Habitat Selection of American Crows in Eureka, CA

Christina Parra, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

I looked at habitat selection of crows within the city of Eureka. I conducted point count surveys to compare the number of crows within residential/commercial areas (urban) and park areas to see which habitat type crows prefer.

Habitat Selection of Black Bears Based on Heavy to Light Vegetation

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

A research project that investigates what type of habitat black bears choose when it comes to vegetation density.

Habitat Selection of Mule Deer in Northern California Coastal Ecosystem

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Determining if Mule deer select a specific habitat type in a Northern California ecosystem.

Habitat Selection of Northern Harriers in Grasslands and Coastal Wetlands in Humboldt County, CA

Riley Sullivan, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Habitat selection is a well-studied behavior that strongly influences how a species interacts with the surrounding ecosystem. Countless studies address the habitat selection of raptors in the interest of conservation, but the habitat preferences and selection of the Northern Harrier specifically are poorly studied. I conducted a series of point counts between the Arcata Bottoms and the Arcata Marsh to compare the rate of Northern Harrier sightings between each zone.

Habitat Suitability and Selection of Northern Pacific Rattlesnakes at Multiple Spatial Scales

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

An investigation into the distribution of suitable habitat for the northern Pacific rattlesnake at multiple spatial scales. Niche modeling techniques were used to determine where suitable habitat for this species actually exists within its known range. Additionally, I examined geological, thermal, and other differences in habitat characteristics between the rocky outcrops rattlesnakes use as hibernacula (i.e., dens) and unoccupied outcrops.

Habitat Use of Pacific Banana Slugs in Natural Recreational Areas in Humboldt County

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

The goal of this study was to determine whether factors such as vegetation type, temperature, shrub canopy coverage, and tree canopy coverage contribute to Pacific banana slug habitat use in natural recreational areas in Humboldt County, CA.

Habitat Variation and Shorebird Roosting Flocks: Examining Species Composition Across Arcata Marsh

Karl Vanuska, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

This research project looks at how species composition in shorebird roosting flocks varies across different locations within Arcata Marsh. This research assess how environmental factors, such as substrate type, vegetation cover, proximity to foraging areas, and tidal conditions, influence species richness and diversity at roosting sites. As well as if behavior may change due to species composition within roosting flocks.

Harmonic Analysis of Currents in Humboldt Bay

Taylor Juchau, Physics & Astronomy Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Multiyear time series of current data measured by two horizontal SonTek/YSI Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs) placed mid-depth in the water column (~4.8m depth) at two locations in Humboldt Bay, CA, a shallow, tidally-driven estuary in northern California (USA), were analyzed to determine the contributions of the different harmonic frequencies within the bay. Spectral analysis of the time series revealed that the currents are dominated by several tidal harmonics. The three dominant frequencies include M2, K1, and O1, but their contribution varies spatially between the two station locations. Additional frequencies in the data indicate overtides and variable influences like wind.

Harmonic Analysis of Currents in Humboldt Bay

Steven Gracy, Physics & Astronomy Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Currents can shape the structure and ecology of estuarine environments. Multiyear time series of current data measured by two Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs) in Humboldt Bay, CA, one near the entrance channel and one at the Chevron Port, were analyzed to determine the contributions of the different harmonic frequencies. Spectral analysis of the time series data revealed that the flow is dominated by several tidal harmonics. The three dominant frequencies include M2, K1, and O1, but their contribution varies spatially between the two stations. Additional frequencies in the data indicate interference with topography as well as the more variable wind-induced currents.

Harmonic Analysis of Currents within Humboldt Bay

Caitlin Williams, Oceanography Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Multiyear time series of current data measured by 2 horizontal SonTek/YSI ADCPs placed mid-depth in the water column at 2 different locations in Humboldt Bay, CA, a shallow, tidally-driven estuary in northern California, were analyzed to determine the contributions of different harmonic frequencies within the bay. Spectral analysis of the time series revealed that the currents are dominated by several tidal harmonics. The 3 dominant frequencies include M2, K1, and O1, but their contribution varies spatially between the two station locations. Additional frequencies in the data indicate overtides, as well as potential interference with topography and the more variable wind-induced currents.