The Importance of Stopover Habitat for Migratory Birds on Aquidneck Island

Aquidneck Island boasts over 300 miles of tidal shoreline, sweeping natural vistas, and diverse habitats. Lying along the major route of the Atlantic Flyway, the island is a desirable location for the large populations of returning migrant species that will make it their home in the spring. On March 11, Norman Bird Sanctuary will be joined by acclaimed ornithologist and professor of biology, Dr. Jameson Chace, for an exclusive online lecture. Discussing the importance of stopover habitats for migratory birds on Aquidneck Island, Dr. Chase will reflect on his 8 years of study regarding the topic, and offer insight into the climate-related factors that are impacting our local avian population’s.

Dr. Jameson Chace is an associate professor of biology at Salve Regina University, in addition to serving as the chairman of their biology and biomedical sciences department. A knowledgeable ornithologist, Dr. Chase has been studying birds on Aquidneck Island for 15 years, and is the recipient of two NSF RI-EPSCoR grants related to marine response to climate change and the collaborative Northeast Water Regional Network (Rhode Island, Delaware and Vermont).  Dr. Chase currently serves as the President of Wilson Ornithological Society, and sits on the Board of Directors of the Audubon Society of Rhode Island.