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NUMBER 158, FEBRUARY 2004
ORGANIZATION NEWS
NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
NEWS FROM THE ORNITHOLOGICAL COUNCIL
REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE
POSITIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE
GRANTS AND AWARDS
PUBLICATIONS AVAILABLE
PERSONAL EXCHANGES
MEETINGS
NEWS OF MEMBERS
THE FLOCK: SPECIAL SECTION
VISIT THE ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETIES OF NORTH AMERICA:
OSNA - http://www.osnabirds.org
AOU - http://www.aou.org
AFO - http://www.afonet.org/index.html
COS - http://www.cooper.org/
WS - http://www.waterbirds.org
RRF - http://biology.boisestate.edu/raptor
WOS - http://www.ummz.lsa.umich.edu/birds/wos.html
BIRDNET - http://www.nmnh.si.edu/BIRDNET/index.html
STUDENTS - FREE MEMBERSHIP!! - The Cooper Ornithological Society is always interested in getting more graduate
students involved and provides free student memberships each year. These student awards cover costs of membership for 2
years (beginning in 2005) and carry full membership benefits, providing an important launch into ornithological careers at
an early stage. To apply, simply send a CV of the student and a cover letter from the major professor that describes why the
student deserves the award. Deadline for receipt of applications is 15 Mar 2004. Send application materials by e-mail or
post to: SHELDON J. COOPER, Department of Biology & Microbiology, 800 Algoma Blvd., University of Wisconsin
Oshkosh, Oshkosh, WI 54901-8640 (EM: cooper@uwosh.edu).
BREWSTER AND COUES AWARDS--Nominations are invited for the Brewster and Coues Awards for 2004. These awards are given annually by the AOU in recognition of avian research of special significance. The Brewster Award is given for the most important work on the birds of the Western Hemisphere published in the last ten years. The Coues Award is for work that has had a major impact on ornithology in the Western Hemisphere, and has no time restriction. To qualify for the Brewster Award, the work must have been done entirely, or nearly so, on birds of the Western Hemisphere; for the Coues Award the work may have been on birds anywhere in the world. The Coues Award may be given in recognition of important or innovative work or new techniques published in relatively brief articles or in non-ornithological journals. Each nomination should include: (1) the name and institution of the nominee, (2) a written description of the contributions of the nominee to ornithology, and (3) a bibliography that documents these contributions. Please see The Auk (89: 436-438, 1972) for a description of differences in qualifications between awards. Nominations and all supporting documents should be submitted electronically by 1 Mar 2004 to: DR. LEWIS ORING, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89512 (EM: oring@cabnr.unr.edu).
AOU FELLOWS AND ELECTIVE MEMBERS ARE REMINDED that nominations for new members of these classes must reach the Secretary five months before the Stated Meeting, i.e. by 16 Mar 2004. Nominators must first obtain instructions and forms for 2004 from the Secretary, M. ROSS LEIN, Department of Biology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, CANADA (PH: 403-220-6549, FX: 403-289-9311, EM: mrlein@ucalgary.ca), or from any AOU officer. For additional information, see Ornithological Newsletter 157 (Dec 2003).
THE WATERBORD SOCIETY WEB SITE can now be found at http://www.waterbirds.org
CALL FOR PAPERS/POSTERS--Association of Field Ornithologists and Wilson Ornithological Society, 22 - 24 Apr 2004, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY. Deadline for receipt of abstracts is 15 Mar 2004. Anyone wishing to present results of an ornithological investigation, orally or as a poster, is invited to submit an abstract. Instructions on abstract format, and further information can be found at the meeting website (URL: http://www.afonet.org/english/meeting.html). Send abstracts to: ERICA DUNN, preferably by email (EM: Erica.Dunn@ec.gc.ca), although regular mail is acceptable (Canadian Wildlife Service, National Wildlife Research Centre, Raven Road, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0H3).
NOMINATIONS FOR AOU OFFICERS AND ELECTIVE COUNCILORS must be received by the Secretary three months before the Stated Meeting. Thus, this year nominations are due 17 May 2004. Officers to be elected at the 2004 Business Meeting of the Members (17 August 2004 at the Université Laval in Québec City, PQ), will be President-Elect, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and three Elective Councilors. The Bylaws of the AOU require that the Vice-President be elected annually and serve only one term, and the Secretary and Treasurer be elected or re-elected annually. At the conclusion of the 122th Stated Meeting, Fred Cooke will finish his two-year term as President, and James A. Kushlan will begin the first year of his two-year term as President. The incumbent Secretary (M. Ross Lein) and the incumbent Treasurer (Jeffrey D. Brawn) are willing to stand for re-election. Of the total of nine Elective Councilors, three are elected annually to serve terms of approximately three years, beginning at the close of the Stated Meeting. Elective Councilors to be replaced at the conclusion of the 122nd Stated Meeting in 2004 are Peter Arcese, Rebecca L. Holberton, and John M. Marzluff. Continuing to serve in 2004-2005 will be Elective Councilors Bette A. Loiselle, Jeffrey S. Marks, Erica Nol, Peter P. Marra, Kathy Martin, and Patricia G. Parker. The procedure for nominating AOU officers and Elective Councilors is outlined in the Bylaws (Art IV, Sec 2). "Each Fellow and Elective Member shall be invited in advance of the Stated Meeting at which an election is to be held, to nominate to the Secretary, persons for President-Elect, for Vice-President, for Secretary, for Treasurer, and for Elective Councilors. These nominations shall be received by the Secretary three months before the Stated Meeting and shall be presented at the business session of the Stated Meeting. Nominations for all officers and Elective Councilors must be accompanied by documented consent of the nominee." Nominations may be submitted in writing, or electronically to the Secretary, M. ROSS LEIN, Department of Biology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, CANADA (PH: 403-220-6549, FX: 403-289-9311, EM: mrlein@ucalgary.ca).
CORRECTION OF A COUPLE OF ERRORS from the December issue in the announcement regarding Ornithological Monographs. First: Following extensive discussion by its Publications Committee and the Council of the American Ornithologists' Union, the American Ornithologists' Union (AOU) has decided to make changes in the format and frequency of Ornithological Monographs (OM). Second: the email address for John Faaborg is Faaborgj@Missouri.edu
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EASTERN BIRD BANDING ASSOCIATION (EBBA) is scheduling its sixth NABC landbird Bander certification session for 18-19 Apr 2004 at Hadlyme, CT immediately following the EBBA Annual Meeting. The session can accommodate six candidates seeking or already possessing a U.S. or Canadian banding permit or subpermit. Applications may be obtained from and submitted, by 15 Mar, to ROBERT P. YUNICK, 1527 Myron St., Schenectady, NY 12309-4223 (PH: 518-377-0146, EM: anneboby@aol.com). NABC MANUALS and further details are available from the NABC website (URL: http://www.nabanding.net/nabanding/). Accepted candidates will be notified by 25 Mar, and are encouraged to contact an NABC Trainer (see website) to proctor the written examination portion of the certification prior to coming to the session, however, for those not able to do so the examination may be taken 16 - 17 Apr 2004 at the EBBA meeting by prior arrangement. See also the EBBA website (URL: http://www.pronetisp.net/~bpbird).
PLOVER STAYS OFF ESA LIST-After four years of deliberation, the US Fish and Wildlife Service has withdrawn a proposal to list the Mountain Plover as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. The agricultural industry and others, such as sand and gravel producers, oil and gas interests, and housing developers, opposed the listing, fearing that ESA restrictions to protect the plover might seriously impact their businesses. Several environmental groups, led by the Biodiversity Conservation Alliance, in Laramie, Wyoming, are critical of the service decision. Concern that the plover population has been declining has been voiced by several conservation groups. However, in releasing its decision, the USFWS revealed that new information obtained during the extended public comment period suggests that the estimated plover population of 5,000 to 11,000 has remained stable over the past 10 years. Management for the plover is complicated by the fact that this bird prefers very short grass or bare ground for its nests. They often will nest on tilled ground or overgrazed grasslands, making their nests vulnerable to active farming and grazing activities. Also, improved livestock grazing practices do not favor plover nesting sites. For additional information, contact LEN CARPENTER, WMI (EM: lenc@verinet.com) or Chuck Davis, USFWS (PH: 303-236-7400 x 235). (Excerpted from "Outdoor NewsBulletin," Wildlife Management Institute)
KS SEN. PAT ROBERTS INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO PROTECT PLAYA LAKES, RECHARGE OGALLALA WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Pat Roberts introduced important conservation legislation this week to preserve playa lakes, protect wildlife and recharge the Ogallala Aquifer. "The playa lakes are wetlands often overlooked, but invaluable to water quality, to recharging the Ogallala Aquifer and as sanctuary for wintering birds," Senator Roberts said. "This bill works within legislation that is already proven to bring real conservation results in a sustainable way." Playa lakes stretch from west Texas up through the panhandle and parts of Oklahoma, New Mexico, Kansas, Colorado, Nebraska, and Wyoming. Playas are the most common wetland in these areas, totaling approximately 60,000 in the seven states. They are shallow, clay-lined wetlands that average less than 30 acres and are not filled with water on a year round basis. In many areas, the lakes have been used for grazing, irrigation and run-off. Some playas have also been filled in by sediment runoff from crop land. Senator Roberts said the bill protects these wetlands by amending the Farmable Wetlands Program under the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) to allow the enrollment of 40 contiguous acres instead of 10, and allow payment on 10 of the acres instead of five. These changes ensure that the majority of lakes and their buffer areas will be eligible for enrollment, and it also guarantees that playas will be considered eligible wetlands by USDA. Because playa lakes are dry much of the year, traditionally they have not been recognized as wetlands in Farm Bill programs. But the wet-dry cycle of playas is a natural function of the wetlands. The seasonality of playas produces diverse vegetation which supports all types of birds - waterfowl, shorebirds, waterbirds and grassland species alike. When the playa's clay basin is dry, deep cracks form which are the main channels for recharge of water through the playa into the Ogallala Aquifer. Recharge rates under the playas can be many times greater than surrounding areas. In addition to recharge, the bill will produce significant benefits for millions of migratory birds which depend on the playa lakes region. "The Playa Lakes Joint Venture commends Senator Roberts and his staff for introducing this ground-breaking and innovative legislation," said Bob McCready, PLJV Chairman. "Given the importance of playa lakes for wildlife habitat and replenishing water supply, this bill has broad appeal - for landowners, municipalities and conservation groups." For more information about PLJV, visit: http://www.pljv.org. Contacts: DEBBIE SLOBE, Playa Lakes Joint Venture (PH: 303-926-0777, EM: debbie.slobe@pljv.org) or SARAH ROSS, Sen. Roberts' office (PH: 202-224-4774, EM: Sarah_Ross@Roberts.senate.gov)
MAPS BANDING CLASSES--Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center in Four Oaks, NC, in conjunction with The Institute for Bird Populations will be offering for the fifth year a MAPS Beginner and Advance Bird Banding Class. The Beginner Class will be 24 April - 1 May 2004 and the Advance Class will be 1 May - 5 May 2004. For more information and a registration form visit the Institute for Bird Populations website (URL: http://www.birdpop.org). For more information about the class location visit the Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center website (URL: http://www.johnstoncc.edu/information/howellwoods/howellwoods.htm) or call/email JAMES SASSER (PH: 919-938-0115, EM: sasserj@johnstoncc.edu).
"ORNITHOLOGY 101" is being offered by Profs. David Bird and Rodger Titman of McGill University, Montreal, 1-5 June 2004 as an IFO Workshop of the American Birding Association. The registration fee is $400 U.S. First-come, first serve for a 25-student maximum enrollment. No qualifications necessary. For more information, visit the ABA's web site(URL: http://www.aba.org) or contact DAVID BIRD, 21,111 Lakeshore Rd., Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Quebec H9X 3V9 (PH: 1-514-398-7760; FX: 398-7990; EM: bird@nrs.mcgill.ca, URL: http://www.nrs.mcgill.ca/ascc).
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NEWS FROM THE ORNITHOLOGICAL COUNCIL
Provided by DAVID E. BLOCKSTEIN, Chair, and ELLEN PAUL, Executive Director, The Ornithological Council, (EM: OC@cnie.org ) "Providing Scientific Information about Birds." The Ornithological Council is supported by voluntary individual contributions on the OSNA dues notice as well as memberships from the ornithological societies.
USFWS PUBLISHES PEREGRINE MONITORING PLAN-On 3 December 2003, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service published the post-delisting monitoring plan for the American Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus anatum). This plan is titled, ``Monitoring Plan for the American Peregrine Falcon, A Species Recovered Under the Endangered Species Act'' (Monitoring Plan). The American Peregrine Falcon was removed from the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants in August 1999 due to its recovery. The Endangered Species Act requires that the USFWS implement a system, in cooperation with the States, to monitor effectively for at least 5 years, the status of all species that have recovered and no longer need the protection of the Act. Copies of the Monitoring Plan are available by request from Michael Green, Migratory Birds and State Programs, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 911 NE. 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97232. Requests may also be made via fax or telephone (FX: 503-231-2019, PH: 503-231-6164). This Monitoring Plan is also available online (URL: http://endangered.fws.gov/recovery/peregrine/). For further information contact: MICHAEL GREEN, Migratory Birds and State Programs, at the above address, (EM: michael_green@fws.gov, PH: 503-231-6164).
AMERICAN BIRD CONSERVANCY launches Bird Conservation Alliance--The American Bird Conservancy is creating a Bird Conservation Alliance based on the assumption that the potential influence over events relevant to bird conservation of the many, many groups around the country organized around birds is insufficiently realized. ABC intends to put resources into the hands of groups and individuals to make them better informed, more closely focused, and more active in working toward achievement of bird conservation objectives. This work can involve such activities as citizen science work, monitoring, increasing partnerships, raising funds, and political influence, among others. The intent of the Alliance is not to create new sets of objectives or programs at a national scale, but rather to mobilize that portion of the public interested in birds to become more active in working to achieve the goals of existing programs. The Alliance is in many ways an evolution of the ABC Policy Council, expanding participation beyond Washington, DC, and also expanding the traditional Policy Council role of reacting to issues to make it more useful to entities such as the Funding Group that have been more committed to proactive habitat work. Multiple subgroups may be formed within the Alliance to focus on a specific issue or set of issues. For more information, contact ALICIA CRAIG (EM: acraig@abcbirds.org), the new Alliance Coordinator.
OC FILES COMMENTS ON PROPOSED PEER REVIEW GUIDANCE-On 29 Aug 2003, the White House Office of Management and Budget, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), issued draft peer review standards. According to OIRA, the standards are intended to make uniform the process by which federal agencies conduct peer review of the scientific information upon which they base their regulatory decisions. The standards, which would take effect in Jan 2004, purport to be an extension of the data quality guidelines that were issued last year, and would apply only to "significant regulatory information." That term is defined in the data quality guidelines as "influential information" which in turn is defined as that which "the agency can reasonably determine that the dissemination will have or does have a clear and substantial impact on important public policies or important private sector decisions." Much of the guidance (URL: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/pubpress/2003-34.pdf) addresses the qualifications, independence, and real or perceived biases of reviewers. It establishes a rebuttable presumption that research that has been published in peer-reviewed journals will satisfy the standards established by the guidance. The Ornithological Council was among the dozen or more scientific societies to submit comments supporting the value of properly-conducted peer review processes, but expressing concern about specific provisions of the guidelines that could undermine that value. The OC comments, which can be found on BIRDNET (URL: http://www.nmnh.si.edu/BIRDNET) focused primarily on the fact that adherence to the suggestions for the selection of peer review panel members could actually preclude scientists with great expertise in the subject and could introduce a bias by favoring those who receive no federal funding. OC pointed out that industry-employed scientists may not be inherently biased, but there is no reason to believe that industry-employed scientists are less subject to bias emanating from the funding source than are other scientists. By suggesting that scientists who are funded by an agency may have conflicts, without recognizing that those who do not receive agency funding (i.e., industry-employed scientists) may also be biased, there is a real possibility that the panels will be populated primarily by industry-employed scientists. This could introduce an unintended bias to the peer review process, contrary to the intent of the OMB Guidance."
OC LINKS MUSEUM COLLECTIONS AND WILDLIFE REHABILITATORS--On 27 October 2003, the USFWS issued the final rule establishing a permit for bird rehabilitation. Previously, such permits were issued under the "special use" permits regulation. After consultation with museum collections staff, the Ornithological Council had suggested that rehabilitation permittees be required to donate deceased birds to museums. The USFWS rejected that suggestion. As an alternative, the OC has asked the USFWS to provide to rehabilitation permittees a list of museums that are willing to accept contributions of deceased birds from rehabilitators. The USFWS has agreed to provide this information, together with a short set of instructions for preparing and preserving the specimens. Two major wildlife rehabilitation organizations have also agreed to distribute this information to their members. OC is now compiling the list of museums and will provide it to the USFWS and to the rehabilitation organizations. Museums that wish to be included on the list and that have not already contacted the OC should contact ELLEN PAUL (EM: ellen.paul@verizon.net).
BETTER FUNDING FOR ORNITHOLOGICAL RESEARCH through Bird Conservation Funding Coalition--The Ornithological Council is one of several organizations that have formed the Bird Conservation Funding Coalition to try to persuade the U.S. government to provide more funding for the various federal agencies and programs that are key components of bird conservation in the U.S. and in other countries throughout the Western Hemisphere. By agreement, the Coalition is focusing on five priorities: the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act, state wildlife grants (the annual appropriations for state-based conservation that resulted from the Teaming with Wildlife/CARA effort), funding for the joint ventures (which have been designated as the vehicle for delivery of "all bird conservation" in the U.S.), and science. As the only organization whose primary purpose is to represent scientific ornithology, the Ornithological Council focuses on those agencies and programs that fund ornithological research, including the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the USDA Forest Service, and the National Science Foundation. The Ornithological Council also strives to promote funding for these agencies and programs through active participation in the USGS Coalition and the Coalition for the National Science Foundation.
CONGRESS INCREASES FUNDING for Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation grant program; USGS funding increase less than hoped for--The U.S. Congress left town for the holidays without finishing the annual appropriations bills, but the appropriations bill for the Department of the Interior was enacted and signed into law in early November. Good news is scant, but the Congress did appropriate $4 million for the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act (NMBCA) competitive grants program (an increase of $1 million from FY2003), although the appropriation is still $1 million below the amount authorized under the NBMCA. The U.S. Geological Survey will receive an increase of nearly $55 million over the President's budget request for FY04. Much of the increase comes from earmarks to support USGS projects of special interest to individual members of Congress. Of the USGS' total appropriation, $176,099,000 is dedicated to the biological research activity and the operation of the Cooperative Research Units, a 3% increase over the FY03 appropriation of $170,926,000.
TEAMING WITH WILDLIFE: INVESTING IN AMERICA'S WILDLIFE-Ornithologists are invited to join conservationists from across the country in Washington, DC, 24-25 Feb 2004, to support enhanced funding for wildlife conservation. In a two-day event, which will include issue briefings, meetings with congressional members and staff, networking opportunities, and an evening reception, the Teaming with Wildlife Coalition is coming together to build on existing support for the State Wildlife Grant program. In fiscal year 2004, Congress appropriated $70 million for State Wildlife Grants, a $10 million increase over the previous year. REGISTER NOW if you are interested in participating, so we can start assembling state teams to meet with members of Congress. You can register and find hotel information at (URL: http://www.teaming.com). For nearly ten years the Teaming with Wildlife Coalition has worked with Congressional members to identify a reliable funding source for state agencies to restore wildlife populations and meet the nation's growing demand for recreation and education activities associated with wildlife. In pursuit of that goal, the Coalition is working to make the State Wildlife Grant program the best it can be, for that program alone is demonstrating to Congress how federal dollars can leverage unique and lasting partnerships for wildlife. The Teaming with Wildlife Steering Committee is organizing the event on Capitol Hill for 24-25 February 2004 to educate lawmakers about the value of State Wildlife Grants and to request $125 million for the program in FY 2005.
NEW CONTACT INFORMATION for the Ornithological Council-To reach OC Executive Director Ellen Paul by e-mail, please use this address (EM: ellen.paul@verizon.net).
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CHILEAN FLAMINGOS: I am trying to locate videotape of Chilean flamingos in the wild displaying their synchronized, ritualized reproductive behaviors. I would also like to find footage of Chileans in nervous situations, for example, when a wild flock first notices people in the area but has yet to determine if they are a threat. I need the footage to determine if certain undescribed behaviors I have observed at zoos are also present in wild flocks or are just an artifact of captivity. Your assistance would be greatly appreciated! I can be reached at 214-671-0777 or by e-mail at either dzconsrc@airmail.net or birdkeeper44@yahoo.com
SPECIMENS NEEDED: The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is looking for specimens to include in the dioramas at its new visitor center in Charlestown. If you have any of the specimens listed below and would like to donate them to the USFWS, please contact: ADAM HILL, USFWS Biotech, (EM: Charlie37H@netscape.net), US Fish and Wildlife Service, Kettle Pond, Visitor Center, Charlestown, RI. Salt Ponds: Hooded Merganser, Ruddy Duck, Green Heron, Short-tailed Shrew. Rocky Shores: Harlequin Duck, Common Eider, Purple Sandpiper, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Mink. Barrier Beaches: Song Sparrow, North East Tiger Beetle. Coastal Shrublands: Northern Bobwhite, Yellow Warbler. Salt Marshes: Clapper Rail, Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrow, Snowy Egret, Muskrat. Forested Uplands: Ruffed Grouse, Barred Owl, Oven Bird, Star-nosed mole.
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POSITIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE
NOTE the printed version of the Ornithological Newsletter no longer contains job advertisements. As of the August '97 issue, the Positions and Opportunities section is available only in the on-line edition. This edition can be accessed directly at http://birds.cornell.edu/OSNA/ornjobs.htm . This job list is edited once a week. Consequently, submissions can be made at any time, and advertisements are maintained until approximately the due date for submissions. Expect the on-line list to change both in content and format in the near future. Also, in the near future a list-serve service will be put into operation that will send job announcements to subscribers via e-mail. Many public libraries provide free Internet access.
A LISTSERVE SERVICE has been set up at Cornell University. Subscribers to this list will receive the new job announcements on a regular basis. These are the same announcements as will appear on-line. To subscribe send the following message to: listproc@cornell.edu , "subscribe BirdJobs-L your name". When sending your message, please send using the "plain text only" format option and be sure to include your name in the message. You leave by sending to listproc@cornell.edu "unsubscribe BirdJobs-L".
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READERS ARE REMINDED that information on deadlines, etc., of grants listed in the third edition of "Grants, Awards and Prizes in Ornithology" is not repeated here. Only revisions of information in that booklet can be reported here, because of space limitations. For information on continuing grants programs relevant to ornithological research, visit the new electronic home of the Grants, Awards, and Prizes booklet: http://www.nmnh.si.edu/BIRDNET/Grants/index.html .
COS STUDENT TRAVEL AWARDS: Limited funding will be available to defray travel expenses for undergraduate and graduate students attending the Cooper Ornithological Society meeting at La Crosse, WI, 4 - 9 May 2004. Students must be members of COS and present an oral or poster paper at the meeting to be eligible for the award. Students must be senior authors but papers may be co-authored with other students or nonstudents. A travel award will be granted only after the presentation is accepted for the annual meeting by the program committee (to be accepted to the program, submit abstract as directed in circular). To apply for the travel award, submit: 1) a 2-page résumé, 2) a detailed listing of anticipated transportation expenses, 3) a 3-page (including references) expanded abstract of your paper or poster covering objectives, methods, major results, and scientific significance, and 4) a letter of recommendation from your advisor. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as an attached file via e-mail (please ask your advisor to e-mail their recommendation separately) but hard copies (3 copies, no Faxes) will also be accepted. Send materials by 15 Feb 2004 to: MATTHIAS LEU, USGS-BRD, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center. 970 Lusk St., Boise ID, 83706. (EM: mleu@usgs.gov, PH: 208-426-2598).
JOSEPH GRINNELL STUDENT RESEARCH AWARD FOR 2004--The Cooper Ornithological Society invites beginning doctoral students to apply for up to two $1000 awards to support "basic" research in any aspect of avian biology. Projects that deal with conservation issues in avian biology should be directed to the Mewaldt-King Research Awards Committee of the Cooper Ornithological Society. Only graduate students originally enrolled in a doctoral program AFTER August 2002 are eligible for the award. To apply for the award, students should submit three copies of: 1) a short research proposal (no longer than 1600 words), 2) their most current curriculum vitae, and 3) a letter of support from their major faculty advisor to: CAMERON GHALAMBOR, Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523. Faxes and electronic submissions are NOT acceptable, EXCEPT for applications or letters originating outside the continental United States, in which case they can be faxed to 970-491-0649 or e-mailed to cameron1@lamar.colostate.edu. For specific details of the proposal format and supporting materials visit the Cooper Ornithological Society website (URL: http://www.cooper.org/). Applications post-marked after 14 Feb 2004 will not be considered.
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PLAYAS OF THE GREAT PLAINS, by Loren M. Smith, 2003. University of Texas Press. 6 x 9 in., 264 pp., 34 b&w illus., 6 maps. ISBN 0-292-70177-2, $24.95/£19.00, paperback; ISBN 0-292-70534-4, $60.00/£45.50, hardcover. Playas are keystone ecosystems in the western Great Plains of North America. This book provides a state-of-the-art survey of all that is currently known about Great Plains playa ecology and conservation. Loren Smith synthesizes his own extensive research with other published studies to define playas and characterize their origin, development, flora, fauna, structure, function, and diversity. He also thoroughly explores the human relationship with playas from prehistoric times, when they served as campsites for the Clovis peoples to today's threats to playa ecosystems from agricultural activities and global climate change. A blueprint for government agencies, private conservation groups, and concerned citizens to save these unique prairie ecosystems concludes this landmark study. University of Texas Press, P.O. Box 7819, Austin, TX 78713-7819, PH: 512-471-4032, FX: 800-687-6046.
ESTIMATING NUMBERS OF TERRESTRIAL BIRDS, edited by C. John Ralph and J. Michael Scott, 2003. The Blackburn Press. Hardcover, ISBN 1-930665-77-6, 630 pages, $64.95. Estimating Numbers of Terrestrial Birds, Studies in Avian Biology #6, which has been out of print for several years, has been reprinted by The Blackburn Press. This book was originally published in 1981 as a publication of the Cooper Ornithological Society and was based on the proceedings of a meeting of biologists and statisticians who gathered in Asilomar to examine the methods and assumptions used in estimating bird numbers. This volume remains a primary source of information on censusing of birds and other animals. Copies can be ordered from Blackburn Press http://www.blackburnpress.com/esnuoftebi.html or from http://www.Amazon.com.
CONSERVANCY: THE LAND TRUST MOVEMENT IN AMERICA, Richard Brewer. 2003. Dartmouth College/University Press of New England. 348 pp. 6 X 9. ISBN 1-58465-350-7, cloth, alk. paper. $29.95. Available from UPNE (URL: http://www.upne.com), the Land Trust Alliance (URL: http://www.lta.org), and the usual commercial internet sources. This is the first comprehensive overview of land trusts, currently the most vigorous and innovative force in environmental protection. More information is available at the websites listed as well as the author's website (URL: http://www.richardbrewer.org).
AUDUBON IN EDINBURGH: THE SCOTTISH ASSOCIATES OF JAMES JOHN AUDUBON, by John Chalmers. National Museums of Scotland. 340 pp., Soft Cover: $45.00. ISBN: 1901663795. Many books have been written about James John Audubon, the French-American ornithologist, but none of the other Audubon biographies concentrate on the Edinburgh period which was to prove a turning point in his life. This comprehensive book is based largely on the artist's own writings from journals and his prolific correspondence with his associate, the naturalist William MacGillivray, who supplied scientific data and supervised the production of Birds of America. Woodstocker Books, URL: http://www.aschwartzbooks.com, EM: aschwartz@aschwartzbooks.com, PH: 800-669-9080.
THE HISTORY OF ORNITHOLOGY IN VIRGINIA, by David W. Johnston. 2003. University of Virginia Press, Charlottesville, VA. 219 pp. 25 illus., 7 tables, 5 appendices. 6" X 9" hardcover. ISBN 0-8139-2242-9. List price $35. Virginia should be known as "the birthplace of North American ornithology," according to the author because so many species were first discovered, mentioned, or illustrated from this state. Reports and occurrences of birds in the state are traced from fossils to Indian encampments, Jamestown, the Dismal Swamp, Eastern Shore, and high mountains to the present. Heretofore unknown or unrecognized bird records have been unearthed and scrutinized from a variety of sources, and integrated into a logical timely sequence. Individual chapters focus on special places where birds have been seen, governmental and Smithsonian investigators, extinct and introduced birds, falcons and other raptors, conservationists, artists, and contributions of presidents to the state's ornithological data base. A selection of old drawings and new photographs illustrate most of the chapters. Modern-day ornithology, notably the large number of bird-watchers and their important observations, are also featured, as are recommendations for future research and conservation of Virginia's bird life.
CORMORANTS: ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT AT THE START OF THE 21ST CENTURY, Supplement of Die Vogelwelt, Vol. 124, 2003. Edited by Thomas M. Keller and David N. Carss, in co-operation with Andreas J. Helbig and Martin Flade, on behalf of the Wetlands International Cormorant Research Group. 2003, 402 pp., more than 200 fig. and 8 color plates, with 82 tables, hardback, 25.- ISBN 3-89104-667-7, Order No. 315-01034. The 50 articles from 19 European and 5 countries outside from Europe are presented under four main topics: Population developments in breeding and wintering areas; Breeding ecology, behavior, dispersion; Diet assessment, feeding ecology and physiology; and, Managing Cormorant interactions with human interests. Nowhere in Europe has a wild bird population been followed in such detail as that of the continental race of the Great Cormorant, Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis. The Cormorant Research Group has served as a platform to stimulate and co-ordinate these information streams over the years. Ecological, behavioral and demographic studies form a major part of the 50 contributions to this special issue. However, applied issues are also considered and many studies refer to management measures that have been taken with respect to the birds' interaction with fisheries. Trends in numbers and distribution, particularly of the continental race of the Great Cormorant, continue to be an important part of our world. However, it also be deals with the less frequently reported Ph. c. carbo in the Barents Sea region. Interesting parallels between Ph. c. sinensis and the North American Double-crested Cormorant Ph. auritus show both the simultaneous developments in bird populations and human perceptions but also the different perspectives on cormorants on both sides of the Atlantic. Also included are reports about less frequently described cormorant subspecies and species such as Ph. c. lucidus, Ph. c. hanedae, the Pygmy Cormorant Ph. pygmeus, the Long-tailed Cormorant Ph. africanus and the Darter Anhinga melanogaster rufa. There are three ways to order: (1) by mailing to: AULA-Verlag GmbH, Industriepark 3, D-56291 Wiebelsheim, Germany. (2) by email (EM: vertrieb@aula-verlag.de). (3) on the internet (URL: http://www.humanitas-book.de).
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A 'permanent' meeting list is maintained on BIRDNET ( http://www.nmnh.si.edu/BIRDNET/BIRDMEET.html ) that focuses mainly on meetings of the Societies that are members of the OC, showing the planned sites and dates of ornithological meetings as far into the future as possible. Note that BIRDNET also maintains a site for the International Ornithological Committee, which includes links to past and future Congresses, at: http://www.nmnh.si.edu/BIRDNET/IOC/index.html .
* in this section indicates new or revised entry
*VI ENCUENTRO SOBRE ORNITOLOG A Y CONSERVACI N DE AVES EN BOLIVIA (6th Conference on Ornithology and Conservation of Birds in Bolivia) will be held at the Centro de Formación de la Cooperativa Española (AECI) in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, 5 - 7 Feb 2004. The conference, hosted by Asociación Armonia and BirdLife International, will include 4 activities: 1. Oral presentations about work carried out concerning ecology and conservation of birds in Bolivia; 2. Working group discussions on the same topic; 3. Discussion and planning for future conservation strategies in the country; 4. Seminar about applying study methods in avian ecology. Email contacts: Asociación Armonia (EM: armonia@scbbs-bo.com), Sebastian Herzog (EM: skherzog@compuserve.com), and Rodrigo Soria (EM: wilbersa@supernet.com.bo)
*VI CONGRESS FOR THE STUDY AND CONSERVATION OF BIRDS IN MEXICO, Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico, 3-5 Mar 2004. The congress is entitled: "Monitoring: joint efforts in research and conservation of the birds of Mexico". During the congress, there will be presentations and discussions on relevant and present day subjects and works for scientists and decision-makers, with the purpose of learning, evaluating, and disseminating the state of the research on the biological patrimony of Mexico. Deadline for reception of abstracts is 31 Dec 2003. For more information contact: YAMEL RUBIO, (EM: yamel@uas.uasnet.mx) or visit: http://www.geocities.com/cecam6/index.htm
*ALASKA BIRD CONFERENCE, 16-18 Mar 2004, in Anchorage, Alaska. Audubon Alaska, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game and other sponsors are pleased to announce and call for abstracts for the 10th biennial Alaska Bird Conference. Purpose of the conference is to share information on results, methods and insights about research, education, management and conservation of Alaska's avifauna. In addition to general sessions (oral and poster), there will be special sessions on: Building Partnerships for Migratory Bird Conservation, Migratory Bird Subsistence Harvest Management, International Migratory Bird Programs, and Upland Gamebird Management. Dr. J. "Pete" Myers will be a special guest and banquet speaker on 18 March. The Pete Isleib Award for "outstanding contributions to bird conservation in Alaska" will be presented at the banquet. The conference will be held at the Hilton Anchorage; special room rates are available. For scheduling and registration information, call 907-276-7034 or contact rdowney@audubon.org. Abstracts are due 31 Jan 2004 and may be submitted to kent_wohl@fws.gov (PH: 907-786-3503).
AIBS 2004 ANNUAL MEETING. 16 - 18 Mar. Washington DC. Topic: INVASIVE SPECIES: THE SEARCH FOR SOLUTIONS Register online at http://www.aibs.org/annual-meeting-2004/ ; early registration closes 2 Mar 2004. Poster abstracts may also be submitted at the above URL; poster submissions close 16 Feb 2004. Plenary speakers, panel sessions, and informal discussion groups at the 2004 AIBS Annual Meeting will approach the topic of "Invasive Species: The Search for Solutions" from the perspective of one or more of the meeting's cross-cutting themes, including: what makes a species "invasive"; research questions and tools; aquatic and terrestrial issues; economics; public policy; education; public health; prevention and remediation; international issues; and local initiatives. Each plenary speaker will couch his or her talk with reference to invasive species issues involving particular major taxonomic groups: plants, vertebrates, invertebrates, and microbes. Attendees will hear distinguished plenary speakers and panelists present synthesizing lectures from the forefront of their fields, then will join those speakers and other equally notable scholars in panel sessions and informal discussion groups. Speakers include: Ann Bartuska, The Nature Conservancy, "Abating the Threat of Invasive Species: Linking Science and Policy"; Richard Mack, Washington State University, "Prevention and Remediation of Plant Invaders"; Stephen Morse, Columbia University, "Emerging Infections: Microbial Invaders Discover New Territory"; David Lodge, University of Notre Dame, "Bioeconomic Risk Analysis of Invasive Vertebrates and Other Species"; Andrew Dobson, Princeton University "Zen, Parasites, and the Art of Alien Invasion"; Daniel Simberloff, University of Tennessee, "Invasion Biology." Additional speakers include: Cynthia Kolar, U.S. Geological Survey; David Pimentel, Cornell University; Fred C. Dobbs, Old Dominion University. All sessions take place in the Westin Grand Hotel, 2350 M St. NW, Washington DC, 20037 (three blocks north from the Foggy Bottom Metro Station, on the edge of Georgetown). Early registration prices for the 3-day meeting are $200 for individual members of AIBS; $250 for non-members (includes automatic one-year AIBS membership); $160 for government employees; $150 for educators; $130 for students. Early registration closes 2 Mar 2004. Attendance is limited--register early! For more information, contact rogrady@aibs.org.
69TH NORTH AMERICAN WILDLIFE AND NATURAL RESOURCES CONFERENCE (17-21 Mar 2004), Spokane, WA. Resource Stewardship in the 21st Century: A Voyage of Rediscovery. Sessions of potential interest for ornithologists include: Wildlife on Wheels, the Marketing of Today's Outdoor Experience; Chair: ROBERT CLEVENSTINE (EM: robert_clevenstine@fws.gov, PH: 309-793-5800 x521); Our Water Resources: A Candidate for Listing?; Chair: JACK KAPP (EM: jcapp@fs.fed.us, PH: 202-273-4725); Energy and Wildlife; Chair: ROB MANES (EM: wmimanes@prattuse.com, PH: 620-672-5419); Fire Management: Burning Issues; Chair: DEBORAH PRESSMAN, (EM: dpressman@fs.fed.us, PH: 202-295-1281).
WATERBIRDS AROUND THE WORLD conference, 3 - 8 Apr 2004, Edinburgh, Scotland. Wetlands International is pleased to announce the Waterbirds Around the World Conference - a global review of the conservation, management and research of the world's major flyways. The conference is organized between the United Kingdom and The Netherlands, with support from many other countries and organizations. The focus of the conference is on all major themes and developments related to the global conservation of waterbird flyways during their full annual cycle: breeding areas, stop-over sites and wintering areas. It will address the achievements of the last 40-50 years and consider the need for initiatives to stimulate future conservation, research and management, not only of the world's migratory waterbird flyways, but also of threatened non-migratory species. The final announcement is available at http://www.wetlands.org/GFC/FlyerFinal.htm and the online registration form at http://www.wetlands.org/GFC/registration.cfm. For all other information about the conference go to its homepage http://www.wetlands.org/GFC/Default.htm.
INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON GALLIFORMES 4 - 11 Apr 2004, India. The World Pheasant Association (WPA) is delighted to announce plans of its 8th International Symposium, which will be organized jointly with the Pheasant Specialist Group and the Partridge, Quail and Francolin Specialist Group, in collaboration with WPA-India and the concerned Government Agencies in India. The Symposium will focus on the conservation and sustainable management of all species of Partridge, Quail, Francolin, Guineafowl and Pheasant, with particular emphases on threatened species and their habitats. In 2004, the objective again is to hold a major international gathering of all those with interests in this group of birds. We hope to be in a position to give financial assistance to a good number of young scientists and conservationists wishing to attend the symposium. Such help will come in the form of symposium fee exemption and subsidies for accommodation and subsistence. In order to receive all future updates, prices and a booking form, please complete the Preliminary Registration Form as soon as possible and send it to: MRS PAT SAVAGE, World Pheasant Association, PH: +44 (0) 1425 657129, FX: +44 (0) 1425 658053, EM: admin@pheasant.org.uk, or go to our web links http://www.gct.org.uk/pqf/ or http://www.pheasant.org.uk/
EASTERN BIRD BANDING ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING 16-18 Apr 2004 in New London, CT at the Holiday Inn. An informative program and interesting field trips are planned. Members will be mailed detailed information in February. For additional information contact GINGER BLADEN, 172-3 Brush Hill Rd., Lyme, CT (PH: 860-434-9644, EM: thrushwoodct@msn.com).
*JOIN US AT THE 2004 joint meeting of the Association of Field Ornithologists and Wilson Ornithological Society, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY. The meeting will be held at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's fine hew facility in Ithaca, NY, the Imogene Powers Johnson Center for Birds and Biodiversity, Thursday, 22 Apr through Saturday, 24 Apr 2004. Activities will include special pre-meeting workshops, paper and poster sessions, the Margaret Morse Nice Lecture, field trips, fun receptions, an open house at the Johnson Center, formal members' meetings and more. Registration materials will be mailed in January and posted on the AFO and WOS websites.
*2004 COOPER ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY MEETING--The Cooper Ornithological Society will hold its 76th annual meeting 4-9 May 2004, in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Symposia topics will include avian diseases, hierarchical models, and migration stopover ecology. A website for the meeting can be found at http://www.umesc.usgs.gov/cooper/ and registration can be accomplished via the website. A meeting brochure will be mailed to all Cooper Ornithological Society members in Jan 2004. Conference materials can be sent to those without internet access upon request. Birding opportunities abound in the area and in town as early May is peak time for spring warbler and sparrow migration. For more information please contact Local Committee Chair: EILEEN M. KIRSCH, USGS Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, 2630 Fanta Reed Rd, La Crosse, WI, 54603, (PH: 608-781-6226, FX: 608-783-6066, EM: eileen_kirsch@usgs.gov), or Scientific Committee Chair: TODD ARNOLD, Dept. of Fisheries, Wildlife, & Conservation Biology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA (PH: 612-624-2220, EM: tarnold@fw.umn.edu).
THE 8TH INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON AVIAN ENDOCRINOLOGY (ISAE) will be hosted by Arizona State University and held at the Scottsdale Sunburst Resort, Scottsdale, Arizona, 6-11 Jun 2004. The ISAE is held every four years and provides an up-to-date overview of the field of avian endocrinology through plenary lectures, invited symposium talks, and poster sessions. Topics to be covered during the upcoming meeting include neuroendocrine integration of non-photoperiodic environmental cues; Effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals; Behavioral physiology of the stress response; Melatonin, clock genes, and seasonality; Hormones and female reproductive strategies; Hormonally-mediated parental effects; Ovarian development and follicle differentiation; Photoperiodism and photorefractoriness; Neuroendocrinology of reproductive function and food intake; Application of functional genomics to the endocrine system; Hormonal interactions during ontogenesis; and Extrapituitary pituitary hormones. Plenary lectures will be given by Gregory Ball (Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD), Jacques Balthazart (University of Liege, Belgium), Peter Sharp (Roslin Institute, Edinburgh, Scotland), and Kazuyoshi Tsutsui (Hiroshima University, Japan). The following web site provides information on the conference venue and organization, scientific program, registration, abstract submittal procedure, and activities in and around the Phoenix, Arizona, metropolitan area (URL: http://lsweb.la.asu.edu/isae/index.html). Please note that the deadline for early (discounted) registration fees for this conference was 30 Sep 2003. : Abstract Submission Deadline (URL: http://lsweb.la.asu.edu/isae/isae_forms.html): 1 Feb 2004. Inquiries about the conference should be addressed to: DR. PIERRE DEVICHE, Chair of the 8th ISAE Scientific Program and Local Program Committees, School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, P.O. Box 874501, Tempe, AZ 85287-4501 (PH: 480-965-0726, FX: 480-965-2519, EM: deviche@asu.edu).
2004 SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY (SCB) ANNUAL MEETING (New York City). Contact: EVA FEARN (EM: 2004@conservationbiology.org). SCB's 18th annual meeting, 30 Jul- 2 Aug 2004, will be hosted by the Center for Environmental Research and Conservation (CERC) at the Earth Institute at Columbia University in New York City. CERC is a consortium of five research and education organizations: Columbia University, the American Museum of Natural History, The New York Botanical Garden, Wildlife Conservation Society, and Wildlife Trust. The Society for Conservation Biology annual meeting theme is "Conservation in an Urbanizing World." The SCB 2004 Conference will consider this theme and other emerging topics through symposia, workshops, organized discussions, contributed oral presentations and posters. The meeting is open for registration in Nov 2003. Please check the meeting website (URL: http://www.conbio.org/2004) for deadlines and updates or contact (EM: 2004@conservationbiology.org) for more information. Field trips to several sites in the New York City region will be organized, including: A land and sea tour of the Gateway National Seashore and Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge where 25-30% of all bird species in the United States spend some part of the year; visits to New York area parks and recreational areas to see ecological restoration projects and species reintroduction programs; a visit to Black Rock Forest to learn about long-term forest monitoring and the impacts of invasive species; a visit to Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory on the Hudson River; visits to CERC partner organizations.
122nd STATED MEETING OF THE AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION, and ANNUAL MEETING OF THE SOCIETY OF CANADIAN ORNITHOLOGISTS (SOCIÉTÉ DES ORNITHOLOGISTES DU CANADA) will be held at Université Laval, Québec, P.Q., CANADA, 16 - 21 Aug 2004. The conference will consist of symposia, workshops and roundtables, contributed oral presentations, and poster sessions. The deadline for submitting proposals for symposia and workshops is 1 Feb 2004. For submissions for symposia and workshops please contact one of the co-chairs of the Scientific Program Committee, ANDRÉ DESROCHERS (EM: andre.desrochers@sbf.ulaval.ca), or JEAN-PIERRE SAVARD (EM: jean-pierre.savard@ec.gc.ca). We expect the general announcement, including the call for papers, details of the plenary talks, registration forms, pre/post-conference trips, social events, etc., to be mailed with The Auk early in 2004. All information regarding the meeting will be posted on the conference home page at http://www.sbf.ulaval.ca/aou-soc-2004/. For more information concerning the conference, please contact ANDRÉ DESROCHERS (EM: andre.desrochers@sbf.ulaval.ca).
THE XIXTH INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS OF ZOOLOGY, 23-27 Aug 2004, Beijing, China. Sponsored by The National Natural Science Foundation of China, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, and The State Forestry Administration. Student prizes: The scientific committee will award 10 students with "Best Oral" or "Best Poster" presentations. The official language: during the congress will be English. The scientific program will include plenary sessions, symposia, workshops, special-interest group meetings, as well as contributed papers and poster sessions. The program will probably be divided into the following sections: (A) Palaeontology; (B) Systematics and Evolution; (C) Zoogeography; (D) Morphology and Anatomy; (E) Animal Behaviour; (F) Animal Ecology; (G) Conservation Biology; (H) Physiology; (I) Health and Diseases; (J) Comparative Immunology; (K) Reproduction, Development and Genetics; (L) Environmental Impact Assessment; (M) Bioethics (N) Laboratory Animal; (O) Zoological Teaching and Education; (P) The Fate of National Zoos; (Q) Philosophy of Zoology; (R) Veterinary Medicine. A proceedings volume of mini-papers (2 A4 pages for each paper briefly covering introduction, method, result and discussion) is planned. The Acta Zoologica Sinica will publish some selective full papers. For further information and to register on-line visit the home page (URL: http://www.icz.ioz.ac.cn). For additional assistance, email icz2004@panda.ioz.ac.cn.
8TH INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS OF RIGHTS-OF-WAY MANAGEMENT will be held in Saratoga Springs, NY, 12-16 Sep 2004. There will be an APLIC-sponsored session on avian interactions during this conference. You are invited to submit a paper to be considered for presentation in the Avian Interactions Session. Your paper will be evaluated by the Avian Steering Committee based on relevance, quality, and timeliness. Abstracts of proposed papers should be typed on one page and limited to 250 words. The abstract should focus on problem objectives, methods, results, and conclusions. In order to reach the widest possible audience, presenters are strongly encouraged to submit manuscripts of their papers. After peer review by other symposium participants, the manuscripts will be included in the symposium proceedings. Abstracts must be received by 15 Dec 2003. Submit abstracts by mail, fax, or e-mail (MS Word only) to: DR. LAWRENCE P. ABRAHAMSON, State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, One Forestry Drive, Syracuse, NY 13210 (EM: labrahamson@esf.edu).
*THE RAPTOR RESEARCH FOUNDATION, 2004 annual meeting 10-13 Nov 2004, at the DoubleTree Hotel in Bakersfield, CA, will be held in conjunction with the California Hawking Club's annual field meet. Details will be posted at http://biology.boisestate.edu/raptor/2004 meeting/2004 meeting.htm as they become available. For general information regarding the meeting, contact DANIEL E. VARLAND, Conference Committee Chair, (PH:360-538-4582; EM: daniel.varland@rayonier.com). Abstracts for oral and poster presentations on any aspect of raptor biology, ecology, conservation, or management are welcome. Deadline for presentation abstracts is 31 Jul 2004; details and instructions will be posted on the web site identified above as they become available. Special sessions under consideration include Ecology and Conservation of Wetland-Dependent Raptors, West Nile Virus, and Management of Raptor Electrocutions in California. For more information on the scientific program, contact ANGELA MATZ, Scientific Program Chair (PH: 907-456-0442; EM: angela_matz@fws.gov).
*THE INSTITUTE OF ECOLOGY AND SYSTEMATIC jointly with the CUBAN ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY and other entities involved in the study and preservation of the biodiversity, celebrates every four years the SYMPOSIUM OF ZOOLOGY, the most important event on Cuban Zoological Sciences. The next issue, the VI Symposium will take place in Topes de Collantes, Sancti Spiritus, Cuba, from 15 - 20 Nov 2004. Plenary lectures, Round Tables, Workshops, Oral Presentations, and Posters Exhibitions assessing aspects of Systematic, Ecology, Behaviour Evolution, Monitoring, Conservation, Environmental Education and other areas covered by Zoological Studies, will surely promote professional discussions, update and divulgation of the scientific results presented by individuals and national and international institutions. Please visit our Website to find additional information.(URL: http://www.geocities.com/zoologiacubana/simposio and http://www.geocities.com/zoologiacubana/meeting.htm, EM: zoología.ies@ama.cu; and direccion.ies@ama.cu/). MSc. Roberto Alonso Bosch, Announcer, VI Simposio de Zoología. Topes de Collantes. Cuba. Note: U.S. citizens who want information on obtaining a license to travel to Cuba should consult the website of the Office of Foreign Assets Control. One can obtain a license to travel to a scientific meeting. Guidelines and forms can be found at http://www.treasury.gov/offices/eotffc/ofac/sanctions/cuba_tr_app.pdf; see section III (page 24 of the .pdf) for the information on travel to professional meetings.
*24TH INTERNATIONAL ORNITHOLOGICAL CONGRESS 2006, 13-19 Aug 2006, Hamburg, Germany. Call for symposium proposals and pre-registration. The Scientific Program Committee (SPC) for the 24th International Ornithological Congress 2006 invites you to submit symposium proposals. Symposia are aimed at the general ornithologist and provide up-to-date coverage of current ornithological research. Each symposium will include 5 speakers: 2 of these will be invited by the conveners to provide keynote addresses that summarize the global progress of ornithological science in the field over the last four years and to address priorities for future research. The other 3 speakers will be chosen by conveners, with guidance from the SPC, from abstracts of accepted contributed papers. This is intended to increase global participation and/or allow new researchers to contribute to symposia. Each symposium should have 2 co-conveners. Since this is an international congress, the SPC will give preference in choosing symposium topics to symposia with co-conveners from different continents, and, failing this, from different countries. If it is not possible to meet these criteria, a brief explanation should be given under 'Justification of symposium' on the application form. Conveners may choose themselves as keynote speakers. Conveners can organize only one symposium. Also note that symposium speakers cannot give another oral presentation during the congress, but can apply to organize a round table discussion or present a poster. Proposals for symposia must be received on or before 1 Apr 2004. We urge you to use the electronic submission form available on the IOC meeting web site (URL: http://www.i-o-c.org). If you are unable to use the electronic form, please use the form below as a template and send it as an email attachment to the chair of the SPC, Susan Hannon, at IOC2006@biology.ualberta.ca If you cannot submit your proposal by email, please mail it directly to the program chair: SUSAN HANNON, Dept of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2E9. Please provide a title of symposium, Names, institution or affiliation, addresses, phone, fax, email of Principal organizer, Co-organizer, first and second keynote speakers, and describe (400 words maximum) goals, objectives, importance of the symposium and outline briefly what each keynote speaker will cover, giving a preliminary title if possible. Justify (250 words maximum) why this symposium is important and timely and why it will be of interest to IOC congress participants. If you cannot find a co-convener from another continent or country, explain why. The justification will not appear in the program or on the web site. All proposals will be reviewed by the SPC in August 2004 and symposium organizers will be notified as to whether their proposal has been accepted shortly thereafter. We ask that symposium organizers have a firm commitment from keynote speakers to attend the meeting before listing them in their proposal. Once a proposal has been accepted and the speakers finalized, we will request abstracts for each of the keynote talks. Summaries of accepted symposia will be posted on the IOC website. We also ask that symposium conveners inform speakers that the conference proceedings will be published, so that speakers must be willing to submit a paper on their presentation. We also call for pre-registration if you like to receive all further information about the congress. Please use the electronic submission form available on the IOC meeting web site http://www.i-o-c.org. If you are unable to use the electronic form, please contact us by e-mail at info@i-o-c.org or mail it to: IOC 2006, Institute of Avian Research, An der Vogelwarte 21, 26386 Wilhelmshaven, Germany.
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ROBERT MCCULLOUGH was honored for his lifelong dedication to nature education by the dedication of the Robert McCullough Exhibit Hall of the Geauga County (Ohio) Park District, on 25 Oct 2003.
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THE FLOCK, the 2001 Membership directory of all six OSNA societies has been mailed. Please check your listing (especially your e-mail address). To correct your address in the membership database please send the new information to the OSNA Business Office at Allen Press, P.O. Box 1897, Lawrence, KS 66044-8897 (PH: 913-843-1221; FX: 913-843-1274; EM: osna@allenpress.com ). To alert your colleagues of your new address information contact theOrnithological Newsletter Editor, CHERYL L. TRINE (address below). Additional copies ofThe Flock can be purchased from the OSNA Business Office.
CHANGES/ADDITIONS:
GREEN, PAUL. EM: pgreen@audubon.org
PAUL, ELLEN. EM: ellen.paul@verizon.net
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All contents copyright © 2004 The Ornithological Societies of North America . All Rights Reserved.