Protect Your Shoreline With An Itasca Waters Shoreland Advisor

Waterbird Biology, Ecology and Conservation

This session will explore the ecology of waterbirds, how scientists monitor them, and why long-term tracking is essential. It will highlight what waterbirds can reveal about the health of our environment, with a special focus on several tern species. The presentation will also show why large-scale collaboration is crucial for understanding and protecting these populations.

Presented By: Annie Bracey, Avian Ecologist

Annie has worked as an Avian Ecologist at the University of Minnesota’s Natural Resources Research Institute for over 15 years. Much of Annie’s research focuses on monitoring and management of wetland birds and waterbirds in Minnesota and throughout the Great Lakes region. Her research focuses on documenting movement to identify risk, including exposure to contaminants, and uses mark-recapture techniques to assess population dynamics for species of concern. Annie has a Ph.D. in Conservation Biology from the University of Minnesota, where her research focused on conservation and management issues related to inland breeding Common Terns. Annie’s broad interest is documenting how human activities influence bird populations and how research that integrates ecology, biology, and conservation sciences can be used to better inform management decisions.