About Us

Autumn’s love of birds sparked at a young age when she was gifted a field guide to the birds of North America. She would later rediscover this interest during her first year of college, motivating her to pursue every opportunity that allowed her to become closer to birds before graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources Science and Management from the University of Missouri. These opportunities included several avian research positions across different states, volunteering at a raptor rehabilitation center, and founding the MU Bird Club. Now Autumn cannot wait to begin this new chapter exploring the ecosystems of West Texas and learning all she can about her focal species.

The southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus) and the western distinct population segment of the yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus) are both designated as Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Texas and listed under the Endangered Species Act. As desert riparian species, their decline is largely attributable to altered flow regimes and habitat degradation. However, little is known about their population status in the Trans-Pecos Region of Texas due to limited survey efforts and the fact that the majority of the region is privately owned. Autumn’s project seeks to assess the current breeding distribution and presence of these two species by combining passive acoustic monitoring techniques and call playback surveys across riparian zones, with the goal of better understanding their status and conservation needs in the state.