Alexandra (Allie) Weill
Allie is the Outreach Coordinator and Science Communicator at the USGS Western Ecological Research Center, currently serving as an Acting Public Affairs Specialist for the Office of Communications and Publishing.
Biography
EDUCATION
PhD Ecology (fire ecology), University of California, Davis, 2018
BA Biological Sciences, BS Geophysical Sciences, University of Chicago, 2011
Science and Products
Building a Cloud Forest From the Ground Up
California's Channel Islands were once home to cloud forests, but this unique ecosystem was lost. USGS & partners are bringing them back.
Waterfowl Ecology in Suisun Marsh and the Pacific Flyway
Learn about waterfowl research by scientists at the USGS Western Ecological Research Center.
Wildfire Smoke Disrupts Bird Migration in the West
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Early fall wildfires in the western states and the smoke they generate pose a risk to birds migrating in the Pacific Flyway, according to a new study by the U.S. Geological Survey. GPS data from the 2020 wildfire season indicate that at least some migratory birds may take longer and use more energy to avoid wildfire smoke.
Research Spotlight: High Salinity and Limited Wetlands Reduce Duckling Habitat for Waterfowl
A new publication by USGS scientists examines wetland availability and salinity in Suisun Marsh, with particular focus on the implications for young ducklings with low salinity tolerance. The results indicated that a majority of wetland area in Suisun Marsh has salinity concentrations high enough to have detrimental effects on duckling growth and survival.
Sea Otter Surveys Get a High-Tech, COVID-Safe Update for 2021
After a 2020 cancellation of the annual sea otter census, the count was back on for 2021.
Research Spotlight: New Study Explores Nocturnal Nest Breaks and Predation Events for Dabbling Ducks
A new study by USGS scientists, in collaboration with the California Department of Water Resources and California Department of Fish and Wildlife, examined whether female ducks (hens) in Suisun Marsh, California leave their nest at night voluntarily or in response to a predator. They find that most nest breaks at night are initiated by the hen, but a quarter of nest departures are the result...
Research Spotlight: Ignitions and Wind Speed are Strongest Drivers of Area Burned in Santa Ana Wind Fires
New research from USGS scientists and collaborators has found that the number of wildfire ignitions and wind speeds outweigh temperature and precipitation in determining the area burned in Southern California’s Santa Ana wind-driven fires.
Animal Crossing: New Research Guides Efforts to Protect California’s Amphibians and Reptiles from Road Danger
Roads can be dangerous for California’s reptiles and amphibians, but a five-year study and new video show that there are effective strategies to help these animals cross roads safely.
Biofilm is on the Kids’ Menu, and Other Lessons from the Western Sandpipers of San Francisco Bay
USGS scientists are studying what western sandpipers in San Francisco Bay eat to fuel up for their migration. This research can inform conservation and management efforts for this tiny shorebird.
Research Spotlight: Dabbling Ducks Prefer Managed Wetlands and Pond-Like Features in Suisun Marsh
A recent study by USGS scientists found that dabbling ducks in Suisun Marsh, California, spend about 98% percent of their time in managed wetlands, consistently selecting managed wetlands over tidal marsh habitat.
Research Spotlight: New Habitat Maps Inform Endangered Least Bell’s Vireo Recovery in California
A new report from USGS ecologists analyzes the suitability of California habitat for the federally endangered Least Bell’s Vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus) across its current and historic range. The resulting maps identify the 6% of the state’s riparian habitat most likely to be used by the Least Bell’s Vireo and help meet federal recovery objectives for this species.
You've Heard a Bird Sing, But Have You Heard a Jerusalem Cricket's Drum?
You’ve probably heard a bird singing to find a mate, or even a frog. But have you ever heard a Jerusalem cricket’s drum?
12 Days of Conifer Bonus: Spiky Leaves Aren't Just For Conifers
Nothing like a baker’s dozen, right? As a bonus for 12 Days Of Conifers we have…. hey! That’s not a conifer!
12 Days of Conifers: Lodgepole Pines and Mountain Meadows
For Day 11 of 12 Days Of Conifers, we present the lodgepole pine. Lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) is the only pine in the Sierra Nevada with needles in clusters of two, making it relatively easy to identify in that region.