Ecology and Natural History of Avian Communities in North Creek

Avian communities and their ecological roles are key to the functionality of ecosystems. Birds provide important services such as pollination, seed dispersal, cavity availability, and prey population control, among others. Monitoring avian populations, and learning about their natural history and ecology is an important aspect of understanding healthy ecosystems and conserving them. This project involves a long-term assessment of the diversity, abundance, and composition of avian communities of North Creek’s forest, wetland, and riparian ecosystems. In addition, I am working on documenting the natural history of the bird species that occur in the area. This project involves conducting avian surveys using auditory and visual surveys, distance sampling, direct observations, and photo/video recording. Project Goals: Long-term monitoring of avian populations, Determine the composition and ecological roles of avian species in North Creek, build a natural history database for North Creek bird species, contribute to the conservation of species and habitats of North Creek, and contribute to the conservation and education goals of the Wetlands Research Group.

Student Outcomes

Students will gain skills in field ecology research: defining research questions, formulating hypotheses, designing a study, data collection, and analysis, and producing a report. Creativity is always encouraged and students can produce scientific communications, but also creative scientific pieces aimed at the general public.

Student Qualifications

• Willingness to do work in all weather and field conditions (cold, hot, muddy),
• ability to work independently but within a collaborative project,
• be familiar with local bird identification or willing to learn, and
• willingness to develop a side project on their own.

Student training will be provided in research design, field methods, and science communication.

Student Responsibilities

Meeting with mentor and peers at least every other week during the quarter. Conduct field work and all components of research projects. collaborate with peers with similar projects. Provide feedback to peers. Produce reports and ideally present them at research symposiums.

Time Commitment

This is a long-term project and is conducted in all seasons. Students need to participate for at least a full quarter and attend training and bi-weekly meetings; availability of 5-6 hrs/ week.