2
The activity of pyruvate kinase from frozen Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica) in a biochemical assay.
Most birds have a remarkable ability to use their flight muscles without being easily tired.  The activity of pyruvate kinase (PK) from Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica), a bird that only flies for only short distances and times, was investigated to determine the rate of the enzyme's reaction to turn phosphoenolpyruvate to pyruvate.  This reaction is the last step in glycolysis.  The results obtained could be compared to the PK activity of predominantly flying birds, such as the Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula).  A sample of 0.45g of pectoral muscle was extracted from frozen Japanese Quail and was made into a homogenate sample.  To prepare the homogenate, muscle was glass-grinded and then sonicated.  A biochemical assay was prepared using 1250 mL 100mM phosphate buffer (pH 7.3), 100mL 4.7 mM ADP, 25mL 4.54mM NADH, 2 mL LDH, 100 mL 0.54mM PEP and 10mL homogenate.  All of the reactants, except the buffer, were made fresh for each day of experiments.  Using a spectrophotometer, the reaction was measured for absorbance at 340 nm at room temperature (27°C) for 5 minutes at intervals of 20 seconds.  However, many assays were performed to get decreasing absorbances to note the oxidation of NADH to NAD+.  Ideal results were obtained to give a rate of reaction of -0.0001 (absorbance/ time).  This rate was found to be faster than the PK activity of Common Grackle, which was researched by another student, by 5-fold.  These results of comparison were not expected.  It is suggested the freezing process of the birds might have an effect on the enzyme activity.  Further research should be done to find the optimal temperatures for PK activities in both frozen birds.  Also, enzyme activity should be measured from freshly sacrificed birds.
 

3
The teratogenic effects of selenium injections on the development of Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica).
It has been well demonstrated that selenium has detrimental effects on migratory waterfowl.  The effect of selenium on other bird species has not been so well studied.  To determine the teratogenic effects on the embryos of Japanese Quail, 3 sets of 10 eggs were injected with a 0.05mL solution containing 2.5ppm, 5ppm, and 10ppm of selenium.  The eggs were then incubated for 9 days.  After 9 days all eggs (10 control and 30 experimental) were cracked open to view deformities, if any.  Only 4 out of the 30 experimental eggs began development with 2 out of those 4 dying in the egg.  8 of the 10 control eggs developed embryos with 2 of those 8 dying in the egg.  The experimental embryos developed at a slower rate than the controls and exhibited more deformities, such as malpositioned beak and bodies, shorter limbs, and underdeveloped skulls. However, not enough data was available to perform statistics, so more experiments are needed to further study this problem.
 

4
The effects of aspartame in Equal sweetener, introduced in vivo, on Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica) eggs.
The use of aspartame in sweeteners such as Equal is widespread and can be found in products such as diet soft drinks. It has been believed to cause cancer in small animals. The goal of this study was to determine the type of effects that aspartame could have on quail embryos. Four groups of eggs each containing 15 eggs each were used. The control group was injected with 0.05 ml of distilled water. Experimental groups were injected with 0.05 ml of solution containing 2.5 mg, 5.0 mg, and 10 mg, respectively, of Equal sweetener containing aspartame. The eggs were incubated for nine days after which they were broken out and observed for any external abnormalities. The effects that were noticed were lack of eyes, irregular shaped beaks, internally darker vessels, early death, underdevelopment, dismemberment, or slow development for the length of incubation in all groups. These abnormalities were compared to standard developmental stages in the literature. Despite the observance of these disparities, there seemed to be no clear pattern to the abnormalities in the experimental groups from those observed in the control group. This may have been due to the use of a mixed substance and not pure aspartame, the trauma of injection with any foreign substance or the lack of turning the sealed eggs.
 

5
The effects of auditory stimulation on the hatching of Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica).
Previous research on Japanese Quail shows that 2-hour exposure to an auditory stimulus 14-16 days before hatching can shorten the normal 17-day incubation period.  In this experiment Japanese Quail eggs were exposed to an auditory stimulus; however some were exposed for two hours and others for four hours.  For the project, five groups of twenty eggs were used , one group of twenty eggs being a control group that was not presented the auditory stimulus.  The stimulus was presented to two groups after 15 days of incubation and the other two groups after 16 days of incubation.  On each day of exposure one group was allowed to hear the call for fours and the other group was exposed for only two hours.  The eggs were observed every six hours after exposure ended, and newly hatched chicks were removed and placed into a brooder.  Overall, only 33% of the total amount of eggs hatched.  Also, there was no statistically significant difference in the number of experimental chicks that hatched compared to control chicks and they did not hatch sooner than control chicks.  The results of this project may have been due to the nature of the call to which they were exposed or may have been caused by the small sample size.
 

6
Male Great-Tailed Grackle's (Quiscalus mexicanus) mating displays.
Great-tailed Grackles (Quiscalus mexicanus) are a sexually dimorphic bird species common in the Sherman, TX community.  Males are iridescent black with purple sheen on their heads, backs, and underparts.  Their distinctive display behavior makes them an interesting study.  This study was done in mid April 2001, and its purpose was to determine to which sex the display was directed and the response of the receiver.  Grackles were observed in three different areas within Fairview Park.  The first was on the outskirts of a woody area along a walking path, the second on bleachers near a baseball field, and the third in an open field near the baseball field.  Recordings were taken from these three places each day.  Displays were observed between isolated male-female pairs, isolated male pairs, and in flocks consisting of mostly females.  The female grackles were found feeding, while the males, if not displaying, were found roosting in nearby trees.  Each display was recorded, whether it was from the same male or a different one.  It was found that females rarely had a response to the male's display and would simply continue eating, but there were few occasions when they would either fly away, move closer to the male, fight with another female, or follow the male.  Male to male displays were also observed, and in such cases the males would either display back and eventually one would leave or one would leave immediately.  Since there were no responses by the females, it could be possible the males were using their displays during this time of year as territoriality or communication among the flock.  Also, since the females spent the majority of their time feeding, it could be they had already found their pair bond and were adding weight for reproduction purposes.  This would cause them to take no notice of or fly away from other males when doing a courtship display.   The few that either fought with another female, moved closer to the male, or followed him, may still need a mate.  It is possible that research earlier in the season would have concluded in more responses by the females to the male's display behavior.  Also, it may be found that there are more male to male displays during this time in an attempt to gain the attention of the female and chase away the intruding male.  If further researched, the data should be taken from different places of observation in order to avoid repetition.
 

7
Habitat selection and behavior of American White Pelicans at Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge and Denison Dam.
The American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) is a common visitor to the Lake Texoma area during the early spring prior to its migration to northern breeding grounds.  As skilled catchers of fish, these birds are adept at feeding both in the calm waters of Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge and the more rapid waters of the Red River as it is released through the Denison Dam.  To determine which area the birds preferred, ten observations (five morning and five afternoon) were made at each area during March and April.  In addition, data was collected to determine the number of pelicans in the morning versus the afternoon at both sites.  The behavior of the American White Pelicans was noted at each site as well.  Using the student t-test, results indicated that the birds did not significantly prefer one location to the other (P>0.05) nor were they significantly more common in the morning or afternoon (P>0.05).  On average, however, more pelicans were observed at Hagerman and more commonly seen in the morning.  Behavior observations indicated that American White Pelicans are strongly group oriented.  They feed by dipping their beak into the water, and they are very lethargic much of the time.  Although the water released from Denison Dam offers a special area for pelicans to feed on stunned fish, Hagerman seems to be the premier location because minimal effort is required for movement and fish are abundant.   Further research on the habitat selection and behavior of American White Pelicans would benefit from an increased number of observations to accumulate more accurate data.
 

8
The depth and distance from shoreline and its effects on the foraging success of the Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias).
Most birds are able to adapt their foraging behavior to best fit a specific niche or environment.  Great Blue Herons stalk fish and other aquatic prey while sedately wading through shallow water.  Once spotted, the bird quickly strikes at the prey with its long, sharp bill.  Banding figures show first year mortality averages 70 per cent and adult mortality about 30 per cent each year (Austin 1961).  If such a preference exists, the information gathered in this research activity may prove worthwhile when used as a background to construct a waterway "shelf" at refuges to help regenerate the population.  To determine if these birds have a preference for depth or distance from shore, thirty-seven Great Blue Herons were observed at Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge, Herman Baker Park, and the Denison Dam at various times during the day.  The depths at which they stalked and the approximate distance from shore were recorded, as well as success of hunting.  Results indicate success is not dependent on depth nor on distance from shore (for both, P>.05).  However, no birds stalked at a depth where their belly touched the water.  Further investigation is suggested for comparisons between the foraging behaviors and successes of herons to those of other members of the Ardeidae Family, such as various egrets and bitterns.
 

9
The effect of wind speed on the behavior of Northern Mockingbirds.
There are many physical factors that affect the behavior of birds such as day length and weather. The behavior of birds in different types of weather is based on whether the bird will be able to survive in its daily activities and the efficiency or energy cost of the behavior at that time under the physical circumstances of the environment. The rapidly changing weather during this time of the year would allow for the behavior of Northern Mockingbirds to be observed in different wind speeds. The behavior of Northern Mockingbirds were observed individually for 90 seconds at different wind speeds, and its behavior was recorded in a notebook. After the data was collected, percentages of behaviors during the 90 second time period were calculated and a one-way ANOVA test was used with the percentage of time spent being the dependent variable, and the wind speed being the independent variable. The behaviors of 13 Northern Mockingbirds were observed for the full 90 second observation period. The behavior of the birds at different wind speeds did not seem to be scientifically significant (P-values much greater than 0.05). Although the P-value for singing came the closest to being significant with a value of 0.226, it was still far from being significant.
 
 

10
The response of the Eastern Bluebird to various nestbox volumes and entrance hole diameters.
The Eastern Bluebird is a popular resident in nestboxes placed in urban homes.  They are a desired guest due to their attractive plumage, as well as their propensity towards preexisting cavities.  In the hopes of beginning to study nesting behavior of the Eastern Bluebird in the wild, this study examined two of the aspects of a nestbox (or cavity) to be thought to have the greatest effect upon an Eastern Bluebird's decision to live in a particular cavity.  A location was chosen in Southern Oklahoma with plenty of trees and space, surrounding a clearing to provide enough space for the nestboxes.  Thirty-two nestboxes were constructed using dimensions that varied only in entrance diameter (3.81 cm or 4.45 cm) and volume (.00485 m³ or .00370 m³), for a total of 4 sets of 8 identical boxes.  Boxes were camouflaged and hung 5 ft high, on the east side of trees, approximately 8 m apart.  The nestboxes were then checked every two weeks for inhabitants.  An initial point count of Eastern Bluebirds in the area was conducted, and population density was approximated using density = loge(nt/no) x nt/m(pi r²).  Although the point count revealed that the chosen location was a good place for the nestboxes to be erected, no birds moved in.  Several conclusions were drawn to determine the possible causes of the lack of inhabitants.  First, an abundance natural cavities in the area may have lured the Eastern Bluebirds away from the nestboxes; preexisting cavities in the area were counted and statistical analysis using ANOVA was performed to analyze the probable effect of the cavity densities on the outcome of the experiment.  Second, the nestboxes may have been too accessible to predators.  This was considered unlikely as care was initially taken to eliminate this problem.  Finally, nestboxes may have been constructed too late in the breeding season for the birds choose them as a site for nesting their first clutch; the nestboxes will continue to be monitored throughout the breeding season in an effort to arrive at more conclusive results.
 

11
Species count census at Hagerman Wildlife Refuge to determine habitat preferences of birds between upland and lowland regions.
Upland and lowland regions offer different resources to the bird species inhabiting them.  Hagerman was a good study site because of its abundance of bird species as well as its clear distinction between upland and lowland zones.  The goal of my research was to determine how the availability of different resources in a given area could significantly alter the types of species observed.  Two twenty-meter zones were sectioned off at Crow Hill, which is a great upland area to observe different bird species.  Two twenty-meter zones were also chosen in lowland areas.  One of the zones was right off of the shoreline and the other was roughly fifteen meters from the shore.  Each zone was observed for twenty minutes every Monday morning for seven weeks and the species observed were recorded.  After the results of my research were recorded and then statistically analyzed a P-value of 0.861 was obtained indicating that there was no statistical significance in my findings, however this was somewhat expected due to the low amount of observations I made.  However a noticeable difference in bird species between the two zones was observed, backing up my hypothesis that all birds are better fit for some regions than others are.
 

12
Point count census of Herman Baker Park (Grayson County) and a wooded area of SW Lamar County to determine species diversity and abundance.
The project was done in order to determine diversity and abundance of species due to the differences encountered in a west to east direction.  The change in species was expected to result from a change in the central flyway of Grayson County to the Mississippian flyway of the Lamar County area.  A point count radius of 100 meters was determined for both areas of study.  A twenty-minute point count was established for both areas within this 100-meter radius.  The data were obtained by making a species list of the twenty-eight species observed in both areas.  The observations were recorded for later statistical analysis.  Counts were done in the early mornings and late afternoons in order to observe the birds in their most active state.  The data was analyzed using several statistical methods.  The use of a 2-sample t-test, a Richness Index, and the point count equation were all utilized for statistical analysis.  These tests were performed to determine statistical and possible biological significance.  The findings showed that there was a greater diversity of certain species such as owls and predatory species in the Lamar County area.  However, there was greater diversity of passerines in the Grayson County area.  Although there was no statistical significance, it was clear that habitat utilization played a major role in the difference in the number of species observed in both areas.  Further study in point counts could involve possible larger areas of point counts with more advanced observational equipment such as sound recording devices and the use of high speed photography.
 

13
Bird populations on Lake Tawakoni and Lake Fork.
The management and understanding of habitats is essential to the survival of birds.  Many factors affect the populations of birds in different habitats.  To determine the effects of different environments on the populations of birds, bird surveys were taken in a 250-meter radius at four different areas on Lake Fork and Lake Tawakoni.  The bird populations were recorded for four consecutive weeks.   There was no significance difference in the changing populations over the four-week period for either lake (P>0.05).   The surveys were 10 minutes long and the number of individuals and species were recorded.  The Lake Tawakoni habitat was more suitable to birds.  It had a by far greater number of birds.  From the results, it indicates that Lake Tawakoni has characteristics that are more appealing to birds.  The preference for Lake Tawakoni could be for many reasons including food availability, water depth, or human interference.  More studies need to be conducted to find out why birds are more likely to be at one lake instead of another.  This information would help in future conservation efforts.