The second evening of the Lethbridge College Student Presentations will host another three students, who will present their second year projects.

Jack Henley:
Mountain Bluebird (Sialia currucoides) incubation feeding behavior.

Incubation is an important process in the life cycle of avian species. The development of young during incubation is energetically taxing, and balancing feeding and attending nests can rely on multiple environmental factors. Studies have investigated incubation behavior of passerines, but little description of incubation feeding behavior in Mountain Bluebirds (Sialia currocoides) has been published to date. Thus the focus of this study was to better understand factors relating to this species specifically. Mountain Bluebird nest boxes were identified in spring 2021 prior to the completion of nest building, throughout Mountainview County in central Alberta. Following laying, feeding frequency and environmental conditions (ambient temperature, overnight low temperature, time of day, and other prominent factors) were monitored. Feeding frequency data were collected via visual observation and remote camera. This study showed that a culmination of factors affect incubation feeding behaviors in Mountain Bluebirds.

Ashlyn Herron:
Determining effectiveness of grassland restoration at reducing edge effects for grassland birds.

Habitat restoration is used by conservation organizations to reduce fragmentation in threatened grassland ecosystems. Avifauna are negatively affected by fragmentation, often showing edge avoidance in grassland habitats. However additional research is required to better understand edge effects on birds throughout the process of grassland restoration. Thus, this research focused on quantifying changes in edge effects over time, including determining when edges begin to return to the surrounding grassland patch. The objectives were to 1.) understand the effectiveness of grassland restoration in reducing edge effects on birds, and 2.) determine if edges of mid-reseed sites support more grassland obligate species than early reseed sites.

Avian species occurrence was recorded along edges of various phases of restoration using autonomous recording units (ARUs) deployed on fence lines of two properties in southeastern Alberta. Species composition similarities were evaluated using a present/not present method. Goodman and Kruskal Lambda was calculated to measure association based on the reduction in variation between chi-squared statistics for species presence in each category (a=0.05). Species compositions of mid-reseed edges reported the greatest obligate grassland species richness. Sprague's Pipit, an edge-sensitive species, was observed at mid-reseed sites, indicating edge effects causing avoidance may be reduced as a result of advanced restoration. Mechanisms behind avian avoidance patterns remain difficult to determine, likely expanding beyond physical disturbance in landscape continuity. These findings can be improved upon to assist and monitor future restoration efforts in reclaiming degraded shortgrass prairie habitats.

Alicia Zatylny.
Analyzing coyote habitat use in large-scale urban natural areas to determine potential conflict risk.

Coyotes (Canis latrans) have become prevalent in almost every major city across North America, yet habitat use by coyotes in urban areas is minimally researched, particularly in Canadian cities. As coyotes are typically a management priority in municipalities due to concerns of human safety, understanding habitat selection and spatial use is important. The study focuses on cover selection by coyotes and availability of den site habitat in Nose Hill Park, Calgary to better understand how coyotes may be using a large scale natural area shared with humans.

Please join us via the Zoom link provided:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89014873950?pwd=U0xtdkR6bkY3L2I4TlZzNW1EWFhvdz09