Thomas H. Roberts

Habitat use of eastern wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) broods (1993: N= 7; 1994: N = 9) in western Tennessee were monitored for up to 2 months following hatching to determine preferred habitats during this critical period. Based on availability within their home ranges, hens and their broods selected bottomland hardwoods over other habitat types during weeks 1-4 (P < 0.001). Older broods (4-6 weeks) selected upland hardwood, upland pine, bottomland hardwood, and open habitats in that order over other habitat types (P < 0.001). Intensive monitoring of 6 broods in 1995...

Flush counts (N = 182) of American woodcock (Scolopax minor) wintering in the Delta region of Mississippi from 1981 to 1982 demonstrated that regeneration stands were used as diurnal coverts more often than other seral stages of bottomland hardwoods. Significant numbers of woodcock also utilized mature stands. Few birds were found in pole stands or cottonwood (Populus deltoides) plantations. Management suggestions and research needs are discussed.

Estimates of litter size in beaver (Castor canadensis), based on counts of corpora lutea, placental scars, and corpora albicantia, were compared to known litter size determined by fetus counts. Estimates based on corpora albicantia (x = 4.2) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than with any other method. Numbers of corpora lutea (x = 3.0), placental scars (x = 2.8), and fetuses (x = 2.6) did not differ (P > 0.05). No reproductive parameter differed by beaver age-class.