GSRA Position F09-04
Three Season (Fall, Winter, Spring) Bird Survey of Murphy Lake State Game Area, Tuscola County, Michigan
Faculty Name: Ernest Szuch
Department: Biology
Campus Address: 264 MSB
Email: eszuch@umflint.edu
Phone: 8107623360
Project Description: Murphy Lake State Game Area (MLSGA) in Tuscola County, MI has never been surveyed for birds during Fall, Winter and Spring seasons. The purpose of this project is to conduct a comprehensive three season survey of birds that use the game area during Fall Migration, Winter Residency and/or Spring Migration. Besides documenting the use of this public land by birds during non-breeding seasons, this project may be able to document the importance of the game area for birds during the energetically demanding times of migration and winter. Point counts will be used to determine what species are using the game area for migration and/or winter residency and to estimate how many of each species are present. Data will be collected Fall through Spring (September-May). A vegetative analysis will be conducted from early spring through late fall to determine habitat types at each point. During the Fall semester all data will be entered into computer databases for analysis. Results of this project will be made available to the Michigan DNR to be used in management of MLSGA.
Semesters Desired: Fall 2009
GSRA Position Description: Select about 30 points throughout the game area based on habitat types; conduct point counts of breeding birds (identifying birds by sight and/or sound); document (via photography and/or sound recording) any special, threatened and/or unique breeding bird species; conduct a vegetative analysis of each point; enter qualitative and quantitative data into computer databases; analyze data, and prepare presentations for professional meetings and thesis defense.
Specific Day/Time Requirements: None specified
Special Requirements: Must be able to: 1) identify birds by sight and/or sound, 2) use digital camera and recorder, 3) use GPS equipment, 4) conduct field work in rugged terrain under a variety of weather conditions, 5) use various computer programs, including Excel and PowerPoint, 6) work effectively and appropriately with others.
Graduate Students in These Programs May Apply: Position has candidate in mind