Influence of habitat and season on foraging flock composition in the European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris).

This study examines the relative importance of habitat and season in determining size and composition of foraging flocks of European Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris). We hypothesized that if season was the principal determinant of flock size, variation across seasons (within habitat) would be greater than variation across habitats (within season). The calendar year was divided into 6 seasons corresponding to major stages in the annual cycle of starlings.

Preparation of a modified glucose oxidase reagent for the polarographic determinationof glucose with the Beckman "glucose analyzer".

In this modification, glucose oxidase, 140-180 U/ml, is dissolved in acetate buffer (pH 6):ethanol (96%):glycerol (80:10:10 by vol). Iodine and molybdate are used as catalysts, formaldehyde and mercuric iodide as preservatives, and octanol as an antifoaming agent. The reagent is suitable for use in the Beckman "Glucose Analyzer", it is stable at room temperature for at least six months, it is sensitive, it has a lubricating effect, and its cost is less than a fifth as much as the "Certified" Beckman reagent.