Tom Virzi, PhD Candidate
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources
- 14 College Farm Road
- Rutgers University
- New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8525
- 732-932-8243 ext. 20
- tvirzi@eden.rutgers.edu
Research Interests:
Detailed study of American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus) breeding habitat requirements, nest success and causes of nest failure in New Jersey
High levels of coastal development and recreational activity in the densely populated State of New Jersey have severely altered the breeding habitat for beach nesting birds such as the American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus). Recently, American Oystercatchers breeding in New Jersey appear to have gone through a habitat shift, moving from barrier beach habitat to salt marsh habitat, perhaps in response to these pressures. There is currently a lack of detailed information regarding the breeding habitat requirements and the factors influencing nest success for this species throughout its range; therefore, it is difficult to assess the effect this habitat shift may be having on the species' overall population stability. My research will assess annual nest success rates for American Oystercatchers breeding in both of these habitats and identify the principal factors influencing nest success including the effects of human disturbance.
The specific objectives of my research include: (1) to assess annual nest success rates, fecundity and causes of nest failure, (2) identify the principal factors that influence nest success, (3) assess the effects of human disturbance on nest success, (4) assess the effects of predator control measures currently being conducted at study sites on nest success, and (5) compare nest success between beach and marsh nesting birds. I hypothesize that nest success will be higher in less disturbed areas and in areas where predator control measures have been performed. I also hypothesize that nest success will be higher for pairs breeding on barrier beaches than for pairs breeding in salt marsh habitat.
Reproductive data, habitat characteristics and disturbance data has been collected over two field seasons (2004 - 2005). An additional field season is being conducted during the 2006 breeding season. Banding of adults and juveniles is being performed during the breeding season as part of my study in order to identify individual birds. This provides a means to collect data on site fidelity, territory use and foraging activity and their relationship to breeding habitat requirements. Banding is being performed using the protocol for banding American Oystercatchers that has been established by the American Oystercatcher Working Group. The method used to trap birds involves the use of decoys and noose-carpets on breeding territories. All banding of adults is done prior to egg laying in order to limit disturbance to breeding pairs. Banding of juveniles is done just prior to fledging. Birds are banded with a standard USFWS band on the right tarsometatarsus and an orange darvic color band with black alpha-numeric codes on each tibiotarsus for later identification of individuals.
