Since then, I have switched focus to a different, yet related project where I examine patterns of co occurrence between increasing and declining portions of bird assemblages within shrub encroached mixed-grass prairie landscapes of western Oklahoma, as well as common grassland and shrubland birds. My objective is to determine if these patterns of co occurrence can provide insight into the mechanisms driving faunal turnover in response to shrub proliferation.

After completing my final field season in 2007 at Packsaddle and Sandy Sanders Wildlife Management Areas of western Oklahoma, I began my analysis. I am currently in the process of analyzing my data while writing my thesis. In August 2008, I attended the joint conference of the American Ornithologists Union, the Canadian Association of Ornithologists, and Cooper Ornithological Society, where I presented some of my research.

Some figures and data...