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University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point – B.S. Student in Wildlife Ecology and Management - Projected to Graduate May 2027

Project Title: The Use of Autonomous Recording Devices to Evaluate Fall Migration of Virginia Rail and Sora in the Upper Mississippi River

My name is Madelyn Slaven, and I am entering my junior year at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point, where I am pursuing my passion for wildlife research and conservation. I am deeply committed to protecting ecosystems and understanding the relationships between species and their environments. Outside the classroom and lab, I enjoy spending my time creating art. I love working with ceramics, painting, and expressing myself creatively. Much of my work is influenced by the natural world and my time spent outdoors. I love spending my free time outdoors, whether hiking, exploring new trails, or simply observing wildlife.

The Use of Autonomous Recording Devices to Evaluate Fall Migration of Virginia Rail and Sora in the Upper Mississippi River

There is currently research being conducted with the Upper Mississippi River Wildlife and Fish Refuge National Wildlife Refuge to determine the level of importance of different wetland types to Secretive Marsh Birds. Also to figure out the current occupancy of Secretive Marsh Birds at historical wetland sites. This research is being conducted with the use of ARUs. My contribution to this research will help determine how sites are being used by Virginia Rail and Sora outside of their breeding season. My results will help with understanding the timing availability of Virginia Rail and Sora for hunters, it will also aid managers by providing more information about the use of the Refuge by Secretive Marsh Birds. This will also provide probability estimates of these birds during fall migration.