GSRA Position F09-05
Merger or Acquisition Strategy Under Organizational Culture Differences
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 breeding birds. The purpose of this project is to conduct a comprehensive breeding bird survey of the game area. Besides documenting the use of this public land by nesting birds, this project may be able to confirm anecdotal accounts of nesting birds that are either State Threatened Species or Species of Special Concern. Point counts will be used to determine what species are using the game area for breeding and to estimate how many breeding pairs of each species are present. Most data will be collected during the main breeding season (May-July) although some data will be collected during the winter (January-February) as some birds breed during this time (e.g., owls). 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. These data will be used to generate detection probabilities for a few select species breeding in the state game area. 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/quantitative data into computer databases; analyze data, and prepare presentations for professional meetings and defense of thesis.
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