Mallard Hybridization With Domesticated Lineages Alters Spring Migration Behavior and Timing.

Introgressive hybridization, the interbreeding and gene flow between different species, has become increasingly common in the Anthropocene, where human-induced ecological changes and the introduction of captively reared individuals are increasing secondary contact among closely related species, leading to gene flow between wild and domesticated lineages. As a result, domesticated-wild hybridization may potentially affect individual fitness, leading to maladaptive effects such as shifts in behavior or life-history decisions (e.g.

Influenza A Virus Antibodies in Ducks and Introduction of Highly Pathogenic Influenza A(H5N1) Virus, Tennessee, USA.

Testing of ducks in Tennessee, United States, before introduction of highly pathogenic influenza A(H5N1) virus demonstrated a high prevalence of antibodies to influenza A virus but very low prevalence of antibodies to H5 (25%) or H5 and N1 (13%) subtypes. Antibody prevalence increased after H5N1 introduction.

Proximity among protected area networks promotes functional connectivity for wintering waterfowl.

The equilibrium theorem provided a fundamental framework for understanding species' distributions and movement in fragmented ecosystems. Wetland-dependent avian species are model organisms to test insular predictions within protected area networks because their mobility allows surveillance of isolated patches without landscape barriers. We hypothesized size and isolation would influence functional connectivity of sanctuaries by GPS-marked wintering mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) within a mesocosm protected sanctuary area network.

Citizen science reveals waterfowl responses to extreme winter weather.

Global climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of extreme climatic events (ECEs) which may be especially detrimental during late-winter when many species are surviving on scarce resources. However, monitoring animal populations relative to ECEs is logistically challenging. Crowd-sourced datasets may provide opportunity to monitor species' responses to short-term chance phenomena such as ECEs.

Monitoring spatial and temporal variation of dissolved oxygen and water temperature in the Savannah River using a sensor network.

Dissolved oxygen is a critical component of river water quality. This study investigated average weekly dissolved oxygen (AWDO) and average weekly water temperature (AWT) in the Savannah River during 2015 and 2016 using data from the Intelligent River sensor network. Weekly data and seasonal summary statistics revealed distinct seasonal patterns that impact both AWDO and AWT regardless of location along the river.