Assistant Professor
Department of Biology

Courses

Boise State University

Biology 501 Biometry

Hofstra University

Human Anatomy and Physiology I

Human Anatomy and Physiology II

Animal Migration

Evolution, Ecology and Behavior

Ornithology

I am interested in how human activities impact habitat quality and, consequently, species persistence. There are many ways that humans can alter habitats so that resources necessary for wildlife survival and reproduction become mediocre, scarce, unpredictable, or unusable.  Some of the most forms of habitats degradation are introduction of non-native species that can compete with native species for resources or cause direct mortality, changes in abiotic processes that maintain ecosystems, ecosystem contamination that can affect animal physiology and behavior, or human presence can directly disturb wildlife behavior which may lead to abandonment of activities such as foraging or reproduction.

I have used physiological and behavioral ecology approaches to understand interactions between habitat degradation and bird population patterns. Most of my research has focused on avian reproduction, specifically how human activities can affect avian parental care for eggs.

Studies that aid in our understanding of the links between bird habitat conditions and the physiological or behavioral mechanisms that are driving population declines can help inform wildlife management and aid in the conservation of declining species.

Shorebirds that nest on sandy beaches are susceptible to human-facilitated habitat degradation.  Recreational activities such as sunbathing or off-road driving can disturb nesting birds.  Predator populations that thrive in areas of high human populations can have big impacts on nesting birds by eating eggs, chick or adults. In addition, human modification of the abiotic factors that affect beaches can degrade nesting areas.  

I have been working with graduate and undergraduate students from Hofstra University to better understand the factors that affect Piping Plover nesting success on Long Island. Graduate student Annie McIntyre is examining historical trends in nesting success at Jones Beach and how nesting success is related to plover density and habitat restoration efforts. Graduate Student Paul Doherty is interested in investigating the effects of nest exclosures on predator behavior and Piping Plover hatching success.

Raptors in human-modified landscapes

Raptors and other birds that live in human-modified landscapes may be exposed to high levels of human disturbance.  Birds may respond to this disturbance with habituation, dispersal away from the disturbance, or perhaps, they may maintain a chronic state of stress.  Long term exposure to stressful situations can affect reproduction and survival.  I am interested in understanding how raptors respond to human disturbance and whether this response affects individual fitness.  Graduate student Erin Strasser is studying whether American Kestrels nesting along busy roadways so more susceptible to stress than birds nesting away from human areas.

ENDOCRINOLOGY OF NEST DEPARTURE AND FIELD STUDIES OF CAVITY NESTING BIRDS
Changes in hormone concentrations correlate with many events during a bird’s life such as breeding, nesting and molting. Young birds about to take their first flight may benefit from elevated concentrations of corticosterone, a steroid hormone that facilitates movement and is associated with increased foraging behavior. The relationship between corticosterone and fledging has been difficult to describe in free-living birds because corticosterone is also involved in modulating many other behavior patterns including responses to stress. I am interested in examining the relationship between corticosterone and fledging in birds that nest in nest-boxes. I predict that chicks with many siblings will have high corticosterone concentrations because they must compete for food and that these chicks will, therefore, leave the nest sooner than chicks with few siblings. To test these hypotheses I am studying Tree Swallow and American Kestrels nest departure.

Erin Strasser, Boise State University

Paul Doherty  Paul examined the factors that affect Piping Plover incubation behavior and nesting success. He studied egg viability and monitored the effects of human and predator disturbance on plover reproduction. Hofstra University

Annie McIntyre Annie studied Piping Plover reproduction at Jones Beach State Park. She evaluated the relationship between breeding trends and management techniques. Hofstra University

Christina Gallo. Energy Content and Handling Costs: A Test of Optimal Foraging Theory with Local Granivorous Bird Species. Hofstra University 2006-2007.

Ashley Clark. Piping Plover incubation behavior on Long Island, NY. Hofstra University. 2005.

Brugisha Patel. Do nest site characteristics affect Piping Plover nesting success? Hofstra University. 2005.

Heath, J. A., and P. C. Frederick. 2006. White Ibis Integument Color During the Breeding Season. Journal of Field Ornithology 77:141-150.

Frederick, P. C., J. A. Heath, R. E. Bennetts, and H. Hafner. 2006. Estimating Nests Not Present at the Time of Breeding Surveys: an Important Consideration in Assessing Nesting Populations. Journal of Field Ornithology 77:212-219.

Heath, J.A., and P.C. Frederick.  2005.  Relationships among Mercury Concentrations, Hormones, and Nesting Effort of White Ibises in the Florida Everglades.  Auk 122:255-267.

Frederick, P.C., B. Hylton, J.A. Heath, and M.G. Spalding.  2004.  Use of Historical Wading Bird Feather Samples to Discover the Timing of Mercury Contamination in the Florida Everglades.  Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 23:1474–1478.

Lott, C.A., T.D. Meehan, and J.A. Heath.  2003.  Estimating the Latitudinal Origins of Migratory Birds Using Hydrogen and Sulfur Isotopes in Feathers: Influence of Marine Prey Base.  Oecologia 134:505-510.

Frederick, P.C., B. Hylton, J.A. Heath, and M. Ruane.  2003. Accuracy and Variation in Estimates of Large Numbers of Nesting Birds by Individual Observers: a Controlled Simulation.  Journal of Field Ornithology 74:281-287.

Heath, J.A., and P.C. Frederick.  2003.  Trapping White Ibises with Rocket Nets and Mist Nets in the Everglades.  Journal of Field Ornithology 74:187-192.

Epanchin, P.N., J.A. Heath, and P.C. Frederick.  2002.  Effects of Fires on Foraging and Breeding Wading Birds in the Everglades. Wilson Bulletin 114:139-141.

Heath, J.A., and A.M. Dufty Jr.  1998.  Relationship between Body Condition and Adrenal Stress Response in Captive, Juvenile American Kestrels.  Physiological Zoology 71:67-73.

Heath, J.  1997.  Corticosterone Levels of American Kestrels during Nest Departure.  Condor 99:806-811.