Meet the research team

Dr Mark Fellowes

I'm the Head of the School of Biological Sciences at Reading. Originally an entomologist, I have also supervised several students working on various aspects of urban ecology. As well as my academic work, I am a keen birdwatcher and wildlife photographer. Please visit my website for further details of my research and teaching activities. 

 

 

Melanie Orros

I'm a PhD student in the Division of Environmental Biology and am supervised by Dr Mark Fellowes. My research looks at the possible effects of feeding wild birds in urban/suburban gardens, with particular focus on red kites and on the effects on species other than birds. Our research on red kites, including the Red kite garden feeding questionnaire, and the Reading bird feeding survey and Do garden birds earn their keep? experiment form important parts of my work. My research is funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).

 

Past team members

2010-2011: Katie Grainger and Faye Coulson

We are third year undergraduate students at Reading University. Faye studies Zoology and Katie studies Biological Sciences. We both love birds of prey but due to the frequent sightings of red kites since living in Reading we've become a bit obsessed! We're carrying out our dissertations on red kites to help find out what attracts them to urban areas and how much capacity humans might have to influence wildlife; specifically the kites. 

2010-2011: Rebekah Hanrahan and Philippa Hall

We are undergraduate students currently studying for a BSc in Zoology. We are carrying out research on red kites in Reading for our third year dissertation projects, chosen due to our interest in the behaviour of modern birds, and the results of successful reintroductions of endangered species. The apparent reurbanisation of Red Kites after 200 years of extinction in England is an exciting opportunity for us to research and discover details of a previously unchartered area of study.