toward arriving females. Males will display such aggressive behavior for about 3 to 4 days before transitioning into courtship displays. During courtship, male veeries display a distinct combat dance among rival males by raising and snapping their bills, quivering their feet, freezing in an erect pose, and flickering their wings and tail (Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 2015).
The typical clutch size for a veery is quite low at 1 to 5 eggs with females producing 1 to 2 broods a year. The incubation period lasts about 10 to 14 days and is then followed by a 10 to 20 nesting day period. Veery eggs are typically greenish blue in color and may rarely display brown spotting (Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 2015). Female veeries primarily take on the responsibility of brooding after they have laid. Following hatching, feeding nestlings is a responsibility shared by both parents (Kaufman, 2014).
Habitat
In the southern parts of their breeding range, veeries inhabit cooler microclimates. These cool microclimates are most commonly located at high elevations on north-facing slopes and in wet depressions (Burleigh, 1927). During the breeding season, veeries occupy most dense, deciduous forests of North America (Kaufman, 2014; Heckscher, 2011).
The veery is a Neotropical migrant, and travels to South America where it takes up winter residence. While in their wintering grounds, it is typical to find veeries in the undergrowth of lowland tropical forests (Kaufman, 2014). In 2001, Remsen hypothesized that the veery’s winter range surrounds two separate areas in Brazil. More specifically, Remsen (2001) suggests that the winter range of the veery is very large and includes tropical South America east of the Andes and also parts of Central America. The results of such investigations suggest that the winter range of the veery is so extensive that it may encompass some of the largest wilderness areas remaining on the planet today, including portions of western Amazonia and surrounding regions (Remsen, 2001).
Heckscher et al. (2011) found that two of five geo-tracked veeries displayed inconsistent movement when compared with that of traditional migratory behavior. Such inconsistent behavior included the arrival at wintering grounds and then subsequent movement to another region of suitable habitat. The second movement was referred to as a “second winter.” It was hypothesized following this discovery that the veeries migrated in such a manner because of seasonal flooding of lowland forests in Amazonia. These data therefore suggest that veeries are intolerant of flooded or swamp-like habitat.
While foraging, veeries may be located in habitats containing shrubs in hardwood forest understories and midstories (Paszkowski, 1984). In forests located in the southeastern portion of New York, veeries frequently build nests in exotic shrubs, such as Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii) (Schmidt et al., 2005). Such results indicate that veeries can be rather tolerant of invasive plant species. Overall habitat preferences investigated by Bertin (1977) indicate that in mature woodlands containing veery, understory cover and proximity to running water may be less important than mesic habitats, therefore suggesting that moisture content may be a factor driving such preferences.
References
Belinsky, K.L., Hogle, J.L., Schmidt, K.A. (2012). Veeries experience more varied acoustic competition at dawn than at dusk. The Wilson
Journal of Ornithology, 124 (2), 265-269.
Belinsky, K.L., Nemes, C.E., Schmidt, K. (2015). Two novel vocalizations are used by veeries (Catharus fuscescens) during agonistic
interactions Plos One. 10 (3), 1-16.
Bertin, R. I. (1977). Breeding habitats of the wood thrush and veery. Condor, 303-311.
Burleigh, T. D. (1927). Further notes on the breeding birds of northeastern Georgia. The Auk. 44, 229-234.
Cornell Lab of Ornithology (2015). Veery (Catharus fuscescens). Retrieved from: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Veery/id
Heckscher, C. M., Taylor, S. M., Fox, J. W., and Afanasyev, V. (2011) Veery (Catharus fuscescens) wintering locations, migratory connectivity,
and a revision of its winter range using geolocator technology. The Auk, 128 (3), 531-542.
Kaufman, K. (2014). Veery. National Audubon Society: Guide to North American Birds. Retrieved October 6, 2015, from
http://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/veery
McCormac, J.S. and Kennedy, G. (2004) Birds of Ohio. Auburn, Washington: Lone Pine Publishing International.
Paszkowski, C. A. (1984). Macrohabitat use, microhabitat use, and foraging behavior of the hermit thrush and veery in a northern Wisconsin
forest. The Wilson Bulletin, 286-292.
Remsen, J. V. Jr. (2001) True winter range of the veery (Catharus fuscescens): Lessons for determining winter ranges of species that winter
in the tropics. The Auk, 118 (4), 838-848.
Samuel, D.E. (1972). Song variation and other vocalizations of veeries. Bird Banding, 43 (2), 118-127.
Schmidt, K. A., Nelis, L. C., Briggs, N., & Ostfeld, R. S. (2005). Invasive shrubs and songbird nesting success: effects of climate variability and
predator abundance. Ecological Applications, 15(1), 258-265.
Montana Natural Heritage Program and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. (2015). Veery — Catharus fuscescens. Montana Field Guide.
Retrieved from: http://FieldGuide.mt.gov/speciesDetail.aspx?elcode=ABPBJ18080