Studying Avian Behavior, Breeding Patterns, Migration, and Habitat Use
By Hank Marriott ‘25The Biodiversity Research Institute (BRI) is a nonprofit ecological research group whose mission is to “assess emerging threats to wildlife and ecosystems through collaborative research, and to use scientific findings to advance environmental awareness and inform decision makers.”
This summer, I conducted motor boat and kayak surveys of Common Loon populations throughout Southern Maine as part of BRI’s Loon Program. Loon chicks were located and considered for potential translocation to help revitalize the depleted Massachusetts Common Loon population. Translocated chicks were captured, banded, and had blood sampled to measure PFAS, mercury, and lead concentrations. Additionally, I helped with BRI’s Bald Eagle ecotoxicology project and their Common Eider brood survival project.
My work with BRI this summer reaffirmed my passion for avian ecology and my desire to pursue a career in wildlife conservation, with a focus on waterfowl and seabirds. Some skills I improved upon include bird handling, avian offspring aging, radio telemetry, and behavioral analysis. My favorite part of my work this summer was being out in the field all day and getting to explore Maine!
Internship funded by the D'Auteuil, Richard G. '82 & Kimberly A. Labbe '82 Internship Fund.