Date: 7/2/25 7:14 pm From: Kevin Krajcir <kjkrajcir...> Subject: ASCA July 2025 Presentation - Effects of Urbanization of Eastern Screech-Owls
Good evening!
Please join the Audubon Society of Central Arkansas next Thursday July 10th at 7 PM to hear from Mitchell Pruitt, Ph.D., about the effects of urbanization on space use and survival of Eastern Screech-Owls.
Mitchell is studying how urbanization affects the Eastern Screech-Owl (Megascops asio). This species has historically been considered tolerant to urban environments, but citizen science data suggests this is not universally true, including in the Northwest Arkansas Metro Area. In addition to an overall lack of understanding how this species is affected by urbanization, relatively little is known about its basic life history despite being widespread. Through this work, Mitchell and an undergraduate student at the U of A are using GPS and radio transmitters to study habitat selection, nest site selection, and survival at sites around Northwest Arkansas. 2025 marks the first of three years for this project.
Mitchell is an avian ecologist who received his PhD in Biology (2024) from the University of Arkansas, where he is currently a visiting assistant professor and co-coordinator of the NSF-funded EcoREU undergrad mentorship program. Mitchell is also director and co-founder of Ozark Bird Conservancy, a new 501c3 research organization that seeks to conserve birds and their habitats through research, education, and outreach in the Interior Highlands. Mitchell has studied birds for a decade and specializes in raptors.
