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National Wildlife Research Center NWRC) |
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Dr. H. Jeffrey Homan, |
Dr. Homan is developing deterministic (simulation) bioenergetic models to estimate efficacy of DRC-1339 avicide on nuisance populations of blackbirds and starlings. The models are developed for PC software and available to USDA field personnel conducting DRC-1339 baiting operations. The models estimate the number of birds killed using the amount of baits removed combined with environmental, physiological, and morphological variables.
Dr. Homan is also active in wildlife tracking, including radio telemetry and geolocators. He designs and conducts studies that monitor the movements and use patterns of bird species causing conflicts in agricultural and urban environments. The objectives of these studies can be diverse, depending on the landscape in which the research occurs. In agricultural settings, the studies may focus on correlations of agricultural damage to habitat features and habitat use or perhaps spatial ecology of potential avian vectors using dairies or cattle feeders. In urban-suburban settings, the studies generally monitor wintering behavior of European starlings, including daily activity ranges and use and fidelity to roosting sites and staging areas. Dr. Homan is analyzing migration patterns of European starlings in the Central Flyway in respect to scope and breath of damage caused by this species throughout their lifecycle. He has also studied spring and fall migration of red-winged blackbirds in the Central Flyway. Studies will soon be underway in Michigan to monitor habitat use of radio-tagged robins and waxwings using fruit orchards in late summer.
Dr. Homan works closely with state USDA Wildlife Services programs helping assess and solve wildlife conflicts with birds.
Lastly, Dr. Homan is actively involved with Masters and Ph.D. students enrolled at North Dakota State University, Michigan State University, and University of Utah, providing expertise on GIS, false-infrared photography, and radio telemetry.
Expertise Keywords
Avian bioenergetics, agricultural damage, DRC-1339, foraging ecology, GIS, Glyphosate, habitat use, migration, radio telemetry, wetlands
Taxonomic Groups of Interest
Blackbirds, Game birds, Starlings, Thrushes
Current Research
- Vulture movement and roost management
- Monk parakeet ecology and management
- Management of invasive reptiles
- Feral pig management methods
- Urban crow winter roost dispersal
- Invasive bird species management
Products/Techniques Developed or Tested
- Use of dogs in searches for avian carcasses in dense cover
- Expandable radio harness for mid-sized passerines
- Bird Shield TM as a taste repellent to reduce blackbird damage in sunflower crops
- Long-term efficacy of reduced concentrations of glyphosate herbicide to control cattail
- Use of red lasers and green lasers to disperse blackbirds from roosts in cattail-dominated wetlands
Education
- Ph.D., North Dakota State University, Zoology
- M.S., North Dakota State University, Zoology
- B.S., Metropolitan State /University, Biology
Certifications
- Certified pesticide applicator--vertebrate (research/experimental)
- Firearms
- Alpha-chloralose
Contact Information
- Address: Wildlife Services, NWRC North Dakota Field Station
- 2110 Miriam Circle, Suite B, Bismarck, North Dakota 58501
- Telephone: 701.250.4468 ext 2
- E-mail: jeffrey.h.homan@aphis.usda.gov