27th Annual Student Research Conference
Effects from Abiotic and Biotic Factors on Foraging Success of Ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) in the Florida Everglades
Jacob H. Kaiser*, Megan R. LaFollette, Michael D. Essmyer, and Patricia L. Ihrig
Dr. Jason Luscier and Dr. Chad Montgomery, Faculty Mentors
Avian foraging success is often influenced by the presence of other birds and environmental conditions. We studied these biotic and abiotic factors on Osprey (Pandion halieaetus) foraging patterns and success in Florida Bay, Everglades National Park during 1 - 7 January 2014. We recorded dives, catches, catch size, proximity to other individuals, time of day, rainfall, temperature, cloud cover, wind speed, wave action, and tide level. Increased wave action decreased the number of dives attempted (p = 0.0315) likely due to decreased water clarity. The overall success rate was 14.7% and was not affected by abiotic factors. This low success rate suggests that Ospreys mainly fed on piscivorous fish and foraging conditions were generally poor. The presence of other birds did not enhance foraging. Future studies should examine Osprey population size between years to determine the effect of wave action on reproductive success.
Keywords: Avian Foraging Success, Abiotic and Biotic Factors, Florida Bay, Everglades, Pandion halieaetus, Osprey, Dives, Wave Action, Water Clarity
Topic(s):Biology
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 4-5
Location: GEO - SUB
Time: 3:30