My master’s thesis is part of an ongoing project aiming to determine the microclimatic requirements of two alpine specialist bird species: the alpine rock ptarmigan and the rock partridge. By capturing bird movement patterns through GPS tracking and collecting land-surface temperature data in bird territories, the objective of my thesis is to establish a comprehensive understanding of how land-surface temperature is developing over the summer months (June, July, August), and how climate warming influences the movement behavior of these alpine bird species. Utilizing the DJI Mavic 3-T, a thermal imaging drone with extremely high resolution, I aim to develop an in-depth protocol for optimal utilization of thermal drones in land-surface temperature recording within alpine landscapes. This protocol will enable me to study the heterogeneity of thermal landscapes at the spatial resolution relevant for our two study species. To assure the utmost accuracy, drone testing will include comparing different flight heights and speeds. Furthermore, various environmental parameters (air temperature, humidity, wind speed, solar radiation, cloud cover), vegetation parameters (vegetation type, emissivity) and topographical features (slope, aspect, elevation) will be incorporated and accounted for. These measurements will help me in understanding the heterogeneity in land-surface temperature given the underlying topographical and vegetational features, as well as understanding the bird movement in relation to changes in land-surface temperature. Through careful examination and analysis, this master’s thesis aims to contribute valuable insights into the complex interplay between microclimate dynamics and the behavior of alpine specialist bird species, thereby enhancing our understanding of the ecological implications of climate warming in alpine ecosystems.
