Pick a Bird Brain: Using DNA Metabarcoding

Hawk Ridge is famous for the stunning migrations of raptors. While much research has gone into understanding the timing and patterns of raptor migration, little research has been done to understand the diet of raptors during migration due to logistical research challenges. Advances in the field of molecular biology in the past two decades have opened the door to new methods for studying migratory diets. In this Pick a Bird Brain Program, Lisa Brouellette will discuss the research she conducted at Hawk Ridge for her master’s degree at UMD. Samples taken from birds captured at the Hawk Ridge Banding Station yielded exciting results.