Brian Tavernia was the Saline Lakes Ecologist (2019-2021) and a member of the National Audubon Society’s Western Water Initiative team. Brian guides the science efforts to drive conservation outcomes for the network of saline lakes across the West and the birds that depend on them.

Prior to joining Audubon in Jan 2019, Brian spent 8 years working for federal agencies and The Nature Conservancy. During this time, he assessed the impacts of climate and land-use change scenarios on habitat and water resources as part of the U.S. Forest Service’s Northern Forest Futures Project. He also acted as a Science Coordinator for the Integrated Waterbird Management and Monitoring program, a regional-scale adaptive habitat management program for waterfowl, waders, and shorebirds. Most recently, he was a Spatial Ecologist for The Nature Conservancy and guided conservation and management of Colorado’s forest, wetlands, rivers, and cities.

Brian holds a Ph.D. in Biology from Tufts University where he researched the effects of urbanization on wetland bird communities.

Articles by Brian Tavernia

Western Water News

Science Partners Demonstrate Importance of Adequate Water Levels for Birds at Great Salt Lake

By Brian Tavernia
December 22, 2021 — Analysis highlights the need to maintain and increase surface flows for birds.
White-faced Ibis. Craig Goettsch/Audubon Photography Awards
Western Water News

New Insights on Phenomenal Bird Numbers at Great Salt Lake

By Brian Tavernia
May 27, 2021 — Analysis reveals continued importance of the lake and need to understand factors affecting bird populations
Western Water News

Many Partners Aim to Protect Nevada Wetlands for Shorebirds

By Brian Tavernia
May 18, 2021 — Analysis at Lahontan Valley Wetlands identifies bird species for habitat management.
Marbled Godwits. Peter Brannon/Audubon Photography Awards
Western Water News

New Grant Enables Partners to Advance Shorebird Planning at Nevada Wetlands

By Brian Tavernia
May 06, 2021 — National Fish and Wildlife Foundation supports collaborative efforts to enhance habitat and monitor shorebirds
Western Water News

Grazing Provides Western Sandpipers with Important Source of Energy for Migration

By Brian Tavernia
September 22, 2020 — A relatively unassuming shorebird challenges birders’ notions of “normal” sandpiper behavior.
Western Water News

Observing Heron Nesting a Welcome Distraction

By Brian Tavernia
April 23, 2020 — Keeping an eye on a nest during this pandemic.
Western Water News

Dependence on Threatened Saline Lakes Leaves Eared Grebes at Risk

By Brian Tavernia
October 07, 2019 — Nearly all Eared Grebes spend part of their flightless lives at Great Salt Lake or Mono Lake.
Western Water News

Potential New Ways to Determine the Movement of Phalaropes

By Brian Tavernia
July 12, 2019 — Budding technology creates networks that would inform the conservation and management of Phalaropes.
Western Water News

Climate Change and Water Use Will Determine the Future of Great Basin Waterbirds

By Brian Tavernia
April 11, 2019 — Science and planning can help ensure their continued existence.