Assessing Patterns of Abundance and the Influence of Habitat Features and Scale on Birds in an Urban Environment

Abstract

My doctoral research focused on birds in the urban environment of Tucson, Arizona. Urban environments present unique challenges and opportunities for ecological research and conservation, and my work illustrates these aspects. From 2003-2008, I coordinated the Tucson Bird Count (TBC), a citywide bird survey program conducted by volunteer birders. My work with the TBC suggests that citizen-scientists may represent a valuable resource for ecologists because they can collect data over large scales and/or time periods. However, the environmental changes induced by humans in urban areas can also have significant negative impacts on native wildlife. My research indicates that for many native bird species, these impacts can be reduced through the actions of individual homeowners, neighborhood groups, and city and regional planners and managers. In working to maintain these species, it is important to consider both the specific habitat features important for each species, as well as the scale at which the species respond to these features.