Master's Theses

Department

Biology

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Abstract

Shorebirds were studied in Ellis County, Kansas from 22 March to 15 November, 1968. Objectives of the study were to: 1) determine the relative frequency and migration peaks and periods of charadriiform birds and, 2) investigate factors relating to their distribution in the county. A total of 3658 shorebirds of 22 species was observed during 109 trips during the migration season. Twenty-two species totaling 1222 individuals were recorded in the spring compared to 17 species totaling 2436 birds in fall. Three spring peaks and two fall peaks were evident. The Killdeer was the most abundant species, followed by the Spotted Sandpiper and Baird Sandpiper in the spring and the Upland Plover and Western Sandpiper in the fall. The Dunlin, Hudsonian Godwit and Northern Phalarope were recorded in the county for the first time. A relationship appeared to exist between spring population peaks and the passage of low pressure weather systems.

Keywords

Shorebirds, Ellis County (Kan.), Migration, Weather, Climate, Animal habitations

Advisor

Dr. Charles A. Ely

Date of Award

Spring 1969

Document Type

Thesis - campus only access

Rights

© The Author(s)

Comments

For questions contact ScholarsRepository@fhsu.edu

Download

Off Campus FHSU Users Click Here

Share

COinS