Comparing Black-backed Woodpeckers Provisioning Rates in Burned and Green Forest
Faculty mentor/Supervisor:
Jim Rivers
Email Address:
Department Affiliation:
Forest Engineering Resources & Management
Project Location:
Corvallis, Peavy Hall
Project Description:
This research opportunity is part of an ongoing project investigating nestling provisioning rates in Black-backed Woodpeckers breeding in both recently burned and green unburned forests. This project contains the largest known video library of Black-backed Woodpecker provisioning that we are aware of. Provisioning footage was collected in 2018, 2019, and 2021 at Black-backed Woodpecker nests with nestlings 9 - 11 days old. By going through the video footage and coding event information into data, we can answer questions relating to differences/similarities in feeding rates by male and female parents, relative size of food loads, and time allocation of nesting behaviors (such nest guarding, sanitation, and nest improvement), as well as perceived risk (time spent looking out of the nest cavity) in two very different forest types. A student hired through MEP will be responsible for watching Black-backed Woodpecker provisioning footage and using the program BORIS to code observed events and behaviors into usable data. This is a great opportunity for an undergraduate student to gain valuable research experience in wildlife observation and data collection from the convenience of an on-campus laboratory setting.
Describe the type of work and tasks you anticipate the student will perform:
Students will gain familiarity with BORIS video coding software and in observing and collecting data on [avian] wildlife behaviors. They will learn how to accurately code woodpecker behavioral events into usable data. In addition, due to the self-paced nature of this position, students will learn to be independent and self-directed researchers. Because the videos are pre-recorded, it will allow the student to gain experience with collecting data on wildlife behaviors in a setting that is conducive to learning and gaining experience. In-the-field wildlife observational data collection can be challenging at first due to the fast-paced and short duration characteristics that many behaviors occur in, with accurate data collection needing to occur as behaviors are actively observed. In-the-lab data collection in pre-recorded video footage will allow students to pause, rewind, and replay behavioral events in slow motion which provides for an improved learning experience and aids in the quality of data accuracy.
Hourly rate of pay:
$15.00
What is the expected timeline of this project?:
This project has been ongoing, and an MEP student could start as soon as the beginning of fall term 2023, or whenever a hired student is available to start work. Expected weekly schedule is flexible to fit the student's schedule, however there is an expectation that students put in a minimum of 5 hours per week. End date is also flexible, and with position duration to last until funding is used.
Are special skills or knowledge required to work on this project?:
No
Will training be provided?:
Yes
How many hours per week do you anticipate a student to work?:
Flexible dependent on the student, but at least 5.
How many hours per week do you anticipate engaging in direct mentorship?:
1.5
Detail your mentorship plan:
Students working on the Black-backed Woodpecker provisioning project have several opportunities for mentorship and gaining of experience through this project. The student will be trained in data collection protocol, and will receive periodic check ins. In addition, students are encouraged to reach out regularly with any questions or topics of discussion that arise, whether that be about the project they are working on, or long term goals such as getting a field technician position after undergraduate school or getting into graduate school. In addition to working on the regular lab-related work assignments, students working on the Black-backed Woodpecker research project have had the opportunity to go into the field the following summer with graduate student Mark Kerstens. This is always a great hands-on experience for undergraduates, and gives them the opportunity to track (with telemetry) and nest search for breeding woodpeckers, monitor nests, and help with safe nestling extraction and banding/tagging. Our lab also meets weekly as a group, where we discuss recent papers, provide feedback on lab-members' ongoing work, and learn from one another through trainings and presentations. A MEP student in the lab will be encouraged to attend these weekly lab meetings as part of the mentorship plan.