Research  

RMBO conducts specific research projects to provide scientific insight into the effects of land management actions, ecological processes (e.g., natural disasters), and habitat conditions on the health of bird populations. Such information is vital for understanding the factors underlying population trends and for directing conservation actions for beneficial results. Conservation partners, from private landowners to federal land managers, require sound scientific information to manage and conserve bird populations, many of which are experiencing long-term population declines. Examples in our region include sage grouse, prairie-chickens, and Long-billed Curlew. 

RMBO research projects provide land managers with feedback regarding the impact of habitat management decisions on the suitability of habitat for birds. We have studied the effects on birds of wildfire in pinyon-juniper habitat, timber management in Ponderosa Pine, and the impacts of roads in sagebrush habitat. Another project catalogues the trends in aspen tree cavities vital to several bird species in Rocky Mountain National Park. Our work has documented the importance of playa wetlands in providing migratory stopover habitat for shorebirds and waterfowl in the Great Plains, and how land management affects the function of this critical habitat. 

We studied the effects of wetland restoration on bird habitat. We are also studying factors that influence the density and nesting success of Burrowing Owl, Ferruginous Hawk, and Mountain Plover in the short-grass prairie. We are documenting bird distribution and nesting success in relation to grassland habitat management. Another project documents the movements of migratory Ferruginous Hawks across North and South America via satellite radio transmitters.

Studying habitat conditions for migratory birds on playa wetlands

Color-banding an individual Red-naped Sapsucker