My research is an field investigation of the effects that exotic invasive shrubs have on the suitability of early-successional habitat for song birds.  This project is being funded by a SURF (Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship) provided by the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program.  I am workingclosely with Dr. Litvaitis and his graduate student, Jim Panaccione, who is also investigating the effects of invasive shrubs on shrubland birds.  My project consists of measuring foraging efficiency and I am examining this by placing a video camera (in full camouflage to keep the blue jays away) on the nest of birds while they are feeding their nestlings.  I then use these videos to  measure the length of their foraging bouts and rate the quality (energy content) of the insects they bring back to feed their young. 

These data are then used to calculate foraging efficiency.  My recording efforts are being concentrated on three warblers (chestnut-sided, yellow, and common yellowthroat) and are taking place on several sites that differ in their ratio of native to exotic shrubs.  My goal is to determine if exotic shrubs (know to support fewer insects) reduce the ability of nesting birds to raise their young. Darin was mentored by Dr. John Litvaitis.

Brendan was awarded a Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship in the 2004 to conduct a study on the effects of invasive shrubs on wildlife populations. As part of this study, Brendan censused populations of insects, small mammals, and snakes among 6 habitats that had a range of invasive shrub abundance. Brendan found that insect diversity was less on invasive (alien) shrubs than on native species. This effect could have important implications to animals that depend on insects as a food source. Brendan presented the results of his research at the annual meeting of the New England Chapter of the Society of American Foresters and was given the “Best Poster” award. B