2024 Kendeigh Research Grant recipient Dave Edlund

Overview

The Eastern Whip-poor-will (Antrostomus vociferus), like other species of aerial insectivores, has experienced drastic population declines. Many studies focus on the species’ breeding season, but few investigate overwintering, likely due to the difficulty of conducting research in Central America. Whip-poor-wills also overwinter in Florida; however, no research has been done in the state. To bridge this knowledge gap, I am conducting point-counts, fecal collection, habitat surveys, and insect monitoring to better understand the Whip-poor-will’s overwintering ecology in Florida. Furthermore, these birds will be tagged with archival GPS tags, allowing us to track their migration and breeding locations.

About Our Speaker

Dave Edlund is an MS student advised by Dr. Michael Ward at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). He received a BS in natural resources and environmental science at UIUC in 2022. For his master’s research, he is investigating the wintering ecology and migration of Eastern Whip-poor-wills in Florida. Dave is broadly interested in wildlife conservation and management. In his spare time, Dave likes to photograph wildlife (mostly birds) and spend time with his cat Jasmine.

About Our Monthly Programs

Guest speakers present on a variety of topics throughout the year. Programs are typically held in the Urbana Free Library auditorium on the first Thursday of the month (no programs in January, June, July, or August).