Research Interests
While my interests are wide ranging I have a primary focus on animal movement and migration and how this may lead to diversity we see around us. Much of my research uses and focuses on specimens. Natural history museums are an integral part of my research and I strongly support and contribute to them.
Altitudinal Migration
I have always been fascinated by both migration and mountains. For my current research I am able to combine the two topics . The term 'Altitudinal Migration' has not been consistently used in the literature and recently I have provided a perspective piece and a consistent definition for 'Altitudinal Migration'. My current research focuses on the role that altitudinal migration plays in the diversity we see in the mountains, especially the Neotropics.
Figure by Ann Sanderson from Vander Pluym and Mason 2024
Slate-throated Redstart (Myioborus miniatus)
Slate-throated Redstart (Myioborus miniatus) is a widespread Neotropical songbird ranging from northern Mexico to Argentina, east to the Tepui's. The species is a partial altitudinal migrant and throughout this range there have been multiple gains and losses of migratory status. Currently throughout this wide range there are 12 described subspecies which previous work has found falls into three clades. My current research focus on the role altitudinal migration plays in the diversification of the species. This project entails using stable isotopes to determine migratory status throughout its range, population genetics to look at the patterns of diversification, and morphology and spectrophotometry to potentially revise the taxonomy.
Elf Owl (Micrathene whitneyi)
I spent four years working with Elf Owl (Micrathene whitneyi) for Great Basin Bird Observatory under a contract for the Bureau of Reclamation LCR Multi Species Conservation Plan. This project looked at Elf Owl habitat use and detectability and response across Arizona in order to better understand needs for attracting them to the lower Colorado River Valley and to develop better survey methods to determine their presence.
Lower Colorado River Valley
My research interest along the lower Colorado River valley is varied. I spent 10 years working in this region for various non profits on projects studying habitat use and occupancy of birds, including with the threatened western Yellow-billed Cuckoo. A primary interest is the status and distribution of birds along this unique region with several papers on the topic in progress.
Natural history and Behavior
Spending years working as a field biologist I developed a deep interest in understanding the natural history and behavior of the organisms we encountered in the field. I also was amazed at the lack of detailed or even short notes on the topic. Publishing knowledge on basic biology directly impacts the quality of monitoring or field research. I have published on a wide range of natural history topics such as novel nesting habitat of Canyon Wren (Catherpes mexicanus), a kleptoparasitic chase by Brown Pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis), and new distributional records of dragonflies.
Seabirds
I have spent over 200 days at sea, most of which were single day pelagic trips, but also includes as a natural history leader on an Antarctica cruise and as an observer on a survey of the Gulf of Maine. I have written proposals to change the taxonomy of some seabird groups and have voted on a taxonomic proposal. In the future I would like to further develop projects involving seabirds.