Hull Lab University of California, Davis
Hull Lab UC Davis
Shannon Skalos
Ph.D. candidate, Ecology
M.S. Avian Sciences, UC Davis
B.S. Biology, Towson University
smskalos[at]ucdavis.edu
Research Interests:
I am broadly interested in movement ecology, behavior and conservation of birds. I received my B.S. in Biology from Towson University in 2008 where I also conducted independent research at the Johns Hopkins University studying behavior of captive primates. After graduation, I conducted research on House Wren (Troglodytes aedon) olfaction and its effects on reproductive behavior in the Big Horn Mountains of Wyoming. I earned my M.S. in Avian Sciences at UC Davis in 2011 studying bathing behavior and time budgets of captive Orange-winged Amazon parrots (Amazona amazonica). Since 2011, I have worked primarily for the USGS in Dixon, California as a Wildlife Biologist researching a variety of listed and sensitive species ranging from Greater Sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) to Giant Gatersnakes (Thamnophis gigas) to various waterfowl species. In 2015, I joined the Graduate Group in Ecology at UC Davis where I am currently conducting my dissertation research in collaboration with the USGS as a Pathways Intern. My personal interests include birding and wildlife photography, banding hummingbirds, and banding raptors at the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory. I also have two Chihuahuas named Prudence and Penny (yes, those are Beatles songs).
For my dissertation research, I am primarily investigating reproductive, foraging and movement ecology of Northern Harriers (Circus hudsonius), a Species of Special Concern in California experiencing breeding population declines, in Suisun Marsh. I am also investigating reproductive, foraging and movement ecology of Red-tailed Hawks (Buteo jamaicensis), Great Horned Owls (Bubo virginianus) and Common Ravens (Corvus corax) as they relate to waterfowl reproductive success in Suisun Marsh. This research aims to improve our understanding of reproductive success, habitat selection, migration, and space use to inform management and conservation of these species and their sensitive habitats.