May 2, 2018, by admin

Join the Sitka Sound Science Center staff and Board in welcoming Allison Nelson as our next Scientist in Residency Fellow, here from May 13^th to June 17^th, 2018. Allison is the founder and director of Gold Country Avian Studies, a non-profit organization focusing on the research and conservation of birds in the foothills of California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Allison received her Masters degree in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology from San Francisco State University. Since then, her research has focused on the migratory geography of the Hermit Thrush using geolocator tracking devices. Hermit Thrushes drew Allison to Sitka when her geolocator data indicated that thrushes wintering in the San Francisco Bay Area migrate to breeding grounds in Southeast Alaska. She is also collaborating with researchers at the University of California Los Angeles to develop a Hermit Thrush genoscape, a map of this species’ genetic variation across its breeding range. Allison is a U.S. Geological Survey federally permitted bird bander, certified by the North American Banding Council. She has worked as a biologist for Point Blue Conservation Science, the University of Queensland, the San Francisco Estuary Invasive Spartina Project, and the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center. She has also worked in environmental conservation and education at San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory, Outward Bound, and the Appalachian Mountain Club. She serves on the board of the Western Bird Banding Association and on the Lands Committee of Bear Yuba Land Trust. Allison hopes that her research and educational programs will inspire people to become stewards of birds and their habitats.

 

While in Sitka, Allison will be collecting data on Hermit Thrushes, at remote locations throughout Sitka Sound, along with leading numerous community events. Sitkans can learn about Allison’s research on Raven Radio’s morning interview on May 16^th at 8:10am. Soon after arriving, Allison will lead a bird walk with Blatchely Middle School’s 6^th grade science class. For those in Sitka interested in learning about our wonderful local bird community, Allison will guide a bird walk through Sitka’s National Historical Park on June 9^th, novice birders and children are encouraged to join! On June 12^th, Allison will present at the Sitka Summer Music Festival, along with local pianist Susan Reed, on the song of the Hermit Thrush and the compositions they have inspired. Check out the SSSC’s website and Facebook page for more information regarding these and other exciting events with Allison!