Human Disturbance affecting foraging of great egrets

Presentation Year

2026

College or Department

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Short Description of your Research or Creative Project (700 characters or less)

This project examined how human disturbance influences the foraging behavior of Great Egrets (Ardea alba) in tidal wetlands near Humboldt Bay, California. Observations were conducted at Butcher’s Slough and Elk River Slough during low tides when egrets actively forage. Strike rates were recorded under different disturbance conditions, including the presence of pedestrians and people with dogs near the birds. Results showed that pedestrian activity did not reduce foraging efficiency and, in some cases, was associated with higher strike rates, while dogs had no significant effect. Findings suggest that Great Egrets in frequently visited wetlands may be habituated to regular human activity, informing wetland management and conservation planning.

Does your project align with any of the following?

Permission to Publish Work

Yes

Presentation File Upload

wildlife-villalpando-michelle-203018-4x3.pdf (887.38 KB)

Primary Contact: First Name

Michelle

Primary Contact: Last Name

Villalpando

Primary Contact: Email

mv279@humboldt.edu

Primary Contact: I am a

Undergraduate Student

Primary Contact: Phone Number

9514465221

Indicate File Dimensions

4'x3'