Taking Flight: Where in the World is EOU Professor Laura Mahrt

Taking Flight: Where in the World is EOU Professor Laura Mahrt

LA GRANDE, Ore. – From the rainforests of Ecuador to the shores of the Galápagos Islands, Eastern Oregon University professor Laura Mahrt embarked on a journey few could imagine. Over eight months in 2024-2025, she visited three countries, working at renowned bird-banding stations to deepen her expertise and connect EOU to global conservation efforts.

This sabbatical wasn’t just about science—it was a hands-on adventure in some of the world’s most biodiverse regions. Along the way, Mahrt captured a rare Cloud Forest Pygmy Owl, observed the courtship display of the Club-Winged Manakin in Ecuador, and earned certification to use cutting-edge telemetry technology to track migratory birds.

“It was exhilarating,” Mahrt said. “Being in these environments sharpened my skills and gave me a profound appreciation for the intricate beauty of these ecosystems.”

Mahrt’s bird-banding days often began before dawn. She grabbed a quick breakfast under the stars before slipping into rubber boots and hiking trails to the field station. By 6 a.m., she carefully opened the nets to gently capture birds. Each bird was meticulously measured, banded, and assessed for age, sex, and health before being released.

“Every bird tells a story,” Mahrt said. “Their health and movements are windows into larger environmental changes.”

One of the most thrilling moments came in Ecuador when Mahrt helped catch a rare Cloud Forest Pygmy Owl. “Holding such an elusive species was unforgettable,” she said. “It reminded me how vital conservation work is for protecting biodiversity.”

During her sabbatical, Mahrt collaborated with researchers at renowned bird-banding stations across the Americas. From Finland, Minnesota, to the Galápagos Islands, she exchanged techniques, data, and stories with experts dedicated to avian conservation. These connections laid the groundwork for partnerships benefiting EOU students and faculty.

“By working with other stations, we’re building a larger network of researchers,” Mahrt explained. “It’s all about sharing knowledge, best practices, and resources to improve bird monitoring.”

At the Western Bird Banding Association meeting in Tucson, Arizona, Mahrt earned certification to attach MOTUS tags to birds. These miniature telemetry devices help track birds across vast distances and provide unprecedented insights into migratory patterns. Her upcoming research will focus on tracking Common Yellowthroats, a small warbler species, to better understand their journeys.

Mahrt is eager to share her experiences with EOU students and colleagues. She plans to incorporate her newfound knowledge into coursework, create opportunities for internships, and encourage students to participate in international research projects.

“I hope students will take advantage of these connections, apply for internships, and expand their horizons,” she said.

Mahrt is also using her sabbatical experiences to strengthen EOU’s bird-banding efforts at Ladd Marsh. Drawing on insights from her travels, she aims to refine local bird monitoring practices and involve students in hands-on conservation work.

Reflecting on her eight-month journey, Mahrt emphasized the personal and professional impact of her sabbatical. “It sharpened my focus on bird banding and deepened my understanding of my strengths, goals, and values,” she said. “It also gave me a profound connection to nature and reminded me of why I fell in love with ornithology in the first place.”

Her time in Ecuador left a lasting impression. “There’s nothing quite like waking up to the sounds of a rainforest,” she said. “It’s a constant reminder of the world’s biodiversity and the responsibility we have to protect it.”

Mahrt’s sabbatical advanced global bird-banding efforts and built a bridge between international conservation and EOU’s community. Through her work, EOU students and faculty are poised to take flight, contributing to research and conservation for years to come.

To learn more about EOU’s Biology program, go to https://www.eou.edu/biology/. 

The Biology Program offers two concentrations—Pre-health Professions and Molecular Biology, or Ecological Biology—both designed to prepare students for professional education programs or careers in health fields, biomedical research, natural resource management, or science education.