Shorebird Habitat Use and Foraging Ecology on Bulls Island, South Carolina

My research focus is shorebird ecology and conservation. Shorebird populations are declining globally, likely as a result of environmental changes and the expansion of human development. These birds are particularly vulnerable to habitat loss or degradation at their coastal wintering sites where they refuel from migration and prepare for their next breeding season. I will conduct my field work on Bulls Island in South Carolina, an important wintering ground for several shorebird species. To better understand habitat use and to estimate abundance and distribution of shorebirds on Bulls Island, I will conduct regular surveys from January to the end of April. It is important to monitor this population in order to assess current and future pressures on these species. To determine food availability as a measure of habitat quality, I will take substrate samples at various sites on the island and identify and count invertebrate prey. Wintering sites with high density and diversity of invertebrates are extremely important for the well-being of shorebird populations. The data I collect on Bulls Island will provide information on the relationship between shorebird behaviour and habitat quality at this site. […]

Faculty Supervisor:

Erica Nol

Student:

Partner:

Clemson University

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Environmental Science and Technology; Life Sciences (not health); Natural Resources

University:

Trent University

Program: