The ecology and management of overabundant bird populations

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The objectives of my research program are to study the ecology of overabundant bird populations and to evaluate different management measures within the general framework of adaptive management. In the next 5 years, I propose to study 2 populations that have different dynamics and contrasting management systems. A first series of objectives deal with a rapidly increasing population of breeding Canada geese established in southern Quebec. I first want to determine whether density-dependent effects are affecting gosling survival. Second, I want to establish whether parental status affects adult survival during the post-breeding period, especially in relation with a special hunting season aimed at resident geese. Finally, I propose to investigate whether molt migrants do eventually immigrate into the local breeding population. The second series of objectives involve a stable maybe declining population of ring-billed gulls that have increased exponentially at the end of the last century. I propose to estimate survival rates of juveniles and adults, to evaluate the costs and benefits of post-breeding dispersal and to determine the extent of natal and breeding dispersal. I also want to compare the breeding output of gulls that have started nesting on flat roofs vs. those that are nesting in colonies on natural islands. Knowledge about the relative effects of survival and reproductive parameters on population dynamics will help managers deciding whether actions should be taken to control theses populations. If so, our results will help to establish which parameters they should try influencing through management. My 2 studies rely on marking programs and resightings than can be provided by volunteer observers. I will therefore compare contribution of different socio-cultural groups to citizen science.