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10 Mar FW: drill seeding for grassland bird restoration [Anna Pidgeon ] 10 Mar Non-lethal diet sampling [Ellen Paul ] 10 Mar Non-lethal diet sampling [Jason Fischer ] 9 Mar Volunteer position in Hawaii [Dennis Lapointe ] 9 Mar IMBD proclamation [Ellen Paul ] 9 Mar drill seeding for grassland bird restoration [Anthony Zemba ] 9 Mar No more bird surveys - ever! [Ellen Paul ] 8 Mar KBO job announcments - point counts [Ellen Paul ] 8 Mar Position Announcement: International Conservation Program Officer, American Bird Conservancy [George Wallace ] 6 Mar Re: In which energy development is more endangered than the Greater Sage Grouse [stan moore ] 5 Mar In which energy development is more endangered than the Greater Sage Grouse [Madhusudan Katti ] 5 Mar Interior Secretary Salazar Announces Advisory Committee Consensus On Wind Turbine Guideline Recommendations] [Ellen Paul ] 5 Mar Greater Sage-Grouse decision from Dept. of the Interior [Ellen Paul ] 4 Mar Leopold program [Ellen Paul ] 1 Mar Seasonal job opportunity -- nocturnal rail/songbird surveys [Jane Austin ] 1 Mar Important changes to the list of birds protected under the MBTA [Ellen Paul ] 26 Feb Hilton Pond 02/15/10 (Costa Rica Portfolio) ["Bill Hilton Jr. (RESEARCH)" ] 25 Feb Free checklists for major world areas [Santa Barbara Software Products ] 25 Feb 1st World Seabird Conference - REGISTER NOW! [Ellen Paul ] 24 Feb Color-marked Piping Plovers from The Bahamas [Peter Doherty ] 23 Feb Migratory Species: Colombia [Maria Angela Echeverry ] 23 Feb Job opp [Ellen Paul ] 22 Feb FW: invitation to join new list: RaptorScienceLiterature@Yahoogroups.com [stan moore ] 22 Feb Job opp [Ellen Paul ] 21 Feb Hilton Pond 01/26/10 (Costa Rica Hummingbirds) ["Bill Hilton Jr. (RESEARCH)" ] 18 Feb request for ecological definition of "nest site" [stan moore ] 17 Feb dormitory nests [Jorge Vega ] 17 Feb Hat passing [Ellen Paul ] 17 Feb chickadee mob [Nicole Hazlett ] 17 Feb Re: generation time birds ["Douglas A. James" ] 17 Feb Re: Great Egrets breeding in Michigan [Wayne E Thogmartin ] 17 Feb Great Egrets breeding in Michigan ["Weseloh,Chip [Ontario]" ] 17 Feb KBO Project Lead job announcement [Ellen Paul ] 17 Feb Re: generation time birds [Tom Langen ] 17 Feb generation time birds ["William H. Barnard" ] 16 Feb Re: FW: Owl V41 [stan moore ] 16 Feb Fw: Owl V41 [Lawrence D Igl ] 16 Feb Re: FW: Owl V41 ["Erdman, Thomas C" ] 16 Feb Re: FW: FW: Owl V41 [Scott Weidensaul ] 16 Feb FW: FW: Owl V41 [Steve Latta ] 11 Feb FW: forwarded note from Stan Moore on broken legs, raptors, and Poyser/Buteo Books [stan moore ] 10 Feb STUDY ABROAD - CONSERVATION & BIODIVERSITY IN SOUTH AFRICAN PARKS & NATURE RESERVES [Jim Schneider ] 4 Feb AQUATIC COLONIAL BIRD SURVEYORS needed [Ellen Paul ] 29 Jan IXth Neotropical Ornithological Congress and VIIIth National Ornithological Congress. Cusco, Peru; November 8-14, 2011 [George Wallace ] 26 Jan Eastern Bird Banding Association call for papers [Ellen Paul ] 25 Jan Job [Ellen Paul ] 20 Jan Animal Physiologist Position ["Elmer J. Finck" ] 19 Jan Graduate Assistantships ["Elmer J. Finck" ] 16 Jan Hilton Pond 01/01/10 (Frigid Weather) ["Bill Hilton Jr. (RESEARCH)" ] 14 Jan White-tipped Dove Leptotila verreauxi [John Penhallurick ] 10 Jan Annual BirdBase/BirdArea Species/Ranges Updates [Santa Barbara Software Products ] 8 Jan Job Opening: Quantitatively savvy biologist [Wayne E Thogmartin ] 7 Jan LSU ornithologists on PBS Nature program on hummingbirds Sunday night at 7 [Ellen Paul ] 6 Jan ACE-ECO New Issue Announcement [Ellen Paul ] 6 Jan New International Journal of Galliformes Conservation] [Ellen Paul ] 5 Jan Grasshopper Sparrow Field Assistants needed [Paul Miller ] 3 Jan Hilton Pond 12/29/09 (Banding Highlights) ["Bill Hilton Jr. (RESEARCH)" ] 1 Jan Hilton Pond 12/22/09 (Christmas Bird Count) ["Bill Hilton Jr. (RESEARCH)" ] 31 Dec photos of nest box predators needed [Randy Lauff ] 30 Dec Job announcement [Ellen Paul ] 29 Dec Conference: Gyrfalcons and Ptarmigan in a Changing World, Feb 2011. First Announcement [Ellen Paul ] 22 Dec accidental participation in Christmas Bird Count [stan moore ] 16 Dec Volunteer position USGS Hawaii [Dennis Lapointe ] 16 Dec Biological Aide Opportunity--Short Term--Patuxent Wildlife Research Center ["French, Lloyd S" ] 11 Dec Hilton Pond 12/01/09 (Rufous Hummingbird) ["Bill Hilton Jr. (RESEARCH)" ] 11 Dec Job Posting - Oregon Conservation Strategy Coordinator [Ellen Paul ] 11 Dec census and demographic rates for meta-analysis [Salvador Herrando-Perez ] 9 Dec bird plumage study [Jonathan Drury ] 4 Dec Contents of Western Birds, vol. 40, no. 3 (2009) [Ted Floyd ] 7 Dec 1st World Seabird Conference] [Ellen Paul ] 7 Dec Contents of Colorado Birds, vol. 43, no. 4 (2009) [Ted Floyd ] 6 Dec Belated Winter Birding Note [Grant Stevenson ] 29 Nov Hilton Pond 11/18/09 (Hummingbird Records) ["Bill Hilton Jr. (RESEARCH)" ] 3 Dec North Star Science and Technology Transmitter Grant Program [George Wallace ] 17 Nov Need info on banding permits [Ellen Paul ] 15 Nov Message from the administrator [Ellen Paul ] Subject: FW: drill seeding for grassland bird restoration From: Anna Pidgeon <apidgeon AT WISC.EDU> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:21:08 -0600 Anthony, I forwarded the question about seeders to a habitat biologist who is not a subscriber to Ornith-L . Here is her answer: Pending no breakdowns, we can knock out about 3 acres/hour utilizing a drill. Broadcast seeding goes much faster and we've had some great results using this method in the fall. P Brenda Kelly Wildlife Biologist Bureau of Wildlife Management Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (*) phone: (920) 387-7882 (*) fax: (920) 387-7888 (*) e-mail: Brenda.Kelly AT wisconsin.gov Regards, Anna Pidgeon _____ From: ORNITH-L: the scientific discussion of Ornithology [mailto:ORNITH-L AT SI-LISTSERV.SI.EDU] On Behalf Of Anthony Zemba Sent: Tuesday, March 09, 2010 12:46 PM To: ORNITH-L AT SI-LISTSERV.SI.EDU Subject: drill seeding for grassland bird restoration Does anyone have experience using drill seeders with fluffy seed boxes to plant native warm season grass species on a prepared soilbed on a landfill cap? I am trying to determine how long it will take to plant 10 acres including equipment preparation, and operation. Unfortunately that is all the details I have so far. (no model number of unit, no soil information, etc.). A range of estimated time would be helpful and I wouldn't hold anyone to their estimate. Thanks -anthony Anthony J. Zemba CHMM Senior Project Manager/Ecologist Professional Soil Scientist GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc. 296 North Main Street East Longmeadow, MA 01028 Office Phone: 413-525-3822 Direct: 413-523-0227 Office Fax: 413-525-8348 Subject: Non-lethal diet sampling From: Ellen Paul <ellen.paul AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:48:08 -0500 Subject: Non-lethal diet sampling From: Jason Fischer <fischer9 AT ILLINOIS.EDU> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:40:23 -0600 Good morning, I am beginning a project examining the diet of omnivorous and granivorous urban passerines. I want to use non-lethal measures to obtain diet samples, but all the methods I have found appear to have serious drawbacks. Has anyone successfully used one of the following methods on seed-eating birds, or is there a method I am not aware of? Thank you for your assistance, Jason Fischer 1) Crop/stomach flushing (inducing regurgitation by injecting warm water or saline through a tube inserted down the esophagus) appears to be very effective on insectivores, but less so for species with a large seed fraction in the diet. 2) Crop/stomach flushing on birds under anesthesia is most effective, but very time consuming. 3) Sucking out crop/stomach contents (using a tube inserted down the esophagus) only seems to work for diets composed of small seeds. 4) Tartar emetic is effective, but has a higher associated mortality rate than other methods. 5) The emetic apomorphine causes little mortality, but its effectiveness varies greatly among species. ____________________________________________________________________ Jason D. Fischer Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology W-405 Turner Hall, 1102 South Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801 (217)265-4818 fischer9 AT illinois.edu Subject: Volunteer position in Hawaii From: Dennis Lapointe <dlapointe AT USGS.GOV> Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2010 11:33:09 -1000 The US Geological Survey, Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center has a volunteer position open to work on a project with wild and captive native Hawaiian passerines, scaley leg mites and vectors of avian disease. The project involves captive care of wild passerines, limited mist netting, adult mosquito trapping, larval mosquito field studies and other project related duties as necessary. No prior experience is necessary but individuals with experience in animal care will be favored. A food allowance of $100/week and housing in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is provided. We need a volunteer who can start in April and work a minimum of three months. Excellent experience for students and graduates in Biology, Wildlife, Environmental or Animal Sciences. Interested individuals should contact : Dr. Dennis A. LaPointe via email dennis_lapointe AT usgs.gov Thank you. Dennis A. LaPointe, Ecologist USGS-Pacific Island Ecosystem Research Center Kilauea Field Station P.O. Box 218 Hawaii National Park, HI 96718 (808) 967-8119 ex 273 (808) 967-8545 FAX dennis_lapointe AT usgs.gov Subject: IMBD proclamation From: Ellen Paul <ellen.paul AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2010 15:57:12 -0500 Subject: drill seeding for grassland bird restoration From: Anthony Zemba <anthony.zemba AT GZA.COM> Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2010 13:45:34 -0500 Does anyone have experience using drill seeders with fluffy seed boxes to plant native warm season grass species on a prepared soilbed on a landfill cap? I am trying to determine how long it will take to plant 10 acres including equipment preparation, and operation. Unfortunately that is all the details I have so far. (no model number of unit, no soil information, etc.). A range of estimated time would be helpful and I wouldn't hold anyone to their estimate. Thanks -anthony Anthony J. Zemba CHMM Senior Project Manager/Ecologist Professional Soil Scientist GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc. 296 North Main Street East Longmeadow, MA 01028 Office Phone: 413-525-3822 Direct: 413-523-0227 Office Fax: 413-525-8348 Subject: No more bird surveys - ever! From: Ellen Paul <ellen.paul AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2010 07:25:13 -0500 Stay home in your nice warm bed and let remote sensors do your Christmas count, point counts, BBS surveys (OK, you'd have to put your sensing platform on wheels and program a vehicle to drive to your stops) for you: http://www.conservationmaven.com/frontpage/automating-bird-surveys-with-remote-sensors.html -- Ellen Paul Executive Director The Ornithological Council Email: ellen.paul AT verizon.net "Providing Scientific Information about Birds" http://www.nmnh.si.edu/BIRDNET" Subject: KBO job announcments - point counts From: Ellen Paul <ellen.paul AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Mon, 8 Mar 2010 16:12:28 -0500 Subject: Position Announcement: International Conservation Program Officer, American Bird Conservancy From: George Wallace <gwallace AT ABCBIRDS.ORG> Date: Mon, 8 Mar 2010 06:58:53 -0800 Please circulate. Position Summary: Title: International Conservation Program Officer Supervisor: International Program Director Location: Greater Washington, DC/Northern Virginia area Application Deadline: March 31, 2010 Introduction: American Bird Conservancy (ABC) is looking for a high-energy individual who is able to work effectively in partnership to develop and direct bird conservation programs in Latin America and the Caribbean. The International Conservation Program Officer develops and coordinates a portion of ABC's international field conservation projects focused on threatened species, priority Neotropical migrants, and Alliance for Zero Extinction sites across Latin America and the Caribbean. The Officer works closely with other International program staff, the Chief Conservation Officer, and is supervised by ABC's International Program Director to establish conservation plans, develop partnerships across the region, and develop conservation projects. The International Conservation Program Officer works with a network of ABC in-country partners to carry out ambitious, effective and integrated conservation projects. The position requires excellent conservation and project management experience, organizational and writing skills, and a broad knowledge of ABC's mission, objectives, and programs. Primary Duties: * Develop and implement in-country conservation projects: Work with ABC staff, NGO partners, and other leaders to identify, develop, and implement priority international bird conservation projects to protect wild birds and their habitats in Latin America and the Caribbean. Develop strategies, partnerships, and agency liaisons to address these issues. * Ensure sound project management and timely results: Provide project and program management expertise to ensure meaningful and lasting results are accomplished on a timely basis. Undertake field visits to assess and evaluate ongoing conservation projects and partner effectiveness. * Foster strong in-country partnerships: Work with, mentor and assist in-country partners, and work to ensure the long-term viability of in-country partners, partnerships, and conservation reserves. * Contribute to the international conservation strategy and advance new approaches to conservation: Work with the ABC team and in-country partners to develop annual and project work plans to preserve and protect birds and healthy natural ecosystems. Advance innovative conservation programs (e.g. carbon credits, ecosystem services payments, promoting shade coffee, ecotourism and silviculture, and reserve sustainability) to promote bird conservation, human well-being and the sustainability of the planet. * Fundraising and Financial Management: Assist ABC's Development Department to obtain funding for bird conservation projects in the Latin American or Caribbean; work with ABC's Financial and Development Departments to ensure the effective use, management and reporting of all international finances. * Networking and Coalition Building: Represent ABC's conservation work with other institutions, multi-lateral organizations, governments, and domestic and international conservation organizations to advance conservation projects. * Maintain excellent communication with ABC staff about international programs, produce articles for publicity and website. Position Requirements: * Bachelor's degree or higher in conservation or environmental sciences, non-profit management, wildlife management, or a related field with knowledge of conservation, ornithology, and management needs of birds in the Americas. Creativity and demonstrated leadership skills required. * At least three years experience of conservation experience in Latin America or the Caribbean, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. * Proven ability to manage multiple projects, produce effective results. Entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to take responsibility. * Proven ability to meet deadlines. Ability to find solutions and demonstrate tenacity for difficult or long-term projects. * Previous experience working in partnership with other organizations, and working effectively in cross-cultural situations. * An outgoing, positive, persuasive manner and predisposition for collaboration, but with ability to work both independently and as part of teams. * Knowledge of Neotropical migrant and Latin American birds preferred. * Excellent writing, presentation, and organizational skills. * Willing and able to travel internationally frequently. * Fluency in English and Spanish required. Fluency in Portuguese is desirable. The position will be based in the Greater Washington, DC/Northern Virginia area. Application Instructions: Please send a cover letter and resume to Merrie Morrison Vice President of Operations P.O. Box 249 The Plains, VA 20198 or by email to hr AT abcbirds.org by March 31. 2010 Subject: Re: In which energy development is more endangered than the Greater Sage Grouse From: stan moore <hawkman11 AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 6 Mar 2010 18:50:55 +0000 Dear Sir -- I appreciate your comments and perspective and share many of your concerns. As an advisory board member of the Western Watersheds Project (http://www.westernwatersheds.org) out of Hailey, Idaho, I am also a California based citizen conservationist who has followed the plight of both species of sage grouse for approximately ten years. I noticed that sage grouse biologists, such as Dr. Clait Braun, formerly of the Colorado Division of Wildlife, noted a decade ago the long-term decline of sage grouse across their formerly vast range. The prospect of a petition to list sage grouse six or more years ago drove all sorts of government actions and research within academia and government agencies. There were symposia at meetings of the Wildlife Society and various other groups and even a set of management guidelines were written by several of the top sage grouse biologists. The concern by biologists was justifiably the prospect of eventual extinction of sage grouse within the foreseeable future. The concern of the government agencies, both at the Federal and at the state levels among many states, seemed more about the prospect of listing under Federal ESA than of extinction itself. The agencies wanted to protect themeselves and their "stakeholders" from the consequences of Federal listing. It was just about this time that the prospect of energy dvelopment in the form of coalbed methane, natural gas, and then wind energy became factors in the management of sage grouse habitats, but the grouse were already in deep trouble before energy development became a major conservation concern. The loss, degradation and fragmentation of habitat over many decades to favor livestock and agriculture made sage grouse vulnerable to extinction well before energy development compounded the situation. The George W. Bush administration acted on the petition to list both species of sage grouse and the Greater Sage Grouse were determined to be not warranted for listing at all, despite the advice of many professional sage grouse biologists! It turned out that the Bush Administration was improperly and internally influenced by stakeholders in such a way that abused the decision making process and groups such as ours and the Center for Biological Diversity litigated to reverse the decision and urging the courts to mandate a listing decision that actually met the minimal requirements of "best available science". Now the Obama Administration has its own Department of Interior Management Team, including Ken Salazar, and another unfortunate decision has been made that fails again to protect sage grouse. This "warranted but precluded" decision must be understood in the context of the history of this issue over the past decade, when the science was already strong in favor of listing of both species of sage grouse under ESA. The new decision has put sage grouse in more limbo, even as the science-based management guidelines have never been adequately enforced even in the areas of sage grouse habitat not subject to energy development! And the prospect of yet more coalbed methane and natural gas, and now the prospect of large scale wind energy development on BLM lands puts yet more pressure on the already-fragile status of the two sage grouse species of North America. There has been plenty of consultation, collaboration, and communication amongst stakeholders and agencies. There have been memoranda of understanding and strategies and guidelines. What has been missing has been Federal listing to push these agencies into doing what is required to protect sage grouse. Failure to list is a failure of all the agencies to take their jobs seriously and act as stewards of this iconic North American grouse species. These thoughts are mine alone and not authorized by the Western Watersheds Project, but I feel that many of my ideas are shared by some of my colleagues at WWP and throughout the conservation community in general. BOTH SPECIES OF NORTH AMERICAN SAGE GROUSE OUGHT TO BE LISTED UNDER FEDERAL ESA IMMEDIATELY! Stan Moore San Geronimo, CA > Date: Fri, 5 Mar 2010 17:46:07 -0800 > From: mkatti AT CSUFRESNO.EDU > Subject: In which energy development is more endangered than the Greater Sage Grouse > To: ORNITH-L AT SI-LISTSERV.SI.EDU > > My thoughts on today's USFWS ruling that the Greater Sage Grouse is > deserving of protection under the Endangered Species Act - but won't be > listed as endangered at this time! > > http://blog.reconciliationecology.org/2010/03/in-which-energy-development-is-more.html > > I appreciate your feedback. > > Madhu > > __________________________________________ > Madhusudan Katti > Assistant Professor of Vertebrate Biology > Department of Biology, M/S SB 73 > California State University, Fresno > Fresno, CA 93740-8034 > > +1.559.278.2460 > mkatti AT csufresno.edu > http://www.reconciliationecology.org/ > __________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469227/direct/01/ Subject: In which energy development is more endangered than the Greater Sage Grouse From: Madhusudan Katti <mkatti AT CSUFRESNO.EDU> Date: Fri, 5 Mar 2010 17:46:07 -0800 My thoughts on today's USFWS ruling that the Greater Sage Grouse is deserving of protection under the Endangered Species Act - but won't be listed as endangered at this time! http://blog.reconciliationecology.org/2010/03/in-which-energy-development-is-more.html I appreciate your feedback. Madhu __________________________________________ Madhusudan Katti Assistant Professor of Vertebrate Biology Department of Biology, M/S SB 73 California State University, Fresno Fresno, CA 93740-8034 +1.559.278.2460 mkatti AT csufresno.edu http://www.reconciliationecology.org/ __________________________________________ Subject: Interior Secretary Salazar Announces Advisory Committee Consensus On Wind Turbine Guideline Recommendations] From: Ellen Paul <ellen.paul AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Fri, 5 Mar 2010 13:46:07 -0500 Contact: Kendra Barkoff (DOI), (202) 208-6416 Vanessa Kauffman, (FWS) (703) 358-2138 Interior Secretary Salazar Announces Advisory Committee Consensus On Wind Turbine Guideline Recommendations WASHINGTON, DC- Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar praised the work of the 22-member Wind Turbine Guidelines Federal Advisory Committee, which reached consensus on a set of draft recommendations aimed at minimizing the impacts of land-based wind farms on wildlife and its habitat. Salazar said he will review the recommendations and take them under advisement as he asks the Service to develop guidelines for evaluating wind energy development on public and private lands. “Wind power is one of the keys to America’s clean energy future, but its development must be balanced with the long-term protection of the natural resources under our management,” Salazar said. “I commend the committee for their two years of work developing these recommendations, which will help us ensure that wind energy is developed in a responsible manner.” Highlights of the committee’s recommendations include: · A decision-making framework that guides all stages of wind energy development; · Reliance on the best available science when assessing renewable energy projects and their potential environmental impact; and · Use of landscape-scaled planning that recognizes the need to think long-term about protecting our nation’s economic and natural resources. “The Interior Department is creating a new energy frontier for America by harnessing the renewable-energy potential of America’s public lands while protecting wildlife,” said Michael Bean, Counselor to Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks. “The Committee’s recommendations will help us reach science-based decisions for future wind energy projects, while minimizing and mitigating local and regional impacts to wildlife.” The group was created in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act and represents varied interests associated with wind energy development as well as wildlife management professionals. The Committee does not address off-shore wind energy development. The committee reports to the Secretary of the Interior through the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It functions solely as an advisory body, providing recommendations on effective measures to protect wildlife resources and coordinate the review and evaluation of facilities by state, tribal, local and federal agencies. The draft report contains both policy recommendations and recommended voluntary guidelines for siting and operating wind energy projects in order to avoid or minimize potential impacts to wildlife and habitat. Committee members were selected by the Secretary from a large pool of candidates to represent a balance of stakeholder groups with the necessary policy, technical and scientific expertise to address minimization of wildlife impacts associated with the development of the nation’s wind energy potential. A complete list of committee members and their affiliations, as well as the current draft consensus version and other information on the committee’s activities, is available online at: http://www.fws.gov/habitatconservation/windpower/wind_turbine_advisory_committee.html . The Federal Advisory Committee Act, also known as FACA, was enacted by Congress in 1972 to ensure that advice rendered to the executive branch by advisory committees, task forces, boards and commissions formed by Congress and the President, be both objective and accessible to the public. The Act formalized a process for establishing, operating, overseeing, and terminating these advisory bodies. The General Services Administration is responsible for implementing FACA. In accordance with FACA, an announcement of the Committee renewal will be published in the Federal Register. To learn more about the Interior Department’s wind initiatives, please see http://www.doi.gov/whatwedo/energy/. #### *************************************************************************** News releases are also available on the World Wide Web at http://news.fws.gov Questions concerning a particular news release or item of information should be directed to the person listed as the contact. General comments or observations concerning the content of the information should be directed to Malcomb Barsella (malcomb_barsella AT fws.gov) in the Office of Public Affairs. To unsubscribe from the fws-news listserver, send e-mail to fws-news-request AT lists.fws.gov. Enter "unsubscribe" in the subject field. . *************************************************************************** Subject: Greater Sage-Grouse decision from Dept. of the Interior From: Ellen Paul <ellen.paul AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Fri, 5 Mar 2010 13:18:38 -0500 Let the lawsuits begin.... The Interior Department announced Friday that it won't list sage grouse as endangered or threatened but will classify the bird among species that are candidates for federal protection. By MEAD GRUVER Associated Press Writer CHEYENNE, Wyo. � The Interior Department announced Friday that it won't list sage grouse as endangered or threatened but will classify the bird among species that are candidates for federal protection. The finding is good news for the wind energy and oil and gas industries, which will still face scrutiny in grouse habitat but will have more leeway than if the bird were listed. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said in a news release that listing is warranted but precluded by higher priorities - other species that are in greater danger. The finding validates years of effort by some Western states to map the birds' sagebrush habitat and take other steps to prevent a sage grouse listing. A chicken-sized, brown bird, sage grouse inhabit about half of their historical range. The bird inhabits large portions of Wyoming, Nevada, Montana, Oregon and Idaho, and smaller areas of Colorado, Utah, California, Washington, South Dakota, North Dakota and western Canada. Especially in Wyoming, large areas of sage grouse habitat also are prime spots for natural gas development that has boomed in recent years. In Nevada, the birds are challenged by an invasive species, cheatgrass, which is prone to frequent wildfires that burn up native sagebrush. "The sage grouse's decline reflects the extent to which open land in the West has been developed in the last century," Salazar said in a release. "This development has provided important benefits, but we must find common sense ways of protecting, restoring, and reconnecting the Western lands that are most important to the species' survival." Voluntary conservation combined with federal funding and technical help can help those efforts, he said. The sage grouse finding results from a lawsuit filed in 2006 by an Idaho group, Western Watersheds Project. A federal judge in Boise, Idaho, ruled in 2007 that political pressure tainted an earlier decision not to list the sage grouse. -- Ellen Paul Executive Director The Ornithological Council Email: ellen.paul AT verizon.net "Providing Scientific Information about Birds" http://www.nmnh.si.edu/BIRDNET" Subject: Leopold program From: Ellen Paul <ellen.paul AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Thu, 4 Mar 2010 10:35:18 -0500 Subject: Seasonal job opportunity -- nocturnal rail/songbird surveys From: Jane Austin <jaustin AT USGS.GOV> Date: Mon, 1 Mar 2010 15:52:43 -0600 Field assistant for nocturnal bird surveys, NW Minnesota Project description: Several species of wetland birds that call primarily at night are not effectively surveyed using standardized marshbird monitoring protocol. Probability of detection these species can be affected by weather and environmental variables as well as schedule of survey visits. This study tests the efficacy of using autonomous recording units (ARUs) for monitoring birds that breed in wet meadows and have a propensity to call at night: yellow rail, Nelson?s sparrow, and Le Conte?s sparrow. The study will be conducted on public lands in northwestern Minnesota. Work period: 12 April to 16 July 2010 (14 weeks, total 560 hrs) Availability for early start is important Type of services required: One individual is needed to assist with nocturnal surveys for yellow rails and other wetland birds on public lands in northwestern Minnesota. The individual will assist with deployment and maintenance of ARUs and conduct nocturnal tape-callback surveys during May and June. The individual will be supervised by a crew leader and will be expected to follow establish protocol to collect field data and enter data into spreadsheets. The individual will work both individually and in a team of 2 people under sometimes challenging conditions, and therefore should be well motivated, work well with others, understand the value of accurate and complete data, and be able to navigate by map, compass, and GPS. All field work will be conducted at Scientific and Natural Areas, Wildlife Management Areas, and National Wildlife Refuges in northwestern Minnesota where yellow rails are expected to occur. A GPS receiver and other equipment will be provided to assist with navigation and data collection. Data will be entered on a computer using Excel software. Required skills and experience.?The individual will need at least 2 years of college coursework in wildlife, natural resources, botany, or related field. The individual must currently be a student or have been a student within the past 12 months, as of 1 April 2010. The individual should demonstrate skills and experience in collecting accurate and complete data under field conditions and ability to work independently in remote field conditions (including at night). Good to excellent hearing and ability to walk in rough, wet habitat is required. Experience with bird surveys and ability to navigate by GPS is desirable. Must have a valid driver?s license for operation of a federal vehicle. Working conditions.?Nocturnal surveys require ability to think and function safely during night hours (10:00 PM to 6:00 AM). Most work will be performed outdoors in sedge-shrub wetlands. Access to study sites is by 2- and 4-wheel drive vehicles gravel roads; however, direct access to some surveyed sites may requires hiking up to 1 km on uneven, soft, and often flooded ground at night. Field work therefore requires good physical condition, ability to walk long distances on difficult substrates, good field sense, and good navigational abilities. The individual will be required to carry equipment weighing up to 20 pounds. Field work will involve exposure to a wide range of weather conditions including cold, snow, water, mud, and heat. Exposure to biting insects (black flies, mosquitoes, and deer and horse flies) will likely be high. Work periodically during the season will be on computers in an office setting. Compensation.?Compensation is based on education and experience required; for an individual who has completed at least 2 years of college coursework, the rate is $14.42/hour. This rate includes an amount for self-employment taxes. The individual is expected to work, on average, a 40?45 hour week, but some weeks may require longer hours. Although pay will cover all hours worked, the individual will not receive a premium rate for work beyond 8 hours/day or 40 hours/week. If any travel related to work occurs, travel costs will be compensated as would be done for federal employees. The individual also will be eligible for Workers Compensation at government expense the same as a federal employee. The individual is responsible for all costs of other transportation to and from their duty station and for personal transportation; a federal vehicle will be provided for transportation around the study areas. Housing is available on Agassiz NWR. The Government does not provide meals or other living expenses. Duty stations.?The individual will be stationed at Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge, Minnesota. Please send, electronically a complete resume and list of references; please send electronically or via surface mail a copy of transcripts and, if completed, proof of college diploma (copies ok) to: Dr. Jane Austin U.S. Geological Survey Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center 8711 37th Street SE Jamestown, ND 58401 jane_austin AT usgs.gov **************************************************** Jane Austin US Geological Survey Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center 8711 37th Street SE Jamestown, ND 58401 Phone: 701-253-5510 Fax: 701-253-5553 Email: jaustin AT usgs.gov *************************************************** When we talk among ourselves, all we get back are echoes. But when we talk with others of a different mind, we are made to think. And it is in thinking that we learn, and in learning that we grow. Romeo LeBlanc, Governor General of Canada Subject: Important changes to the list of birds protected under the MBTA From: Ellen Paul <ellen.paul AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Mon, 1 Mar 2010 11:06:09 -0500 Subject: Hilton Pond 02/15/10 (Costa Rica Portfolio) From: "Bill Hilton Jr. (RESEARCH)" <research AT HILTONPOND.ORG> Date: Fri, 26 Feb 2010 01:23:04 -0500 Really big hummingbirds, treetop monkeys, colorful flowers and fruits, lizards and snakes, and even a unusual Costa Rican election strategy. All this (and more) makes up Part Two of the report on our 2010 Operation RubyThroat hummingbird banding expedition to Guanacaste Province CR. To view our latest photo essay about all these tropical wonders, please visit the 15-21 February 2010 installment of "This Week at Hilton Pond" at http://www.hiltonpond.org/ThisWeek100215.html . (NOTE: There are LOTS of images--46 to be exact--so the page may take a while to load!) While on-site, don't forget to scroll down to see what birds we banded or recaptured this week closer to home--you may be as amazed as we were by the age of one returning Chipping Sparrow--and to read some miscellaneous nature notes. Happy (Tropical) Nature Watching! BILL ========= RESEARCH PROGRAM c/o BILL HILTON JR. Executive Director Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History 1432 DeVinney Road, York, South Carolina 29745 USA (803) 684-5852 Please visit our web sites (courtesy of Comporium.net): Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History at http://www.hiltonpond.org "Operation RubyThroat: The Hummingbird Project" at http://www.rubythroat.org ================== Subject: Free checklists for major world areas From: Santa Barbara Software Products <SBSP AT AOL.COM> Date: Thu, 25 Feb 2010 13:06:31 EST We have authoritative and up to date checklists, with endemics labeled, for every nation in the world, almost all of the world's major islands or island groups, and each U.S. state or Canadian province. We will send you one as a text file attached to an e-mail in reply to an e-mail from you telling us which one you want. There is no charge. SANTA BARBARA SOFTWARE PRODUCTS Our world birding software is demonstrated at Web site: birdbase.com E-mail: sbsp AT aol.com Subject: 1st World Seabird Conference - REGISTER NOW! From: Ellen Paul <ellen.paul AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Thu, 25 Feb 2010 12:27:15 -0500 Subject: Color-marked Piping Plovers from The Bahamas From: Peter Doherty <leasttern AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:00:37 -0500 Greetings, All. During Jan-Feb 2010 fifty-seven Piping Plovers were color marked on three islands in The Bahamas. Kindly keep an eye out for these birds during the spring and fall migration and the breeding season. Sightings, including those about which the observer is uncertain (note: there a very few color-banded Piping Plovers in the Atlantic population so one with a black flag is likely from The Bahamas), may be reported per the instructions below. Additional information and pictures of The Bahamas Plovers may be found in the CVWO at First Landing blog of February 24, 2010 by visiting www.cvwo.org . PIPING PLOVERS COLOR-MARKED IN THE BAHAMAS � In an effort to determine where Piping Plovers wintering in The Bahamas are staging during migration, and breeding, 57 birds were uniquely color-marked this winter in The Bahamas for Environment Canada by Sidney Maddock and Peter Doherty, with help from The Bahamas National Trust. Each bird has a black flag (band with a tab sticking out slightly) on the upper left leg, nothing on the upper right, a single color band on one lower leg, and two color bands (which can be the same color on top of each other) on the other lower leg. Colors used included: red, orange, yellow, white, light green, dark green, dark blue, and black. Please report all sightings to CHERI GRATTO-TREVOR, Prairie and Northern Wildlife Research Centre, Environment Canada, 115 Perimeter Road, Saskatoon, SK S7N 0X4 Canada (EM: cheri.gratto-trevor AT ec.gc.ca), noting the color and location of each band on the bird, and location and behaviour of the bird (on nest or brood, foraging at migratory stop-over, etc.), as well as presumed sex of the bird, if possible. Thanks for any assistance! Peter Doherty Virginia Beach, VA leasttern AT hotmail.com Subject: Migratory Species: Colombia From: Maria Angela Echeverry <mayayito AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 23 Feb 2010 21:33:48 -0500 It is a great pleasure to announce the publication of the "National plan for migratory species: Diagnostic and assessment of actions for the conservation and sustainable management of migratory species in Colombia". This document is the result of a participatory effort led by the Colombian Ministry of Environment, Housing, and Territorial Development (MAVDT by its acronym in Spanish) and WWF-Colombia, within the framework of the Western Hemisphere Migratory Species Initiative (WHMSI). This plan recognizes migration in its broadest ecological sense and therefore contemplates measures to protect not only latitudinal migrants crossing political boundaries but also species with local and altitudinal migratory movements at smaller geographical scales. The document includes baseline information for 549 species of insects, marine and freshwater fishes, marine turtles, marine and freshwater mammals, bats and birds, and compiles existing knowledge on the main ecological aspects of these organisms, on the threats they face, and the conservation measures that have been taken to prevent and/or mitigate these threats and on the status of ongoing research in Colombia. This plan was formulated by more than 64 researchers from 34 organizations with recognized experience and knowledge on the different taxonomic groups, and the feedback and comments were provided by a vast network of researchers throughout the country. The general goal of the plan is to ensure the survival of the migratory species found in Colombia, through research, conservation, valuation, sustainable use, control and management by all relevant stakeholders, including local communities. We are confident that the publication of this document will orient the work of all those individuals and organizations from the government and the civil society, committed to the conservation, study and appreciation of migratory species in Colombia. A first step in that effort is the future official statement that recognize the Migratory Species identified in this plan through a legal resolution to be adopted which supports the joint effort of the state and civil society to conserve this heritage A downloadable electronic version of this book will be available in the coming days on the WWF Colombia (http://wwf.org.co) and MAVDT (www.minambiente.gov.co)web page If you are interested in obtaining more information about this publication, please contact directly the editors: Luis Germ�n Naranjo lgnaranjo AT wwf.org Juan David Amaya-Espinel jamayae AT javeriana.edu.co Subject: Job opp From: Ellen Paul <ellen.paul AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Tue, 23 Feb 2010 17:22:22 -0500 (I'm guessing that by freshwater and marine taxa, they are not referring to waterbirds and seabirds, but you never know....) Program Officer Science + Knowledge Senior Director Arlington Virginia Arlington Virginia Conservation International is looking to recruit a full-time Program Officer to join the existing staff of the Biodiversity Assessment Unit (BAU), a joint initiative between Conservation International's Science + Knowledge Unit and the IUCN Species Programme and Species Survival Commission (SSC). The remit of the BAU is to coordinate global initiatives to comprehensively assess the status of the world's biodiversity in order to rapidly expand the taxonomic and geographic coverage of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (www.iucnredlist.org). The BAU also provides guidance on the use of such data for conservation planning, management, monitoring and decision making. The first major output of the BAU was a comprehensive, global assessment of the world�s amphibians, the results of which were launched in September 2004 on the back of a high-profile paper published in Science. Since then, the unit has led a comprehensive assessment of all reef-building corals (July 2008) and a reassessment of all mammals (launched in October 2008). The Unit is now placing an emphasis on marine and freshwater taxa, since these taxa have been under-represented in the past on the Red List and yet have much demonstrated value and importance in terms of services and human livelihoods. The results of these assessments feed directly through to the IUCN Red List, where they are made publicly and freely available. The Program Officer will be responsible for synthesizing, managing and analyzing biodiversity data, and closely supporting the personal and institutional relationships necessary to compile these data (in accordance with the terms of the multi-lateral Red List Partnership agreement). The successful candidate will be a proven biodiversity specialist and researcher, with strong technical (data management, analysis, editing, and writing) and inter-personal skills, and proven ability to manage multiple complex projects and relationships. RESPONSIBILITIES: * Provide support to ongoing global assessment initiatives (especially in the freshwater and marine realms), particularly assisting in compiling and reviewing data for the global assessments, helping to organize and facilitate assessment workshops, and liaising with IUCN/SSC Specialist Groups. * Help maintain collaborations with Science + Knowledge staff, and support studies based on biodiversity data sets and related data. Work with other Science + Knowledge researchers in supporting Conservation International regional programmes and partners to use biodiversity data to define conservation targets and priorities, to utilize Red List data and the Red List Index as a trusted metric of ecosystem health, and to establish clear linkages between biodiversity and human well-being. * Provide support to the production and publication of the results in the peer-reviewed scientific literature, including assisting with data analysis and interpretation, and promoting uptake of these findings in appropriate policy-based fora. * Helping to identify and cultivate new donors for work on assessments, and assisting on writing of proposals and submission of grants. * Backstop and support the Manager of the IUCN/SSC Biodiversity Assessment Unit in day-to-day operations and management Working Conditions: Travel on the order of 15% time, including to workshops and international conferences and meetings. QUALIFICATIONS: Required Skills: * Master's, PhD or other advanced degree in a discipline related to conservation science * Thorough knowledge of topical biodiversity conservation issues, biogeography (including distributions and taxonomy), and political geography; a background in marine or freshwater aquatic science would be a major advantage * Excellent skills and experience in management and manipulation of large spatial and tabular data sets (especially GIS and relational databases); experience with remote sensing would be an asset * Competent basic quantitative and statistical skills * Experience and interest in writing and editing peer-reviewed scientific publications * Previous experience writing proposals and grants * Outstanding interpersonal communication skills and track record in managing multiple, complicated relationships * Fluency and demonstrated effectiveness in oral and written English * At least two years experience in same or related field Preferred Skills: * Broad knowledge of the literature, competent library and internet research skills * Fluency in other languages, especially Spanish, Portuguese, French, or Mandarin * At least one years field experience in a non-developed country * Knowledge of Visual Basic and/or Visual C++ (or any programming language) * Experience with the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (version 3.1). APPLICANTS SHOULD SEND: Cover letter, resume and references. Application Procedure: Conservation International is committed to saving our environment. If you are able, please submit your application electronically! To apply, click here to submit your cover letter and resume. You may also send your application to: Conservation International Human Resources 2011 Crystal Drive, Suite 500 Arlington, VA 22202 No phone calls please. Conservation International is an equal opportunity employer. Benefits: You can find out more about CI's benefits on our benefits page. CI Values: As we pursue our vision and mission, we are guided by these essential and timeless values: * Passion: We are inspired by nature and cherish the diversity of life in all of its forms. * Respect: We respect and trust each other, and we embrace our diversity of cultures, talents, and experiences. * Integrity: We act with integrity and are accountable for our actions. * Optimism: We are optimistic about the future of life on Earth and are confident that, with our partners, we will achieve unprecedented conservation results. * Courage: We tirelessly pursue our vision, taking bold action and persevering through challenges. Subject: FW: invitation to join new list: RaptorScienceLiterature@Yahoogroups.com From: stan moore <hawkman11 AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:26:38 +0000 >> Thanks to Alan Sieradzki for this great idea! Check out the brand new website at: > > http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/RaptorScienceLiterature/ > > > You can join the group from the website to be on the mailing list for new abstracts as they are collected. You can share abstracts and citations with the group in any language and regarding any species of diurnal raptor or owl in the world. > > You can also join by sending an email to RaptorScienceLiterature-subscribe AT Yahoogroups.com with a blank subject line and then a message in the body of the text as follows: subscribe RaptorScienceLiterature and then reply to the confirmation message. > > Hopefully this will make it possible for us to share old and new raptor citations with each other around the world. Authors are encouraged to share their citations of new manuscripts. It will be possible to access the content of the list messages without even being a member as the website will be open access. > > > Welcome to RaptorScienceLiterature AT yahoogroups.com! > > > Stan Moore > moderator > > > > > _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469227/direct/01/ Subject: Job opp From: Ellen Paul <ellen.paul AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Mon, 22 Feb 2010 09:24:16 -0500 Website: www.enr.state.nc.us/ Position: Director, Nature Research Center Working Title: Director, Nature Research Center Vacancy Number: 65010170 Salary Grade: FR Salary Range: $150000 - $235000 Hiring Range: $150000 - $235000 Department: Environment Natural Resources Division: ENR SO DS MNS Directors Ofc Type of Appointment: Perm Full-Time Location: Raleigh Posting Date: 02/03/2010 Closing Date: 03/15/2010 Number of Positions: 1 Description of Work *******One half of the salary will be supplemented by North Carolina State University.*******Joint appointment with NCSU, College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences. Responsible for the research agenda and advocacy for the new wing, the Nature Research Center (NRC), of the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. This includes supervising senior research staff, developing, directing, implementing and fund raising for all research programs of the NRC and assisting with the integration of existing Museum programs with the NRC operations. Provide leadership for the UNC system partnership and partnerships between the NRC and its many partner research organizations in the State, Federal Government and private sector. Clearly articulate the evolving vision of the NRC s future to many audiences. All essential education and experience documentation must be attached and indicated on the PD-107 (state application) in order to be considered. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of museums, universities, academia, and/or scientific research organizations. Demonstrated ability to develop and implement policies and procedures relative to the administration of a diverse research program. Ability to attract high quality staff and supervise a staff of professional, technical and clerical personnel. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public and private partners and individuals. Ability to successfully fund raise for special programs and major projects. Ability to successfully communicate the vision of the NRC to all audiences. Training and Experience Requirements Doctorate in biology, zoology, botany, one of the natural sciences, or related field and five years of progressively responsible experience in a natural science museum, university, or related program or experiences that provide the above knowledge and skills. Special Note: This position must provide experienced leadership for a unique and ever changing research and education institution and its public and private partners. Degrees must be from appropriately accredited institutions. How to Apply: An applicant must complete and submit a separate State Application for Employment form (PD-107), listing the position number and job title for the position applied for. DENR uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Personnel Act with most qualified individuals. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a State Application for Employment. Original application, signed and dated must be mailed to the contact person listed. Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference for first-time employment with State Government should submit a copy of Form DD-214. All relevant experience must be listed on the PD-107 application form to receive proper credit; any information omitted from the application form cannot be considered for qualifying credit. Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. on the closing date. Applications received after 5:00 p.m. will not be considered. When a salary range is posted the actual salary will be based on relevant competencies, knowledge, skills and ability, training, internal equity and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position. All post-high school degrees must be from appropriately Contact Person: Rhonda Clapp Contact Agency: Environment Natural Resou Contact Address: 1626 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1626 Contact Phone: 919-733-7450 Subject: Hilton Pond 01/26/10 (Costa Rica Hummingbirds) From: "Bill Hilton Jr. (RESEARCH)" <research AT HILTONPOND.ORG> Date: Sun, 21 Feb 2010 11:01:17 -0500 We're especially pleased to announce the latest edition of "This Week at Hilton Pond" for two main reasons: 1) The installment includes a photo essay about our just-completed Ruby-throated Hummingbird expedition to Costa Rica, and 2) This posting marks the Tenth Anniversary of the debut of the Hilton Pond Web site and our "This Week" musings. Little did we know 'way back on Groundhog Day 2000 we would have written and photographed 464 installments, with many more--we hope--still in the pipeline. We hope you've enjoyed our natural history offerings over the past decade and invite you to view our latest photo essay, complete with Neotropical images and day-to-day results of our latest Costa Rican hummer banding studies. It's all at http://www.hiltonpond.org/ThisWeek100126.html Next week we'll offer a portfolio with even more photos of exotic flora, fauna, and habitats seen on our most recent trip. Happy (Tropical) Nature Watching! BILL ========= RESEARCH PROGRAM c/o BILL HILTON JR. Executive Director Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History 1432 DeVinney Road, York, South Carolina 29745 USA (803) 684-5852 Please visit our web sites (courtesy of Comporium.net): Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History at http://www.hiltonpond.org "Operation RubyThroat: The Hummingbird Project" at http://www.rubythroat.org ================== Subject: request for ecological definition of "nest site" From: stan moore <hawkman11 AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 18 Feb 2010 16:17:07 +0000 Dear all -- In technical terminology, is a nest site a tree? A patch of trees? A one acre area? ten? Thanks for any help in providing a standard definition of this term. Stan Moore San Geronimo, CA _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469227/direct/01/ Subject: dormitory nests From: Jorge Vega <jhvega AT IBIOLOGIA.UNAM.MX> Date: Wed, 17 Feb 2010 22:25:31 -0600 Hi All, I was wondering if anyone knew a source of information about nests used as dormitory by wrens? Here at the Chamela Biological Station we have there species: Thryothorus felix, T. sinaloa and Uropsila leucogastra. We are trying to describe the dormitory nest for these species. Thanks, Nicole ___________________________________ Dr. Jorge H. Vega Rivera Estacion de Biologia Chamela Instituto de Biologia, UNAM Tel&Fax: (315) 351-0200/0202 Cel. 312 109 7518 Ext. Red-UNAM 26511 y 26512 jhvega AT ibunam2.ibiologia.unam.mx www.ibiologia.unam/ebchamela Km 59 Carr. Fed. 200, Barra de Navidad - Puerto Vallarta Chamela, Jalisco, Mexico Subject: Hat passing From: Ellen Paul <ellen.paul AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Wed, 17 Feb 2010 19:02:09 -0500 Wow! Record traffic for Ornith-L today! Since I have your attention, let me take a moment to remind you that the Ornithological Council - which brings you Ornith-L, Guidelines to the Use of Wild Birds in Research, permits guides, and much more - depends in part on your donations for survival. Most of our support comes from our member societies - American Ornithologists' Union, Association of Field Ornithologists, Cooper Ornithological Society, CIPAMEX, Neotropical Ornithological Society, Pacific Seabird Group, Raptor Research Foundation, Society of Canadian Ornithologists, Society for the Conservation and Study of Caribbean Birds, Waterbird Society, and Wilson Ornithological Society. However, without additional support from individual ornithologists, we would not have enough funding. This year, donations are down nearly $1,000. It is easy to contribute when you join any one of these societies (and you should belong to at least one of them!) because the membership form has a line for contributions to the OC. Alternatively, you can contribute through PayPal here, on our homepage: http://www.nmnh.si.edu/BIRDNET/index.html Thanks much! Ellen the Hat-passer -- Ellen Paul Executive Director The Ornithological Council Email: ellen.paul AT verizon.net "Providing Scientific Information about Birds" http://www.nmnh.si.edu/BIRDNET" Subject: chickadee mob From: Nicole Hazlett <nhaz555 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Wed, 17 Feb 2010 13:26:47 -0800 Hi All, I was wondering if anyone knew a good source for a recording of a black-capped chickadee mob? I need it for banding purposes. Thanks, Nicole Subject: Re: generation time birds From: "Douglas A. James" <djames AT UARK.EDU> Date: Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:59:30 -0600 Beginning ecology textbooks explain how to determine mean length of a generation calculated from a cohort life table in which the knowns are: 1. proportion surviving in each cohort and 2. number of female offspring per female in each cohort. One has follow individuals over many years to produce such a table. Also, can you tell females from male Gray Jays in their first year. If you can do all this you can calculate: G=mean generation time. The ecology textbook I used to refresh my memory about this was "Ecology" 5th edition by Charles Krebs (Benjamin Cummings publ.). The material appears on pages 138-142, but most ecology textbooks includes this material. Douglas A. James tel: 479-575-6364 Department of Biological Sciences fax: 479-575-4010 University of Arkansas Fayetteville, AR 72701-1201, U.S.A. e-mail: djames AT uark.edu On Wed, 17 Feb 2010, William H. Barnard wrote: > Been trying to determine how to determine generation time. Realize I > use the term all the time but do not know how it is computed. Found > something about time for female to breed. If I am trying to determine > approximately how many generations of Gray Jays bred in my study area > since they colonized in 1950. They begin breeding at age 2, live up to > 15 years (0.8 average annual survival). Is the generation time 2 years? > > > > Bill > > > > > > William H. Barnard, Ph.D. > > Biology Department > > Norwich University > > Northfield, VT 05663 > > > > 802-485-2342 > > > > > > Subject: Re: Great Egrets breeding in Michigan From: Wayne E Thogmartin <wthogmartin AT USGS.GOV> Date: Wed, 17 Feb 2010 13:07:32 -0600 Hello Chip, According to the Upper Mississippi River Great Lakes Joint Venture waterbird habitat conservation strategy there are believed to be 268 in all of BCR12 (U.S.-portion) and 4,540 in all of BCR23. Unfortunately, the JV has not published the estimates for the intersection of states by regions. To obtain the state x region estimate, Brad Potter with the Joint Venture office may be able to assist (I've cc'ed him on this message). Wayne Soulliere, G. J., B. A. Potter, D. J. Holm, D. A. Granfors, M. J. Monfils, S. J. Lewis, and W. E. Thogmartin. 2007. Waterbird Habitat Conservation Strategy. Upper Mississippi River and Great Lakes Joint Venture, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fort Snelling, Minnesota, USA. 68 pp. http://www.uppermissgreatlakesjv.org/docs/UMRGLR_JV_WaterbirdHCS.pdf Wayne E. Thogmartin, PhD United States Geological Survey Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center 2630 Fanta Reed Road La Crosse, WI 54603 USA 608-781-6309 (off) 608-783-6066 (fax) wthogmartin AT usgs.gov http://www.umesc.usgs.gov/terrestrial/migratory_birds/bird_conservation.html From: "Weseloh,Chip [Ontario]" To: ORNITH-L AT SI-LISTSERV.SI.EDU Date: 02/17/2010 12:29 PM Subject: Great Egrets breeding in Michigan Sent by: "ORNITH-L: the scientific discussion of Ornithology" Does anyone know approximately how many breeding pairs of Great Egrets there are in Michigan ? ?and the reference if there is one. Thanks, Chip Weseloh Canadian Wildlife Service - Ontario Region 4905 Dufferin St. Toronto, Ontario M3H 5T4 O - 416-739-5846 Fax - 416-739-5845 Cell - 416-518-4329 email - chip.weseloh AT ec.gc.ca Subject: Great Egrets breeding in Michigan From: "Weseloh,Chip [Ontario]" <Chip.Weseloh AT EC.GC.CA> Date: Wed, 17 Feb 2010 13:00:46 -0500 Does anyone know approximately how many breeding pairs of Great Egrets there are in Michigan ? ...and the reference if there is one. Thanks, Chip Weseloh Canadian Wildlife Service - Ontario Region 4905 Dufferin St. Toronto, Ontario M3H 5T4 O - 416-739-5846 Fax - 416-739-5845 Cell - 416-518-4329 email - chip.weseloh AT ec.gc.ca Subject: KBO Project Lead job announcement From: Ellen Paul <ellen.paul AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:15:47 -0500 Subject: Re: generation time birds From: Tom Langen <tlangen AT CLARKSON.EDU> Date: Wed, 17 Feb 2010 11:11:28 -0500 Bill, Age of first breeding is not generation time. Generation time is the average age that a female has produced half of her (female) offspring, or equivalently the average age of mothers among a cohort of recruits. Most introductory ecology textbooks treat this under the topic of age-structure population growth. You might want to look at Gotelli's Primer of Ecology or Case's Illustrated Guide to Theoretical Ecology. Tom Langen Associate Professor Departments of Biology & Psychology Clarkson University Box 5805, Clarkson U., Potsdam NY 13699-5805 Phone: 315 268 7933, Fax: 315 268 7118 www.clarkson.edu/~tlangen ________________________________ From: ORNITH-L: the scientific discussion of Ornithology on behalf of William H. Barnard Sent: Wed 2/17/2010 10:49 To: ORNITH-L AT SI-LISTSERV.SI.EDU Subject: generation time birds Been trying to determine how to determine generation time. Realize I use the term all the time but do not know how it is computed. Found something about time for female to breed. If I am trying to determine approximately how many generations of Gray Jays bred in my study area since they colonized in 1950. They begin breeding at age 2, live up to 15 years (0.8 average annual survival). Is the generation time 2 years? Bill William H. Barnard, Ph.D. Biology Department Norwich University Northfield, VT 05663 802-485-2342 Subject: generation time birds From: "William H. Barnard" <barnard AT NORWICH.EDU> Date: Wed, 17 Feb 2010 10:49:09 -0500 Been trying to determine how to determine generation time. Realize I use the term all the time but do not know how it is computed. Found something about time for female to breed. If I am trying to determine approximately how many generations of Gray Jays bred in my study area since they colonized in 1950. They begin breeding at age 2, live up to 15 years (0.8 average annual survival). Is the generation time 2 years? Bill William H. Barnard, Ph.D. Biology Department Norwich University Northfield, VT 05663 802-485-2342 Subject: Re: FW: Owl V41 From: stan moore <hawkman11 AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 16 Feb 2010 19:44:52 +0000 In concurrence with Scott Weidensaul, and as a color bander myself, I would urge anyone who can read a color tag to report it to the Bird Banding Laboratory, which can be done easily online. The person making the report will receive a certificate of appreciation, providing the location and date of the original banding, and the original bander will receive a report from the Bird Banding Laboratory to inform him of the subsequent sighting or encounter with the bird he/she originally banded. Each of these data points can be very precious! By the way, Frank Nicoletti also bands owls in the Duluth area, though I don't know if he uses color markers as well as standard USFWS bands. I have always wanted to solicit an invitation to band snowies, great grays, hawk owls, boreals, and other neat owls with Frank or Dave, but life has its limitations. :) Stan Moore San Geronimo, CA Date: Tue, 16 Feb 2010 10:39:05 -0500 From: scottweidensaul AT VERIZON.NET Subject: Re: FW: [Raptor] FW: Owl V41 To: ORNITH-L AT SI-LISTSERV.SI.EDU Any color-marked or auxiliary tagged birds like this can be reported in the U.S. directly to the Bird Banding Lab at http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/BBL/homepage/reptauxm.cfm. Scott Weidensaul Schuylkill Haven, PA USA Maybe someone knows who is tagging Snowy Owls? Steven C. Latta, PhD Assistant Director Dept. of Conservation and Field Research National Aviary Allegheny Commons West 600 West Ohio St. Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Tel. 412-323-7235 ext. 288 Fax 412-321-4364 www.aviary.org/dcfr.php From: raptor-bounces AT lists.aza.org [mailto:raptor-bounces AT lists.aza.org] On Behalf Of Heidi Nelson Sent: Tuesday, February 16, 2010 8:51 AM To: raptor AT lists.aza.org Subject: [Raptor] FW: Owl V41 Can anyone identify the tag on this bird? It's been hanging around Superior, Wi. for the past couple of weeks. The public has taken notice! Please respond to hnelson AT glaquarium.org Thanks! Heidi Nelson Great Lakes Aquarium 353 Harbor Drive Duluth, MN 55802 218-740-2049 direct 218-740-2020 fax From: Gary Nelson [mailto:gtnels AT lakenet.com] Sent: Monday, February 15, 2010 6:07 PM To: Heidi Nelson Subject: Fw: Owl V41 ----- Original Message ----- From: JoAnn Jardine To: gtnels AT lakenet.com Sent: Monday, February 15, 2010 6:00 PM Subject: Owl V41 Hi Here is the owl I called about. I am curious about him and the number tag. Could you check and see what you can find out? Thank you. -- JoAnn Jardine Studio One Photography 715-392-2747 1323 Broadway St. Superior, WI 54880 Attachment converted: Macintosh HD:new0102.jpg.JPG (JPEG/�IC�) (00DC69B3) Attachment converted: Macintosh HD:DSC_3585.JPG (JPEG/�IC�) (00DC69B7) Attachment converted: Macintosh HD:new0103.jpg.JPG (JPEG/�IC�) (00DC69BA) _________________________________________________________________ Your E-mail and More On-the-Go. Get Windows Live Hotmail Free. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469229/direct/01/ Subject: Fw: Owl V41 From: Lawrence D Igl <ligl AT USGS.GOV> Date: Tue, 16 Feb 2010 13:26:34 -0600 The Snowy Owl was likely tagged by Dave Evans at Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory, near Duluth, Minnesota. During the winter, Evans monitors Snowy Owls in the Duluth area, and a colleague indicated to me that Evans uses wing tags to mark individual Snowy Owls. Evans also uses a dye on the crown to facilitate locating wing-tagged Snowy Owls at a distance (the pictures attached to the original message show the dye on the forehead and crown of the wing-tagged owl). You can contact Evans at devans AT d.umn.edu. ************************************************************** Lawrence D. Igl, Ecologist U.S.G.S. Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center 8711 37th Street SE Jamestown, North Dakota 58401-7317 Phone: 701-253-5511 Fax: 701-253-5553 E-mail: ligl AT usgs.gov Internet: www.npwrc.usgs.gov ************************************************************** Subject: Re: FW: Owl V41 From: "Erdman, Thomas C" <erdmant AT UWGB.EDU> Date: Tue, 16 Feb 2010 12:02:00 -0600 I would try Dave Evans from Hawk Ridge...... he has banding snowies there for over 30 years! Thomas Erdman Former Snowy chaser at Green Bay From: ORNITH-L: the scientific discussion of Ornithology [mailto:ORNITH-L AT SI-LISTSERV.SI.EDU] On Behalf Of Steve Latta Sent: Tuesday, February 16, 2010 9:10 AM To: ORNITH-L AT SI-LISTSERV.SI.EDU Subject: FW: [Raptor] FW: Owl V41 Maybe someone knows who is tagging Snowy Owls? Steven C. Latta, PhD Assistant Director Dept. of Conservation and Field Research National Aviary Allegheny Commons West 600 West Ohio St. Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Tel. 412-323-7235 ext. 288 Fax 412-321-4364 www.aviary.org/dcfr.php ________________________________ From: raptor-bounces AT lists.aza.org [mailto:raptor-bounces AT lists.aza.org] On Behalf Of Heidi Nelson Sent: Tuesday, February 16, 2010 8:51 AM To: raptor AT lists.aza.org Subject: [Raptor] FW: Owl V41 Can anyone identify the tag on this bird? It's been hanging around Superior, Wi. for the past couple of weeks. The public has taken notice! Please respond to hnelson AT glaquarium.org Thanks! Heidi Nelson Great Lakes Aquarium 353 Harbor Drive Duluth, MN 55802 218-740-2049 direct 218-740-2020 fax ________________________________ From: Gary Nelson [mailto:gtnels AT lakenet.com] Sent: Monday, February 15, 2010 6:07 PM To: Heidi Nelson Subject: Fw: Owl V41 ----- Original Message ----- From: JoAnn Jardine To: gtnels AT lakenet.com Sent: Monday, February 15, 2010 6:00 PM Subject: Owl V41 Hi Here is the owl I called about. I am curious about him and the number tag. Could you check and see what you can find out? Thank you. -- JoAnn Jardine Studio One Photography 715-392-2747 1323 Broadway St. Superior, WI 54880 Subject: Re: FW: FW: Owl V41 From: Scott Weidensaul <scottweidensaul AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Tue, 16 Feb 2010 10:39:05 -0500 Any color-marked or auxiliary tagged birds like this can be reported in the U.S. directly to the Bird Banding Lab at http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/BBL/homepage/reptauxm.cfm. Scott Weidensaul Schuylkill Haven, PA USA >Maybe someone knows who is tagging Snowy Owls? > > >Steven C. Latta, PhD >Assistant Director >Dept. of Conservation and Field Research >National Aviary >Allegheny Commons West >600 West Ohio St. >Pittsburgh, PA 15212 > >Tel. 412-323-7235 ext. 288 >Fax 412-321-4364 >www.aviary.org/dcfr.php > > > > >From: raptor-bounces AT lists.aza.org >[mailto:raptor-bounces AT lists.aza.org] On Behalf >Of Heidi Nelson >Sent: Tuesday, February 16, 2010 8:51 AM >To: raptor AT lists.aza.org >Subject: [Raptor] FW: Owl V41 > >Can anyone identify the tag on this bird? It's >been hanging around Superior, Wi. for the past >couple of weeks. The public has taken notice! >Please respond to >hnelson AT glaquarium.org >Thanks! >Heidi Nelson >Great Lakes Aquarium >353 Harbor Drive >Duluth, MN 55802 >218-740-2049 direct >218-740-2020 fax > > > >From: Gary Nelson [mailto:gtnels AT lakenet.com] >Sent: Monday, February 15, 2010 6:07 PM >To: Heidi Nelson >Subject: Fw: Owl V41 > >----- Original Message ----- >From: JoAnn Jardine >To: gtnels AT lakenet.com >Sent: Monday, February 15, 2010 6:00 PM >Subject: Owl V41 > >Hi Here is the owl I called about. I am curious >about him and the number tag. Could you check >and see what you can find out? >Thank you. >-- >JoAnn Jardine >Studio One Photography >715-392-2747 >1323 Broadway St. >Superior, WI 54880 > >Attachment converted: Macintosh HD:new0102.jpg.JPG (JPEG/�IC�) (00DC69B3) >Attachment converted: Macintosh HD:DSC_3585.JPG (JPEG/�IC�) (00DC69B7) >Attachment converted: Macintosh HD:new0103.jpg.JPG (JPEG/�IC�) (00DC69BA) Subject: FW: FW: Owl V41 From: Steve Latta <steve.latta AT AVIARY.ORG> Date: Tue, 16 Feb 2010 10:10:06 -0500 Maybe someone knows who is tagging Snowy Owls? Steven C. Latta, PhD Assistant Director Dept. of Conservation and Field Research National Aviary Allegheny Commons West 600 West Ohio St. Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Tel. 412-323-7235 ext. 288 Fax 412-321-4364 www.aviary.org/dcfr.php _____ From: raptor-bounces AT lists.aza.org [mailto:raptor-bounces AT lists.aza.org] On Behalf Of Heidi Nelson Sent: Tuesday, February 16, 2010 8:51 AM To: raptor AT lists.aza.org Subject: [Raptor] FW: Owl V41 Can anyone identify the tag on this bird? It's been hanging around Superior, Wi. for the past couple of weeks. The public has taken notice! Please respond to hnelson AT glaquarium.org Thanks! Heidi Nelson Great Lakes Aquarium 353 Harbor Drive Duluth, MN 55802 218-740-2049 direct 218-740-2020 fax _____ From: Gary Nelson [mailto:gtnels AT lakenet.com] Sent: Monday, February 15, 2010 6:07 PM To: Heidi Nelson Subject: Fw: Owl V41 ----- Original Message ----- From: JoAnn Jardine To: gtnels AT lakenet.com Sent: Monday, February 15, 2010 6:00 PM Subject: Owl V41 Hi Here is the owl I called about. I am curious about him and the number tag. Could you check and see what you can find out? Thank you. -- JoAnn Jardine Studio One Photography 715-392-2747 1323 Broadway St. Superior, WI 54880 Subject: FW: forwarded note from Stan Moore on broken legs, raptors, and Poyser/Buteo Books From: stan moore <hawkman11 AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 11 Feb 2010 03:06:05 +0000 Dear all -- The other day, when I confirmed via X-Ray that I had, indeed, broken my left leg, I was taken to the orthopedist's office for treatment. I asked the nurse early on if my leg would heal without treatment by controlling pain and living normally. I explained that I have encountered raptors that had survived obvious leg and other injuries, obviously without medical treatment. The nurse really did not think it would be worthwhile bringing up the issue with the doctor, and I chose not to... Subsequently, I started experiencing pain and increased swelling in the ankle of the same leg, and wondered if there was an additional injury that had been missed by the doctor in our visit, so I called and inquired. I was told that this was a normal occurrance and a sign that I was not elevating my leg adequately. It needs to be elevated above the heart while in recline. I pondered how to accomplish this, and decided to raise the two legs at one end of my bed. I chose some books in the Poyser/Buteo Books raptor collection for the uplifting experience. I chose "The Golden Eagle" by Jeff Watson along with "The Hen Harrier" by Jeff's father, Donald Watson, carefully and caringly putting the two books together. I chose "The Kestrel" by Andrew Village, The Gyrfalcon by Potopov/Sales, "The Peregrine Falcon" by Derrick Ratcliffe, and a slightly mismatched "Birds of the Soviet Union" by Vladimir Flint, who I met a couple of times and enjoyed sipping vodka with. So, the bed is raised and I will be convalescing on a fine foundation of raptor expertise that will hopefully reach me by osmosis. If a hawk can heal from injury, so can a hawkman! Thanks to all the letters of empathy, encouragement, and entertainment I have received from friends around the globe. Pain is a universal experience that tends to draw universal empathy among good people. As long as it is temporary it can thus provide a bit of benefit to go with the cost, but I do not wish the need for empathy to be present very often in the lives of friends and colleagues. Lastly, I have been rereading "The Eagles of the World" by the late, great Leslie Brown. A man of immense importance in my world, even today! And I got to thinking, perhaps in a moment of delusion: Could it be that Leslie Brown did not actually decease, but went into hiding in some government program and re-emerged as my friend, William S. "Bill" Clark? Probably not, but Bill is seriously interested in the eagles of the world and I do see Leslie Brown's work continuing on in the life of Bill -- and I salute Bill Clark for his work, passion, and education of many people regarding the lives of raptors around the world, including eagles everywhere. Cheers! Stan Moore _________________________________________________________________ Your E-mail and More On-the-Go. Get Windows Live Hotmail Free. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469229/direct/01/ Subject: STUDY ABROAD - CONSERVATION & BIODIVERSITY IN SOUTH AFRICAN PARKS & NATURE RESERVES From: Jim Schneider <schne181 AT MSU.EDU> Date: Wed, 10 Feb 2010 15:57:44 -0500 Please pass this along to prospective wildlife students. ================================== DO YOU WANT TO GO TO AFRICA? ARE YOU INTERESTED IN AFRICAN WILDLIFE AND CONSERVATION? The application deadline for the 2010 summer study abroad programs is fast approaching (March 1). Don't miss an opportunity to participate this AMAZING Study Abroad program to South Africa!! Non-Michigan State University students are welcomed and encouraged to participate. 2010 will be the 6th consecutive trip to South Africa, and to date we've had students from Univ. of Tennessee, Univ. of Idaho, Univ. of Vermont, Paul Smith's College, Central Michigan Univ., Butler Univ., and Univ. of Findlay participate. Non-MSU students enroll under Lifelong Education. Tuition rates are a bit more than in-state tuition, but significantly less than out-of-state tuition! If you'd like more information, please email me and I'll send you PDFs of the program brochure and informational powerpoint, as well as answer any questions you might have. Also be sure to see the information below and program website. JOIN US IN AFRICA!!! Jim Schneider Schne181 AT msu.edu 517-353-2979 ======================================== Conservation and Biodiversity in South African Parks and Nature Reserves http://studyabroad.msu.edu/programs/safricacon.html Summer 2010 - July 24 - August 19, 2010 What's this program about? This program, offered by the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, will tour various parks and nature reserves throughout South Africa, including Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Kruger National Park, Manyeleti Nature Reserve, Pilanesberg Game Reserve, Kalahari Transfrontier Park, De Hoop Nature Reserve, Agulhas National Park, Boulders African Penguin colony, Cape of Good Hope, Table Mountain National Park, and Robben Island. At a time when natural resource managers are asked to consider global contexts of biodiversity and ecosystem approaches to management, this course will expose students to various South African ecosystems and will broaden students' scope of management by taking into account the impacts that land-based activities and international policies have on the natural communities in these ecosystems. The role of game reserves, nature reserves, and national parks as management tools will be investigated and students will be introduced to social issues that are encountered when protection of biodiversity restrictions are imposed on a society. We will also address the role of hunting as a management tool of big game species on private game reserves and the impact of hunting on the surrounding communities. Students will familiarize themselves with the flora and fauna of the different ecosystems visited; will interact with government officials and land managers; and will participate in hands-on learning, including bushwalks, habitat sampling, population surveys and other field experiments. What can I study? Students will be required to enroll for six (6) credits in the following course: FW 480 International Studies in Fisheries and Wildlife 6 cr. What are the requirements? Although this program is primarily intended for upper-level undergraduate and graduate students majoring in biological sciences, environmental biology, natural resource management, wildlife ecology, zoology, or a related field, students from all academic majors, as well as students from other universities, are encouraged to apply. Students must be in good academic standing, with a grade point average of at least 2.5 at the time of application. Students will also be required to have completed an organismal biology course (i.e., BS 110 or ISB 202). Meeting these two requirements does not, however, guarantee admission. Preference will be given to upper-level undergraduate students and graduate students, and those with a science-related background, particularly ecology (ZOL 355). Additionally, students must submit an essay with their application stating why they wish to participate in this program. It should be noted that not all activities involved in this program are accessible to individuals with disabilities. Applicants' participation may be denied or their participation approval may be revoked if their conduct before departure raises doubts as to their suitability for program participation. Where will I live? Accommodations will include tourist-class motel facilities in Pretoria, Kuruman, Upington, Hermanus, and Cape Town; and cabin-style facilities while at the South African Wildlife College and in Kruger National Park, Pilanesberg Game Reserve, Kalahari Transfrontier Park, and De Hoop Nature Reserve. Most meals will be provided. Who can tell me more about this program? Jim Schneider Department of Fisheries and Wildlife 40 Natural Resources Bldg. Phone: (517) 353-2979 Do I need a passport or visa? U.S. and non-U.S. citizens need a valid passport both to enter other countries and to return to the United States. If you already have a passport, make sure it is valid until at least six months after your return date. If you must apply for or renew a passport, APPLY EARLY, since a minimum of eight to ten weeks is usually required for processing. During peak travel seasons, more processing time is required. Passport forms are available at many federal and state courts, probate courts, some county/municipal offices and some post offices. They can also be downloaded from the Web. For more information about passports visit the web page. A visa is official permission granted by the authorities of a country where you will study or travel that allows you to enter and remain in that country for a specific purpose. The visa itself is frequently a stamp in your passport, not a separate document. You will need a passport before applying for a visa and the passport plus visa process may take several months, so start early. It is your responsibility to inquire about visa requirements for all countries you plan to visit while abroad; this includes countries that you plan to visit before or after your study abroad program. If you are not a U.S. citizen, consult the embassy or consulate of the countries you will visit to learn their document requirements. If you will be staying in Europe for longer than 90 days, you will need to contact the consulate(s) of your host country(ies) for advice on visas. For more information about visas visit the web page. If you will be staying in Europe for longer than 90 days, you will need to contact the consulate(s) of your host country(ies) for advice on visas. Are there special health issues? As part of your acceptance you will complete a Student Health/Emergency Treatment Authorization. It is your responsibility to ensure that your routine immunizations are up-to-date; inquire whether there are recommended and/or required immunizations or medications for the country/countries you will visit (including any countries you will visit that are not part of the study abroad program's itinerary); and review educational issues relevant to your personal health and safety. It should be noted that not all activities involved in this program are accessible to individuals with disabilities. For further health information and recommendations visit the "Health Issues" section of the Student Handbook. How much does it cost? The program fee in 2009 was $4,199 and included the following: * application fee ($100) * deposit ($200) * pre-departure orientation * accommodations * most meals * local transportation * accident and sickness insurance * field trips * laundry Amounts not included in the program fee for which participants will need to budget include: * MSU tuition and fees* * airfare * beverages * books and supplies * passport application fee * visa application fees (if applicable) * pre-departure doctor visits * pre-departure immunizations (if applicable) * personal spending money Excluding tuition and fees*, these additional costs are estimated at $2,670 (US09). Students may request a cost sheet which lists both the program fee and an estimate of additional expenses by contacting the Office of Study Abroad at (517) 353-8920. **************************************** JIM SCHNEIDER, Senior Specialist - Academic Adviser Certified Wildlife Biologist R Undergraduate Advising Center Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Michigan State University 40 Natural Resources Building East Lansing, MI 48824-1222 Office: 517-353-9091 Fax: 517-432-1699 E-Mail: schne181 AT msu.edu FW Web Site: http://www.fw.msu.edu/ **************************************** Subject: AQUATIC COLONIAL BIRD SURVEYORS needed From: Ellen Paul <ellen.paul AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Thu, 4 Feb 2010 08:37:32 -0500 AQUATIC COLONIAL BIRD SURVEYORS needed, mid May through mid July 2010. The Klamath Bird Observatory (http://www.KlamathBird.org) is seeking motivated individuals to survey marsh-nesting colonial birds in south-central Oregon. Surveys will be done by vehicle, boat, and on foot. Wading through marsh will be necessary on occasion. Surveyors must have a field-worthy vehicle, valid driver's license, and binoculars. Qualified applicants will be in good physical condition and have prior experience with fieldwork, including on and off-road navigation, familiarity with GPS, meticulous data recording skills, and the ability to identify aquatic birds. Must be able to work independently or closely with others and have the ability to remain focused during long days in inclement weather and biting insects. Training will be provided. Pay $130/day plus mileage. To apply, send cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to Karen Hussey at kfh AT KlamathBird.org, phone 541-282-0866. Please include dates of availability and vehicle type in your cover letter and whether you would be willing to work with another. If you have a partner in mind, please indicate which applicant it is. Applicants will be evaluated on a continual basis starting February 15th until all positions are filled. -- Karen F. Hussey Program Manager Research & Monitoring Program Klamath Bird Observatory www.KlamathBird.org kfh AT klamathbird.org (541) 282-0866 Subject: IXth Neotropical Ornithological Congress and VIIIth National Ornithological Congress. Cusco, Peru; November 8-14, 2011 From: George Wallace <gwallace AT ABCBIRDS.ORG> Date: Fri, 29 Jan 2010 13:59:30 -0800 Please circulate: Primer Anuncio para el IX Congreso de Ornitolog�a Neotropical y VIII Congreso Nacional de Ornitolog�a. Cusco, Per� (8-14 de Noviembre, 2011). La Sociedad de Ornitolog�a Neotropical (NOS) y la Uni�n de Ornit�logos del Per� (UNOP) se complacen en anunciar el IX Congreso de Ornitolog�a Neotropical y VIII Congreso Nacional de Ornitolog�a a realizarse en la ciudad del Cusco del 8 al 14 de Noviembre, 2011. El programa cient�fico incluir� conferencias magistrales, simposia, presentaciones orales, paneles y mesas redondas. La directiva del congreso est� conformada por Grace P. Servat, Secretaria General (grace.servat AT gmail.com) y Constantino Aucca, Jefe del Comit� Local (caucca AT ecoanperu.org), en cooperaci�n con la Sociedad de Ornitolog�a Neotropical y la Uni�n de Ornit�logos del Per�. Mayor informaci�n sobre el IX NOC y VIII CNO estar� disponible pr�ximamente en la p�gina web de la Sociedad de Ornitolog�a Neotropical (www.neotropicalornithology.org). First Announcement for the IXth Neotropical Ornithological Congress and VIIIth National Ornithological Congress. Cusco, Peru (November 8-14, 2011). The Neotropical Ornithological Society (NOS) and the Peruvian Ornithological Union (UNOP) are pleased to announce the IXth Neotropical Ornithological Congress and VIIIth National Ornithological Congress to be held in the city of Cusco, Peru (November 8-14, 2011). The scientific program will include plenary lectures, symposia sessions, oral and poster presentations, and round table discussions. The congress officers are: the Secretary General, Grace P. Servat (grace.servat AT gmail.com) and the Chair of Local Committee, Constantino Aucca (caucca AT ecoanperu.org), in cooperation with the Neotropical Ornithological Society and the Peruvian Ornithological Union. Further information regarding the IXth NOC and VIIIth CNO will be announced in the web page of the Neotropical Ornithological Society (www.neotropicalornithology.org). Subject: Eastern Bird Banding Association call for papers From: Ellen Paul <ellen.paul AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Tue, 26 Jan 2010 10:59:04 -0500 EBBA, the Eastern Bird Banding Association, is requesting the submission of papers related to bird banding and preservation of avian species for presentation at the next meeting of the Association to be held April 10, 2010, at Rocky Gap State Park, Flintstone, Maryland. � A projection screen and video projector will be provided. � If you plan to present using 35mm slides please advise. � Provide an outline for consideration of the paper and the presenter's CV no later than February 25, 2010. � Submission is open to everyone; you do not have to be an EBBA member to present. � Time is allocated for 12 presentations. � The meeting will be attended by 100 to 200 participants including presenters. � Time for each presentation is normally limited to 25 minutes. � Presentations of special interest may be submitted for a time of 50 minutes. � All entries will receive serious consideration and all submitters will be advised of acceptance or regrets by the program committee no later than March 10, 2010. � Poster presentations prepared for free-standing display are also desirable. � A formal paper is not required. � One primary presenter for the presentation will receive a free admission to the meeting and associated social events. However, they do not receive any other reimbursements and are responsible for their own travel and living expenses. � EBBA does have a program for assistance with travel expenses for student presenters; contact the first vice president for information. Point of contact is Ken Heselton, First Vice President Address: 105 Haverhill Road, Joppa, Maryland 21085 E-mail: KHeselton AT cs.com Phone: 410-679-6419 Cell phone: 410-790-7881 Papers furnished in a pdf format for the purpose will be posted to the EBBA web site after the meeting for one year. A suggested theme for the meeting is "Backyards to the Hemisphere," recognizing that data collected by backyard bird banders can be used in analysis of the species studied over the entire hemisphere. Papers do not have to address this theme. Subject: Job From: Ellen Paul <ellen.paul AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Mon, 25 Jan 2010 14:22:50 -0500 Vacancy - Science Coordinator for Translocation and Reintroduction Of Endangered Hawaiian Birds American Bird Conservancy (ABC) is the only conservation group whose sole mission is to conserve native wild birds and their habitats throughout the Americas. ABC accomplishes its mission through direct action and by engaging the people, groups, resources, and strategies needed to succeed. It undertakes the full spectrum of bird conservation issues using advocacy and habitat conservation strategies. This is a full-time position with American Bird Conservancy and will be stationed in Hawaii. The Science Coordinator will work with ABC's Oceans and Islands Division Director and federal and State of Hawaii program leaders in the implementation of translocation and/or reintroduction projects, and monitoring programs for at least three species of critically endangered Hawaiian passerines. ABC and its partners are working to conserve Hawaiian birds by: 1) conducting on-the-ground conservation to control invasive species, restoring habitat, reducing collisions with power lines and lights, reducing exposure to hazardous chemicals, and translocating species to create new populations; 2) advocating for increased funding for Hawaiian bird conservation and for legislation that supports Hawaiian bird conservation; and 3) increasing national awareness of and support for Hawaii's conservation needs through a public outreach and media campaign. This position requires an expertise in Hawaiian birds and their conservation issues. Work requires initiative, flexibility, accuracy, and attention to detail. The Science Coordinator reports to the Vice President of the Oceans and Islands Division. MAJOR DUTIES: 1. Develop species specific translocation and / or reintroduction methods for endangered Hawaiian birds. 2. Ensure rigor and consistency in (a) documentation of methods and results and their evolution among species and projects, (b) data collection and management, and (c) obtaining the best available review and comment on methods and approaches used in translocation and reintroduction work in Hawaii. 3. Produce high-quality scientific products from these critically important projects for the recovery of Hawaii's native birds including written reports for partners, papers for peer-reviewed journals, and proposals to funding agencies and NGOs so that: (a) input from the scientific community at large will be incorporated, and (b) translocation and reintroduction work conducted in Hawaii generates a lasting contribution to conservation science worldwide. 4. Recruit, train and supervise project personnel. POSITION REQUIREMENTS: 1. PhD from an accredited college or university in Biology, Zoology, Botany, Ecology, Conservation Biology, or a related biological science is required. 2. Three to five (3-5) years of experience planning and overseeing research projects on endangered Hawaiian birds. Extensive mist-netting and bird banding experience, experience taking blood samples, monitoring animal movements using radio-tracking, locating bird nests and studying nesting behavior. 3. Working knowledge of the principles of translocation and/or reintroduction techniques, avian demography, population ecology and conservation with specific experience in applying these concepts to Hawaii. Knowledge of research and experimental study design. Understanding of biological statistics and data analysis. Knowledge of the major conservation issues in Hawaii, and threats to Hawaiian birds. 4. Experience recruiting and supervising small research teams. Able to coordinate field logistics, train research interns, and lead or oversee all field activities. Able to supervise subordinates of various backgrounds and to recognize and resolve conflicts between staff. Must be able to maintain high standards of research quality and staff safety in difficult field condition s. Able to communicate effectively and professionally with public and partners. 5. Able to identify birds by calls and song and sight. 6. Experience writing scientific reports or publications. 7. Must possess a valid driver's license. 8. Must be able to complete basic helicopter safety course and obtain pesticide applicator certification within 12 months of hire. 9. Able to conduct fieldwork in remote, high-elevation areas and remote rugged islands where temperatures vary from very cold to extremely hot. Able to hike a minimum of seven (7) miles on obscure trails with thirty to forty (30-40) pound backpack and live and work in isolated field camps under primitive conditions. May require strenuous physical activity and heavy lifting. Application Instructions: Please send a cover letter and resume to Merrie Morrison, Vice President of Operations ; P.O. Box 249, The Plains, VA 20198 or by email to Email Us Deadline: Jan 27, 2010 Subject: Animal Physiologist Position From: "Elmer J. Finck" <efinck AT FHSU.EDU> Date: Wed, 20 Jan 2010 22:28:10 -0600 ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGIST Position Description: Full time 9-month tenure-track biologist with specialization in animal physiology. Experience in cell, human, or organismal physiology preferred. Appointment date: August 2010. Responsibilities: This position will require teaching human physiology for Biology and additional majors in the College of Health and Life Sciences and related specialty courses such as pathophysiology for Nursing, based on the qualifications of the successful applicant and departmental needs. Teaching three different courses per semester is a typical load. The successful applicant will be encouraged to develop an upper division specialty course within his/her area of expertise. Emphasis is on teaching and active participation with students in the classroom and laboratory. Research activity with undergraduates or M.S. students is expected. In addition, the applicant will be expected to assist with recruiting and advising pre-health professional students, and contribute service to the University and their profession. Qualifications: Minimal qualifications include an earned Ph.D. in biology, physiology, or an appropriate subdiscipline (ABD will be considered for well-qualified applicants). The applicant must provide evidence of teaching experience and scholarship, for example, teaching evaluations, peer-reviewed publications, professional presentations, and the ability to acquire research funding. Other necessary qualifications include strong communication skills, a commitment to excellence in teaching and advising, active participation with students, and the ability to develop a research program that includes students. Contact: Dr. Brian R. Maricle, Chair of Search Committee, Department of Biological Sciences, Fort Hays State University, 600 Park Street, Hays, KS 67601-4099 Phone: 785-628-5367, Fax: 785-628-4153, email: brmaricle AT fhsu.edu Fort Hays State University does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, religion, national origin, age, disability, Vietnam era veteran status or special disabled veteran status in its programs and activities. The University employs only United States citizens and aliens who are lawfully authorized to work in the United States. The director of affirmative action, coordinator of Title IX, Title VI, Section 504 and ADA regulations, may be contacted at 600 Park St., Hays, KS 67601, 785-628-4033. FHSU is committed to the cultural enrichment of its student body and work force through Affirmative Action and Equal Education/Employment Opportunity. Members of historically under represented social groups in higher education, women, and persons with disability or veteran status are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to applications received by February 15, 2010. Electronic applications are preferred. Applications must include: 1. Curriculum vitae 2. Unofficial copies of all post-secondary transcripts 3. Statement of teaching interests and philosophy; this may include supporting documentation 4. Separate statement of proposed research involving students 5. Copies of representative scholarly work 6. Names, addresses, and telephone numbers of four references Please do NOT send letters of recommendation at this time. Check Details at: http://bigcat.fhsu.edu/positions/fac.php Finalists will have consented to and successfully completed a criminal background check. The Department of Biological Sciences has 12 full-time faculty positions representing the disciplines of botany, ecology, evolutionary biology, microbiology, anatomy and vertebrate zoology. A minimum of seven GTAs assist with teaching undergraduate labs; an additional six graduate assistantships are available through the Sternberg Museum of Natural History and the Kansas Wetlands Education Center. The Department offers B.S. and M.S. degrees in biology. Available departmental research resources include a scanning electron microscope; a newly developed microbiology, cell, and molecular research lab; extensive aquatic sampling equipment, excellent computing facilities and technical support; large museum collections; a 1,000-acre tract of native prairie; a new greenhouse; and other related resources. The Department is housed in the recently renovated (2001) Albertson Hall, which includes fully mediated classrooms and laboratories. The Department employs a fulltime lab coordinator and office manager, and a half-time greenhouse manager. Fort Hays State University is a state-supported liberal and applied arts institution governed by the Kansas Board of Regents. It primarily serves the western one-half of Kansas. Approximately 10,000 students are enrolled in four colleges (Arts and Sciences, Business and Leadership, Education and Technology, and Health and Life Sciences) and a Graduate School, which have a combined total of 340 full-time faculty members. The campus is modern, spacious (4,160 acres), and attractive, and has outstanding museums, galleries, and cultural and recreational facilities. A unit of the AAUP represents the faculty through a formal negotiated labor agreement. Kansas State University’s Agricultural Research Center at Hays is adjacent to the campus. Fort Hays State University is committed to the cultural enrichment of its student body and work force through Affirmative Action and Equal Education/Employment Opportunity. Members of historically under represented groups in higher education, women, and persons with disability or veteran status are encouraged to apply. Hays, Kansas is a city of approximately 20,000 located roughly midway between Kansas City and Denver on I-70. It is a regional center serving the cultural, health, educational, business, service, and transportation needs of much of western Kansas. Medical and educational facilities are superior. Manufacturing, medical, education, retail, farming, ranching, and oil comprise a large part of the local economy. One public elementary school was recently rated among the top 25 in the country by a national publication. Subject: Graduate Assistantships From: "Elmer J. Finck" <efinck AT FHSU.EDU> Date: Tue, 19 Jan 2010 23:23:59 -0600 Graduate assistantship opportunities in the Department of Biological Sciences at Fort Hays State University have dramatically increased for Fall 2010. We currently have five graduate teaching, one graduate curatorial assistantship at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, and three graduate wetlands assistantships at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center for a total of at least nine graduate research assistantships available. Thus, we would appreciate it if you would tell seniors about our program. I personally am looking for students interested in studying birds and mammals in the framework of conservation biology and wildlife management particularly in the grasslands of the Great Plains. Our faculty have ongoing research on The Nature Conservancy’s Smoky Valley Ranch in western Kansas, at the Cheyenne Bottoms State Wildlife Area, Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, in the Platte River Valley, and in the Prairie Pothole Region of Minnesota, In addition to this, we have excellent programs in biogeography, botany, conservation biology, entomology, extinction and range contraction, fisheries management, grassland soils, herpetology, ichthyology, mammalogy, ornithology, plant ecology, plant ecophysiology, plant physiology, range management, and wildlife biology. We have developed a program in microbiology, have developed a DNA sequencing laboratory, recently added expertise in stable isotope ecology, and have a SEM laboratory with digital imaging capabilities. In addition we recently began a Professional Science Masters for students interested in combining business and natural resource management. Graduate students in our program have successfully gone onto excellent PhD programs and employment within their subdisciplines. Please look at our web page at www.fhsu.edu/biology/ and encourage your students to do so also. Have them contact me or an appropriate faculty member with questions about opportunities. Thank you for your time and effort. We look forward to hearing from you or your students. mas tarde, EJF Elmer J. Finck Professor and Chair Department of Biological Sciences Fort Hays State University 600 Park Street Hays, KS 67601-4099 e-mail: efinck AT fhsu.edu webpage: http://www.fhsu.edu/biology/finck/Elmer-Finck/ phone: (785) 628-4214 fax: (785) 628-4153 home: (785) 625-9727 cell: (785) 650-1057 The trouble is that you think you have time. Zen Master Subject: Hilton Pond 01/01/10 (Frigid Weather) From: "Bill Hilton Jr. (RESEARCH)" <research AT HILTONPOND.ORG> Date: Sat, 16 Jan 2010 12:34:16 -0500 Anyone who thinks we haven't had two weeks of brutally cold weather here in the Carolina Piedmont need only visit the latest installment of "This Week at Hilton Pond." Our first photo essay of the year includes a chart showing just how low the readings got the first half of January 2010, and we include a bunch of icy images--some a little mysterious. (You'd also never guess what bird species keeps getting caught in our traps baited with black sunflower seeds.) To view our frigid photography, please see posting #461 at http://www.hiltonpond.org/ThisWeek100101.html As always we include lists of birds banded and recaptured during the period. Please, no pooh-poohing of our Carolina winter weather by New Englanders, Midwesterners, or Canadians. To us, we're just as cold as you are! :-) Happy (Cold Weather) Nature Watching! BILL ========= RESEARCH PROGRAM c/o BILL HILTON JR. Executive Director Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History 1432 DeVinney Road, York, South Carolina 29745 USA (803) 684-5852 Please visit our web sites (courtesy of Comporium.net): Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History at http://www.hiltonpond.org "Operation RubyThroat: The Hummingbird Project" at http://www.rubythroat.org ================== Subject: White-tipped Dove Leptotila verreauxi From: John Penhallurick <jpenhall AT BIGPOND.NET.AU> Date: Thu, 14 Jan 2010 10:57:55 +1100 Dear Friends, I have just finished entering data for White-tipped Dove on my website: http://worldbirdinfo.net.au Not only does it have a very widespread distribution but it had one of the longest synonymies I have encountered. Please check it out. Comments welcome. Enjoy it's free! Dr John Penhallurick 86 Bingley Cres Fraser A.C.T. 2615 Australia email:jpenhall AT bigpond.net.au Phone: Home (612) 62585428 Mobile:0408585426 Please visit my website: http://www.worldbirdinfo.net Subject: Annual BirdBase/BirdArea Species/Ranges Updates From: Santa Barbara Software Products <SBSP AT AOL.COM> Date: Sun, 10 Jan 2010 14:42:01 EST Now available are annual updates which put in BirdBase and BirdArea the changes in Clements' world species list issued by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology on December 18 and December 23, and also put in BirdArea all the range modifications issued soon thereafter by the range data editor Shawneen Finnegan. The annual update of the BirdBase All Subspecies Add-On is also available. For information about obtaining them go to our web site, birdbase.com. At the top of its main menu take the link labeled Users Bulletin Board. Then take the link labeled BirdBase Update and/or the one labeled BirdArea and EditData Updates and/or the one labeled All Subspecies Add-On Update. SANTA BARBARA SOFTWARE PRODUCTS Our world birding software is demonstrated at Web site: birdbase.com E-mail: _sbsp AT aol.com_ (mailto:sbsp AT aol.com) Subject: Job Opening: Quantitatively savvy biologist From: Wayne E Thogmartin <wthogmartin AT USGS.GOV> Date: Fri, 8 Jan 2010 09:13:44 -0600 Job Description: The USGS Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center is seeking a quantitatively savvy ecologist with expertise in one of more of the following areas: population ecology, community ecology, biogeography, conservation biology, landscape ecology and wildlife habitat modeling. The position would entail, after initial instruction, modeling and mapping patterns in species occupancy and abundance, avian community analyses, and extinction risk estimation. The position is structured as a one-year research associate position, based in La Crosse, Wisconsin, with potential for extension depending upon availability of funding. Start date: February 2010, negotiable. Pay schedule: GS-9 (~$47,500 annual salary). Qualifications: An M.S. in a wildlife discipline with a strong quantitative background. The ideal candidate will have direct experience with avian ecology, common avian sampling protocols and a deep understanding of the assumptions underlying the standard analyses of such data. Demonstrated excellence in scientific writing is an essential qualification. Good oral and written communications skills in English are required. The project depends on the ability to work effectively, without day to day supervision from the Principal Investigator. Pertinent skills include Bayesian statistics and programming in R and WinBUGS. Apply to: At this time, we invite letters/emails of inquiry so that interested applicants can be apprised of the formal announcement once it is made available on USAJOBS.GOV later this month. These letters should be directed as soon as possible to: Dr. Wayne Thogmartin United States Geological Survey Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center 2630 Fanta Reed Road La Crosse, WI 54603 USA 608-781-6309 (off) 608-783-6066 (fax) wthogmartin AT usgs.gov Subject: LSU ornithologists on PBS Nature program on hummingbirds Sunday night at 7 From: Ellen Paul <ellen.paul AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Thu, 7 Jan 2010 10:58:47 -0500 Subject: ACE-ECO New Issue Announcement From: Ellen Paul <ellen.paul AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Wed, 6 Jan 2010 14:39:50 -0500 Subject: New International Journal of Galliformes Conservation] From: Ellen Paul <ellen.paul AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Wed, 6 Jan 2010 13:13:27 -0500 Subject: Grasshopper Sparrow Field Assistants needed From: Paul Miller <paul.miller AT DEP.STATE.FL.US> Date: Tue, 5 Jan 2010 16:56:31 -0500 Field assistants (2) needed March 1st through June 30th, 2010, to assist in surveys and habitat enhancement for the Florida Grasshopper Sparrow, a federally endangered species endemic to the dry prairie region of south-central Florida, within Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park, Okeechobee, Florida. Kissimmee Prairie Preserve contains the largest remaining remnant of Florida dry prairie, a globally imperiled community type, and one of the three remaining sub-populations of the sparrow. Primary duties will include conducting annual point counts, presence/absence surveys and tree and exotic plant removal. The possibility exists to help out with prescribed fire operations. Qualifications include well-developed birding skills, previous field experience with grassland birds, binocular proficiency, GPS and navigation skills, ability to learn aspects of natural area weed management, ability to use chainsaws safely, motivation and strong work ethic, and the ability to work both independently and as a member of a team. Candidates should be proactive about working in typical Florida field conditions which include high heat and humidity, strong sun/UV, isolation, insects, venomous snakes and thunderstorms. Housing will be provided on-site in a small bunkhouse. The Preserve is a great place for those that want to bird south-central Florida, and is located in relative proximity to some great birding locations. Salary is $12/hour, for up to 40 hours per week. Email cover letter, resume and contact information for 3 references as a word attachment to paul.miller AT dep.state.fl.us by February 1st. Subject: Hilton Pond 12/29/09 (Banding Highlights) From: "Bill Hilton Jr. (RESEARCH)" <research AT HILTONPOND.ORG> Date: Sun, 3 Jan 2010 18:19:53 -0500 The 2009 banding year at Hilton Pond Center wasn't one of our best, but it WAS better than last year. Despite overall low totals, we set a new record for one species, tied for another, and went above average for a surprising number of species. To read about our banding highlights--complete with photos of some "special" birds--please visit our 29-31 December 2009 "This Week at Hilton Pond" photo essay at http://www.hiltonpond.org/ThisWeek091229.html We also include a summary of our "Yearly Yard List for 2009," a tally of birds banded during the last three days of the year, and a note about a rather old Northern Cardinal that showed up on New Years Eve. Happy (New Years) Nature Watching! BILL ========= RESEARCH PROGRAM c/o BILL HILTON JR. Executive Director Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History 1432 DeVinney Road, York, South Carolina 29745 USA (803) 684-5852 Please visit our web sites (courtesy of Comporium.net): Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History at http://www.hiltonpond.org "Operation RubyThroat: The Hummingbird Project" at http://www.rubythroat.org ================== Subject: Hilton Pond 12/22/09 (Christmas Bird Count) From: "Bill Hilton Jr. (RESEARCH)" <research AT HILTONPOND.ORG> Date: Fri, 1 Jan 2010 13:47:07 -0500 As the holiday season arrives, we're always involved in compiling results of the York/Rock Hill Christmas Bird Count, so that's the topic of the 22-28 December 2009 installment of "This Week at Hilton Pond." Our final numbers weren't all that great, but we did manage to get a few photos of birds we observed--including a close image of an adult Red-shouldered Hawk. To view the photo essay, please visit http://www.hiltonpond.org/ThisWeek091222.html and then scroll down for our usual list of banded birds and miscellaneous notes about bird scarcity and torrential rains. Happy (Holiday) Nature Watching! BILL ========= RESEARCH PROGRAM c/o BILL HILTON JR. Executive Director Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History 1432 DeVinney Road, York, South Carolina 29745 USA (803) 684-5852 Please visit our web sites (courtesy of Comporium.net): Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History at http://www.hiltonpond.org "Operation RubyThroat: The Hummingbird Project" at http://www.rubythroat.org ================== Subject: photos of nest box predators needed From: Randy Lauff <rlauff AT STFX.CA> Date: Thu, 31 Dec 2009 11:42:45 -0400 All, I give about two or three talks a year to the general public about some aspect of birds, including a talk on bird houses. I mention that perches on bird boxes may be good looking (to us, perhaps not to the birds), but that they help predators hang on as well. I would really like to include a picture of a raccoon at a bird box, preferably one with a perch. Other nest box predators would work too, but I'd prefer a local species (we don't have possum here, nor any snake that depredates nesting birds). If anyone has such a photo that I could use exclusively in public presentations, and with credit, please contact me. Thank you, Randy ________________________ R.F. Lauff Department of Biology St. Francis Xavier University 2320 Notre Dame Avenue Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5 (902) 867-2471 rlauff AT stfx.ca (902) 867-2389 (fax) http://people.stfx.ca/rlauff/lauff.html Subject: Job announcement From: Ellen Paul <ellen.paul AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Wed, 30 Dec 2009 17:11:33 -0500 Subject: Conference: Gyrfalcons and Ptarmigan in a Changing World, Feb 2011. First Announcement From: Ellen Paul <ellen.paul AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Tue, 29 Dec 2009 13:35:14 -0500 Subject: accidental participation in Christmas Bird Count From: stan moore <hawkman11 AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 22 Dec 2009 20:32:51 +0000 Dear all -- Watching and counting birds, including raptors, is not my thing. I am glad there are many highly qualified persons available and willing to do Christmas Bird Counts in my area, and they enthusiastically carry out their assignments. I tend to see Christmas Bird Counters while I am out banding raptors in the countryside. But this week I received an amail from a regional editor of the American Birding Association's journal North American Birds, inquiring about the latest sightings of the Common Black Hawk, which has become a year round resident at a private property in my area. I decided to go and verify the presence of the Black Hawk once again, and found the bird right where I always do. Interestingly, there was another local resident raptor, an adult Bald Eagle perched in the same field of view, and I photographed them in the same photo frame, separated by maybe a hundred meters. I sent my report to the NAB regional compiler and to the relevant personnel for the California Bird Records Committee, who maintain an ongoing file on the bird. Afterwards, I heard that my sighting was in a Christmas Bird Count area and would be included in this year's count. I was an accidental Christmas Bird Counter and I have a feeling that our local Common Black Hawk may be one of the only members of its species to be counted because of the tendency of that species to be found in remote areas not easily detected by normal bird count surveys. And the Bald Eagle was part of the count, too. By the way, I was able to band the Common Black Hawk last February, trapping it with a phai trap using a crayfish as bait. The Bird Banding Lab was pretty excited about the event, saying that only thirty-something of this species have ever been banded in the history of the North American Bird Banding Program and most of those were nestlings. I think my banding was the first of the species since the 1990's, and it is fun to see the bird with its band, knowing how rare the sight is anywhere in the range of the species. I guess I will have to remember 2009 in years to come as "The Year of the Black Hawk". I wish Kathy Klimkiewicz had been around to hear about the record of the black hawk, as well as Fran Hamerstrom, who once told me that working with her would "add some direction to (your) life". Yes, she did; yes she did. Stan Moore Fairfax Raptor Research P.O. Box 341 San Geronimo, CA 94963 stangabboon AT sbcglobal.net 707.479.9863 _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Powerful Free email with security by Microsoft. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/171222986/direct/01/ Subject: Volunteer position USGS Hawaii From: Dennis Lapointe <dlapointe AT USGS.GOV> Date: Wed, 16 Dec 2009 09:47:57 -1000 The US Geological Survey, Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center has a volunteer position open to work on a project with wild and captive native Hawaiian passerines and scaley leg mites. The project involves mist netting, captive care of passerines and other project related duties as necessary. No prior experience is necessary but individuals with experience in animal care will be favored. A food allowance of $100/week and housing in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is provided. We need a volunteer who can start in January and work a minimum of three months. Excellent experience for students and graduates in Biology, Wildlife, Environmental or Animal Sciences. Interested individuals should contact : Dr. Dennis A. LaPointe via email dennis_lapointe AT usgs.gov Thank you. Dennis A. LaPointe, Ecologist USGS-Pacific Island Ecosystem Research Center Kilauea Field Station P.O. Box 218 Hawaii National Park, HI 96718 (808) 967-8119 ex 273 (808) 967-8545 FAX dennis_lapointe AT usgs.gov Subject: Biological Aide Opportunity--Short Term--Patuxent Wildlife Research Center From: "French, Lloyd S" <Lloyd.S.French AT IAPWS.COM> Date: Wed, 16 Dec 2009 14:03:26 -0500 Biological Aide I -- 3 positions available The Patuxent Wildlife Research Center's Bird Banding Laboratory has a short term requirement for 3 technicians to convert old paper banding reports and records for scanning into electronic files. Position duties: - Sort and organize paper files - Remove any attached objects such as bird bands, staples, paper clips, etc. - Box up records for shipment to scanning facility. These positions will only be funded for 60 days (possibly longer) at a pay rate of $10.47/hour. Please apply at www.iapws.com/careers in the "Clerical/Administrative" area. Lloyd S. French, Program Manager IAP Worldwide Services, Inc. 321.784.7398 office, 321.745.5395 mobile 321.784.7264 fax ***** CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE ***** This email may contain IAP Worldwide Services trade secrets and/or proprietary information. This email is intended to be reviewed only by the individual or organization named above. If you are not the intended recipient or an authorized representative of the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, dissemination or copying of this email and its attachments, if any, or the information contained herein is prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please immediately notify the sender by return email and delete this email and attachments, if any, from your system. ***** DISCLAIMER NOTICE ***** Any opinions stated in this email are those solely of the author and do not necessarily represent those of IAP Worldwide Services and/or its affiliates. Subject: Hilton Pond 12/01/09 (Rufous Hummingbird) From: "Bill Hilton Jr. (RESEARCH)" <research AT HILTONPOND.ORG> Date: Fri, 11 Dec 2009 17:54:39 -0500 We were delighted today to travel to Moore SC, where we captured a very colorful Rufous Hummingbird--only our second adult male in 18 years of banding vagrant hummers. We've devoted the 1-11 December 2009 installment of "This Week at Hilton Pond" to this little bird who's far from where we might expect him to be as winter approaches. To view the photo essay, please visit http://www.hiltonpond.org/ThisWeek091201.html . While there, scroll down for a list of birds banded or recaptured locally, as well as some miscellaneous nature notes. Happy Nature Watching! BILL ========= RESEARCH PROGRAM c/o BILL HILTON JR. Executive Director Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History 1432 DeVinney Road, York, South Carolina 29745 USA (803) 684-5852 Please visit our web sites (courtesy of Comporium.net): Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History at http://www.hiltonpond.org "Operation RubyThroat: The Hummingbird Project" at http://www.rubythroat.org ================== Subject: Job Posting - Oregon Conservation Strategy Coordinator From: Ellen Paul <ellen.paul AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Fri, 11 Dec 2009 08:54:57 -0500 Subject: census and demographic rates for meta-analysis From: Salvador Herrando-Perez <salvador.herrando-perez AT ADELAIDE.EDU.AU> Date: Fri, 11 Dec 2009 12:10:30 +1030 Dear Listers, I am a PhD student at the University of Adelaide investigating density dependence in animal populations under the supervision of Corey Bradshaw, Barry Brook and Steven Delean. Currently, I am addressing the consistency of statistical detection of density feedback across species of mammals and birds where unique populations have been studied through annual censuses (> 10 years) of both population abundance and demographic rates (fertility and/or survival). So far I have collected data from 53 populations from publications or provided by authors I have contacted personally. If anyone has such data that I could include in a meta-analysis, I would greatly appreciate if you could contact me at salvador.herrando-perez AT adelaide.edu.au. Any data you can provide will be fully acknowledged in any publication and in one of my PhD chapters, and will not be further distributed or analysed in any other way. If the data have been published, please provide the reference. I very much appreciate your time and consideration of my request. Kind regards, Salvador Variables being recorded from individual populations (annual estimates): Population size: total number, relative density, number of breeding/nonbreeding pairs AND breeding effort: fertility rate, clutch size, brood size, litter size, number of young/female AND/OR breeding/birth rates/success/performance/probability AND/OR survival/mortality/recruitment rates/probability (adults, subadults, juveniles, yearlings, calves/cubs/pups, fledglings, hatchlings) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------- Salvador Herrando-P�rez > School of Earth and Environmental Science, Mawson Building (room G39) > University of Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia > > Phone: +61 8 8303 5254 > Fax: +61 8 8303 4347 > Email: salvador.herrando-perez AT adelaide.edu.au > https://www.adelaide.edu.au/directory/salvador.herrando-perez Subject: bird plumage study From: Jonathan Drury <druryj AT UCLA.EDU> Date: Wed, 9 Dec 2009 17:21:10 -0800 I am conducting a study of geographical variation in bird plumage, and I am looking for volunteers to take an online survey. Participants will rate the brightness and complexity of bird plumage for various images. If you are able to volunteer to take this survey, please e-mail me at druryj AT ucla.edu, and I will send you an e-mail with the URL to the survey and more information. Thank you in advance, Jonathan P. Drury Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology University of California, Los Angeles druryj AT ucla.edu Subject: Contents of Western Birds, vol. 40, no. 3 (2009) From: Ted Floyd <tedfloyd57 AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 4 Dec 2009 05:32:28 -0800 Hello, Ornithologists. Here is a summary of the contents of vol. 40 no. 3 (2009) of the quarterly journal Western Birds, published by Western Field Ornithologists. * THE 33RD REPORT OF THE CALIFORNIA BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE: 2007 RECORDS. * by DANIEL S. SINGER and SCOTT B. TERRILL. * pp. 158-190. * Detailed summary of reports of rare birds in California in 2007, highlighted by seven species new to the state list (Newell's Shearwater, Tristram's Storm-Petrel, Lesser Frigatebird, Swallow-tailed Kite, Eurasian Kestrel, Wood Sandpiper, and Common Rosefinch), bringing the state bird list to 640 species. * DISTRIBUTION, ABUNDANCE, AND SURVIVAL OF NESTING AMERICAN DIPPERS NEAR JUNEAU, ALASKA. * by MARY F. WILLSON, GREY W. PENDLETON, and KATHERINE M. HOCKER. * pp. 191-209. * In a multi-year field study of American Dippers in Alaska, stream flow, winter temperature, and nest-site availability were found to be important determinants of population health. Discussion of use of the species as a bio-indicator emphasizes the need to assess the physiological and reproductive condition of individuals. * CHANGES IN THE WINTER DISTRIBUTION OF THE ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK IN NORTH AMERICA. * by EDWARD R. PANDOLFINO and KIMBERLY SUEDKAMP WELLS. * pp. 210-224. In an analysis of Christmas Bird Count data, the Rough-legged Hawk was found to be undergoing a population change on its North American wintering grounds. Numbers have decreased from along both coasts and across the southern portions of the species' winter range, whereas numbers have increased in the northern Great Plains of the U.S. * NESTING SUCCESS OF CALIFORNIA LEAST TERNS AT THE GUERRERO NEGRO SALTWORKS, BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR, MEXICO, 2005. * by ANTONIO GUTI�RREZ-AGUILAR, ROBERTO CARMONA, and ANDREA CUELLAR. * pp. 225-229. * Nesting success of a California Least Tern colony at an artificial habitat closed to the public was affected by neither human activity nor food limitation. However, nesting success was negatively affected by predation, especially by coyotes; this threat to the local population could be eliminated by building a fence around the site. * SANDWICH TERNS ON ISLA RASA, GULF OF CALIFORNIA, MEXICO. * by ENRIQUETA VELARDE and MARISOL TORDESILLAS. * pp. 230-233. * Documentation and discussion of the occurrence of vagrant Sandwich Terns at Isla Rasa, one on 17 May 1986, the other on 4 May 2009. In both instances, the individuals were found within dense breeding colonies of Royal and Elegant terns. * CURVE-BILLED THRASHER REPRODUCTIVE SUCCESS AFTER A WET WINTER IN THE SONORAN DESERT OF ARIZONA. * by CARROLL D. LITTLEFIELD. * pp. 234-236. * In a study in the Tucson Mountains, Arizona, winter precipitation was above normal in the winter of 1978-1979, and Curve-billed Thrashers nested early and enjoyed high nesting success in early 1979. This result is consistent with a previously reported relationship between winter precipitation and breeding ecology of the Curve-billed Thrasher. * FIRST NORTH AMERICAN RECORDS OF THE RUFOUS-TAILED ROBIN (Luscinia sibilans). * by LUCAS H. DeCICCO, STEVEN C. HEINL, and DAVID W. SONNEBORN. * pp. 237-241. * Summary of three occurrences in Alaska of the Rufous-tailed Robin, from 4 June 2000 at Attu Island, 4 June 2008 at Attu Island, and 8 June 2008 at St. Paul Island, with discussion of behavior and timing of appearance of vagrants to North America. * BOOK REVIEW. * reviewed by RICH HOYER. * pp. 242-244. * Review of "Bird Songs of the Pacific Northwest" (2008), by Geoffrey A. Keller and Gerrit Vyn. * BOOK REVIEW. * reviewed by ALAN CONTRERAS. * pp. 244-246. * Review of "Memoirs of a Wildlife Biologist" (2008), by David B. Marshall. * FEATURED PHOTO: JUVENAL PLUMAGE OF THE AZTEC THRUSH. * by KURT A. RADAMAKER. * pp. 247-249. * Photographic documentation and discussion of a juvenile Aztec Thrush in Sonora, 1 Sept. 2007, the second known nesting for the state. Separation from juvenile Rufous-backed and American robins is discussed. Please note that vols. 1-37 (1970-2006) of Western Birds are permanently archived and fully searchable online: http://tiny.cc/Y2sa5. The service is free to the public, and is made available by Western Field Ornithologists (WFO) and the Searchable Ornithological Research Archive (SORA). Full abstracts of research articles and the full text for "Featured Photos" (vols. 38-40) are available online: http://tiny.cc/luCHf. ------------------------------- Ted Floyd Editor, Birding Check out Birding magazine on Twitter: http://twitter.com/BirdingMagazine ------------------------------- _________________________________________________________________ Windows Live Hotmail gives you a free,exclusive gift. http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowslive/hotmail_bl1/hotmail_bl1.aspx?ocid=PID23879::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-ww:WM_IMHM_7:092009 Subject: 1st World Seabird Conference] From: Ellen Paul <ellen.paul AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Mon, 7 Dec 2009 11:15:11 -0500 (AND NOTE THE ONGOING LIST OF CONFERENCES OF INTEREST TO ORNITHOLOGISTS, UPDATED REGULARLY, ON BIRDNET: http://www.nmnh.si.edu/BIRDNET/ornith/birdmeet.html IF YOU WANT TO HAVE A MEETING LISTED, CONTACT ME at ellen.paul AT verizon.net and we will post it on BIRDNET and of course it can also be posted here). Ellen For ongoing updates on this conference, please subscribe to the conference mailing list at: WWW.WORLDSEABIRDCONFERENCE.COM 1st World Seabird Conference Seabirds: Linking the Global Oceans September 7 - 11, 2010 Victoria Conference Centre Victoria, Canada Although numerous professional seabird groups and societies are active around the globe, conducting studies and promoting conservation, there has yet to be a single, global meeting to host seabird scientists, conservationists, and policy-makers. The goal of this first World Seabird Conference (WSC) is to provide this opportunity, and in so doing heighten awareness, focus, and attention on the world’s seabirds. A successful WSC will provide a blueprint for seabird science, information management and exchange, and management/conservation activities for the next decade. Conference Information Registration Opens – January, 2010 Abstract deadline January 29, 2010 Sponsorship Opportunities available! ******************************************************************************* Members of the WaterbirdsNetwork list can write to all other members by sending email to waterbirdsnetwork AT lists.fws.gov. Any interested party can join the list if they send a blank email to waterbirdsnetwork-request AT lists.fws.gov with the word "subscribe" in the subject line. ******************************************************************************* -- Ellen Paul Executive Director The Ornithological Council Email: ellen.paul AT verizon.net "Providing Scientific Information about Birds" http://www.nmnh.si.edu/BIRDNET" Subject: Contents of Colorado Birds, vol. 43, no. 4 (2009) From: Ted Floyd <tedfloyd57 AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 7 Dec 2009 03:52:59 -0800 Hello, Ornithologists. Here is a summary of the contents of vol. 43 no. 4 (2009) of the quarterly journal Colorado Birds, published by Colorado Field Ornithologists (CFO). (Additional perspective on the journal Colorado Birds available here: http://tiny.cc/NY7c7.) * PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE: CFO'S ORGANIZATION AND NEAR-TERM OBJECTIVES. * by JIM BEATTY. * pp. 236-237. * Thoughts on the evolution of CFO, including (a) identifying, developing, and promoting special areas of expertise for each CFO board member, (b) continuing to stay ahead of the electronic curve, a major strength of the organization, and (c) offering new and varied field trips and other field experiences for CFO members. * CFO BOARD MINUTES. * by LARRY MODESITT. * pp. 238-240. * Minutes of the August 22, 2009 meeting of the board of directors of CFO, including such highlights as (a) planning for an online reference to the birds of Colorado, (b) ongoing conversion into the electronic medium of the functioning of the state records committee, and (c) soliciting of applications for CFO's youth and scholarship funds. * ACROSS THE BOARD: MAGGIE BOSWELL. * by JIM BEATTY. * pp. 240-242. * The life and times of CFO board member and treasurer Maggie Boswell, who provides leadership and excellence in all matters regarding the finances of the organization, as well as major logistical support at annual conventions; a retired sign language interpreter, she now volunteers with AARP and is very active in the birding and natural history communities in Boulder County and elsewhere. * LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECIPIENT: WARREN FINCH. * by JOE ROLLER. * pp. 242-244. * A tribute to Warren Finch, 2009 recipient of CFO's Lifetime Achievement Award; a famous scientist known worldwide for his prolific work on nuclear materials and resources during a 60-year career with the U.S. Geological Survey, he is best known among Colorado's field ornithologists as an indefatigable field birder, still going strong as he approaches his tenth decade of life. * CFO YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP: CAMP CASCADES. * by MARCEL SUCH. * pp. 245-247. * Reflections on a splendid two weeks at a Victor Emanuel Nature Tours young birders' camp in Washington state, highlighted by a "rampage" instigated by a Boreal Chickadee sighting; the author attended the camp as a CFO youth scholarship recipient. * FIELD TRIP REPORTS: SPRING 2009. * by JIM BEATTY and BILL KAEMPFER. * pp. 248-250. * Birding highlights from two CFO field trips; the trips, to private ranches in eastern Colorado, reflected CFO's leadership in developing enduring partnerships with Colorado's ranching community. The long list of rarities for the two field trips included Blue-headed Vireo, Gray-cheeked Thrush, and Worm-eating Warbler. * BOOK REVIEW. * reviewed by JASON BEASON. * pp. 251-252. * Review of "Birding Hotspots of South-Central Colorado" (2009), by John J. Rawinski. The book tells you where to find birds in Colorado's immense and constantly amazing San Luis Valley. * OVENBIRDS OF WILLOW SPRINGS OPEN SPACE, JEFFERSON COUNTY. * by MIKE HENWOOD. * pp. 253-260. * A two-year field study of Ovenbirds in the Front Range foothills documented high densities of singing Ovenbirds; only five other bird species were as numerous in the study area as the Ovenbird. The results are consistent with recent anecdotal observations from elsewhere in the Front Range foothills, indicating a larger breeding population of Ovenbirds in Colorado than previously suspected. * UPLAND SANDPIPER: A REGULAR FALL MIGRANT TO THE FRONT RANGE REGION? * by TED FLOYD. * pp. 261-267. * Documentation of Upland Sandpipers on nocturnal migration over Boulder County, July-August 2009, and speculation that the species may be a regular migrant through Front Range airspace, contrary to conventional wisdom and despite the extreme paucity of earlier records for the region. * THE 52nd REPORT OF THE CBRC. * by LAWRENCE S. SEMO. * pp. 268-281. * Evaluation of reports by 33 observers of 41 occurrences of 34 review-list species through mid-2009. Highlights include Colorado's first (and long-overdue) Acadian Flycatcher, bringing the state list to 489 species; the state's second Ross's Gull; and the state's fourth Ruff. * THE HUNGRY BIRDER: ESTES PARK. * by NATHAN PIEPLOW. * pp. 282-285. * An overview of where to eat in Estes Park, gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park and its millions of tourists. At Estes Park, it's slim pickin's for birders who want breakfast before sunrise, but the lunch and dinner options--notably DeLeo's famous deli--are ample and diverse around town. As to warm, brown, liquid stimulants, the coffeaphobic author has little to report. * NEWS FROM THE FIELD: SPRING 2009. * by BILL MAYNARD. * pp. 285-306. * Avian highlights in Colorado, March-May 2009, among them Eurasian Wigeon, "Mexican" Duck, 2 Brown Pelicans, Neotropic Cormorant, Swallow-tailed Kite, Harris's Hawk, Black-headed Gull, Glaucous-winged Gull, Black-legged Kittiwake, Lesser Nighthawk, Acadian Flycatcher, 5 Vermilion Flycatchers, 4 Blue-headed Vireos, Wood Thrush, Brewster's Warbler, and Baird's Sparrow. * IN THE SCOPE: HORNED AND EARED GREBES. * by TONY LEUKERING. * pp. 306-310. * Methods for distinguishing Eared and Horned Grebes in Colorado, including differences in seasonal occurrence, molt timing, and head shape. Potentially challenging is the separation of formative (first-winter) Horned Grebes from basic (winter adult) Eared Grebes. For more information on the journal Colorado Birds, please visit the Colorado Birds webpage of the CFO website: http://tiny.cc/SkCNN. For more information on CFO, please visit the CFO homepage: http://tiny.cc/xySmh. ------------------------------- Ted Floyd Editor, Birding Check out Birding magazine on Twitter: http://twitter.com/BirdingMagazine ------------------------------- _________________________________________________________________ Windows Live Hotmail gives you a free,exclusive gift. http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowslive/hotmail_bl1/hotmail_bl1.aspx?ocid=PID23879::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-ww:WM_IMHM_7:092009 Subject: Belated Winter Birding Note From: Grant Stevenson <grantstevenson44 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sun, 6 Dec 2009 03:33:31 -0800 Still not too late to join me and others in North America in doing a Winter Bird Population Study of your local winter resident birds (on a plot, wooded, suburban, grassland, whatever is convenient). It takes one pre-work or weekend brief morning walk till February if you can afford the time. Contact Jim Lowe, jdl6 AT cornell.edu, 1-800-843-BIRD, x 2413, from The Cornell Lab, for forms/information. Your study will be published in IBPS's BIRD POPULATIONS. Weekly bird counts are statistically more accurate than single annual counts of a local bird community. Part of a long-term database leading at least back to 1940, probably well before. The Passenger Pigeon was a common bird once. Thank you for your conservation consideration, yours sincerely, Grant. Grant Stevenson Fountain Hill, PA Subject: Hilton Pond 11/18/09 (Hummingbird Records) From: "Bill Hilton Jr. (RESEARCH)" <research AT HILTONPOND.ORG> Date: Sun, 29 Nov 2009 14:32:05 -0500 Did your Ruby-throated Hummingbirds arrive slowly in 2009? Did you think you might have your worst year ever for hosting these little balls of fluff at backyard feeders? Did ruby-throats finally arrive with a vengeance in late summer? If so, you had something in common with our banding efforts in the Carolina Piedmont, where things started extremely slow and finished exceptionally fast. To read about the downs and ups of our unusual 2009 hummingbird season, please visit the 18-21 November 2009 edition of "This Week at Hilton Pond" at http://www.hiltonpond.org/ThisWeek091118.html . We include some hummer photos you may find of interest. Happy (Thanksgiving) Nature Watching! BILL ========= RESEARCH PROGRAM c/o BILL HILTON JR. Executive Director Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History 1432 DeVinney Road, York, South Carolina 29745 USA (803) 684-5852 Please visit our web sites (courtesy of Comporium.net): Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History at http://www.hiltonpond.org "Operation RubyThroat: The Hummingbird Project" at http://www.rubythroat.org ================== Subject: North Star Science and Technology Transmitter Grant Program From: George Wallace <gwallace AT ABCBIRDS.ORG> Date: Thu, 3 Dec 2009 12:29:44 -0800 Please spread the word: NORTH STAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSMITTER GRANT PROGRAM - North Star Science and Technology, LLC and American Bird Conservancy announce the 7th bi-annual North Star Science and Technology Transmitter Grant Program. In the spirit of giving back to the research community that they serve, North Star will award a total of eight (8) battery-powered or solar satellite transmitters (Argos Platform Transmitter Terminals (PTTs)), to 1-3 recipients (8 PTTs to one project or 4 PTTs to each of two projects, or 4 to one, 2 to one, and 2 to another). PTTs are powerful, cutting-edge tools for the study of bird migration that greatly extend the range over which individual birds can be tracked. The program is open to projects throughout the world. Research that contributes to our knowledge of avian biology and that provides data useful for bird conservation, particularly of threatened species, will receive preference in the selection process. American Bird Conservancy (http://www.abcbirds.org) will handle the proposal submission process, review proposals, and select the winning projects. Please see http://www.northstarst.com for more information and proposal guidelines. Deadline for proposals is February 5, 2010. Any further questions about the program can be directed to George E. Wallace, American Bird Conservancy (EM: gwallace AT abcbirds.org; PH: 540-253-5780; FX: 540-253-5782). George E. Wallace, PhD Vice President, Oceans & Islands Division American Bird Conservancy 4249 Loudoun Avenue P.O. Box 249 The Plains, VA�� 20198�� USA Tel: 540-253-5780 Fax: 540-253-5782 E-mail: gwallace AT abcbirds.org On the web at: www.abcbirds.org Subject: Need info on banding permits From: Ellen Paul <ellen.paul AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:52:02 -0500 Need info re: banding permits. If you have a master permit AND your application for said permit was based on a specific research project that involved one or more specific species (e.g., not a MAPS station), please drop me a line and let me know. I have the reply-to set to come directly to me, not the list. Ellen -- Ellen Paul Executive Director The Ornithological Council Email: ellen.paul AT verizon.net "Providing Scientific Information about Birds" http://www.nmnh.si.edu/BIRDNET" Subject: Message from the administrator From: Ellen Paul <ellen.paul AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 13:06:30 -0500 I will be away 11/19 - 12/12. Jeannette Bider, the originator and prior administrator of Ornith-L, used to take a big leap of faith and set the listserve to accept all messages without the need for screening and approval whenever she went away. I'm thinking - maybe not. Balancing the rare "I really need to know now" message against the potential for mischief, and losing members, I think I'll go for the "it can wait until 12/12" option. If you send something to the list and it doesn't show up for a while, this is why. Ellen -- Ellen Paul Executive Director The Ornithological Council Email: ellen.paul AT verizon.net "Providing Scientific Information about Birds" http://www.nmnh.si.edu/BIRDNET"