The Effects of Wildfire Smoke on Migrating Birds

Megan Miller joined the Rocky Point Bird Observatory crew as a bander last summer while finishing up her Master’s degree at the Colorado State University–Pueblo. Wildfire smoke is an emerging threat to birds at both the individual and population level. Limited studies associate smoke exposure with slower weight gain in House Wren nestlings, reduced banding capture rates and poorer body condition among those captured birds, and large-scale avoidance behaviour from migrating birds. Megan investigated whether exposure to poor air quality could affect the oxidative balance system in passerines migrating through Southern Colorado during spring and fall migration. To register: Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/1cjvk1elRuuKGhqIXx8MAA