Male Kestrel Plumage

In 2010, the Project cooperated with Elizabeth Wommack from U.C. Berkley, on a study investigating correlation between genetic variation and plumage coloration in male American Kestrels (Falco sparverius). The research project will examine whether population structure mirrors the structure of a highly variable plumage trait across North America. For more information about Elizabeth Wommack and the Bowie lab at U.C. Berkeley click here

Merlin Population Genetics Research

During the 2009 season, the Project cooperated with Dr. Joshua Hull on a molecular genetic investigation of morphological and genetic differentiation among the three subspecies of Merlin (Falco columbarius) to better understand evolutionary relationships. The research project will test whether there is a genetic east-west population division in North America and whether the subspecies are genetically distinct. For more information on Dr Hull and related projects, click here. 

Sharp-shinned Hawk Migration Counts 

Were the declines in the Sharp-shinned hawk migration counts of the mid-80's related to the Spruce Budworm population? To read Nicholas Bolgiano's paper on this  click here.

Mercury levels in raptors

The Biodiversity Research Institute collected samples from birds of prey at Cape May during the 2008 and 2009 seasons. Data collected from this effort will serve to evaluate background mercury levels in many raptor species. To read more about this project click here 

Science and Research Committee

The following individuals presently serve on the committee:

Kathleen E. Clark, Principal Nongame Zoologist with the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife, Endangered and Nongame Species. 

Paul Engman, Vice President for the Cape May Raptor Banding Project.

Dan James, Wildlife Biologist, U.S. Geological Survey, Status and Trends Program team. 

Jim Malone, Mercersburg Academy in Pennsylvania. 

Brian W. Smith, Appalachian Mountains Joint Venture Coordinator