The Coastal Bend is one of the most “birdiest” regions in America. This region is also experiencing climatic shifts that are causing an increase in mangroves. Bird species in coastal regions, which rely heavily on specific plant communities, are particularly vulnerable to these changes because they are often constrained to these specific areas. Spencer Keyser, a graduate student at The University of Texas Marine Science Institute in Port Aransas, was just awarded a prestigious Garden Club of America Francis M. Peacock Scholarship to study the impact that climate-related mangrove expansion is having on key bird species. The scholarship will help Spencer conduct research necessary to predict changes to bird communities across the Gulf of Mexico.
