Bird Study 2024

The bird population and dynamics study is part of the Long-Term Ecological Research program at the HJ Andrews Experimental Forest.  The Forest-Wide Bird Survey data include point count and bird observations from 183 sites across the forest, starting in 2009. As part of the long-term study, researchers visit established point count locations within the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest and take record of any birds heard or seen from that point. Automated climate loggers take measurements of temperature at each location. Starting in 2024, researchers deployed bioacoustics devices across all 183 sites to glean information on arrival and departure dates for species, and to potentially provide an alternative to human-collected data. This study is providing insights on mechanisms of species distributions and implications for their survival in a changing environment. Findings suggest that old-growth forests may provide a microclimate buffering against climate warming. This study is providing insights on mechanisms of species distributions and implications for their survival in a changing environment.