Uploaded November 2025 | Updated September 2026, 5 days ago
At the University of Kentucky’s Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, researchers are uncovering how forest management impacts the survival and movement of birds across Kentucky and the eastern United States. Led by Assistant Professor Darin “DJ” McNeil in the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, the McNeil Lab studies avian populations using bird banding, a hands-on research method that helps track migration and conservation outcomes.
From the woodlands of Raven Run to urban landscapes, McNeil and his team of “bird nerds” are exploring how forest health, habitat management and urbanization affect species like the Northern Cardinal, Carolina Chickadee and Red-headed Woodpecker. Their work connects research and outreach, giving students firsthand experience in field conservation and inspiring Kentuckians to become stewards of the land.
Supported by the USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Service and McIntire-Stennis Capacity Grant, this study exemplifies how Martin-Gatton CAFE researchers are improving lives across Kentucky through science, community engagement and a shared love of wildlife.
Full story by: Christopher Carney - https://news.mgcafe.uky.edu/article/birds-are-great-unifier-uk-study-avian-migration-and-survival-takes-flight
Contact: Darin “DJ” McNeil, darin.j.mcneil@uky.edu
Media Requests: C.E. Huffman, ce.huffman@uky.edu
Learn more about the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources at https://forestry.mgcafe.uky.edu.
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The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment serves the people of Kentucky and the world, through unparalleled teaching, transformative research and relevant service to farms, families and communities. The college proudly continues to build upon its land grant tradition with a strong commitment to improve lives and to build a sustainable future. Learn more: ca.uky.edu
Apply and start your future in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment: students.ca.uky.edu/future-students
The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service provides practical education you can trust to help people, businesses, and communities solve problems, develop skills, and build a better future. Find an office near you: extension.ca.uky.edu
At the University of Kentucky’s Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, researchers are uncovering how forest management impacts the survival and movement of birds across Kentucky and the eastern United States. Led by Assistant Professor Darin “DJ” McNeil in the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, the McNeil Lab studies avian populations using bird banding, a hands-on research method that helps track migration and conservation outcomes.
From the woodlands of Raven Run to urban landscapes, McNeil and his team of “bird nerds” are exploring how forest health, habitat management and urbanization affect species like the Northern Cardinal, Carolina Chickadee and Red-headed Woodpecker. Their work connects research and outreach, giving students firsthand experience in field conservation and inspiring Kentuckians to become stewards of the land.
Supported by the USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Service and McIntire-Stennis Capacity Grant, this study exemplifies how Martin-Gatton CAFE researchers are improving lives across Kentucky through science, community engagement and a shared love of wildlife.
Full story by: Christopher Carney - https://news.mgcafe.uky.edu/article/birds-are-great-unifier-uk-study-avian-migration-and-survival-takes-flight
Contact: Darin “DJ” McNeil, darin.j.mcneil@uky.edu
Media Requests: C.E. Huffman, ce.huffman@uky.edu
Learn more about the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources at https://forestry.mgcafe.uky.edu.
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The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment serves the people of Kentucky and the world, through unparalleled teaching, transformative research and relevant service to farms, families and communities. The college proudly continues to build upon its land grant tradition with a strong commitment to improve lives and to build a sustainable future. Learn more: ca.uky.edu
Apply and start your future in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment: students.ca.uky.edu/future-students
The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service provides practical education you can trust to help people, businesses, and communities solve problems, develop skills, and build a better future. Find an office near you: extension.ca.uky.edu
