The Complete Picture: Bird Behavior on Fragmented vs. Intact Oyster Reefs

Authors

Sophia L. McGarrity, University of Central FloridaFollow
Natalia Knapp-Seale, University of Central FloridaFollow
Gwyn Kirby, University of Central FloridaFollow
Enno Turner, University of Central FloridaFollow
Laura Ramsey, University of Central FloridaFollow

Streaming Media

Files

Course Code

BSC

Course Number

4310

Faculty/Instructor

Dr. Linda Walters

Faculty/Instructor Email

linda.walters@ucf.edu

About the Author

We are so appreciative of the opportunity given to us by Ph.D. candidate Tara Blanchard and Dr. Walters to strengthen our lab and field work experience. Studying bird species that we already admired in a new light alongside each other has demonstrated the importance of collaboration in research and unity under a common conservation goal.

Abstract, Summary, or Creative Statement

The presence and health of Florida’s coastal birds rely heavily on the integrity of oyster reefs, which house their crawling and swimming prey items. During this project, we observed bird behaviors across oyster reefs in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) via camera trap footage. The IRL is an important coastal ecosystem that preserves numerous bird species. A previous study in the IRL suggested that live oyster reefs have birds exhibiting more foraging behaviors than on dead reefs, suggesting a need to maintain connected reefs. Our work supports the research of Ph.D. candidate Tara Blanchard, whose work will inform decision-making for future oyster reef restoration projects.

Keywords

restoration; marine conservation; volunteering; oyster reefs; bird behavior

Recommended Citation

McGarrity, Sophia L.; Knapp-Seale, Natalia; Kirby, Gwyn; Turner, Enno; and Ramsey, Laura, "The Complete Picture: Bird Behavior on Fragmented vs. Intact Oyster Reefs" (2025). High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2025. 41.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/hip-2025fall/41