Colonial Waterbird Nesting Ecology
USGS is engaged in a variety of research aimed at understanding population dynamics in colonially nesting waterbirds of the Chesapeake Bay. Much of this work focuses on how focal species such as Common and Least Terns, Cattle and Snowy Egrets, and others respond to habitat restoration and management on Poplar Island, a large-scale effort lead by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Port of Baltimore that uses dredge material to restore remote island habitat. However, we also work closely with collaborators from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and private sectors to explore how emerging technologies and novel wildlife management strategies can be used to inform research and management actions.
Explore each of the links below to learn more about our umbrellas of research.
Reproductive Success of Terns on Poplar Island
Novel Management Techniques of Colonial Water Nesting Birds
Use of Emerging Technologies
A video surveillance system to monitor breeding colonies of common terns (Sterna Hirundo) A video surveillance system to monitor breeding colonies of common terns (Sterna Hirundo)
Preliminary evaluation of behavioral response of nesting waterbirds to small unmanned aircraft flight Preliminary evaluation of behavioral response of nesting waterbirds to small unmanned aircraft flight
Use of Bank Swallow (Riparia riparia) burrows as shelter by Common Tern (Sterna hirundo) chicks Use of Bank Swallow (Riparia riparia) burrows as shelter by Common Tern (Sterna hirundo) chicks
USGS is engaged in a variety of research aimed at understanding population dynamics in colonially nesting waterbirds of the Chesapeake Bay. Much of this work focuses on how focal species such as Common and Least Terns, Cattle and Snowy Egrets, and others respond to habitat restoration and management on Poplar Island, a large-scale effort lead by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Port of Baltimore that uses dredge material to restore remote island habitat. However, we also work closely with collaborators from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and private sectors to explore how emerging technologies and novel wildlife management strategies can be used to inform research and management actions.
Explore each of the links below to learn more about our umbrellas of research.