Conservation
Conservation projects were my gateway into research, and I've been fortunate to continue this journey through many diverse projects. While my current research interests have evolved into new areas, the experiences below have significantly shaped my development and education.
Ecology and Demography of a Threatened Bird (past)
Cracids are a family of turkey-like birds that are highly threatened due to habitat changes and hunting pressures. We conducted a study in the gallery forests of the Guaycolec Reserve to assess the ecology, behaviour and demography of the Bare-Faced Curassow (Crax fasciolata). To see what we found out, check out the paper below!
Collaborators: The Owl Monkey Project
Management of Invasive Birds (past)
In North America, House Sparrows (Passer domesticus) compete with native species for nest cavities, which are often limited. Due to the difficulties of extirpating an invasive species and the growing desire from the public to help in conservation matters, we sought to test a potential technique for managing invasive cavity-nesting passerines that could be successfully deployed by professionals and citizen scientists alike. To see how you can help out, see the paper below!
Collaborators: David N. Bonter, Robyn L. Bailey
Effects of Supplemental Feeding (past)
The variety of foods offered to breeding birds continues to diversify, yet the consequences for wildlife of this widespread human activity are relatively unexplored. To investigate the potential costs and benefits of supplemental feeding, we experimentally examined the relationship between providing supplemental insect prey and nestling growth rates. To read more about the early birds, check out the paper below!
Collaborators: Sarah Dzielski, David N. Bonter, Robyn L. Bailey