Decreased nest success and elevated levels of nest predation have been linked to changes in landscape configuration and increased edge. However, our current understanding of the mechanics of nest predation is limited. Using radiotelemetry and artificial nest experiments, we studied the ranging and nest-predation behavior of the Steller's Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri) in the managed forests of western Washington. Steller's Jays used a variety of forest seral stages, 95% of foraging observations occurred within 50 m of edges, and home range did not appear to be influenced by breeding success. Predation on artificial nests was elevated in high-use areas of home ranges, which suggests that Steller's Jays find nests incidentally while foraging for primary prey (insects). Steller's Jays did not appear to use a specialized search strategy to find nests, though they had a search image for nests and were capable of performing area-restricted searching for other food items (peanuts). To assess the risk of nest predation by Steller's Jays, it may be useful for managers to survey areas of concern for Steller's Jays and their foods. By equating relative abundance of Steller's Jays with nest predation risk, managers can then map predation risk onto the landscape of concern at the scale of the management unit. ¿Es la Depredación de Nidos por Cyanocitta stelleri Incidental o es el Resultado de una Estrategia de Búsqueda Especializada?

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Proficiency in clinical examination skills upon graduation from medical school is a core competency. Over the last few decades, the ability and confidence in this fundamental and crucial skill set has declined. The motivation and interest in meticulous physical examination by recently graduated residents has also eroded. In this case study, we describe a comprehensive, innovative, and immersive advanced clinical skills elective taken during the second half of the final year of medical school for students at the David Geffen School of Medicine. The course utilizes novel approaches to inspire, refresh and consolidate essential bedside observation skills and examination techniques. This approach gives senior students the confidence and fundamental understanding of how dedication to the patient exam can improve the doctor-patient relationship, core clinical reasoning and the practice of cost-effective and evidence-based care through their careers. We describe how the integration of fine art appreciation and introductory biding techniques are used to help students hone their visual diagnostic skills. We show how this is solidified through a longitudinal series of clinical image review sessions with diagnostic reasoning principles to formulate a clear differential. Point of care ultrasound, EKG analysis, advanced cardiac auscultation and diagnostic imaging skills are integrated in a comprehensive and memorable fashion. We present this case study to inspire clinical skills teachers everywhere to replicate our methods in resurrecting the importance of physical exams for their learners. Opening their trainees’ eyes to new methods of honing their visual intelligence and developing healthy habits for stress and burnout reduction will aid the rest of their professional careers.

From 2004 to 2021 we monitored the Western Snowy Plover (Charadrius nivosus nivosus) in coastal Los Angeles and Orange counties, California. Following an absence of 68 years, it returned to nest in 2017. Since then, the plovers have nested at three locations in Los Angeles County and four in Orange County, where numbers of nests at Anaheim Bay, Bolsa Chica State Beach, and Huntington State Beach increased. Protective beach management and nest enclosures presumably contributed to the increase of nests and hatching success at these sites. However, the number of nonbreeding Snowy Plovers in coastal Los Angeles County has declined, most steeply at Zuma Beach. At nonbreeding roosts in Orange County numbers at Balboa Beach and San Onofre State Beach declined, but countywide numbers were stable. All sites at which plovers roost experience human-related disturbance, which may include vehicles driving through them regularly, beach grooming that removes wrack and foraging resources, dogs chasing and flushing roosting plovers, and nearby large recreational events and summer camps as nonbreeding plovers return in July. Most sites lack consistent protective measures. Plover mortality has resulted from vehicle strikes and dogs. We recommend management that includes the establishment of special protection zones, restrictions on sand grooming, wrack removal, and vehicle traffic, and installation of protective enclosures around roost sites.

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