Michael L Casazza

USGS Dixon Field Station
6924 Tremont Road
Dixon, CA 95620-9648
Phone: (707) 678-0682 x629
Fax: (707) 678-5039
Email: mike_casazza@usgs.gov

• Bird capture and handling
• Geographic Information Systems
• Migratory bird biology
• Telemetry (radio and/or satellite)
• Threatened and endangered species

• M.S., Recreation Administration, California State University, Sacramento, CA 1995
• B.S., Wildlife Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 1988

• Wildlife Society

• Wildlife Biologist, USGS, Western Ecological Research Center, Formerly USFWS, NPWRC, Dec 1988-Present
• Student/Technician, Northern Prairie Research Field Station, Oct 1984-Dec 1989

• Fleskes, J. P., J. L. Yee, G. S. Yarris, M. R. Miller, and M. L. Casazza. 2007. Pintail and mallard survival in California relative to habitat, abundance, and hunting. Journal of Wildlife Management 71:2238-2248.[Journal Article]
• Casazza, M. L., Band-tailed Pigeon Population Indices and Mineral Site Use (June 2006)[Publication Brief]
• Haukos, D.A., M.R. Miller, D.L. Orthmeyer, J.Y. Takekawa, J.P. Fleskes, M.L. Casazza, W.M. Perry, and J.A. Moon. 2006. Spring Migration of Northern Pintails from Texas and New Mexico, USA. Waterbirds 29:127-136.[Journal Article]
• Overton, C. T., R. A. Schmitz, and M. L. Casazza. 2006. Linking landscape characteristics to mineral site use by band-tailed pigeons in Western Oregon: Coarse-filter conservation with fine-filter tuning. Natrual Areas Journal 26(1):38-46.[Journal Article]
• Casazza, Michael L., J.L. Yee, M. R. Miller, D.L. Orthmeyer, D. R. Yparraguirre, R. L. Jarvis, and C. T. Overton. 2005. Evaluation of current population indices for band-tailed pigeons. Wildlife Society Bulletin 33(2):606-615.[Journal Article]
• Casazza, Michael L., J.L. Yee, M. R. Miller, D.L. Orthmeyer, D. R. Yparraguirre, R. L. Jarvis, and C. T. Overton. 2005. Evaluation of current population indices for band-tailed pigeons. Wildlife Society Bulletin 33(2):606-615.[Journal Article]
• Fleskes, J.P., J.L. Yee, M.L. Casazza, M.R. Miller, J.Y. Takekawa, and D.L. Orthmeyer. 2005. Waterfowl distribution, movements, and habitat use relative to recent habitat changes in the Central Valley of California: A cooperative project to investigate impacts of the Central Valley Joint Venture and changing agricultural practices on the ecology of wintering waterfowl. Final Report. U.S. Geological Survey-Western Ecological Research Center, Dixon Field Station, Dixon, California.[Technical Report]
• Miller, M. R., J. Y. Takekawa, J. P. Fleskes, D. L. Orthmeyer, M. L. Casazza, and W. M. Perry. 2005. Spring migration of northern pintails from California's Central Valley wintering area tracked by satellite telemetry: routes, timing, and destinations. Canadian Journal of Zoology 83(10): 1314-1332.[Journal Article]
• Miller, M. R., J. Y. Takekawa, J. P. Fleskes, D. L. Orthmeyer, M. L. Casazza, D. A. Haukos, and W. M. Perry. 2005. Flight speeds of northern pintails during migration determined by satellite telemetry. Wilson Bulletin 117(4): 364-374.[Journal Article]
• Overton, C. T., R. A. Schmitz, and M. L. Casazza. 2005. Post-precipitation bias in band-tailed pigeon surveys conducted at mineral sites. Wildlife Society Bulletin. 33(3):1047-1054.[Journal Article]
• Wylie, G.D., M.L. Casazza, and L.L. Martin. 2004. Monitoring giant garter snakes in the Natomas Basin: 2003 results. Progress report for The Natomas Basin Conservancy. USGS, BRD Dixon Field Station. 75pp.[Technical Report]
• Wylie, G.D., M.L. Casazza, and M. Carpenter. 2004. Bullfrogs are significant predators of giant garter snake young of the year. Publication brief. USGS, BRD, Dixon Field Station.[Publication Brief]
• Fleskes, J. P., M. L. Casazza, J. G. Mensik, M. R. Miller, D.O. Orthmeyer, J. Y. Takekawa, J. L. Yee, and D. R. Yparraguirre. December 2003. Impacts of landscape changes on waterfowl wintering in the Central Valley of California. 3rd International Wildlife Mamagement Congress Christchurch, New Zealand.[Poster with Abstract]
• Fleskes, J. P., M. L. Casazza, M. R. Miller, J. Y. Takekawa, J. L. Yee, D.O. Orthmeyer, J. G. Mensik, and D. R. Yparraguirre. November 2003. Impacts of landscape changes on waterfowl wintering in the Central Valley of California. 3rd North American Duck Symposium.Sacramento, CA.[Presentation with Abstract]
• Miller, M. R., J.Y. Takekawa, D.L. Orthmeyer, J. P. Fleskes, M.L. Casazza, M.W. Perry. 2003. Tracking spring migration of northern pintails with satellite telemetry. Discovery for Recovery: An international pintail research initiative. Final Report. U.S. Geological Survey, Dixon, California. 63 pp.[Technical Report]
• Wylie G. D., M. L. Casazza, and M. Carpenter. 2003. Trophic Interactions Among Non-Native Crayfish and Bullfrogs and Endemic Giant Garter Snakes at Colusa National Wildlife Refuge. California Invasive Species Symposium, Western Section of The Wildlife Society, Sacramento, CA.[Abstract]
• Wylie, G. D., M. L. Casazza, and M. Carpenter. 2003. Diet of bullfrogs in relation to predation on giant garter snakes at Colusa National Wildlife Refuge. California Fish and Game 89(3): 139-145.[Journal Article]
• Wylie, G.D., M.L. Casazza, and M. Carpenter. 2003. Habitat of giant garter snakes in restored wetlands at Colusa National Wildlife Refuge. Annual meeting of The Wildlife Society, Burlington, VT.[Abstract]
• Wylie, G.D., M.L. Casazza, and M. Carpenter. 2003. Diet of bullfrogs in relation to predation on giant garter snakes at Colusa National Wildlife Refuge. California Fish and Game 89(3): 139-145.[Journal Article]
• Carpenter, N.M., M.L. Casazza, and G.D. Wylie. 2002. Rana catesbeina (bullfrog). Diet. Herpetological Review 33: 130.[Journal Article]
• Casazza, M. L., J. L. Yee, D. L. Orthmeyer, M. R. Miller, C. T. Overton, and R. Schmitz. 2002. Development of a reliable population index for Pacific Coast band-tailed pigeons. 2002 Progress Report.[Technical Report]
• Casazza, M. L., J. L. Yee, D. L. Orthmeyer, M. R. Miller, C. T. Overton, and R. Schmitz. 2002. Development of a reliable population index for Pacific Coast band-tailed pigeons. Poster given at Pacific Flyway Symposium, Newport, OR, March 2002.[Poster]
• Miller, M., J. Fleskes, D. Orthmeyer, J. Takekawa, M. Casazza, and B. Perry. 2002. Pintails on the move. California Waterfowl Aug/Sep 2002: 8, 10-13.[Popular Publication]
• Miller, M.R., J.Y. Takekawa, D.L. Orthmeyer, J.P. Fleskes, M.L. Casazza, and W.M. Perry. 2002. Tracking Spring Migration of Northern Pintails with Satellite Telemetry. Progress Report 2002. U.S.G.S., Western Ecological Research Center, Dixon and San Francisco Bay Estuary Field Stations, California.[Technical Report]
• Miller, M.R., J.Y. Takekawa, D.O. Orthmeyer, J.P. Fleskes, M.L. Casazza, and W.M. Perry. 2002. The efficiency of the May Survey to account for pintails: Hiding in plain sight. The Wildlife Society, Annual Conference, Bismarck, ND, September 2002.[Abstract]
• Wylie, G.D., and M.L. Casazza. 2002. Thermal ecology of giant garter snakes (Thamnophis gigas) in the Sacramento Valley of California. Joint Meeting of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists, Kansas City, Missouri.[Poster]
• Wylie, G.D., and M.L. Casazza. 2002. Thermal ecology of giant garter snakes (Thamnophis gigas) in the Sacramento Valley of California. Joint Meeting of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists, Kansas City, Missouri.[Abstract]
• Wylie, G.D., M. Wolder, M.L. Casazza, and N.M. Carpenter. 2002. Migratory bird use of wetlands restored for giant garter snakes. Pacific Flyway Winter Meeting, Newport, Oregon.[Abstract]
• Wylie, G.D., M. Wolder, M.L. Casazza, N.M. Carpenter. 2002. Migratory bird use of wetlands restored for giant garter snakes. Poster presentation. Pacific Flyway Winter Meeting, Newport, Oregon.[Poster]
• Wylie, G.D., M.L. Casazza, and N.M. Carpenter. 2002. Monitoring giant garter snakes at Colusa National Wildlife Refuge: 2001 progress report. Dixon Field Station, WERC. 10 pp.[Technical Report]
• Wylie, Glenn D., Michael L. Casazza, and Lisa L. Martin. 2003. Montioring Giant Garter Snakes at Colusa National Wildlife Refuge: 2002 Progress Report. Report for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.[Technical Report]
• Casazza, M. L., J. L. Yee, C. T. Overton, D. L. Orthmeyer,and D. R. Yparraguirre. 2001. Development of mineral site counts to reliably index the Pacific Coast breeding population of band-tailed pigeons. USGS Final Report to Webless Migratory Game Bird Research Program, USFWS.[Technical Report]
• Casazza, M.L., J.L. Yee, D.L. Orthmeyer, and M.R. Miller. 2001. Developing a reliable population index for band-tailed pigeons. The Wildlife Society 8th Annual Conference. Reno, Nevada.[Abstract]
• Fleskes, J. P., M. L. Casazza, D. S. Gilmer, J. G. Mensik, M. R. Miller, D.O. Orthmeyer, J. Y. Takekawa, J. L. Yee and D. R. Yparraguirre. 2001. Waterfowl ecology relative to recent habitat changes in the Central Valley of California. The Wildlife Society-The Western Section. Feb. 2001. Sacramento, CA.[Abstract]
• Fleskes, J. P., M. L. Casazza, D. S. Gilmer, J. G. Mensik, M. R. Miller, D.O. Orthmeyer, J. Y. Takekawa, J. L. Yee and D. R. Yparraguirre. Waterfowl ecology relative to recent habitat changes in the Central Valley of California. The Wildlife Society-The Western Section. Feb. 2001. Sacramento, CA.[Abstract]
• Fleskes, J. P., M. L. Casazza, D. S. Gilmer, J. G. Mensik, M. R. Miller, D.O. Orthmeyer, J. Y. Takekawa, J. L. Yee, and D. R. Yparraguirre. 2001. Waterfowl ecology relative to recent habitat changes in the Central Valley of California. The Wildlife Society-2001 Annual Meeting, Reno, NV. Sept. 2001.[Abstract]
• Fleskes, J. P., M. L. Casazza, D. S. Gilmer, J. G. Mensik, M. R. Miller, D.O. Orthmeyer, J. Y. Takekawa, J. L. Yee, and D. R. Yparraguirre. Waterfowl use patterns and energetics relative to Central Valley Habitat Joint Venture Habitat goals. Central Valley Habitat Joint Venture Strategic Planning Meeting. May 21-22, 2001. Sacramento, CA. (Invited Oral presentation)[Presentation]
• Fleskes, J.P., M.L. Casazza. D.S. Gilmer, J.G. Mensik, M.R. Miller, D.L. Orthmeyer, J.Y. Takekawa, J.L. Yee and D.R. Yparraguirre. 2001. Waterfowl ecology relative to recent habitat changes in the Central Valley of California. The Wildlife Society 2001 Annual Conference Reno, Nevada.[Poster]
• Miller, M. R., J. P. Fleskes, J. Y. Takekawa, D. L. Orthmeyer, M. L. Casazza, and W. M. Perry. 2001. Satellite tracking of northern pintail spring migration from California, USA: the route to Chukotka, Russia. Casarca 7: 229-233.[Journal Article]
• Miller, M.R. D.L. Orthmeyer, J. Fleskes, M. Casazza, W. Perry, and J. Takekawa. 2001. Spring migration strategies of northern pintails documented with satellite telemetry. The Wildlife Society 2001 Annual Conference Reno, Nevada.[Poster]
• Miller, M.R., Takekawa, J.Y., Orthmeyer, D.L., Fleskes, J.P., Casazza, M.L., and W.M. Perry. 2001. PINSAT 2001 Progress Report.[Technical Report]
• Wylie, G.D., and M.L. Casazza. 2001. Investigations of giant garter snakes in the Natomas Basin: 2001 field season. Progress report for the Natomas Basin Conservancy. 9 pp.[Technical Report]
• Wylie, G.D., and M.L. Casazza. 2001. Response of giant garter snakes to wetland restoration at Colusa National Wildlife Refuge. The Wildlife Society 8th Annual Conference, Reno, NV.[Poster]
• Wylie, G.D., and M.L. Casazza. 2001. Response of giant garter snakes to wetland restoration at Colusa National Wildlife Refuge. The Wildlife Society 8th Annual Conference, Abstracts, Reno, NV, September 2001.[Abstract]
• Wylie, G.D., M.L. Casazza, and C.J. Gregory. 2001. Habitat use of a semi-aquatic snake (Thamnophis gigas, giant garter snake) in the Central Valley of California, USA. Fourth World Congress of Herpetology, Colombo, Sri Lanka, December 2001.[Poster]
• Wylie, G.D., M.L. Casazza, and C.J. Gregory. 2001. Habitat use of a semi-aquatic snake (Thamnophis gigas, giant garter snake) in the Central Valley of California, USA. Fourth World Congress of Herpetology, Colombo, Sri Lanka.[Abstract]
• Casazza, M. L. and M. R. Miller. 2000. The Northern Pintail. In: Goals Project 2000. Baylands Ecosystem Species and Community Profiles: Life histories and environmental requirements of key plants, fish, and wildlife. Prepared by the San Francisco Bay Area Wetland Ecosystem Goals Project. P.R. Olofson, editor. San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board, Oakland, Calif.[Technical Report]
• Casazza, M. L., G. D. Wylie, and C. J. Gregory. 2000. A funnel trap modification for surface collection of aquatic amphibians and reptiles. Herpetological Review 31(2): 91-92.[Journal Article]
• Casazza, M. L., J. P. Fleskes and M. R. Miller. 2000. Daily movement patterns of northern pintails wintering in diverse Central Valley landscapes. Second North American Duck Symposium. Oct. 2000. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.[Poster]
• Casazza, M.L., J. L. Yee, M.R. Miller, D.L. Orthmeyer. D. Yparraguirre, and R.L. Jarvis. 2000. Development of Reliable population indices for Band-tailed pigeons. USGS Final Report to Webless Migratory Game Bird Research Program Denver CO.[Technical Report]
• Fleskes, J. P., M. L. Casazza, D. S. Gilmer, J. G Mensik, M. R. Miller, D.O. Orthmeyer, J. Y. Takekawa, J. L. Yee and D. R. Yparraguirre. 2000. Waterfowl ecology relative to recent habitat changes in the Central Valley of California. Second North American Duck Symposium. Oct. 2000. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.[Poster]
• Fleskes, J. P., M. L. Casazza, D. S. Gilmer, J. G. Mensik, M. R. Miller, D.O. Orthmeyer, J. Y. Takekawa, J. L. Yee and D. R. Yparraguirre. 2000. Waterfowl ecology relative to recent habitat changes in the Central Valley of California. CALFED Bay-Delta Program Science Conference 2000. Oct. 2000. Sacramento, CA.[Abstract]
• Fleskes, J.P., M.L. Casazza. D.S. Gilmer, J.G. Mensik, M.R. Miller, D.L. Miller, J.Y. Takekawa, J.L. Yee and D.R. Yparriguirre. 2000. Waterfowl Ecology relative to recent habitat changes in the Central Valley, California. Second North American Duck Symposium and Workshop. Oct 11-15, 2000. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, CANADA.[Abstract]
• Fleskes, J.P., Yee, J.Y., Casazza, M.L., Daugherty, J., and W.M. Perry. 2000. Waterfowl Distribution, Movements and Habitat Use Relative to Recent Habitat Changes in the Central Valley of California: Progress Report - June 2000.[Technical Report]
• M. R. Miller, D. L. Orthmeyer, J. P. Fleskes, M. L. Casazza, W. M. Perry and J. Y. Takekawa. 2000. Spring migration of northern pintails: an application of satellite telemetry. Second North American Duck Symposium. Oct. 2000. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.[Abstract]
• Miller, M. R., J. Takekawa, D. Orthmeyer, J. Fleskes, and M. Casazza. 2000. Spring migration of northern pintails: an application of satellite telemtry. 3rd Annual Pacific Flyway Symposium. Mar. 2000, Otter Crest, OR.[Abstract]
• Miller, M.R., D.L. Orthmeyer, J. Fleskes, M. Casazza, W. Perry, and J. Takekawa. 2000. Spring migration of northern pintails: an application of satellite telemetry. Second North American Duck Symposium and Workshop. Oct 11-15, 2000. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, CANADA.[Abstract]
• Miller, M.R., Takekawa, J.Y., Orthmeyer, D.L., Fleskes, J.P., Casazza, M.L., and W.M. Perry. 2000. PINSAT 2000 Progress Update Report.[Technical Report]
• Wylie, G. D. and M. L. Casazza. 2000. Investigations of Giant Garter Snakes in the Natomas Basin:1998-1999 - Project Summary.[Technical Report]
• Wylie, G. D., and M. L. Casazza. 2000. Investigations of giant garter snakes in the Natomas Basin: 2000 field season. December 21, 2000, Dixon Field Station, Dixon, CA. 13 pp.[Technical Report]
• Wylie, G. D., Casazza, M. L., and N. M. Carpenter. 2000. Monitoring Giant Garter Snakes at Colusa National Wildlife Refuge:2000 Progress Report.[Technical Report]
• Wylie, G. D., M. L. Casazza, and N. M. Carpenter. 2000. Monitoring giant garter snakes at Colusa National Wildlife Refuge: 2000 progress report. December 22, 2000. Dixon Field Station, Dixon, CA. 15 pp.[Technical Report]
• Fleskes, J. P. , M. Casazza, J. Yee, D. Orthmeyer, W. Perry and J. Daugherty. 1999. Waterfowl distribution, movements and habitat use relative to recent habitat changes in the Central Valley of California. Unpubl. Progress Report.[Technical Report]
• Casazza, M. L., Yee, J.L., Miller, M. R., and D. L. Orthmeyer. 1998. Analysis of Band-tailed Pigeon Population Estimates - 1998 Progress Report.[Technical Report]
• Casazza, M. L., M. R. Miller, and J. P. Fleskes. 1997. Habitat use of northern pintails wintering in California. First North American Duck Symposium. Feb. 1997. Baton Rouge, LA.[Abstract]
• Fleskes, J. P., M. R. Miller, and M. L. Casazza. 1997. Distribution, movements and survival of female northern pintails during winter in California. First North American Duck Symposium. Feb. 1997. Baton Rouge, LA.[Abstract]
• Wylie, G.D., M.L. Casazza, and J.K. Daugherty. 1997. 1996 progress report for the giant garter snake study. USGS, Dixon Field Station, 14 pp.[Technical Report]
• Casazza, M. L. 1995. Habitat use and movements of Northern Pintails wintering in the Suisun Marsh, California. M.S. Thesis. California State University, Sacramento. 68 pp.[Thesis/Dissertation]
• Miller, M.R., J. Fleskes, M. Casazza, and J. Austin. 1995. Wildlife Resources of the Central Valley, California: The Northern Pintail. Valley Habitats: A Technical Guidance Series for Private Land Managers in California's Central Valley 13:1-12. Ducks Unlimited, Inc., Sacramento, California.[Technical Report]
• Casazza, M. L. 1993. Vegetation Classification of Suisun Marsh, CA. This GIS coverage consists of vegetation types delineated by California Dept. of Fish and Game in 1991 in Suisun Marsh. The coverage consists of polygons with corresponding data detailing percentages of various plant species found in given polygons.[Database Spatial]
• Miller, M.R., D.L. Orthmeyer, M.L. Casazza, M.R. McLandress, and D.P. Connelly. 1993. Survival, habitat use, and movements of female northern pintails radio-marked in the Suisun Marsh, California. Final Report National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and California Waterfowl Association. 73pp.[Technical Report]
• Orthmeyer, D. L., J. Y. Takekawa, M. R. Miller, J. P. Fleskes, D. S. Gilmer, M. L. Casazza, L. Strong. 1990. Dynamics of wintering waterfowl habitats in the Sacramento Valley and Sacramento-San Joaquin river delta, 1989-1990. Progress report. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Dixon Field Station, Dixon,CA. 33pp.[Technical Report]
• Orthmeyer, D. L., J.Y.Takekawa, M. R. Miller, J. P. Fleskes, D. S. Gilmer, M. L. Casazza, L. Strong. 1989. Dynamics of wintering waterfowl habitats in the Sacramento Valley and Sacramento-San Joaquin river delta 1988-1989. Progress report. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Dixon Field Station, Dixon,CA. 33pp.[Technical Report]