A group of birders explore Patuxent Research Refuge.
Megan A Evans (Former Employee)
Science and Products
Below are science communication products Megan has co-developed with subject matter experts.
EESC Makes an Impact: Empowering State-led Wildlife Management
Management of state natural resources is a collaborative effort between state governments, federal agencies, tribal governments, and local stakeholders. USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center (EESC) supports state-led wildlife management with research that clarifies complex issues, enhances scientific quality and communication, broadens solution options, and enables cost-sharing and mutual...
EESC Makes an Impact: Enhancing Recreational & Commercial Fishing
The USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center (EESC) provides world-class science to inform natural resource decisions on aquatic ecosystems, species populations and management, disease, and invasive species. Our scientific products represent critical contributions that enhance the ecological and economic sustainability of recreational and commercial fishing. In the United States, anglers contribute...
EESC Makes an Impact
The U.S. Geological Survey Eastern Ecological Science Center (EESC) strives to provide world-class science to inform natural resource decisions that preserve and enhance our quality of life. We work directly with managers of our shared natural resources to provide the unbiased scientific tools, research and innovations needed to make informed decisions in today’s complex and rapidly changing...
Key Values of a Century of EESC Science
The USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center (EESC) is rooted in a proud tradition of service to the nation—advancing science that informs the conservation and management of fish, wildlife, and habitats across the eastern United States and beyond. Our mission is clear: deliver reliable, partner-driven science that supports natural resource decisions today, while ensuring these resources remain...
EESC Makes an Impact: Restoring the Chesapeake Bay Watershed
The Chesapeake Bay provides over $100 billion in annual economic value and is home to 18 million people. The USGS, including scientists from the Eastern Ecological Science Center (EESC), works with Federal, State, local, and academic partners to provide research and monitoring and to communicate results to inform management for the Chesapeake and other important landscapes across the Nation.
EESC Makes an Impact: Protecting Ecosystems to Safeguard Food and Water
Research at the USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center (EESC) supports understanding of the connection between ecosystem health and the quality and availability of America's food and water. USGS studies help monitor and assess the health of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, species populations, water quality, and contaminants affecting health and habitats. Information gained through this...
EESC Makes an Impact: Preserving our Hunting Resources
Hunting is an economic engine for the U.S. and responsible management of these resources directly supports 45.2 billion dollars spent by hunters annually. Conservation and management of hunting resources also contributes substantially to the 394.8 billion dollars spent on all wildlife-related recreation. Hunting traditions are an integral component of our American heritage, with 14.4 million...
EESC Makes an Impact: Reducing Management Costs and Increasing Efficiency
Decision analysis is widely used in business applications to improve cost saving and increase efficiency under uncertainty. Scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey Eastern Ecological Science Center (EESC) include world-renowned experts who use data, mathematics, statistics, and computer science to help frame and solve decision problems to support U.S. national security, public health, wildlife...
USGS at the 2025 Philadelphia Flower Show
USGS returns to the Philadelphia Flower Show with an exhibit featuring bees, butterflies, birds and blooms. Visit our booth at the Pennsylvania Convention Center from March 1 to 9, 2025.
Filter Total Items: 32
Birdwatching at Patuxent Research Refuge
A group of birders explore Patuxent Research Refuge.
Birdwatchers
Birds enrich America’s outdoor spaces and support a thriving recreation economy. In 2022, about 96 million Americans participated in birdwatching, generating \$279 billion in economic output. Pictured here are four birdwatchers exploring Patuxent Research Refuge.
Birds enrich America’s outdoor spaces and support a thriving recreation economy. In 2022, about 96 million Americans participated in birdwatching, generating \$279 billion in economic output. Pictured here are four birdwatchers exploring Patuxent Research Refuge.
Great Blue Heron
The great blue heron (Ardea herodias) is a large, wading bird known for its striking blue-gray plumage, long legs, and graceful demeanor, commonly found near water bodies across North America. This one was photographed in Ocean City, MD.
The great blue heron (Ardea herodias) is a large, wading bird known for its striking blue-gray plumage, long legs, and graceful demeanor, commonly found near water bodies across North America. This one was photographed in Ocean City, MD.
Baltimore Oriole
A Baltimore Oriole sits in a tree.
A Baltimore Oriole sits in a tree.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird at Bee Balm Flower
A female Ruby-throated Hummingbird buzzing among the bee balm stops to get some nectar. Shot in front of the Gabrielson Building at the Eastern Ecological Science Center in Laurel, MD.
A female Ruby-throated Hummingbird buzzing among the bee balm stops to get some nectar. Shot in front of the Gabrielson Building at the Eastern Ecological Science Center in Laurel, MD.
Winter Wren in the hand
These tiny balls of energy are sometimes referred to as mice with the way they scurry around the forest floor. During the breeding season, males will sing one of the more complex songs out of North American bird species. Each song lasts 5-10 seconds and consists of unique bubbly notes which the individual will combine and modify over time.
These tiny balls of energy are sometimes referred to as mice with the way they scurry around the forest floor. During the breeding season, males will sing one of the more complex songs out of North American bird species. Each song lasts 5-10 seconds and consists of unique bubbly notes which the individual will combine and modify over time.
Golden-crowned Kinglet crown
One can really see how a Golden-crowned Kinglet got their name! This bird was handled and marked at the EESC Bird Banding Lab's Fall Migration Station.
One can really see how a Golden-crowned Kinglet got their name! This bird was handled and marked at the EESC Bird Banding Lab's Fall Migration Station.
Attaching a Bird Band
A member of the USGS Bird Banding Laboratory attaches a band to a bird during the Fall Banding Station.
A member of the USGS Bird Banding Laboratory attaches a band to a bird during the Fall Banding Station.
Hooded Warbler in the hand
Hooded Warbler are a treat at the EESC Bird Banding Lab Fall Migration Station, as the station bands an average of two each fall. Based on data collected, the individual pictured hatched this year and is a male.
Hooded Warbler are a treat at the EESC Bird Banding Lab Fall Migration Station, as the station bands an average of two each fall. Based on data collected, the individual pictured hatched this year and is a male.
House Wren
This house wren was banded during the fall migration banding activities at EESC's Bird Banding Laboratory in Laurel, MD.
This house wren was banded during the fall migration banding activities at EESC's Bird Banding Laboratory in Laurel, MD.
Hunting dog with a duck in its mouth
Preacher, a Boykin spaniel, holds a harvest duck in his mouth. He belongs to longtime waterfowl hunter Tyler Coleman. The duck has bird bands on its legs.
Preacher, a Boykin spaniel, holds a harvest duck in his mouth. He belongs to longtime waterfowl hunter Tyler Coleman. The duck has bird bands on its legs.
Hunter holding banded ducks
Hunter Tyler Coleman holds two harvested ducks - both birds have been banded. Coleman is wearing a necklace of bands he's collected over the years.
Hunter Tyler Coleman holds two harvested ducks - both birds have been banded. Coleman is wearing a necklace of bands he's collected over the years.
Dr. Heather Walsh holding a blue catfish
Dr. Heather Walsh holds a blue catfish as part of sampling to determine PFAS levels in the fish.
Dr. Heather Walsh holds a blue catfish as part of sampling to determine PFAS levels in the fish.
Extracting blood from a blue catfish
Dr. Heather Walsh uses a syringe to extract blood samples from a blue catfish. The blood will be tested for PFAS in the Leetown PFAS Lab.
Dr. Heather Walsh uses a syringe to extract blood samples from a blue catfish. The blood will be tested for PFAS in the Leetown PFAS Lab.
Hummingbird in the Hand
A bird biologist holds a ruby-throated hummingbird in the hand.
A bird biologist holds a ruby-throated hummingbird in the hand.
Tony_Audubon
Bird Banding Chief Tony Celis shows a small banded bird to a young member of the Paterson Audubon Society during a visit to the Fall Banding Station.
Bird Banding Chief Tony Celis shows a small banded bird to a young member of the Paterson Audubon Society during a visit to the Fall Banding Station.
Micah Kieffer holds a shortnose sturgeon
Fish Biologist Micah Kieffer holds a shortnose sturgeon during a public outreach event at EESC's S.O. Conte Research Lab in Turners Falls, MA.
Fish Biologist Micah Kieffer holds a shortnose sturgeon during a public outreach event at EESC's S.O. Conte Research Lab in Turners Falls, MA.
Releasing American Shad
Ted Castro-Santos, EESC, and Katie Deters, PNNL, release tagged American Shad in the canal at the Conte Lab
Ted Castro-Santos, EESC, and Katie Deters, PNNL, release tagged American Shad in the canal at the Conte Lab
American Shad Release at Conte Lab
Ted Castro-Santos, EESC, and Katie Deters, PNNL, release tagged American Shad in the canal at the Conte Lab
Ted Castro-Santos, EESC, and Katie Deters, PNNL, release tagged American Shad in the canal at the Conte Lab
Eastern Box Turtle
An Eastern box turtle in the leaves in the woods of Patuxent.
An Eastern box turtle in the leaves in the woods of Patuxent.
Eastern Box Turtle
An Eastern Box turtle with vibrant orange skin is caught as part of the Patuxent Box Turtle Survey.
An Eastern Box turtle with vibrant orange skin is caught as part of the Patuxent Box Turtle Survey.
Science and Products
Below are science communication products Megan has co-developed with subject matter experts.
EESC Makes an Impact: Empowering State-led Wildlife Management
Management of state natural resources is a collaborative effort between state governments, federal agencies, tribal governments, and local stakeholders. USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center (EESC) supports state-led wildlife management with research that clarifies complex issues, enhances scientific quality and communication, broadens solution options, and enables cost-sharing and mutual...
EESC Makes an Impact: Enhancing Recreational & Commercial Fishing
The USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center (EESC) provides world-class science to inform natural resource decisions on aquatic ecosystems, species populations and management, disease, and invasive species. Our scientific products represent critical contributions that enhance the ecological and economic sustainability of recreational and commercial fishing. In the United States, anglers contribute...
EESC Makes an Impact
The U.S. Geological Survey Eastern Ecological Science Center (EESC) strives to provide world-class science to inform natural resource decisions that preserve and enhance our quality of life. We work directly with managers of our shared natural resources to provide the unbiased scientific tools, research and innovations needed to make informed decisions in today’s complex and rapidly changing...
Key Values of a Century of EESC Science
The USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center (EESC) is rooted in a proud tradition of service to the nation—advancing science that informs the conservation and management of fish, wildlife, and habitats across the eastern United States and beyond. Our mission is clear: deliver reliable, partner-driven science that supports natural resource decisions today, while ensuring these resources remain...
EESC Makes an Impact: Restoring the Chesapeake Bay Watershed
The Chesapeake Bay provides over $100 billion in annual economic value and is home to 18 million people. The USGS, including scientists from the Eastern Ecological Science Center (EESC), works with Federal, State, local, and academic partners to provide research and monitoring and to communicate results to inform management for the Chesapeake and other important landscapes across the Nation.
EESC Makes an Impact: Protecting Ecosystems to Safeguard Food and Water
Research at the USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center (EESC) supports understanding of the connection between ecosystem health and the quality and availability of America's food and water. USGS studies help monitor and assess the health of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, species populations, water quality, and contaminants affecting health and habitats. Information gained through this...
EESC Makes an Impact: Preserving our Hunting Resources
Hunting is an economic engine for the U.S. and responsible management of these resources directly supports 45.2 billion dollars spent by hunters annually. Conservation and management of hunting resources also contributes substantially to the 394.8 billion dollars spent on all wildlife-related recreation. Hunting traditions are an integral component of our American heritage, with 14.4 million...
EESC Makes an Impact: Reducing Management Costs and Increasing Efficiency
Decision analysis is widely used in business applications to improve cost saving and increase efficiency under uncertainty. Scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey Eastern Ecological Science Center (EESC) include world-renowned experts who use data, mathematics, statistics, and computer science to help frame and solve decision problems to support U.S. national security, public health, wildlife...
USGS at the 2025 Philadelphia Flower Show
USGS returns to the Philadelphia Flower Show with an exhibit featuring bees, butterflies, birds and blooms. Visit our booth at the Pennsylvania Convention Center from March 1 to 9, 2025.
Filter Total Items: 32
Birdwatching at Patuxent Research Refuge
A group of birders explore Patuxent Research Refuge.
A group of birders explore Patuxent Research Refuge.
Birdwatchers
Birds enrich America’s outdoor spaces and support a thriving recreation economy. In 2022, about 96 million Americans participated in birdwatching, generating \$279 billion in economic output. Pictured here are four birdwatchers exploring Patuxent Research Refuge.
Birds enrich America’s outdoor spaces and support a thriving recreation economy. In 2022, about 96 million Americans participated in birdwatching, generating \$279 billion in economic output. Pictured here are four birdwatchers exploring Patuxent Research Refuge.
Great Blue Heron
The great blue heron (Ardea herodias) is a large, wading bird known for its striking blue-gray plumage, long legs, and graceful demeanor, commonly found near water bodies across North America. This one was photographed in Ocean City, MD.
The great blue heron (Ardea herodias) is a large, wading bird known for its striking blue-gray plumage, long legs, and graceful demeanor, commonly found near water bodies across North America. This one was photographed in Ocean City, MD.
Baltimore Oriole
A Baltimore Oriole sits in a tree.
A Baltimore Oriole sits in a tree.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird at Bee Balm Flower
A female Ruby-throated Hummingbird buzzing among the bee balm stops to get some nectar. Shot in front of the Gabrielson Building at the Eastern Ecological Science Center in Laurel, MD.
A female Ruby-throated Hummingbird buzzing among the bee balm stops to get some nectar. Shot in front of the Gabrielson Building at the Eastern Ecological Science Center in Laurel, MD.
Winter Wren in the hand
These tiny balls of energy are sometimes referred to as mice with the way they scurry around the forest floor. During the breeding season, males will sing one of the more complex songs out of North American bird species. Each song lasts 5-10 seconds and consists of unique bubbly notes which the individual will combine and modify over time.
These tiny balls of energy are sometimes referred to as mice with the way they scurry around the forest floor. During the breeding season, males will sing one of the more complex songs out of North American bird species. Each song lasts 5-10 seconds and consists of unique bubbly notes which the individual will combine and modify over time.
Golden-crowned Kinglet crown
One can really see how a Golden-crowned Kinglet got their name! This bird was handled and marked at the EESC Bird Banding Lab's Fall Migration Station.
One can really see how a Golden-crowned Kinglet got their name! This bird was handled and marked at the EESC Bird Banding Lab's Fall Migration Station.
Attaching a Bird Band
A member of the USGS Bird Banding Laboratory attaches a band to a bird during the Fall Banding Station.
A member of the USGS Bird Banding Laboratory attaches a band to a bird during the Fall Banding Station.
Hooded Warbler in the hand
Hooded Warbler are a treat at the EESC Bird Banding Lab Fall Migration Station, as the station bands an average of two each fall. Based on data collected, the individual pictured hatched this year and is a male.
Hooded Warbler are a treat at the EESC Bird Banding Lab Fall Migration Station, as the station bands an average of two each fall. Based on data collected, the individual pictured hatched this year and is a male.
House Wren
This house wren was banded during the fall migration banding activities at EESC's Bird Banding Laboratory in Laurel, MD.
This house wren was banded during the fall migration banding activities at EESC's Bird Banding Laboratory in Laurel, MD.
Hunting dog with a duck in its mouth
Preacher, a Boykin spaniel, holds a harvest duck in his mouth. He belongs to longtime waterfowl hunter Tyler Coleman. The duck has bird bands on its legs.
Preacher, a Boykin spaniel, holds a harvest duck in his mouth. He belongs to longtime waterfowl hunter Tyler Coleman. The duck has bird bands on its legs.
Hunter holding banded ducks
Hunter Tyler Coleman holds two harvested ducks - both birds have been banded. Coleman is wearing a necklace of bands he's collected over the years.
Hunter Tyler Coleman holds two harvested ducks - both birds have been banded. Coleman is wearing a necklace of bands he's collected over the years.
Dr. Heather Walsh holding a blue catfish
Dr. Heather Walsh holds a blue catfish as part of sampling to determine PFAS levels in the fish.
Dr. Heather Walsh holds a blue catfish as part of sampling to determine PFAS levels in the fish.
Extracting blood from a blue catfish
Dr. Heather Walsh uses a syringe to extract blood samples from a blue catfish. The blood will be tested for PFAS in the Leetown PFAS Lab.
Dr. Heather Walsh uses a syringe to extract blood samples from a blue catfish. The blood will be tested for PFAS in the Leetown PFAS Lab.
Hummingbird in the Hand
A bird biologist holds a ruby-throated hummingbird in the hand.
A bird biologist holds a ruby-throated hummingbird in the hand.
Tony_Audubon
Bird Banding Chief Tony Celis shows a small banded bird to a young member of the Paterson Audubon Society during a visit to the Fall Banding Station.
Bird Banding Chief Tony Celis shows a small banded bird to a young member of the Paterson Audubon Society during a visit to the Fall Banding Station.
Micah Kieffer holds a shortnose sturgeon
Fish Biologist Micah Kieffer holds a shortnose sturgeon during a public outreach event at EESC's S.O. Conte Research Lab in Turners Falls, MA.
Fish Biologist Micah Kieffer holds a shortnose sturgeon during a public outreach event at EESC's S.O. Conte Research Lab in Turners Falls, MA.
Releasing American Shad
Ted Castro-Santos, EESC, and Katie Deters, PNNL, release tagged American Shad in the canal at the Conte Lab
Ted Castro-Santos, EESC, and Katie Deters, PNNL, release tagged American Shad in the canal at the Conte Lab
American Shad Release at Conte Lab
Ted Castro-Santos, EESC, and Katie Deters, PNNL, release tagged American Shad in the canal at the Conte Lab
Ted Castro-Santos, EESC, and Katie Deters, PNNL, release tagged American Shad in the canal at the Conte Lab
Eastern Box Turtle
An Eastern box turtle in the leaves in the woods of Patuxent.
An Eastern box turtle in the leaves in the woods of Patuxent.
Eastern Box Turtle
An Eastern Box turtle with vibrant orange skin is caught as part of the Patuxent Box Turtle Survey.
An Eastern Box turtle with vibrant orange skin is caught as part of the Patuxent Box Turtle Survey.