My research interests range from community ecology and paleoecology to the history of science. I enjoy teaching courses in ecology, bioethics, research methods, and the history of life.

Since the early 1970s, I have been interested in the behavioral ecology of seabirds, bald eagles, and harbor seals in Washington State. Currently, as co director of the Seabird Ecology Team, my research is centered at Protection Island National Wildlife Refuge in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Washington. Our team is developing mathematical models that make accurate, long-range predictions of the habitat occupancy and behavioral dynamics of seabirds and harbor seals. We also are examining the feeding ecology of bald eagles. Our research is funded by grants from the National Science Foundation.

In 1980, the ring-billed and California gull nests and eggs I was studying in eastern Washington were completely buried by Mount St. Helen's ash. One year later, I found entire nests and eggs preserved beneath the ash. This led to my interest in the fossilization of bird (avian dinosaur!) and non-avian dinosaur eggs.

Location

Berrien Springs, MI

Disciplines

• Biology
• Geology and Geophysics

Affiliation

Andrews University

Website

http://www.andrews.edu/~henson/seabird/