Using Technology to Understand Migratory Birds in their Coastal Habitat
Feb
26
2026
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Nicole Wonderlin
Feb
26
2026
-
Nicole Wonderlin
Description
The Texas coastal ecoregion provides wintering and migratory stopover habitat for 98% of the long-distance migratory bird species of North America. These habitats are essential for birds to rest and refuel as they make their journey. Unfortunately, coastal habitats face increasing threats due to human modification of the environment and the effects of climate change, such as sea level rise. To understand how these environmental changes affect migratory birds, scientists are establishing a network of automatic sensors at key sites around Port Aransas to monitor local bird communities and how they are changing over time. In this talk, a lead researcher on the project will discuss the exciting opportunities that sensing technology provides for monitoring bird populations, including bioacoustics analysis of birdsong and radio telemetry to detect tagged migratory birds passing through the region. From this sensing network, scientists hope to broaden our understanding of the ways that migratory birds use critical Texas Gulf Coast habitat across space and time.
Hybrid Event Notes
If attending virtually, register in advance, and you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
If attending in person in Port Aransas:
- Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
- Lecture at 7 p.m.
About the Speakers
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Nicole Wonderlin
Postdoctoral Researcher
Digital Ecology Lab, UT Austin
Nicole Wonderlin is a postdoctoral researcher at The University of Texas at Austin, working with Tim Keitt of the Department of Integrative Biology in the Digital Ecology Lab. Her research ...
Nicole Wonderlin is a postdoctoral researcher at The University of Texas at Austin, working with Tim Keitt of the Department of Integrative Biology in the Digital Ecology Lab. Her research centers on understanding how we can use technological innovation to understand how ecological communities and ecosystem processes are responding to human modification of the environment. As a postdoc, Nicole has built a network of environmental sensors across the state of Texas, using bioacoustics analysis to understand changes in local bird communities. Before coming to Texas, Nicole received her Ph.D. in entomology and ecology at Michigan State University, where she developed a specialized camera system to compare diurnal and nocturnal pollinator communities in urban city environments.
Location
Patton Center
855 East Cotter Ave., Port Aransas TX
Click on “event link” above to register to attend virtually. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.