What is field biology? How do scientists collect data on birds? Why should I care about the Sagebrush Sea? If you ever asked yourself these questions, you may be interested in this program about science in the sage. Locals often call the Sagebrush Sea "The Big Empty". Hilary Turner comes to us after spending three months in the sage on the Jonah Natural Gas Field of western Wyoming. As a nest searcher who fell in love with the sagebrush ecosystem, she can't wait to share the wonders of the "big empty" with you. Hilary will introduce us to the methods used to collect scientific data on breeding birds and give us a visual tour of her summer on the Jonah. Be prepared for lots of photos of sagebrush obligate songbirds, their nests, and their stunning habitat.
Hilary Turner grew up in Helena, MT with an intense passion for natural history, especially birds. She graduated with a degree in Wildlife Biology from the University of Montana in 2016. During her undergraduate career, she worked as a nest researcher in Dr. Tom Martin's lab. Immediately upon graduating, she became employed by the Rim Rock Energy Facility as a raptor monitor. Hilary has a variety of work experience in field biology including a stint in Louisiana at a National Wildlife Refuge and also surveying for Flammulated Owls in the Helena National Forest.
Photo by Hilary Turner