Graduate Students in the Department of Biological Sciences

Department of Biological Sciences, North Dakota State University

Richard Sawin

Ph.D. Student (Dr. Bleier)
Office: Stevens 115
Phone: (701) 231-8055
Richard.Sawin@ndsu.nodak.edu

B.S. Southern Nazarene University
Environmental Studies/Chemistry (1997)

M.S. North Dakota State University
Zoology (1999)

Research Interests:

Avian Ecology, Population Dynamics, Wildlife Damage Management, Ecological Applications of GIS

My current research is focused on the reproductive ecology of red-winged blackbirds in central North Dakota. I am particularly interested in the determining the relationship between male breeding experience and nest success, estimating the number of non-breeding "floater" males, and understanding what consequences the manipulation of these factors could have on local and regional populations.

In pursuit of these goals, we are experimentally manipulating territory ownership on a number of wetlands in central North Dakota. Floaters quickly replace removed territory owners, allowing us to look at differences in nest success and parental provisioning between original and replacement territory owners. In addition to understanding the implications of these changes at a local level, we are also using what we learn to project the possible effects of large-scale manipulations at a regional level.

Conflicts between blackbirds and crop producers have probably existed since the inception of North American agriculture, and the things we are learning will be the basis for developing new management techniques and refining current management strategies.

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Last Modified:July 14, 2001
Published by Department of Biological Sciences