Comparison of Avian Biodiversity in Two Kean Skylands Habitats

Allison Brizuela

Co-Presenters: Gina Ramos

College: The Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics and Technology

Major: Biology/Enviornmental Option

Faculty Research Mentor: Cailin O’Connor Fitzpatrick

Abstract:

The Kean Skylands campus located in Jefferson, New Jersey, contains mixed deciduous forest and riparian habitats. The Skylands region is home to many native bird species, many of which are found on campus. In spring 2024, a biodiversity assessment was performed to explore avian biodiversity at two sites on campus: upland forest, which included diverse vegetation with coniferous trees, shrubs, and many herbaceous plants, and a lake shore, with less vegetation, some invasive species (e.g. Phragmites), and access to water. Both sites were visited weekly during March and April, 2024, starting at 7 am, when birds are active and vocal. Bird biodiversity was assessed using point counts and the MacKinnon list methodology simultaneously at six points at each of the two sites. To reduce start time as a variable, the starting site was alternated each week. The Merlin app, binoculars, and Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Eastern North America were used to identify species. A total of 291 individuals of forty-two species were counted in the upland habitat while 337 individuals of thirty-nine species were found in the lake location using point counts. The MacKinnon method identified forty-five species at the upland site and forty-one species at the lake site. The most frequently encountered species at both sites were Blue Jay, White-breasted Nuthatch, and Tufted Titmouse, common, local songbirds. The lake contained unique waterfowl species not found at the upland site, including Bufflehead, Common Merganser, and Great Blue Heron. The increased habitat heterogeneity of the lake site led to it having higher species richness, evenness, and biodiversity as measured by the Shannon-Weiner index.