Presenter(s): Kevin Fraser (PI), Vinuri Mendis (PhD Student), Yantong Tan (PhD Student), Rebecca Asham (MSc Student), Tamara Sturch (MSc Student)
Affiliation(s): University of Manitoba
Organization Type: Academic
Time: Oct 7, 2026 2:45pm EDT
Abstract
The Avian Behaviour and Conservation Lab at the University of Manitoba investigates how birds respond behaviourally to anthropogenic environmental change. Our research explores how birds time their daily and seasonal activities, and how flexibly these schedules respond to new conditions associated with climate change. We also investigate how artificial light at night alters the timing and movement behaviour of birds. Through field-based experiments, from the Neotropics to the sub-Arctic, we study primarily migratory species, including aerial insectivores such as Purple Martin and Eastern Whip-poor-will. We also collaborate with northern Indigenous communities in Manitoba to address shared concerns regarding change in avian behaviour and populations.
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Hi Kevin, Vinuri, Yantong and Rebecca! Great presentation. I was wondering if you could share more about your research on the migratory ecology of Canada and Cackling Geese. I’m very interested, and absolutely love, Geese! Thanks so much!
Hi Brenda, thanks for your interest in our research on the geese. Our lab don’t have any ongoing research on Canada and Cackling Geese right now, but here are some papers emeraged from our previous work with geese: one led by Leanne Neufeld, showing how Cackling vs. Canada geese have different timing, and the other by Saeedeh Bani Assadi, showing carry-over effects of stopover on breeding of Cackling Geese. Hope you find them interesting!
Neufeld, L. R., Baldwin, F., & Fraser, K. C. (2024). Migration tracking assists harvest management of overabundant Canada geese in Manitoba, Canada. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 88(7), Article e22635. https://doi.org/10.1002/jwmg.22635
Bani Assadi, S., Baldwin, F., Neufeld, L., & Fraser, K. C. (2025). Temperature and stopover duration carry-over to affect Arctic arrival timing and breeding success in the cackling goose (Branta hutchinsii). Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 13, Article 1497949. https://doi.org/10.3389/fevo.2025.1497949
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