Response of Migratory Bird Frequencies to Temperature in Central Alberta

Abstract

Migratory birds are an excellent indicator of the effects of anthropogenic climate change on biota in the Americas. Increased greenhouse gas accumulation in the atmosphere can contribute to an overall warming on air temperature by trapping longwave radiation and reflecting it back to Earth. As average air temperatures start to increase, more migratory birds are suffering from disturbance to their habitat and potentially changing their migratory behaviours. Using daily estimated bird total data gathered from the Beaverhill Bird Observatory and daily temperature data from the Alberta Climate Information System, this study examined the relationship between the daily frequency of migratory Anseriformes and the daily minimum and maximum temperatures near Tofield, Alberta, Canada, from 2017 to 2021 but did not find sufficient evidence to support a direct response of bird frequencies and air temperature changes. Knowledge gained from this study has potential to help inform further areas of research that may guide conservation practices and resource management strategies in areas in the face of climate change.

Faculty Mentor: John Fedoruk