Current Research

1) Bird Atlases and associated projects

My most significant scholarly achievement during the last few years has been the publication, as lead editor, of a substantial peer-reviewed academic book: The Second Atlas of Breeding Birds in Pennsylvania (Wilson et al. 2012, Penn State University Press, 612 pp), henceforth referred to as “2nd PBBA” (also a website at http://www.pabirdatlas.psu.edu/). The book was the culmination of an 11 year project, involving over 2,000 contributors.

I have recently completed analysis of 2nd Ohio Bird Atlas point count data (collaboration with The Ohio State University), and have a co-authored book chapter in progress (publication slated for 2015). I have provisionally agreed to assist the West Virginia Bird Atlas (West Virginia DNR) with data analysis on completion of their statewide bird atlas project

2) Feasibility of using drones to count songbirds

Obtaining unbiased bird survey data for vocal bird species is inherently challenging due to observer biases, habitat coverage biases, and logistical constraints. We propose that combining bioacoustics monitoring with Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technology could reduce some of these biases, and allow bird surveys to be conducted in less accessible areas. We tested the feasibility of the UAV approach to songbird surveys using a low-cost quadcopter with simple lightweight recorder suspended 8 m below the vehicle. We compared songbird detections from our UAV-mounted recorder with standard point count data at 51 count stations. We found that the number of birds per point on UAV counts was comparable with standard counts for most species, but there were significant under-estimates for some—specifically, issues of song masking for a species with a low frequency song (Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura), and under-estimation of abundance of a species that was found in very high densities (Gray Catbird Dumetella carolinensis). Species richness on UAV counts (mean of 5.6 species/point) was lower than on standard counts (8.3 species/point), but only slightly lower than on standard count if non-audible detection are omitted (6.5 species/point). Excessive UAV noise is a major hurdle to using UAVs for bioacoustics monitoring, but we are optimistic that technological innovations to reduce motor and rotor noise will significantly reduce this issue. UAV-based bioacoustic monitoring holds great promise, and we urge other researchers to consider further experimentation to refine techniques.

3) Bird population responses to the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid

Continuing my interest in applying citizen science data to address large-scale environmental issues, I am currently working with Julie Blum (’15) on a modeling project to test whether the impacts of a destructive invasive insect, the hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae), has resulted in population-scale declines of birds associated with the eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis).

4) Farmland bird population in Amish areas

There is considerable anecdotal evidence that Amish farmers are excellent environmental stewards, but the implications of this for biodiversity have never been formally studied. Our study tests the hypothesis: “Landscapes with more Amish farms support larger farmland bird populations than nearby non-Amish areas.” We are using bird count data collected in Pennsylvania in 2004-09 and Ohio in 2006-2011 to assess patterns of abundance in farmland birds with respect to Amish settlements. As part of this study we have developed a detailed map of the distribution of the Amish in Ohio and Pennsylvania, by geolocating Amish houses using online mapping.