Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program:
Education, Research and Technical Assistance for Managing Our Natural Resources

Staff Member

Christopher P. Nadeau

Chris Nadeau
Master's
Email: cpn28@cornell.edu

Biography

Chris comes from the Arizona Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research (AZFWRU) unit where he worked as a Wildlife Biologist since 2002. Chris coordinated numerous projects evaluating survey methods, management strategies, and the ecology of burrowing owls and secretive marsh birds while working at the AZFWRU. Some of these projects included: (1) evaluating the use of fire to restore early successional wetlands for two endangered marsh birds on the lower Colorado River, (2) adaptively managing water depth to optimize the abundance of two endangered marsh birds at Imperial National Wildlife Refuge, (3) coordinating the North American Marsh Bird Monitoring Program, including field experiments to test monitoring methods, and (4) studying the evolution of clutch size and behavioral traits in burrowing owls. Aside from his experience at the AZFWRU, Chris has a variety of other work experiences, including radio-tracking waterfowl and vaccinating raccoons and skunks against rabies. Chris obtained a B.S. in Landscape Analysis with a focus on Geographic Information Systems at the University of Arizona in 2009 (while working for the AZFWRU). He also obtained a Fish and Wildlife Technician Diploma from Sir Sandford Fleming College in 2000. Chris is currently interested in spatial ecology, community ecology, biogeography, and wildlife population viability in the face of climate change. Chris will be evaluating the threat of climate change to Species of Greatest Conservation Need i...

Research Publications Publication Date
Nadeau, C.P., and A. K. Fuller. 2015. Accounting for multiple climate components when estimating climate change exposure and velocity. Methods in Ecology and Evolution. doi: 10.1111/2041-210X.12360 February 2015
Nadeau, C.P. and A.K. Fuller. 2016. Combining Landscape Variables and Species Traits can Improve the Utility of Climate Change Vulnerability Assessments. Biological Conservation 202:30-38. September 2016
Nadeau, C. P., and C. J. Conway. 2015. Optimizing water depth in wetland restorations could increase restoration success, water efficiency, and water security. Restoration Ecology 23:292-300. doi: 10.1111/rec.12180 May 2015
Nadeau, C. P., and C. J. Conway. 2012. A field evaluation of distance estimation error during wetland-dependent bird surveys. Wildlife Research 39:311-320. doi: 10.1071/WR11161 June 2012
Nadeau, C. P., C. J. Conway, and N. Rathbun. 2015. Depth of burrowing owl nest boxes affects thermal suitability and occupancy. Journal of Field Ornithology 86:288-297. doi: 10.1111/jofo.12119 December 2015
Nadeau, C. P., C. J. Conway, L. Piest, and B. Burger. 2013. Multi-species call-broadcast improved detection of endangered Yuma clapper rail compared to single-species call-broadcast. Wetlands 33:699-706. doi: 10.1007/s13157-013-0425-x April 2013
Nadeau, C. P., C. J. Conway, B. S. Smith, and T. E. Lewis. 2008. Observer detection probability and daily variation in vocalization probability of wetland-dependent birds in northwestern Florida. Wilson Journal of Ornithology 120:513-518. September 2008
Nadeau, C. P., A. K. Fuller, and D. L. Rosenblatt. 2015. Climate-smart management of biodiversity. Ecosphere. 6:art91–art91. http://dx.doi.org/10.1890/ES15-00069.1 | Abstract June 2015
Glisson, W. J., C. J. Conway, C. P. Nadeau, and K. L. Borgmann. 2017. Habitat models to predict wetland bird occupancy influenced by scale, anthropogenic disturbance, and imperfect detection. Ecosphere 8(6):1-18. doi: 10.1002/ecs2.1837 June 2017
Glisson, W. J., C. J. Conway, C. P. Nadeau, K. L. Borgmann, and T. A. Laxson. 2015. Wetland associations of the King Rail: a multi-scale approach. Wetlands 35:577-587. doi: 10.1007/s13157-015-0648-0 June 2015
Garcia, V., C. J. Conway, and C. Nadeau. 2024. Experimental changes in food and ectoparasites affect dispersal timing in juvenile burrowing owls. PLoS ONE 19(7): e0306660. December 2024
Conway, M., C. J. Conway, and C. P. Nadeau. 2012. Intraspecific variation in reproductive traits of burrowing owls. Journal of Ethology 30:395-402. doi: 10.1007/s10164-012-0337-x August 2012
Conway, C. J., and C. P. Nadeau. 2010. Effects of broadcasting conspecific and heterospecific calls on detection of marsh birds in North America. Wetlands 30:358-368. April 2010
Conway, C. J., C. P. Nadeau, and M. A. Conway. 2020. Broadcasting regional call dialects has little influence on the effectiveness of call-broadcast surveys for marsh birds. Wetlands 40:2055-2059. doi: 10.1007/s13157-020-01367-5 December 2020
Conway, C. J., C. P. Nadeau, and L. Piest. 2010. Fire helps restore natural disturbance regime to benefit rare and endangered marsh birds endemic to Colorado River. Ecological Applications 20:2024-2035. October 2010
Project Completion Date
Identifying Migratory Routes and Wintering Grounds of Burrowing Owls throughout North America September 2024
Assessing the Importance of Wetlands on DoD Installations for the Persistence of Wetland-dependent Birds December 2019
A Rapid Assessment Tool to Prioritize the Management of New York Species of Greatest Conservation Need in a Changing Climate March 2014
Optimal Timing for Conducting Marsh Bird Surveys in South Florida September 2011
Presentations Presentation Date
Nadeau, C.P. and A.K. Fuller. Managing Species of Conservation Need in the Face of Climate Change: A Landscape and Trait-based Approach. Northeast Biodiversity Technical Group. Minnowbrook Conference Center, Blue Mountain Lake, NY. September 3, 2014. September 2014
Nadeau, C. P., and A. K. Fuller. A climate change vulnerability assessment to aid in the management of New York Species of Greatest Conservation Need. Department of Natural Resources Symposium, Ithaca, NY. 18 January 2013. January 2013
Nadeau, C. P. and A. K. Fuller. 2013. Incorporating spatial heterogeneity in climate change and landscape features into rapid climate change vulnerability assessments. U.S. Regional Association of the International Association for Landscape Ecology, Austin, TX. 16 April, 2013. April 2013
Nadeau, C. P. and A. K. Fuller. 2013. Incorporating spatial heterogeneity in climate change and landscape features into rapid climate change vulnerability assessments. 69th Annual Northeast Fish & Wildlife Conference, Saratoga Springs, NY. 9 April, 2013. April 2013
Technical Publications Publication Date
Santisteban, L., C. P. Nadeau, and C. J. Conway. 2011. Evaluating Population Trends and Breeding Density for 14 Species of Secretive Marsh Birds in North America. Wildlife Research Report # 2011-01. USGS Arizona Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Tucson, Arizona. February 2011
Santisteban, L., C. J. Conway, C. P. Nadeau, M. A. Conway, and J. Reinman. 2010. Habitat Use and Effects of Regional Call Dialects on the Effectiveness of Call-broadcast Surveys for Secretive Marsh Birds at St. Marks and St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuges. Wildlife Report # 2010-02. USGS Arizona Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Tucson, Arizona. June 2010
Ogonowski, M.S., C. P. Nadeau, and C. J. Conway. 2009. Restoration of managed marsh units to benefit California black rails and other marsh birds: an adaptive management approach, August 2009 Progress Report. Wildlife Research Report #2009-03, U.S. Geological Survey, Arizona Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Tucson, AZ. September 2009
Nadeau, C. P., and C. J. Conway. 2010. Restoration of managed marsh units to benefit California black rails and other marsh birds: an adaptive management approach, February 2010 Progress Report. Wildlife Research Report #2010-05, U.S. Geological Survey, Arizona Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Tucson, AZ. July 2010
Nadeau, C. P., and C. J. Conway. 2009. Restoration of managed marsh units to benefit California black rails and other marsh birds: an adaptive management approach, March 2009 Progress Report. Wildlife Research Report #2009-08, U.S. Geological Survey, Arizona Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Tucson, AZ. December 2009
Nadeau, C. P., C. J. Conway, and N. A. Rathbun. 2010. Density of Yuma clapper rails and California black rails within a proposed geothermal power plant site in Imperial Valley, California. Wildlife Research Report #2010-07, U.S. Geological Survey, Arizona Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Tucson, AZ. December 2010
Nadeau, C. P., C. J. Conway, M. Conway, and M. Ogonowski. 2011. Habitat requirements of California black rails, Yuma clapper rails, and western least Bitterns: an adaptive management approach, Final Report to Wildlife Conservation Fund, Arizona Game and Fish Department. Wildlife Research Report #2011-06, USGS Arizona Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Tucson, AZ. August 2011
Nadeau, C. P., C. J. Conway, M. A. Conway, and J. Reinman. 2010. Variation in Clapper Rail and Least Bittern Detection Probability Among Tidal Stages on the Northern Coast of the Gulf of Mexico. Wildlife Research Report #2010-01, U.S. Geological Survey, Arizona Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Tucson, AZ. May 2010
Nadeau, C. P., B. S. Smith, C. J. Conway, and T. Lewis. 2006. Effects of survey method on observer bias and detection probability of marsh birds on St. Vincent NWR. Wildlife Research Report No. 2006-04. USGS Arizona Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Tucson, Arizona. November 2006
Conway, M. A., C. P. Nadeau, and C. J. Conway. 2010. Optimal seasonal timing of marsh bird surveys and the effect of water quality on marsh bird relative abundance in south Florida. Wildlife Research Report #2010-04, U.S. Geological Survey, Arizona Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Tucson, AZ. July 2010
Conway, M. A., C. P. Nadeau, C. J. Conway, B.S. Smith, and J. Reinman. 2011. Evaluating the efficacy of night surveys for eastern black rails. Wildlife Research Report # 2011-02. USGS Arizona Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Tucson, Arizona. May 2011
Conway, C. J., and C. P. Nadeau. 2011. Managing Rails with Fire in Arizona. Wildlife Research Report #2011-05, U.S. Geological Survey, Arizona Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Tucson, AZ. July 2011
Conway, C. J., and C. P. Nadeau. 2006. Relative abundance of Yuma clapper rails, California black rails, and burrowing owls within a proposed geothermal power plant site in Imperial Valley California. Wildlife Research Report No. 2006-03. USGS Arizona Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Tucson, Arizona. September 2006
Conway, C. J., and C. P. Nadeau. 2006. Fire effects on Yuma Clapper Rails and California Black Rails on the Lower Colorado River. Arizona Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Wildlife Research Report Number 2006-07, Tucson, Arizona. December 2006
Conway, C. J., and C. Nadeau. 2005. Evaluating the usefulness of prescribed fire to restore habitat for the Yuma clapper rail and California black rail along the lower Colorado River. Pages 31-33 in D.D. Dolton, ed., Webless Migratory Game Bird Research Program, 2004 Annual Report. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Denver, CO. February 2005
Conway, C. J., and C. Nadeau. 2005. Effects of fire on Yuma Clapper Rails and California Black Rails. 2004 Annual Report. Wildlife Research Report #2005-01, U.S. Geological Survey, Arizona Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Tucson, AZ. April 2005
Conway, C. J., and C. Nadeau. 2005. Development of a National Marsh Bird Monitoring Program, Quarterly Update, May 2005. USGS Arizona Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit Report, Tucson, AZ. May 2005
Conway, C. J., and C. Nadeau. 2005. Development and field-testing of survey methods for a continental marsh bird monitoring program in North America. Pages 34-36 in D.D. Dolton, ed., Webless Migratory Game Bird Research Program, 2004 Annual Report. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Denver, CO. February 2005
Conway, C. J., and C. Nadeau. 2005. Development and field-testing of survey methods for a continental marsh bird monitoring program in North America. Pages 34-36 in D.D. Dolton, ed., Webless Migratory Game Bird Research Program, 2004 Annual Report. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Denver, CO. October 2005
Conway, C. J., and C. Nadeau. 2005. Evaluating the usefulness of prescribed fire to restore habitat for the Yuma clapper rail and California black rail along the lower Colorado River. Pages 31-33 in D.D. Dolton, ed., Webless Migratory Game Bird Research Program, 2004 Annual Report. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Denver, CO. October 2005
Conway, C. J., and C. Nadeau. 2005. Effects of fire on Yuma Clapper Rails and California Black Rails. 2004 Annual Report. Wildlife Research Report #2005-01, USGS Arizona Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Tucson, AZ. October 2005
Conway, C. J., and C. Nadeau. 2005. Development of a National Marsh Bird Monitoring Program, Quarterly Update, May 2005. USGS Arizona Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit Report, Tucson, AZ. June 2005
Conway, C. J., C. P. Nadeau, and M. S. Ogonowski. 2009. Relative abundance of Yuma clapper rails and California black rails within a proposed geothermal power plant site in Imperial Valley, California. Wildlife Research Report #2009-04, U.S. Geological Survey, Arizona Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Tucson, AZ. November 2009
Conway, C. J., C. P. Nadeau, R. J. Steidl, and A. Litt. 2008. Relative Abundance, Detection Probability, and Power to Detect Population Trends of Marsh Birds in North America. Wildlife Research Report #2008-02. U.S. Geological Survey, Arizona Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Tucson, AZ. July 2008
Role and Organization Individual         Start Date        End Date       
The Wildlife Society - Member Nadeau September 2007 Present
American Ornithologists' Union - Member, ????? Nadeau September 2006 Present