BBBO has a long tradition of research and scholarship. Below are listed publications, dissertations, and theses by BBBO personnel as well as by external researchers utilizing data collected at our station.
PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS BY BBBO PERSONNEL
DeSimone, J.G., E. Dalton, L.W. DeGroote, M. Fuirst, S.R. Morris, A.J. Patterson, and E.B. Cohen. 2025. Multi-decadal changes in co-occurence of migrating landbirds are associated with species-specific changes in phenology and abundance. Global Change Biology, 31(11):e70621.
Carter, W. A., S. S. Pagano, and C. L. Seewagen. 2024. The effects of diet-shifting from invertebrates towards fruit on the condition of autumn-migrant Catharus thrushes. Oecologia 204: 559-573.
DeSimone, J.G., L.W. DeGroote, S.A. MacKenzie, J.C. Owen, A.J. Patterson, and E.B. Cohen. 2024. Persistent species relationships characterize migrating bird communities across stopover sites and seasons. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 121(34):e2322063121. PDF
Levitsky, A.A., M. Lejeune, E.L. Buckles, A.J. Patterson, and S.E. Childs-Sanford. 2024. Cutaneous Lesions in the Gular Region Caused by Feather Follicle Infestation with Harpirhynchidae sp. Mites in Great Crested Flycatchers (Myiarchus crinitus) in New York, USA 2016–23. Journal of Wildlife Diseases 60(4):964-969.
Orfanides, G. L. and S. S. Pagano. 2024. Haemosporidian parasites of Canada Warblers (Cardellina canadensis) and Black-throated Blue Warblers (Setophaga caerulescens): prevalence, diversity, and associations with physiological condition during migration. Avian Conservation and Ecology, 19(2):12. PDF
Ress, E.M., A. Farnsworth, S.R. Morris, M. Lanzone, and B.M. Van Doren. 2024. Magnolia Warbler flight calls demonstrate individuality and variation by season and recording location. Ornithology, 141(1):1-10. PDF
Gianvecchio, M.L. and M.E. Deutschlander. 2023. Evaluating the impacts of season, timing, and age on the energetic condition of Catharus thrushes at a northern stopover site. The Wilson Journal of Ornithology, 135(2):139-153.
Horton, K.G., S.R. Morris, B.M Van Doren, K.M. Covino. 2023. Six decades of North American bird banding records reveal plasticity in migration phenology. Journal of Avian Ecology, 92(3):738-750. PDF
Pagano, S.S, G. L. Orfanides, A.J. Bros, R.L. Hoh, E.S. Delles, A.E. Frawley, and C.P. Carrington. 2023. Patterns in the physiological condition of three species of thrushes during autumn stopover near the south shore of Lake Ontario. The Wilson Journal of Ornithology, 135(2): 210-223.
Mahoney, S. M., M. W. Reudink, A. Contina, K. A. Roberts, V. T. Schabert, E. G. Gunther, and K. M Covino. 2022. A tail of plumage colouration: disentangling geographic, seasonal and dietary effects on plumage colour in a migratory songbird. Journal of Avian Biology: e02957. PDF
Gianvecchio, M. L., M. E. Deutschlander, and S. R. Morris. 2021. Flight call response is lower at dusk than during daytime in two parulid species. The Wilson J. of Ornithology 133(1):22-33.
Covino, K. M., K. G. Horton, and S. R. Morris. 2020. Seasonally specific changes in migration phenology across 50 years in the Black-throated Blue Warbler. Auk 137(2):1-11. PDF
Covino, K. M., S. R. Morris, M. Shieldcastle, and P. D. Taylor. 2020. Spring migration of Blackpoll Warblers across North America. Avian Conservation and Ecology 15(1):17. PDF
Williams, H. M., S. B. Wilcox, and A. J. Patterson. 2019. Photography as a tool for avian morphometric measurements. Journal of Ornithology 161:333-339.
Hoh, C. M, S. S. Pagano, and C. J. Norment. 2018. Spatial variation in White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) refueling rate near a migratory barrier. The Wilson Journal of Ornithology 130(4), 891-901.
Oberkircher, M.. and S. S. Pagano. 2018. Seasonal variation in chronic stress and energetic condition in Gray Catbirds (Dumatella carolinensis) and Song Sparrows (Melospiza melodia). Auk 135(1):83–90. PDF
Tegeler, A. K., K. G. Horton, and S. R. Morris. 2018. Is flight-calling behaviour influenced by age, sex and/or body condition? Animal Behaviour 138:123-129.
Holzschuh, J. A. and M. E. Deutschlander. 2016. Do migratory warblers carry excess fuel reserves during migration for insurance or for breeding purposes? Auk 133(3):459–469. PDF
Morris, S. R., K. M. Covino, J. D. Jacobs, and P. D. Taylor. 2016. Fall migratory patterns of the Blackpoll Warbler at a continental scale. Auk: Ornithological Advances 133:41-51. PDF
Morris, S. R., K. G. Horton, A. K. Tegeler, M. Lanzone. 2016. Individual flight-calling behaviour in wood warblers. Animal Behavior 114:241–247.
Smith, S. B., A. C. Miller, C. R. Merchant, and A. F. Sankoh. 2015. Local site variation in stopover physiology of migrating songbirds near the south shore of Lake Ontario is linked to fruit availability and quality. Conservation Physiology 3(1):1-14. PDF
Muheim, R., I. Henshaw, S. Sjöberg, and M.E. Deutschlander. 2014. BirdOriTrack: a video tracking program as new tool in experimental orientation research with migratory birds. Journal of Field Ornithology 85:91-105. PDF
Mathiason, D. and A. Patterson. 2013. Northern Saw-whet Owl migration across Lake Ontario. North American Bird Bander 38(1): 6-10. PDF
Smith, S. B. 2013. A physiological assessment of seasonal differences in spring and autumn migration stopover at Braddock Bay, Lake Ontario. Condor 115 (2): 273-279. PDF
Smith, S. B., S. A. DeSando and T. Pagano. 2013. The value of native and invasive fruit-bearing shrubs for migrating songbirds. Northeastern Naturalist 20(1):171-184.
Brooks, E. W. and D. N. Bonter. 2010. Long-term changes in avian community structure in a successional, forested, and managed plot in a reforesting landscape. Wilson Journal of Ornithology 122: 288-295. PDF
Brooks, E. and D. Sherony. 2010. Some notes on the fall migration of Bicknell’s and Gray-cheeked Thrushes in New York State and Eastern United States. The Kingbird 60(1): 7-14. PDF
Pyle, P. and R. Kayhart. 2010. Replacement of primaries during the pre-alternate molt of a Yellow Warbler. North American Bird Bander 35(4):178-181. PDF
Bonter, D. N., S. A. Gauthreaux, and T. M. Donovan. 2009. Characteristics of important stopover locations for migrating birds: Remote sensing with radar in the Great Lakes Basin. Conservation Biology 23(2):440-448. PDF
Deutschlander, M. E. and R. Muheim. 2009. Fuel reserves affect migratory orientation of thrushes and sparrows both before and after crossing an ecological barrier near their breeding grounds. Journal of Avian Biology 40: 85-89. PDF
Muheim, R., J. B. Phillips, and M. E. Deutschlander. 2009. White-throated Sparrows calibrate their magnetic compass by polarized light cues during both autumn and spring migration. Journal of Experimental Biology 212: 3466-3472. PDF
Bonter, D. N., E. W. Brooks, and T. M. Donovan. 2008. What are we missing with only ground-level mist nets? Using elevated nets at a migration stopover site. Journal of Field Ornithology 79: 314-320. PDF
Bonter, D. N., T. M. Donovan, and E. W. Brooks. 2007. Daily mass changes in landbirds during migration stopover on the south shore of Lake Ontario. Auk 124:122- 133. PDF
Morris, S. R., A. M. Larracuente, K. M. Covino, M. S. Mustillo, K. E. Mattern, D.A. Liebner, and H. D. Sheets. 2006. Utility of open population models: Limitations imposed by parameter estimability in the study of migratory stopover. Wilson Journal of Ornithology 118:513-526. PDF
Smith, S. B. and C. J. Norment. 2005. Nocturnal activity and energetic condition of spring landbird migrants at Braddock Bay, Lake Ontario. Journal of Field Ornithology 76:303-310.
McKinney, R. G. 2004. Skull pneumatization in passerines: A table of last dates many passerines in the Northeast can be aged safely by skulling. North American Bird Bander 29:164-170. PDF
Skelly, S., D. Bonter, and D. Semple. 2001. An unusual Chickadee (Poecile species) banded at Braddock Bay, NY. The Kingbird 51(2): 579-581.
Jones, G. A. and C. J. Norment. 1998. Absence of breeding readiness in neotropical, and long-distance migrant landbirds during spring stopover. Condor 100:373-376. PDF
Brooks, E. W. 1997. Capture times of passerines on the south shore of Lake Ontario during spring migration. North American Bird Bander 22(1):1-5. PDF
Brooks, E. W. 1994. Diet-induced color variation in the White-throated Sparrow. North American Bird Bander 19(1):12-13. PDF
Brooks, E. W. 1991. Fall movement of Black-capped Chickadees analyzed through banding re-encounters. North American Bird Bander 16(1):1-8. PDF
Brooks, E. W. 1991. Movement of the Black-capped Chickadee in New York State analyzed through banding re-encounters. The Kingbird 41(3):137-144.
Brooks, E. 1989. Movement of Black-capped Chickadees from winter area toward breeding grounds analyzed through banding re-encounters. North American Bird Bander 14(4): 112-114. PDF
McKinney, R. G. 1988. Banders’ guide to identification of Empidonax flycatchers in Northeastern North America. North American Bird Bander 13(3):62-63. PDF
Brooks, E. 1987. A summary of Black-capped Chickadee recoveries during spring migration. North American Bird Bander 12(1):19-20. PDF
Brooks, E. W. 1985. Fidelity of an American Tree Sparrow to a wintering area. Journal of Field Ornithology 56(4):406-407. PDF
Brooks ,E. W. and Van Scoy R. M. 1979. Two occurrences of auditory abnormality in the Dark-eyed Junco. North American Bird Bander 4(2):61. PDF
PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS BY EXTERNAL RESEARCHERS
Chen, L., A.S. Flecker, E.S. Duvall. 2026. Diet, phenology and body size shape nutrient release by songbirds. Functional Ecology, forthcoming. PDF
Van Doren, B.M, J.G. DeSimone, J.A. Firth, F. Hillemann, Z. Gayk, E. Cohen, and A. Farnsworth. 2025. Social Associations across species during nocturnal bird migration. Current Biology, 35(4): 898-904.
Clark, J., H.C. Lim, B Olsen, and A. Kovach. 2024. Whole-genome data uncover the basis of local adaptation with gene flow in a threatened coastal songbird. ESS Open Archive eprints 591, 59127531. PDF
Kaiser, S. A., S. A. Taylor, N. Chen, T. S. Sillett, E. R. Bondra, and M.S. Webster. 2017. A comparative assessment of SNP and microsatellite markers for assigning parentage in a socially monogamous bird. Molecular Ecology Resources 17(2):183-193. PDF
Morrison, J. L. and J. M. Baird. 2016. Using banding and encounter data to investigate movements of Red-Tailed Hawks in the Northeastern United States. Journal of Raptor Research 50(2):161-175. PDF
Greg, T.H and H.B Suthers. 2011. Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus) wing formula in eastern North America differs from Pyle’s Identification Guide. North American Bird Bander, 36(2): 49-52. PDF
Leppold, A. J and R. S. Mulvihill. 2011. The Boreal Landbird Component of Migrant Bird Communities in Eastern North America. In J. V. Wells, Editor, Boreal birds of North America: a hemispheric view of their conservation links and significance. Studies in Avian Biology (no. 41), University of California Press, Berkeley, CA, pp73–84. PDF
Boulet, M. and H. L. Gibbs. 2006. Lineage origin and expansion of a Neotropical migrant songbird after recent glaciation events. Molecular Ecology 15:2505–2525. PDF
Boulet, M, H. L. Gibbs, and K. A. Hobson. 2006. Integrated analysis of genetic, stable isotope, and banding data reveal migratory connectivity and flyways in the northern Yellow Warbler (Dendroica petechia; aestiva group). Ornithological Monographs 61: 29–78. PDF
THESES AND DISSERTATIONS
Clark, Jonathan D. 2024. The Genomic Basis of Adaptation in Salt-marsh Breeding Sparrows. Doctoral Dissertation, University of New Hampshire. PDF
Orfanides, G.L. 2024. Integrative approaches to evaluate challenges faced by songbirds during migration and associated physiological trade-offs. Master’s Thesis, Rochester Institute of Technology. PDF
Gianvecchio, M. 2021. Flight call response and energetics: two case studies analyzing migratory biology in select passerines on the south shore of Lake Ontario. Master’s Thesis, SUNY Brockport. PDF
Hill, A. J. 2018. Ground-dwelling Songbirds as Reservoirs and Carriers of Tickborne Disease (Lyme Disease). Master’s Thesis, West Virginia University. PDF
Hoh, C. M. 2016. Spring Stopover Ecology and Physiology of the White-Throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) in Western New York. Master’s Thesis, State University of New York College at Brockport. PDF
Oberkircher, M. 2015. Seasonal variation in chronic stress and energetic condition in three species of migratory birds. Master’s Thesis, Rochester Institute of Technology. PDF
Sood, H. 2015. Investigating Annual Variation in Fruit Quality Using Nutrient Assays and Multidimensional Fluorescence Spectroscopy. Master’s Thesis, Rochester Institute of Technology. PDF
Holzschuh, J. A. 2014. Energetics and migration in songbirds: Two case studies examining energetic condition and migration at a northern stopover location. Master’s Thesis, State University of New York College at Brockport. PDF
McCabe, B. 2006. Fat stores, plumage morphs, and sex of migrant White-throated Sparrows. Master’s Thesis, State University of New York College at Brockport. PDF
Bonter, D. 2003. The migration and ecology of landbirds during migration in the Great Lakes basin. Doctoral Dissertation, University of Vermont. PDF
Smith, S. 2001. Nocturnal activity levels and stopover behavior of spring neotropical migrants along the southern Lake Ontario shoreline. Master’s Thesis, State University of New York College at Brockport. PDF
Jones, G. A. 1997. Stopover of neotropical and temperate landbird migrants on the south shore of Lake Ontario during Spring Migration. Master’s Thesis, State University of New York College at Brockport. PDF
OTHER PUBLICATIONS AND REPORTS
Patterson, E. 2018. White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii or gambelii intergrade). Report of the New York State Avian Records Committee for 2014, The Kingbird 68(4). Record accepted in revised form.
Smith, S. B. and S. R. McWilliams. 2015. Recommended plantings for migratory songbird habitat management. Rochester, NY: Rochester Institute of Technology and University of Rhode Island. PDF
Sherony, D. 2009. ‘Gambel’s’ White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii). Report of the New York State Avian Records Committee for 2007, The Kingbird 59(4):323. Record accepted. PDF
Marino, C. 2006. MacGillivray’s Warbler (Oporornis tolmiei). Report of the New York State Avian Records Committee for 2003, The Kingbird 56(1):61. Record accepted.
Brooks, E. W. and C. Eiseman. 2004. Black-throated Gray Warbler (Dendroica nigrescens). Report of the New York State Avian Records Committee for 2002, The Kingbird 54(4). Record accepted.
Brooks, E. W. 2004. Sharp-tailed Sparrow (Ammodramus caudacutus). Report of the New York State Avian Records Committee for 2002, The Kingbird 54(4). Record accepted.
Brooks, E. W. 2004. Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra). Report of the New York State Avian Records Committee for 2002, The Kingbird 54(4). Record accepted.
Bonter, D. 2002. Migration monitoring protocol: Standard guidelines for migration monitoring research at Braddock Bay Bird Observatory’s Kaiser-Manitou Beach Research Station, v2.1. PDF
Evans, W. R., and Rosenberg, K. V. 2000. Acoustic monitoring of night-migrating birds: a progress report. Strategies for bird conservation: The Partners in Flight planning process; Proceedings of the 3rd Partners in Flight Workshop: 1-5. PDF
McKinney, R. G. 1995. Sharp-tailed Sparrow (Ammodramus caudacutus). Report of the New York State Avian Records Committee for 1993, The Kingbird 45(2). Record accepted.