Dr.Doug Tallamy (see: http://www.plantanative.com/douglas-tallamy-bio.html)
, of the University of Delaware, find good photos of birds carrying insects
for a study he is doing in hopes of measuring the impact of invasive plants
on insect prey available to birds.
Here is what Dr.Tallamy is looking for in his own words:
"I need all the "birds with insects" photos I can get. I am starting a study
to see just how specialized some species of birds are in their diet. The
ultimate goal is to see how plant invasions change the availability of
insects for birds and then to measure whether birds can adjust to those
changes or whether they simply leave those areas. This is all hampered by
having very poor data on exactly what birds are eating. "insects" isn't good
enough. I need to know what species of insects. There are so many existing
photos out there that are good enough to ID the insect in the beak that I
thought I would start a data base from citizen scientists. There could be
regional specialization so I think I will seek photos from all over the
country. I won't use any pics other than to ID the insect. I would like to
have the date the photo was taken, whether the bird was migrating or not
(best guess), the location of the shot (nearest post office is usually good
enough), and the photographer and the email address (if he or she feels like
sharing that). All participants will be given credit when I publish the
results. Any help you can give will be greatly appreciated."
If you can help Dr.Tallamy, please send your photos to: dtallamy@udel.edu
Sandy, I think it is just the US, but when you send your first image, just ask him. Thanks for your help...I knew this group would be
A great resource for his study!
Discussion
4 replies, of the University of Delaware, find good photos of birds carrying insects
for a study he is doing in hopes of measuring the impact of invasive plants
on insect prey available to birds.
Here is what Dr.Tallamy is looking for in his own words:
"I need all the "birds with insects" photos I can get. I am starting a study
to see just how specialized some species of birds are in their diet. The
ultimate goal is to see how plant invasions change the availability of
insects for birds and then to measure whether birds can adjust to those
changes or whether they simply leave those areas. This is all hampered by
having very poor data on exactly what birds are eating. "insects" isn't good
enough. I need to know what species of insects. There are so many existing
photos out there that are good enough to ID the insect in the beak that I
thought I would start a data base from citizen scientists. There could be
regional specialization so I think I will seek photos from all over the
country. I won't use any pics other than to ID the insect. I would like to
have the date the photo was taken, whether the bird was migrating or not
(best guess), the location of the shot (nearest post office is usually good
enough), and the photographer and the email address (if he or she feels like
sharing that). All participants will be given credit when I publish the
results. Any help you can give will be greatly appreciated."
If you can help Dr.Tallamy, please send your photos to: dtallamy@udel.edu
Is he looking only for US-locations, though? all of North america? ie Canada , too?
Sandy
A great resource for his study!