Integrative Ornithology at AFAR

SCO-SOC Meeting 2026 Cross-country Research Showcase
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Presenter(s): Scott MacDougall-Shackleton, Chris Guglielmo, Carrie Branch, Yolanda Morbey, Beth MacDougall-Shackleton, Alice Boyle
Affiliation(s): Western University
Organization Type: Academic
Time: Oct 7, 2026 2:30pm EDT

Abstract

The Advanced Facility for Avian Research at Western University is a world class facility consisting of faculty and trainees that aim to understand how the environment shapes bird ecology. Researchers across disciplines use integrative approaches to investigate everything bird, from neurobiology and behaviour to migratory physiology and conservation. To showcase the innovative research possible at AFAR, we will present on the tools and facilities used to address a multitude of research questions, both ongoing and for the future. In addition to working toward a better understanding of bird biology and ecology, we are passionate about training the next generation of critical thinkers and scientists.

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This is such an incredible facility! I have a question about your environmental room. You had mentioned that you can manipulate temperatures from 3-40 degrees. Is it possible to do any colder temperatures for testing winter conditions?

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Unfortunately for those chambers we can’t go below freezing. The wind tunnel chamber can go below freezing so we have used it to look at effects of subzero temperature on chickadees.

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