Research

My research focuses on how environmental change influences wildlife populations, with an emphasis on birds, across ecological, spatial, and temporal scales. I use quantitative approaches that integrate field data and large-scale datasets to understand patterns of habitat use, movement, survival, and population change, with applications for conservation in human-altered and changing environments.

Photo Credit_Shari McCollough National Audubon Society.webp

Climate and Weather Effects on Avian Reproduction

Global meta-analyses show that increasing breeding-season temperatures consistently advance avian laying dates but reduce nestling survival, while precipitation has complex, context-dependent effects on reproductive success.

Loggerhead Shrike Ecology and Conservation

Across studies, Loggerhead Shrikes show occupancy and behavior strongly shaped by habitat structure, anthropogenic features, and survey method, with key implications for monitoring and conservation.

Weather, Radar, and Bird-Window Collisions

Across U.S. cities, bird–window collisions increased with radar-derived migration traffic, while weather and flight behavior modified risk in city-specific and within-night patterns, highlighting the need to integrate migration forecasts with local weather.

Photo Credit: Virginia Department of Natural Resources

Insights from Band Recovery Records of Seabird Collisions

Band recovery data show that seabird collisions with anthropogenic structures are underreported but widespread across coastal and urban regions, with most mortality involving gulls and pelicans striking buildings and other infrastructure.

Photo Credit: Keith Sutton The Arkansas Gazette.jpg

Species Interactions and Range Expansion in Novel Ecosystems

Camera-trap analyses showed that wild pigs influenced nine-banded armadillo site use and detection, with both species showing environmental and temporal partitioning that suggests nuanced interspecific interactions rather than direct exclusion.

Habitat Selection and Spatial Ecology of Bachman’s Sparrows

Bachman’s Sparrows selected frequently burned, open pine forests with low canopy and high herbaceous groundcover, with fire-driven structure and low visual obstruction shaping both territory establishment and fine-scale habitat use.