Donald R Powers

Donald R Powers

Newberg, OR

George Fox University

Professor of Biology

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Published on Feb 15, 2022

Project Data Published!!!!

It has taken some time but our data from this project has been published in the Journal of Experimental Biology. Here is the link to the paper:https://journals.biologists.com/jeb/article-abstract/...

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Published on Nov 28, 2019

Project Data Presented at the Murdock College Science Research Conference

After months of hard work Nathaniel and Elliot presented preliminary results of our project at the Murdock College Science Research Conference in Vancouver, WA. This was the first time Nathaniel a...

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Published on Jul 09, 2019

The Number-Crunching Grind!

I have not published a lab note in a while largely because Elliot and Nathaniel are in the midst of number crunching (and becoming acquainted with the more tedious aspect of science) and frankly an...

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Published on Jun 25, 2019

Analysis Begins!!

After several days on the road (me), and a few days off (Nathaniel and Elliot), we are back in the lab and at work analyzing data. In a few minutes I will be off to return the rental truck that se...

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Published on Jun 18, 2019

Okay, One More Note Before We Go!

I have a couple of videos I thought I would share for fun before we pack up in a couple hours. The first is a video of Elliot enduring the joys of removing a hummingbird from a holding cage so it ...

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Published on Jun 18, 2019

All Good Things......

Today is our last day of data. collection. Elliot is trying to get some last minute measurements on black-chinned hummingbirds, which have the bane of his experiment, to increase sample size while...

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Published on Jun 17, 2019

Boys just gotta have fun!

Sorry there was no lab note yesterday, but we took a much needed day off. Nathaniel and Elliot have been working hard and have collected lots of great data, but the grind was wearing a bit and a s...

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Published on Jun 15, 2019

Watching Young Scientists Learn

I have been mentoring young students for more than 30 years, but to watch them grow as they progress through their first real research experience never ceases to bring a smile to my face. As we ne...

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Published on Jun 14, 2019

Clever Little Tricks

One potential problem that we were going to have with Elliot's flight arena was removing the hummingbird at the end of a trial. Hummingbirds are quick and agile, and frankly a challenge to human m...

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Thank you! We are just about to submit the work for publication.
Sep 18, 2020
Do Hummingbirds Actually Sleep?
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:-)
Aug 25, 2020
Do Hummingbirds Actually Sleep?
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My students and I have decided that if this project gets funded we will produce a documentary video for all the backers on how hummingbirds manage their body temperature while hovering in warm temperatures. We will address how hummingbirds might respond to warming temperatures resulting from climate change.
May 15, 2019
Do hummingbirds use cool perches so they can fly in the heat?
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Thanks Amanda! I have been taking undergraduates to SWRS for 30 years, and every one of them looks back on their time in the Chiricahua Mountains fondly. Crowd funding for research support is not the typical way the undergraduates are supported, but the foundation that typically pays the expenses has had a couple bad years. This funding really makes a difference because it means they can have a great experience without having to excessively pinch pennies. Thanks again for your support!
May 27, 2018
How do Hovering Hummingbirds Survive Hot Days?
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Thanks! We will try to keep everyone up-to-date as data collection proceeds this summer. Thank you for your support!
May 11, 2018
How do Hovering Hummingbirds Survive Hot Days?
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You are absolutely welcome! We are excited to get started!
Mar 16, 2017
Do Hummingbirds Actually Sleep?
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Thank you! So do we! The idea is really novel. Hopefully we meet our goal and can get it done. Cheers!
Feb 28, 2017
Do Hummingbirds Actually Sleep?
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I am here to answer any questions! Ask away!!! I will even answer general hummingbird questions not related to the project.
Feb 27, 2017
Do Hummingbirds Actually Sleep?
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