Songbirds and human interaction, University of Maine at Augusta researchers to present study findings Tuesday

AUGUSTA – Two professors from the University of Maine at Augusta will be presenting their research on the effects of human interaction on Canada jay (Perisoreus canadensis) behavior and nest predation on Tuesday, Sept. 24, from 12 to 1 p.m. in Jewett Hall, room 180 on the UMA Augusta campus, 46 University Drive.

Marielle Postava-Davignon and Jennifer Long, both UMA assistant professors of biology, compared jay behavior and nest predation levels in New Hampshire and Maine between sites where little human interaction has been documented, and sites located at popular recreation areas where feeding has been well documented. They captured, banded, tracked and recorded the birds’ behavior to determine if human interaction impacts important behaviors such as predation and breeding.

The Canada jay, when living near humans, can be a friendly little songbird that seems to enjoy engaging with humans and the free food we provide, whether in a feeder or out of a trash can at a scenic overlook. Known by several other names such as the gray jay, whiskey jack, and even camp robber, they might steal food from your picnic table and even eat right out of your hand. It was this bold behavior that caught the attention of Postava-Davignon, an avid hiker. 

“One tried to steal my lunch when I was hiking and was rather pesky about it,” she quipped. She then wondered if it was or wasn’t okay to feed them, and if doing so caused them to be so audacious. Back home and after a thorough search for information, she found nothing definitive on the subject. She invited Long to join the project, and so it began. Through their research, Drs. Long and Postava-Davignon observed that Canada jays living in more remote areas often behave differently from their more urban-dwelling counterparts. 

Come hear what they discovered about these behavioral differences and their implications. This one hour presentation will be on the UMA campus and also remotely on Zoom. Visit https://www.uma.edu/academics/research/research-colloquium/ for more information.

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