Upcoming Events
MS Project Presentation - Environmental Science and Policy
Apr 24, 2025, 3:00 - 4:30 PM
Enterprise Hall Room 418 and
Virtual on Zoom (please email espgrad@gmu.edu for meeting info)
MS Project
Department of Environmental Science and Policy
College of Science
George Mason University
Candidate: Ciara Johnson
Presentation Date and Time: April 24, 2025 at 3:00pm
Presentation Location: Enterprise Hall Room 418 and virtual via Zoom
Title: Monitoring Bird populations During Fall Migration at the Clifton Institute
Project Director:Dr. Tom Wood
Committee:Dr. Esther Peters, Dr. Thomas Reid Nelson
ABSTRACT
Most passerine species in the United States are declining. Long-term monitoring of populations can aid in identifying causes of mortality and conservation priorities. Twelve years of fall migration bird banding data from a permanently protected field station was analyzed. Birds were grouped by family, feeding type, conservation status, and migratory strategy to identify trends. Opposite from the expectation of decreasing observations, captures remained stable for many species over the 12-year study period. This study adds to the body of monitoring data and proves that the use of conservation easements and proper land management can assist with maintaining bird populations.
