Avian Migration

Through collaborative work with researchers at various other institutions, we have been working more recently to better understand migration behavior of loons and owls. Working with collaborators at Common Coast Research and Conservation, and Michigan Audubon (Whitefish Point Bird Observatory) we are investigating the effects of climate change on loon migration in the Great Lakes. Working with collaborators at UCLA and Boston University, we are also trying to use genetic markers to connect wintering, breeding, and migrating loon populations. With owls, we are working with some longterm owl banding data from Whitefish Point Bird Observatory to help describe some of the patterns of long-eared and northern saw-whet owl migration.