Identifying source population of European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) through geochemical fingerprinting in Okanagan valley of British Columbia.

This work identifies the origin of source population of bird named European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) which makeup the winter population of Okanagan-Similkameen valley. These pest birds are aggressive and destructive in nature. At once, thousands of them fly in a group and destroys fruits in orchard. In this project, I plan to collect bone samples of migrant winter birds of Okanagan-Similkameen valley and the juvenile birds from outside of the Okanagan and analyze trace elements (micronutrient). Trace elements are preserved in bone tissues, which represent the geographic regions. Since the geology of British Columbia is very diversified, geochemical fingerprinting technique would be best to identify the origin. The comparison between the early summer reference birds and the fall potentially migrant birds collect in and out of Okanagan- Similkameen valley will provide us a clear indication of the bird’s origin. Once we find the origin of the source population, Starling Control Program (SCP) in Okanagan can act further for an
effective management of these pest birds.

Faculty Supervisor:

P. Jefferson Curtis

Student:

Partner:

British Columbia Grapegrowers Association

Discipline:

Earth science

Sector:

Agriculture

University:

University of British Columbia - Okanagan

Program: