Projects

Investigating the foraging dynamics of Van Rossem’s Gull-billed terns (Gelochelidon nilotica vanrossemi) with the use of radio telemetry and stable isotope analysis

Project Description

This project evaluates the foraging movements and diet of Gull-billed Terns nesting at the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge in southern California. Specifically, this project aims to evaluate the impact of Gull-billed Tern intraguild predation upon two ESA listed species: the California Least tern (CLT) and the Western Snowy Plover (WSP) through the use of radio telemetry and stable isotope analysis. With the use of radio telemetry, CLT and WSP breeding areas are monitored continuously with the specific goal of determining whether particular nesting colonies/areas are at greater risk of predation by Gull-billed Terns. We will use stable isotopes to investigate tern diet and provide information to determine the importance of CLTs and WSPs to Gull-billed Tern diet.

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Katharine Goodenough
San Diego State University

Project Location

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