SotB - Bird is the Word: Lessons Learned from Local Research

Name: SotB - Bird is the Word: Lessons Learned from Local Research
Start: 2026-03-19T17:30:00-05:00
Location: Artmosphere

Schedule

Thu, 19 Mar, 2026 at 05:30 pm

UTC-05:00

Location

Artmosphere | Lafayette, LA

Join us for Science on the Bayou to learn about local research on Black Rails & Least Sandpipers!
Jonathon Lueck, "Black Rails in Louisiana: Rare but Resilient"
Black Rails are a rare and secretive marsh bird in Louisiana. Over the past decade, Audubon has worked to better understand the habitats this species depends on across the state. Hurricanes Laura and Delta devastated the southwest Louisiana coast in 2020, displacing many species from the region. However, consistent surveys since the storms have documented a resilient return of Black Rails to these marshes.
Emma Counce, "Stopover Biology of Least Sandpiper Using Flooded Agricultural Lands During Fall Migration"
Shorebirds, known for their impressive migratory journeys, require rest and refueling locations along their pathways to successfully reach their destinations. As habitat is lost, conservationists seek new strategies to sustain birds’ needs. Using radio tracking, we examined 1) how Least Sandpipers use flooded agricultural lands, 2) their condition upon arrival, 3) how long they stay, and 4) what environmental cues signal resumption of migration. This information can assist in creating hospitable landscapes for migrating birds.
Happy Hour: 5:30 PM
Talks: 6:00 PM
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Meet the speakers!
Jonathon Lueck is the Coastal Biologist for Audubon Delta in Louisiana. He has worked for Audubon Delta for 5 years on both their Black and Yellow Rail and Beach Nesting Bird Projects, as well as worked as a technician, intern, and volunteer for both projects since 2016. He graduated from McNeese with his Master's in Wildlife Management and currently lives in Church Point, LA.
Emma Counce is a contractor for the Avian Ecology and Conservation Research Group at USGS WARC in Lafayette. Originally from Tupelo, Mississippi, she followed the shorebirds to south Louisiana after completing her Master's at the University of Mississippi. Here, she monitors bird use of several barrier islands off the Louisiana coast and continues to study how shorebirds use shallowly flooded agricultural lands during their migratory journeys, among other things.
As always, Science on the Bayou welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds to join us as we learn about the research and development in our community!
This event is free to attend. Food and drink will be available for purchase from our gracious hosts at Artmosphere!