MSI Public Lecture Series

The Texas Coastal Bend is the classic geographic profile, and the diversity of bird life that inhabits the landscape is not exceeded anywhere else in the United States.  Our studies of waterbirds explore their life histories, ecological requirements, population dynamics, and conservation importance.  Scientists can evaluate the timing of migrations by shorebirds and resident wading birds to available habitat, quality of habitat, and food resources.

Traditional statistical techniques are often used to compare these variables and determine if there are significant differences between habitats and species.  We use a different approach noting the position of each individual bird in the wetland of interest, recording it's activity and habitat.  We use a geographic information system to evaluate the grouping of individuals, use of habitats and potential avoidance from other species, etc.

Dr. Smith's presentation gives an overview of the approach, and then invites the audience to interact and interpret video data collected in the Texas Coastal Bend.

Dr. Smith is a research scientist at Texas A & M University Corpus Christi.  Her research interests are in coastal ecology, coastal resource management and habitat conservation planning, restoration and enhancement.