Billings Gazette: Feathers reveal clues to bird birthplaces
UC professor Brooke Crowley used isotopic analysis of feathers to track wide-ranging birds
The Billings Gazette highlighted efforts by University of Cincinnati professor Brooke Crowley to track wide-ranging birds of prey on their long migrations using isotopic analysis of their feathers.
Crowley's research has demonstrated how effective the technique is to track elusive or wide-ranging animals such as hawks and falcons across landscapes. She worked with an international team of researchers to track kestrels, goshawks and other predatory birds.
"By analyzing the feathers for another chemical, hydrogen, the scientists can zero in even more on the place where birds were born," outdoors writer Brett French wrote.
"Such information can help scientists track birds that migrate. This is important information that can help show why birds may change where the fly, maybe because a forest has been logged or developed in some other way. This helps researchers understand human effects on birds that migrate."
Crowley's study was published in October in the journal Ecosphere.
Featured image at top: Merlin feathers. Photo/Brooke Crowley
Become a Bearcat
The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next Lives Here.
Related Stories
UC offers experiential learning abroad in Central America
April 19, 2024
In the tropical paradise of Costa Rica, fourth year journalism and international affairs student Stephanie Rivera embarked on an unforgettable journey of self-discovery and cultural immersion. Leaving behind the familiar sights and sounds of Cincinnati, Rivera set out to study abroad for a transformative semester in this Central American country, rich with vibrant biodiversity and cultural heritage. The College of Arts & Sciences (A&S) at UC places great emphasis on encouraging study abroad and experiential learning opportunities for its students. Recognizing the transformative power of global experiences, the college supports a variety of study-abroad programs that enable students to enhance their academic pursuits while gaining valuable cultural and personal experiences.
Media coverage and word of mouth extends DAAP art exhibit to...
April 19, 2024
Due to popular draw, the art exhibit "Rediscovering Catharina van Hemessen’s Scourging of Christ: Women Artists, Patrons, and Rulers in Renaissance Europe" has been extended at the DAAP Library through April 30.
Alabama.com: How a new self-test for HPV could be a game changer
April 19, 2024
The University of Cincinnati's Leeya Pinder was featured in an Alabama.com/Reckon article about how self-testing for HPV could make preventative care more accessible to those facing the most barriers.