Santa Cruz Island Reserve

12 Apr, 05 AM - 17 Apr, 05 AM

This research project focuses on the evolution and conservation of subspecies of song sparrow in the Channel Islands of California, and proposes to identify the extent of genetic differentiation among islands and mainland populations. We will first estimate the genetic relatedness of Californian mainland and Channel Island subspecies and then examine differentiation among populations on individual islands. Fieldwork on Santa Cruz involves using mistnets to capture 20-30 adult birds from in total from this island. I set 1-2 nets up and maintain visual contact with them and take birds out immediately. I prefer to use playbacks in order to limit my capture to song sparrows, but I can omit this. Birds are banded with a USFW band, morphological measurements are made, and small blood samples are taken from the wing vein. Birds are immediately capable of flight upon release. I use the finest needle commercially available and have not had injuries nor mortalities in over 200 adults and 200 nestlings in my past experience with song sparrows. Allowing for bad weather it should take approximately 5-7 days to capture 30 birds. I would aim to finish all work during April 12-17 but would request permission to access the reserve until May 10, in the event weather disrupts work.

Visit #9213 @Santa Cruz Island Reserve

Approved

Under Project # 6337 | Research

Genetic Structure of Song Sparrows on Santa Cruz Island

graduate_student - University of British Columbia

Reservation Members(s)

Amy Wilson Apr 12 - 17, 2006 (6 days)

Reserve Resources(s) | Create Invoice

Dorm 1 Apr 12 - 17, 2006