Participation Type
Paper
Session Title
Session 10.01 Environment
Presentation #1 Title
Microhabitat use by migrating songbirds in the Southern Appalachian Mountains
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
My project describes microhabitat use of migrating birds at a stopover location in Southern Appalachia. The goal of this research is to increase the understanding of post-breeding habitats needed by birds. The human population is attracted to scenery and wildlife found in these mountains. A key feature of this attractive wildlife includes the dawn chorus provided by the vast diversity of songbirds during the breeding season. However, human land uses may result in habitat degradation and loss, threatening bird populations. Conservation efforts for birds often involve habitat protection and focus on habitats used during the breeding season. However, habitat needs after breeding are likewise important, but relatively unstudied. This lack of knowledge is problematic for protecting Neotropical migrants, which utilize separate locations for breeding, wintering, and migrating. My research took place on Little Bald Mountain, along the NC/TN border, identified as an Important Bird Area and a significant stopover site for migrating birds. Microhabitats were assessed by quantifying vegetation structure using field measurements and remotely-sensed LiDAR data at locations utilized by a bird-banding station. The habitat data were compared to the abundance and species diversity of captured birds to better understand how fine-scale differences in the physical structure of trees and shrubs influence habitat use. Through this effort, conservation efforts will be better able to identify and maintain important habitat features for avian populations. Through conservation of habitat and bird populations, the dawn chorus of the Appalachian Mountains will also be preserved for the enjoyment of Appalachian residents and visitors.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Anjelika Kidd grew up in Smiths Station, AL and is now a senior majoring in Zoology at Mars Hill University (NC) with a special interest in avian ecology. In addition to being a collegiate athlete in cross-country & track, Anje serves as the president of the Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society at MHU and is currently pursuing opportunities for graduate studies.
Microhabitat use by migrating songbirds in the Southern Appalachian Mountains
My project describes microhabitat use of migrating birds at a stopover location in Southern Appalachia. The goal of this research is to increase the understanding of post-breeding habitats needed by birds. The human population is attracted to scenery and wildlife found in these mountains. A key feature of this attractive wildlife includes the dawn chorus provided by the vast diversity of songbirds during the breeding season. However, human land uses may result in habitat degradation and loss, threatening bird populations. Conservation efforts for birds often involve habitat protection and focus on habitats used during the breeding season. However, habitat needs after breeding are likewise important, but relatively unstudied. This lack of knowledge is problematic for protecting Neotropical migrants, which utilize separate locations for breeding, wintering, and migrating. My research took place on Little Bald Mountain, along the NC/TN border, identified as an Important Bird Area and a significant stopover site for migrating birds. Microhabitats were assessed by quantifying vegetation structure using field measurements and remotely-sensed LiDAR data at locations utilized by a bird-banding station. The habitat data were compared to the abundance and species diversity of captured birds to better understand how fine-scale differences in the physical structure of trees and shrubs influence habitat use. Through this effort, conservation efforts will be better able to identify and maintain important habitat features for avian populations. Through conservation of habitat and bird populations, the dawn chorus of the Appalachian Mountains will also be preserved for the enjoyment of Appalachian residents and visitors.
