Phenological mismatch between birds and insects in montane meadows

Description

An important frontier in climate change ecology is understanding how community interactions may change because of mismatched phenological shifts. Phenological mismatch between insect prey and American migratory bird species may be emerging and is anticipated to have detrimental consequences on bird reproductive success. Moreover, the abundance and biomass of insect prey in the Rocky Mountains have declined over the past 35 years. Climate effects such as snowmelt timing are drivers of change for many taxa, and consequences may vary by elevation. I ask 1) does the demand for insect prey by birds change over time during the summer breeding season in montane wet meadow habitats? 2) Does the peak of insect prey demand by birds align with the current peak of insect abundance and biomass? And 3) Do these dynamics change with elevation? I have established a partnership with the Colorado Parks and Wildlife lead avian biologist (Dr. James Gammonley) with whom I will prepare outcomes of this research for use in guiding management of non-game bird species in the state.