Collaborators
Current Projects
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Avian body condition can be scored and used evaluate a bird’s health, nutritional status, and survival capabilities (Bowers et al. 2014). Hematocrit, which is the ratio of red blood cells to the total volume of the blood sample, is thought to be an indicator of overall body condition (McKinnon et al. 2015). Hematocrit that is severely high or low can indicate certain diseases or issues with body condition (Markowski, 2015). Click the document below to see the published manuscript (p. 5-14):
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Natal philopatry is measured by determining the proportion of young that were banded on the given study site and that were seen on the same site in subsequent years. Each nestling that fledges within the study site will be banded and measured. Upon recapture during subsequent years, the proportion of birds returning to their natal site (previously banded as a fledgling) will be analyzed and compared to the unbanded population which will be captured using mist nets and banded each year. Natal dispersal distance is defined as the distance between an individual’s natal nest and its first adult nest. |
Comparing Song Dialects of Carolina Chickadees and
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In collaboration with Dr. Freeberg at the University of Tennessee - Knoxville: Each songbird has a distinct song and call used to communicate with mates, neighbors, young, warn of predators, and defend territories. During courtship, songbirds use their unique and individualized songs in order to appeal to a potential mate. The purpose of this study is to analyze the dialect patterns of Carolina Chickadees and Tufted Titmice in Tennessee and Georgia. |
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The Italian honey bee, or Apis mellifera ligustica, is the most common honey bee used by beekeepers in the Southeastern part of the United States. All honey bee colonies respond aggressively when their colony is disturbed or attacked, but there is striking variation in the intensity of their response. In docile colonies, only a few bees may respond, whereas in more aggressive colonies, the response may involve hundreds or even thousands of stinging individuals (Alaux et al. 2009). Bees are more likely to eliminate pests altogether when they are led by a more aggressive queen. In hives with strong queens, a certain gene gets passed from hive to hive during a queen mating flight that allows her offspring to be highly varroa-hygienic. This causes the bees to kill mites and remove infected broods from the hive (LeConte et al. 2011).
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Students have been studying the behaviors of a local population of adult songbirds for several years! Each year, we need 3-4 more students to assist with field observations, data collection, and statistical analyses. Students in 9th or 10th grade, who enjoy birdwatching, should speak with Ms. Heberle for more information! (Note: data collection continues during summer break!) |
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Anthropogenic solid pollution, like plastics, can heavily impact water quality through releasing toxic contaminants or having a surface that toxic contaminants can latch onto and travel on. Notable toxic contaminants that pose a threat to water quality include heavy metals and fertilizers along with pH and total hardness being useful indicators of water quality. By cleaning up trash in a local creek, the quality of the creek's water would be expected to improve along with a decrease in trash in subsequent visits.
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Spider Web Symmetry and Spider Behavior in Reduced Space Habitats
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These students are studying the characteristics of spider webs - more specifically, the symmetry between individuals as well as multiple builds by the same individual. The first trial was on the effects of reduced space on spider behavior and web creation by Leucauge venusta. They also measure webs in natural habitats in relation to spider size and amount of prey in each web.
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Songbird Nest Microclimate and Nest Size Correlate with Nestling Development
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Nestling survival is influenced by the temperature inside the nest as well as the size of the nest in relation to the number of nestlings. As weather and temperature fluctuate, the inside of the nest must be kept at an optimum temperature for the growth and development of the nestlings.
Data collection for this project takes place each year from February through July. This project could use an extra one or two students to assist. |
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In Lauren's (11th grade) words: "During the past school year I have been conducting a research project where I compare the litter debris found at two marsh sites. I chose two marshes in Savannah, GA and went every two weeks to survey and clean up the areas. Doing this project has really opened my eyes to just how much litter is in our environments. Every time I went back to clean-up there was always more debris to pick up. The most common items were plastic materials (primarily plastic fragments and food wrappers). This experience has really made me aware of the quantity of trash that unwelcomely enters our ecosystems and I now notice litter around more than ever before." |
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The proximity to neighborhoods, feral housecats, and highways may cause birds to select nest boxes that are more concealed compared to more isolated and protected habitats. Therefore, songbirds select nest boxes based on habitat surroundings and perceived predation risk.
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Nest Box Orientation and Nest Selection in
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Students determine the cardinal direction of the opening of each nest box prior to the breeding season (usually in January). Throughout the breeding season, they check the nests twice a week and record the contents - nest, eggs, nestlings, etc. At the end of the summer, they analyze their data to determine which nests were successful (nestlings survived and fledged) and which nests failed. Then, they are able to compare the success rate between the different nest box directions.
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