*NERC E3* Habitat and spatial variation in match/mismatch impacts on blue tits

Interested individuals must follow the "how to apply" link on the Geosciences E3 Doctoral Training Partnership web page: http://e3dtp.geos.ed.ac.uk/apply.html

As spring temperatures increase many temperate species have advanced their phenology via phenotypic plasticity. However, as different species may respond to subtly different cues and vary in the steepness of their plastic response, not all species are responding at the same rate. For instance, there is strong evidence that secondary consumer species are advancing their phenology by less than the primary consumers and primary producers down the food chain [1]. Less well evidenced are the impacts of such trophic mismatch on fitness [2] and whether the severity of mismatch varies among habitats.

This project extends the widely studied food chain from tree -> caterpillar -> tit into a spatially replicated study system that spans several woodland types. The advantages of spatial replication are two-fold. First, replication of sites of a particular woodland composition across temperatures can be used to infer how species interactions and blue tit fitness may respond to changing spring temperatures in the long-term [3]. Second, replication of different woodland types allows us to examine whether the impacts of mismatch on tit fitness that have been identified in oak-dominated woodlands [4] apply equally in the other woodland types used by these generalist species.

Key Research Questions:
1. Does the height and width of the food peak differ among tree species and sites?
2. What are the impacts of temporal mismatch and the height of the food peak on nestling fitness?
3. Does the impact of mismatch on fitness vary among woodland types?
4. How well does plasticity allow populations to track geographic variation in optimum conditions?

Methodology: In 2014 we started monitoring a multi-site transect (currently 44 sites), taking in a range of woodland habitats, elevations, and spanning > 200km. We can use this transect to investigate the phenology-mediated interactions between trees, invertebrates and birds. The PhD will involve statistical analyses of data already collected as well as fieldwork on the transect. Fieldwork entails visiting each site on alternate days during the spring to monitor the phenology of marked trees, the abundance of invertebrates and the nesting phenology and success of nest-box populations of blue tits.

Training: A comprehensive training programme will be provided comprising both specialist scientific training and generic transferable and professional skills. Specialist training will include bird ringing and advanced statistics. There may also be an opportunity for training and experience in inferring blue tit diet via next generation fecal meta-barcoding.

Requirements:
1. A first class undergraduate degree or MSc in ecology or evolution is desirable, and you will need to have an aptitude for statistics.
2. Driving license highly desirable.
3. Bird handling and ringing experience, with a BTO C or A permit a great advantage.
4. Willingness to work long hours with few days off (2 days in 10) during the field seasons, and to drive for approximately 100 miles per day.

All potential applicants are requested to contact [Email Address Removed] prior to applying.