Research
Travis conducts applied research on species of conservation concern that are declining, rare, or little-studied.
His expertise includes Arctic avian ecology, raptor biology, movement ecology, population dynamics, and difficult to study species that more rational researchers would wisely avoid.
Highlighted Research Species
Gyrfalcon
2000-Present. Numerous studies in Alaska and Greenland looking at food habits, breeding biology, movement ecology, survey methodology, population dynamics, disease surveillance, health assessments, habitat associations, and others.
Short-Eared Owl
2010-Present. Migration and movement ecology studies in western North America, conservation status and threats assessment, and a study of distribution, abundance, and habitat associations across 8 western states using over 1,000 citizen scientists.
Grey-Headed Chickadee
2010-Present. Investigations assessing the occurrence, distribution, and conservation status of this rare, enigmatic songbird across Alaska and the Yukon Territories, Canada.
Golden Eagle
2011-Present. Movement ecology studies of adult Golden Eagles across western North America as well as studies estimating the movements, abundance, and population dynamics in Alaska.
Alaska Hare
2012-Present. Research into the conservation genetics, abundance, distribution, and movement ecology of this largely unknown but highly valued endemic Arctic hare in Western Alaska.
Cliff-nesting Raptor Population Dynamics
2011-Present. Studies focusing on the population dynamics of the cliff-nesting raptor guild on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska, including Golden Eagles, Rough-legged Hawks, Gyrfalcons, and Peregrine Falcons.
Rough-legged Hawk
2016-2021. Collaborating on a continent-wide study of movement ecology, as well as focused breeding ecology and population dynamics projects in Alaska.
Bristle-thighed Curlew
2012. Implemented a project using intensive line transect surveys to estimate curlew abundance on the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge.
Boreal Owl
2010-2016. Various studies looking at the food habits and population dynamics of Boreal Owls near Fairbanks, Alaska
Bald Eagle
2010. Assisted the US Fish and Wildlife Service conducting a contaminants study of Bald Eagles throughout Southeast Alaska.
Peregrine Falcon
1998, 200-2001, 2008, 20012. Conducted population surveys and monitoring of nesting Peregrine Falcons in Western Greenland.
Coopers Hawk
1996-1999. Assisted research on the breeding biology, ecology, and population dynamics of Coopers Hawks in central Wisconsin.
Photo Credits: Golden Eagle in hand, Caitlin Davis. Gyrfalcon, Josh Spice. Golden Eagle head, Chris Barger. Cooper’s Hawk, Tom Muir. Others unknown or Travis Booms