The Williams Avian Ecology Lab

I am an avian ecologist with broad interest in understanding how birds use habitats within the landscape and how habitat use and environmental conditions affect the full annual ecology of birds.

Past Research

Movement Ecology of Henslow’s Sparrows

We are studying the movement ecology of Henslow’s Sparrows during breeding and post-breeding dispersal. Our goal is to understand how grassland birds use habitat during critical life history stages. Our work will be used to make management recommendations.

We partnered with The Nature Conservancy’s Edge of Appalachia Preserve and The Wilds.

Fall Stopover Ecology and Migration of Swainson’s Thrush

Ornithology and Field Ecology students participated in a study of fall stopover ecology and migration of Swainson’s Thrush. Students used manual radio telemetry to track thrushes during fall stopover and recorded habitat use. We used automated radio telemetry through the Motus WIldlife Tracking Network to determine migration timing and routes.  

Laboratory Collaborations

We collaborate with Dr. Cheryl Dykstra (Raptor Enviornmental), Ann Wegman (Cincinnati Museum), The Nature Conservancy and The Wilds.