Effects of hemlock decline on bird communities at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

October 21, 2015 @ 01:20 pm to 02:10 pm

Matt Toenies, Penn State

102 Forest Resources Bldg

The invasive hemlock woolly adelgid has caused widespread decline of eastern hemlock throughout the eastern United States. This decline has potentially severe consequences for avian diversity in hemlock forests, especially for several species considered to be potential hemlock obligates. In order to determine possible changes in bird community composition, my study compares bird point count data from the same forest stands both before and after fifteen years of hemlock decline. In addition to discussing my research proposal, I will touch on some preliminary results from my first field season.

Contact

Laura Radville
lur150@psu.edu