Cargo of Birds to Arkansas, the Hurricanes in 2008 and the Swept Clean Hypothesis

Authors

Douglas A. James, University of Arkansas, FayettevilleFollow
Kimberly G. Smith, University of Arkansas, FayettevilleFollow
Joseph C. Neal, University of Arkansas, FayettevilleFollow
John G. Hehr, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville

Abstract

Three hurricanes in the hurricane season of 2008 brought to Arkansas several unusual marine and other birds from southerly locations. There were 10 species noted, totaling 44 individual birds. Sooty Terns, numbering 15, were the most numerous. Laughing Gulls were next in abundance. In the mix of birds there was only 1 new species for the state, a Least Grebe. The hurricanes brought vastly different cargos of birds, and two hypotheses relating to how hurricanes transport birds are proposed. The findings supported the "swept clean" hypothesis over the "blown through" hypothesis.

Recommended Citation

James, Douglas A.; Smith, Kimberly G.; Neal, Joseph C.; and Hehr, John G. (2010) "Cargo of Birds to Arkansas, the Hurricanes in 2008 and the Swept Clean Hypothesis," Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science: Vol. 64, Article 18.
Available at: https://scholarworks.uark.edu/jaas/vol64/iss1/18