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NUMBER 166, JUNE 2005
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
Now that the online home of the Ornithological Newsletter, including
Ornithological Positions and Opportunities, has moved to its own location on
the consolidated OSNA website (URL: http://www.osnabirds.org/on),
we want to express our appreciation to the LABORATORY OF ORNITHOLOGY, CORNELL
UNIVERSITY for hosting the Ornithological Newsletter since its online
debut in 1997, and to GREG DELISLE, who has served as webmaster over the past
several years. Greg has done a fine job promptly uploading pages to the website
whenever we have provided him with updated pages. Thanks a lot for a job well
done—Cheryl Trine, Editor
POSITION AVAILABLE: MANAGING EDITOR FOR THE CONDOR. Primary responsibilities include copy-editing manuscripts, handling page proofs, and coordinating all activities of the Editorial Office: flow and tracking of manuscripts, correspondence with authors and reviewers, communication with the journal’s printer, and other assistance to the Editor. This is an 85%-time position for a highly organized person capable of extremely detailed work with minimal direct supervision. Requirements include proficiency with Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, and database management, strong communication skills, and command of English grammar. Editing and publishing experience required; background in ornithology, biology, or other sciences desirable and preferred, but not an absolute necessity. Position will be located in Bend, Oregon; beautiful Central Oregon is the Pacific Northwest's premier outdoor recreation center known for downhill/Nordic skiing and snowboarding (Mount Bachelor), mountain biking (hundreds of miles of public-land singletrack), rock climbing (Smith Rock State Park), world-class fly-fishing, and whitewater rafting/kayaking. The new Managing Editor MUST start 1 Aug 2005. Salary $36,000 per year plus benefits. Serious applicants should send a resume (including references with email and telephone contacts) and a letter of application detailing their qualifications as soon as possible to DAVID S. DOBKIN, Editor, The Condor, High Desert Ecological Research Institute, 15 S.W. Colorado Avenue, Suite 300, Bend, OR 97702, or by email to dobkin@hderi.org.
AOU FELLOWS AND ELECTIVE MEMBERS ARE REMINDED that ballots for election of new Elective Members must be returned by mail to the Secretariat by 3 Aug 2005. The deadline for nominations for EMs and Fellows has already passed. Names of newly-elected ELECTIVE MEMBERS will be announced at the Business Meeting of Members on 24 Aug 2005 at the 123rd Stated Meeting at the University of California in Santa Barbara, CA. In early July 2005, FELLOWS will be sent balloting and other information related to their upcoming meeting (23 Aug 2005 at the University of California in Santa Barbara), during which they will elect new Fellows and conduct other business. Contact Secretary M. ROSS LEIN (EM: aousecretary@aou.org) for more information.
ORNITHOLOGICAL WORLDWIDE LITERATURE (OWL) NEEDS ABSTRACTORS--OWL is an indexed compilation of bibliographic citations that pertain to ornithology and come from the periodic, worldwide scientific literature. In the 21st Century, published scientific information that cannot be found at a later date is information lost to science. Ornithologists must be able to find all papers related to our science. Now ornithologists around the globe can access this important resource at no cost via the OWL web site (URL: http://www.birdlit.org). Results of all bibliographic searches are downloadable to a spreadsheet or database. OWL currently adds nearly 6,000 literature citations each year to the database, which already contains more than 45,000 citations back to about 1990. Future OWL records will offer bilingual titles and abstracts in English and in the language of the principal audience of the journal, where feasible. In the very near future, the database is expected to contain nearly 100,000 indexed citations that will go back 20-25 years. All records are subject coded and spell checked; most have brief abstracts. Avian scientific names have been checked for accuracy in both spelling and for any acceptable combination (e.g., Anser platyrhynchos FAILS, Anas platyrhynchos PASSES). This latter check is unique to all known databases in the world. One of OWL's particular strengths is that it covers periodicals and other publications not typically included in other searchable databases. The OWL depends upon a cadre of volunteer abstractors and editors around the globe who review their respective journals and compile the citation records. WE ARE CONSTANTLY LOOKING FOR MORE VOLUNTEERS TO HELP IN THIS EFFORT. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN HELPING, PLEASE CONTACT THE PROJECT MANAGER (INFORMATION BELOW). The more abstractors working on this effort and the more serials that are regularly being reviewed and abstracted, then the more valuable a resource for ornithologists around the world. Worldwide, about 100-125 abstractors are reviewing 400-700 serials. Each is responsible for all the ornithological papers in a particular journal. OWL includes in its database PhD dissertations (since 1997), proceedings from symposia and conferences, and miscellaneous reports from government agencies, conservation organizations, and similar sources. OWL asks for information from any source regarding these reports and proceedings, especially those that may be outside the normal readership of ornithologists, e.g., forestry, entomology, marine conservation, botany, chemistry, psychology. Abstractors may submit data either via a spreadsheet template file (i.e., fill in the empty cells for author, year, title, citation, etc.) or by a direct ONLINE entry form at our web site. Abstractors can expect to spend approximately one afternoon a year to cover one medium-sized journal with 20-30 papers of interest to ornithologists. To obtain a current list of journals in need of abstractors or for more information, contact KENNETH P. ABLE, Project Manager (EM: kenable@direcway.com).
SUMMARY OF ANNUAL MEETINGS OF WATERBIRD SOCIETY AND PACIFIC SEABIRD GROUP--The 27th Annual Meeting of the Waterbird Society (WS) was held jointly with the 32nd Annual Meeting of the Pacific Seabird Group (PSG) in Portland, OR, on 19-23 January 2005. Registered attendance was 385, including 111 students. The meeting was co-chaired by BETTY ANNE SCHREIBER (WS) and DANIEL ROBY (PSG). The Local Committee included KATIE O'REILLY (Chair), KIM NELSON, JANE TOLIVER, MAURA NAUGHTON, ADRIAN GALL, and JESSICA ADKINS. The Scientific Program included 190 oral presentations and 86 posters; the Co-Chairs of the Scientific Program were FRANCESCA CUTHBERT (WS) and ROBERT DAY (PSG). Two Symposia were held: "Biology and conservation of the Xantus's Murrelet" (Co-Chairs HARRY CARTER and ESTHER BURKETT) and "Island restoration and enhancement: successes, failures, and tools for the 21st Century" (Co-Chairs MARK RAUZON and BRADFORD KEITT). Three Special Paper Sessions were held: "Advances in seabird and waterbird ecology from stable-isotope studies" (Chair KEITH HOBSON), "Beached-bird surveys: lessons to learn-past, present, and future" (Co-Chairs REBECCA HARRIS, SCOTT NEWMAN, and FLORINA TSENG), and "Status and trends of the Marbled Murrelet range-wide" (Chair KIM NELSON). In addition, a special workshop on "The identification of forage fishes in bill loads" was held by DAVID CRAIG of Willamette University. Three Plenary Lectures were presented: "Use of molecular markers in waterbird research and conservation" (SUSAN HAIG), "Auklets to murrelets: early discoveries and speculations" (SPENCER SEALY), and "Island restoration and enhancement: successes, failures, and tools for the 21st Century" (MARK RAUZON and BRADFORD KEITT). The WS provided Student Travel Awards to JOSEPH ALLEN (North Dakota State University), CATHERINE DEVLIN (University of New Brunswick), PATRICIA DE JESUS FARIA (Universidade de Sao Paulo), CATHERINE HAFFNER (University of Minnesota), JAMES KENYON (Simon Fraser University), TERRI MANESS (Wake Forest University), VANESSA POMPEII (University of Minnesota), and MATTHEW SEXSON (Fort Hays State University). The PSG provided Student Travel Awards to BRIANNE ADDISON (Simon Frasier University), ANDRE BRETON (University of New Brunswick), THOMAS DEMPSEY (University of Alaska), SHOSHANAH JACOBS (University of Ottawa), WHO-SEUNG LEE (Kyung Hee University, Korea), HEATHER MAJOR (Memorial University of Newfoundland), JOSH MALT (Simon Frasier University), KATIE MURRA (University of Alaska), MIKE SHULTZ (University of Alaska), MARK WESTBROCK (Wake Forest University), and HEATHER WILSON (University of Alaska). The PSG also provided Travel Awards to non-US/non-Canada participants GIANNINA CADENA-LOPEZ of Colombia and YURI ALBORES BARAJOS of Mexico. The Best Student Paper Awards were given to ANDRE BRETON of the University of New Brunswick for the paper "Encounter, survival, and movement probabilities from an Atlantic Puffin metapopulation" and to SHOSHANAH JACOBS of the University of Ottawa for the paper "When your parents are a drag: increasing the cost of diving in Thick-billed Murres." The Best Student Poster Awards were given to LISA FERGUSON of Clemson University for the paper "Effect of ectoparasites on cortico sterone levels of Brown Pelican nestlings" and to MARK WESTBROCK of Wake Forest University for the paper "Overproduction of daughters by mothers in poor condition in Galapagos Nazca Boobies: adaptation or constraint?" SPENCER G. SEALY of the University of Manitoba was given a Lifetime Achievement Award from PSG. The 33rd Annual Meeting of the PSG will be held in Girdwood, AK, during 15-19 Feb 2006. The 28th Annual Meeting of the WS will be held in Jacksonville, FL, during 13-16 Oct 2005.
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THREE TRAINING WORKSHOPS IN WILDLIFE POPULATION ASSESSMENT will be held 23 Aug - 7 Sep 2005 at the University of St Andrews, Scotland. Workshop 1: Estimating Animal Abundance; Workshop 2: Introduction to Distance Sampling; Workshop 3: Advanced Distance Sampling. For more information, see http://www.creem.st-and.ac.uk/conferences.php or contact the workshop organizer RHONA RODGER (EM: rhona@mcs.st-and.ac.uk). COUNTING CRITTERS WORKSHOP: An Introduction to Estimating Animal Abundance and Distance Sampling, 16-21 Oct 2005, Disney's Animal Kingdom, Orlando, Florida. This five-day workshop will introduce participants to the most important methods of estimating animal abundance in a rigorous but accessible way, and cover distance sampling in some detail. It is taught by leading researchers from the Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modeling. For more information, see http://www.creem.st - and.ac.uk/conferences.php or contact the workshop organizer RHONA RODGER (EM: rhona@mcs.st-and.ac.uk).
IVORY-BILLED WOODPECKER REDISCOVERED--Toward the end of April, exciting rumors began spreading about the possible existence of Ivory-billed Woodpecker in a remote section of Arkansas bottomland forest. Increasingly convincing stories started to rocket across the Internet, culminating in an official announcement originally intended for mid-May, but ultimately delivered on 28 April. When the event was finally announced at a press conference at the Department of the Interior in Washington DC, the birding world was at once both ecstatic and stunned. The details of how the bird was discovered, how the secret was maintained, and how the organized searches for the species were conducted have now been widely played in the media. Most encouraging amid all the recent publicity is the implication that there could actually be a population of these birds in Arkansas. In the words of John Fitzpatrick, director of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, "We've passed the bottleneck," and are in a situation where habitat for the bird "can only get better." One little-appreciated aspect of the Ivory-billed story has been that the Migratory Birding Hunting and Conservation [Duck] Stamp has, since 1986, been a major contributor to acquiring habitat at the core site, Cache River National Wildlife Refuge. (So much for the Stamp being "just for ducks.") Although a great deal has recently been written about the Ivory-bill, the bottom line is that in order to ensure the ultimate survival of the bird, the management of the species will have to be a collective effort on the part of leaders from a number of agencies and organizations, including the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, The Nature Conservancy, the US Fish and Wildlife Service (especially staff involved with the Refuge System and Endangered Species), the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and many others. Teamwork and cooperation are absolutely essential if the species is ever to survive. In line with this reality, there needs to be concern over "loving the Ivory-billed Woodpecker to death," as noted by Secretary of the Interior, Gale Norton, at the Washington, DC press conference. There are undoubtedly already birders obsessing over how to see the bird. While catching sight of an Ivory-billed Woodpecker might be the ultimate dream of many birders, a considerable amount of restraint needs to be exercised at this point. Rather than fixating over observing the bird, it would be far more appropriate right now to focus on developing strategies for preserving the bird and its habitat. "Our next step to recover the bird must be as patient and thoughtful as the collection of evidence to confirm the existence of the bird," Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton said. "As we learn more, we will adjust our cooperative management effort." And she's absolutely correct. Among many key tasks, the Corridor of Hope Cooperative Conservation team and the technical experts assigned to assist them have been asked to "develop and implement plans to manage visitor access. . . The conservation team will carefully evaluate management actions for public access to ensure opportunities to see the areas where the bird has been sighted and to facilitate research without jeopardizing its survival." Since Ivory-bills have seemingly been able to hold out in remote Arkansas (i.e., Cache River and White River NWRs and surrounding areas) for decades, perhaps there is a chance that with man's help, they will continue to live and breed (and perhaps even spread) in the future, if they remain relatively unmolested. Although there are already a number of web sites devoted to the wonder, appreciation, and survival of this most spectacular of woodpeckers, we especially recommend that all readers of the E-Bulletin visit these two: (URL: http://www.ivorybill.org/ and http://www.refugenet.org/birding/conservation3.html#TOC04).(From Swarovski Birding E-bulletin - May 2005)
CALL FOR PAPERS for 10TH AMERICAN WOODCOCK SYMPOSIUM--The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will host the 10th American Woodcock Symposium during 4-6 Oct 2006 at the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center near Grayling, MI. Organizers intend to publish the proceedings prior to the actual symposium. Therefore, abstracts for potential papers are due by 11 Jul 2005. Manuscripts for accepted abstracts will be due in Nov 2005. For details on abstract submission visit the symposium website (URL: http://www.michigandnr.com/woodcock-symposium/), or contact AL STEWART (MI DNR) (EM: stewarac@michigan.gov), or JAMES KELLEY (USFWS) (EM: james_r_kelley@fws.gov).
LATIN AMERICAN RESEARCHERS who work with terrestrial gamebirds are encouraged to submit abstracts for presentations at the joint meeting of Quail VI and Perdix XII at the University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia USA from 31 May 4 Jun 2006. Presentation should focus on issues pertaining to harvest, whether subsistence, sport, or for the live bird trade. Additionally, following the meeting a free week-long workshop on population estimation and the use and application of radio telemetry for gamebirds will be offered for Latin American researchers studying gamebirds to assist in honing their research and publication skills. We intend for participants to leave the workshop with enhanced skills and reference materials to assist them when they return to their home countries. This workshop is meant to be participatory and supportive. We will make this a hands-on program as much as possible which will allow everyone ample opportunity to work through real data for each component of the workshop. The workshop will address the following topics: *Designing a Field Project; *Estimating Abundance; *Presence/Absence Survey Studies; *Distance Sampling; *Using Radio-telemetry; o Assessing demographic parameters; o Assessing habitat. Participation in the meeting is not mandatory to participate in the workshop. Space in the workshop is limited, so participants will be chosen depending upon the potential that they have to return to their home country and apply and disseminate what is learned in the workshop. For questions concerning presentations on Latin American gamebirds or the workshop contact JEFFREY THOMPSON, preferably by email (EM: perdiz@uga.edu, PH: 706-542-9420). For all other questions concerning the meetings please consult the web site (URL: http://www.gallus.forestry.uga.edu/quailVI/).
EASTERN BIRD BANDING ASSOCIATION is scheduling its next NABC CERTIFICATION SESSION at the Bander level for up to five candidates seeking or already possessing a U. S. or Canadian banding permit or subpermit, and at the Trainer level for up to two candidates who have already achieved Bander certification for 7-9 Oct 2005 at Braddock Bay Bird Observatory near Rochester, NY. Applications may be obtained from and submitted, no later than 27 Aug, to ELIZABETH W. BROOKS, 1435 Waterwells Rd., Alfred Station, NY 14803 (PH 607-587- 9571; EM brookser@infoblvd.net or ebrooks@bbbo.org). NABC manuals and further details are available from the NABC website at http://www.nabanding.net/nabanding/. Accepted candidates will be notified by no later than 3 Sep. Those seeking Bander certification are encouraged to contact an NABC Trainer (see website) to proctor the written examination portion of the certification prior to coming to BBBO (passage of the written portion is required before the 7-9 Oct practical session may be taken), however, for those not able to do so the examination may be taken at BBBO by prior arrangement. Trainer candidates need not retake this written examination, if previously their grade was 90 or better. See also the EBBA website (URL: http://www.frontiernet.net/~bpbird/index.htm). ROBERT P. YUNICK (EM anneboby@aol.com).
SWAROVSKI ASSISTS IN PROTECTING ENDANGERED COLOMBIAN HUMMINGBIRD--A grant from Swarovski is enabling the American Bird Conservancy and ProAves Colombia to create a new reserve for the critically endangered Colorful Puffleg (Eriocnemis mirabilis) in the Cauca region of Colombia. The Colorful Puffleg is one of the hemisphere's most threatened hummingbirds; the World Conservation Union (IUCN) considers the species' situation as dire. An extreme habitat specialist, found only in wet montane forests on the Pacific slope of the west Andes, it is already very scarce (with a population is estimated at 50-250 individuals). The bird is further threatened by logging, grazing, habitat-clearing for crops, and other threats. ProAves is in the process of negotiating the purchase of 5,000 acres of land that would protect core population centers for the Colorful Puffleg and other endangered bird and other species. Surveys on site have uncovered 16 other threatened bird species, two endangered frog species, and high levels of endemism in other flora and fauna. A five-year management plan for the site has been developed, and accommodations for visitors are in place. ProAves Colombia is expected to restore, manage, and protect the site while the Colorful Puffleg population is studied and monitored, hopefully to bring this species back from the edge of extinction. (From Swarovski Birding E-bulletin)
GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER CONSERVATION WORKSHOP, 10-12 Aug 2005 in Siren, Wisconsin, Presented by the Golden-winged Warbler Working Group, with major funding from Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative and American Transmission Company. You are invited to attend the first workshop solely focused on Golden-winged Warbler conservation throughout its range (breeding and wintering grounds). During this workshop we will initiate development of a conservation strategy for this species of high management concern through research, education, and management. Workshop Objectives: 1. Increase awareness of Golden-winged Warbler conservation status throughout its range. 2. Examine the evidence for possible causes for Golden-winged Warbler declines and explore some of the issues related to reversing those declines. 3. Identify gaps in knowledge and develop priorities for coordinated Golden-winged Warbler research. 4. Explore management opportunities for reversing Golden-winged Warbler declines in the context of regional all-bird conservation. 5. Develop a conservation plan for Golden-winged Warblers that includes research, management strategies, regional coordination, and monitoring. 6. Develop a coordination plan for information sharing and conservation action follow-through. Deadline for Registration* ($40) and Room Reservations: July 9, 2005 Lodge at Crooked Lake, Siren, WI (PH: 1-877-THE-LODGE), Mention “Golden-winged Warbler Workshop” for special rates: $62.00/night: single or double rooms. *Register by July 9 to be eligible for a drawing for a signed copy of Silent Conversations with Eastern Wood Warblers by Laurie Smaglick Johnson, or an Audubon® 6x16 monocular donated by Eagle Optics. Come for the workshop, stay for the attractions! Explore the beauty of the Northwoods! Visit our website for workshop details at (URL: http://www.grantsburg.k12.wi.us/gwwa). If you have questions regarding registration, contact CHRISTINE REEL (EM: dcreel@execpc.com, PH: 262-547-6128).
ELLA SHARP MUSEUM TO BREAK GROUND FOR ANDREWS GALLERY OF WILDLIFE ART, a 1,200 sq. ft. gallery addition to the Ella Sharp Museum complex in Jackson, MI. This gallery will be the home for the Andy and Sandy Andrews Collection of Wildlife Art, one of the largest and most respected wildlife art collections in the nation. The collection was assembled by H.P. “Andy” and Sandra Andrews whose abiding passion for wildlife conservation and species recognition has created a collection of 656 works of art and waterfowl specimens. The collection includes carvings, decoys, paintings, sculpture, prints, and mounted birds, representing the work of 174 artists including many nationally and internationally renowned artists. Among the collection are 286 taxidermy specimens spanning 92 species of upland game birds and waterfowl from all over the Western Hemisphere, including several South American species of ducks and geese. Tandem with the opening of the gallery will be the unveiling of twelve new educational programs for the visiting public and area schools. Programs include interactive audio and video components in the gallery and also include nine programs to be implemented in schools that juxtapose lessons in art composition, technique, and creativity with lessons in habitat conservation, wildlife anatomy, and ecosystems. For more information, please contact DEAN ADKINS, Curator, Andrews Gallery of Wildlife Art, Ella Sharp Museum, 3225 Fourth Street, Jackson, MI 49203 (PH: 517-787-2320, FX: 517-787- 2933, EM: DeanA@ellasharp.org).
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Provided by DAVID E. BLOCKSTEIN, Chair (EM: oc@cnie.org), and ELLEN PAUL, Executive Director (EM: ellen.paul@verizon.net), The Ornithological Council. Major funding for the Ornithological Council is provided by its eleven member societies: American Ornithologists' Union, Association of Field Ornithologists, CIPAMEX, Cooper Ornithological Society, 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. We also appreciate the support of individual ornithologists.
MUTE SWANS (YES, AGAIN….)--On 15 March 2005, the USFWS published the final list of birds that are not protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, as directed by Congress with the passage of the Migratory Bird Treaty Reform Act in January 2005, stating that the Migratory Bird Treaty Act applies only to native species, as defined in the Reform Act. Notwithstanding the Congressional mandate, litigation perists. On 18 April 2005, Kathryn Burton sought to revive her litigation, which was dismissed when the USFWS agreed to withdraw its Mute Swan depredation order and to refrain from issuing any Mute Swan depredation permits until it had completed an Environmental Impact Statement. A second, new lawsuit was filed by the Fund for Animals. The Fund's lawsuit alleges that the inclusion of Mute Swans on the USFWS list of birds excluded from the Migratory Bird Treaty Act is unlawful, whereas the Burton litigation is based on the questionable, if not entirely unsupportable, claims that Mute Swans arrived in the United States on their own and not through deliberate or accidental introduction. If true, the legal criteria established by Congress would mandate that Mute Swans be protected under the MBTA. For more information on the long history of this issue, see the summary on BIRDNET at http://www.nmnh.si.edu/BIRDNET/OC/experthelp/Mute_swans.html.
USGS FORMS ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR U.S. BIRD BANDING LABORATORY--The Ornithological Council congratulates and thanks the U.S. Geological Survey and the Department of the Interior for establishing a federal advisory committee for the U.S. Bird Banding Laboratory (BBL). Although the BBL has made remarkable strides in recent yearssince the 1997 "Buckley Report" (URL: http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/BBL/resources/nabbp21.htm)to modernize its operations and to address various management issues - there are still many issues of concern to the various sectors of the bird banding community. The Ornithological Council asked the USGS to consider forming a federal advisory committee to help the BBL continue its progress towards becoming a center of excellence, and the USGS (and DOI) have apparently agreed that doing so would be worthwhile.
FOR LOVE OR FOR MONEY--If new legislation introduced by Congressman Frank Wolf (R-VA) is enacted, student loan interest would be forgiven for students who work in science-related occupations, including science education, for five years after completing college. The bill - HR 1547 - has five co-sponsors in the House, including House Science Committee chair Sherry Boehlert. Wolf's Virginia colleague, Senator John Warner, introduced the bill on the Senate side; S.765 has three cosponsors. The purported goal of the Math and Science Incentive Act is to increase the number of U.S. citizens entering the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. However, it is questionable whether all science disciplines would be covered. A key criterion for eligibility for the program is based on, "the national security, homeland security and economic security needs of the United States, as determined by the Secretary, in consultation with other Federal agencies, including the Departments of Labor, Defense, Homeland Security, Commerce, and Energy, the Central Intelligence Agency and the National Science Foundation." Organismal biologists may have to rely on that old-fashioned incentivelove for what they do.
OFFICE OF LABORATORY ANIMAL WELFARE HAS NEW DIRECTOR OF COMPLIANCE OVERSIGHT--Axel Wolff, M.S., D.V.M., has been appointed Director, Division of Compliance Oversight, Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW), Office of Extramural Research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Dr. Wolff graduated from the University of MissouriColumbia's College of Veterinary Medicine and holds a Master's Degree in Zoology from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee for work conducted with tropical fruit bats. Although few ornithologists are funded by the NIH, the agency's OLAW program is important to all federally-funded researchers because OLAW has oversight of compliance with the Public Health Service Act, which requires federally-funded researchers and institutions to comply with the Animal Welfare Act. Other federal agencies, including the National Science Foundation, have voluntarily adopted this requirement. Before joining OLAW in 1999, Dr. Wolff was the Director of the Veterinary Resources Program, intramural NIH's centralized laboratory animal and biomedical research support program. He also served as the Director of both NIH's animal quarantine center in Poolesville, MD and the farm animal unit. An NIH employee of over 20 years, Dr. Wolff has also served in the National Institute of Neurological Disorder and Stroke Ft. Detrick facility working with animals under biocontainment. His interest in unique research animals has involved him with armadillos in leprosy studies as well as chimpanzees used in the examination of Kuru, a fatal brain disorder discovered in cannibals. He serves on the editorial board of the journal Lab Animal and has published on various topics including primate environmental enrichment and PHS Policy interpretation. He serves as faculty for IACUC 101 and represents OLAW in multiple educational and conference settings.
USFWS ISSUES FINAL RULE INCREASING PERMIT APPLICATION FEES--The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today issued the final rule increasing permit fees. Some fees increased by as much as four-fold, including fees for scientific collecting permits. The proposed rule, published in August 2003, noted that permit application fees had not increased since 1982. In responding to comments filed by the Ornithological Council, the USFWS noted that "the Service will strive to combine permitting authorization to eliminate the need to submit multiple applications to cover all aspects of a researcher's work. By combining the permitting authority, the applicant would need to submit only one application (and only one fee) to request the required authorization to carry out their work." For complete details, including the schedule of fees for various permit applications, see (URL: http://www.nmnh.si.edu/BIRDNET/OC/experthelp/USFWS%20Permit%20Fee_increase.html).
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INFORMATION NEEDED ON THE WHEREABOUTS OF GEORGE WILLET'S PERSONAL JOURNALS--I am trying to locate George Willet's (1879-1945) field notes, journals, etc., particularly those from the 1900- 1920. I have been unable to locate any of his field notes in the museums where his specimens were deposited or where he was curator, e.g., LA County Museum. Therefore, I would greatly appreciate any information from natural history museum curators or others with such information. RUSSELL B. DUNCAN, 116 Vernon Street, Wakefield, MA, 01880 (PH: 781-245-9255; EM: rbduncan@theriver.com).
INFORMATION NEEDED ON BANDED ROSEATE SPOONBILLS--Audubon of Florida's Tavernier Science Center and Florida Coastal Island Sanctuaries offices have been banding roseate spoonbill chicks in Tampa and Florida Bay since 2003 in order to learn more about their dispersal patterns, survival, and other elements of their basic biology. Banded spoonbills will have a silver U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service band on the right tarsus and a red or black Audubon band on the left tibia. The red band has a 2-digit alpha/numeric code that can be read from a distance through the use of binoculars or a spotting scope. Audubon of Florida is asking for reports of banded spoonbill sightings. Please include the following information when submitting a sighting: the date and location of sighting (with as descriptive of a location as possible), the color of the Audubon band and the code if it can be read with accuracy, the kind of habitat the bird was using (i.e. drainage ditch, riverbank, swamp, etc), the total number of banded and unbanded spoonbills present, and your contact information. Please submit your sightings to KATIE FISK (EM: ktfisk@yahoo.com) or ANN PAUL (EM: apaul@audubon.org); PH: (813) 623-6826 or online at http://www.audubonofflorida.org/science/spoonbills.htm).
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The Positions and Opportunities section is available only in the on-line edition. This information can be accessed from the Ornithological Newsletter Home Page (http://www.osnabirds.org/on), or directly at (http://www.osnabirds.org/on/ornjobs.htm). Submissions can be made at any time. Please send submissions to the Ornithological Newsletter Editor, Cheryl Trine, (EM: ctrine@andrews.edu). This posting service is free of charge.
A LISTSERVE SERVICE is available. 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". The subject line should be blank. Please send your message using the “plain text only” e-mail format option and include your name in the message.You leave by sending the message "unsubscribe BirdJobs-L" to listproc@cornell.edu.
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FOR INFORMATION ON CONTINUING GRANTS PROGRAMS relevant to ornithological research, visit: http://www.nmnh.si.edu/BIRDNET/Grants/index.html.
THE DENNIS RAVELING SCHOLARSHIP FOR WATERFOWL RESEARCH is awarded annually to a student(s) with a desire to pursue a career in waterfowl or wetlands ecology. Awards are based on the candidate's resolve, high academic achievement, and project merit. Candidates must be pursuing an advanced university degree in: Wildlife, Zoology, Botany, Ecology, or other pertinent biological science. Applicants should submit a ONE page proposal summary description on an original research or management project. Applicants should be prepared to submit a detailed project proposal if requested. The Scholarship is intended to provide field experience and training in the tools, methods, and concepts of waterfowl and wetlands research and management. A committee composed of previous students and professional colleagues of Dennis Raveling will select the winning candidates. There will be 2 Awards given this year. 1st Place will be $2000 paid in quarterly installments. 2nd Place will be $1,000 paid in quarterly installments. Applicants should submit a resume and a brief (one page) study proposal or statement explaining the course of study for which they need support. This material must be accompanied by a letter from a faculty member indicating willingness to sponsor the candidate and detailing any requirements (e.g. provision for a final report or thesis) for receiving university credit. Names and phone numbers of two references are also required (include at least one University instructor and/or previous employment supervisor). All materials should be submitted by 31 Oct 2005. Complete package should include: One page, single-spaced Proposal Summary; Resume; Statement of Interest; Letter of Support from faculty member; Names and phone numbers of two references. Mail to: California Waterfowl Association, 4630 Northgate Blvd., Suite 150, Sacramento, CA 95834, Attn: NICOLE BERSET.
THE FRANCIS M. PEACOCK SCHOLARSHIP for college seniors and graduate students--The Francis M. Peacock Scholarship for Native Bird Habitat grants financial aid ($4-5,000) to an advanced student to study areas in the United States that provide winter or summer habitat for threatened or endangered native birds. Awarded by the Garden Club of America, in cooperation with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, it offers scholars the opportunity to pursue real habitat-related issues that eventually benefit bird species and lend useful information for management decisions. Application deadline: 15 Jan 2006. For application guidelines, please write or e-mail SCOTT SUTCLIFFE, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 159 Sapsucker Woods Road, Ithaca, NY 14850. EM: lh17@cornell.edu (no phone calls, please).
THE PARTNERS IN FLIGHT AWARDS PROGRAM recognizes exceptional contributions to the field of landbird conservation. Nominees who have furthered the goal of protecting migratory and resident landbirds and their habitats are awarded for their effective public awareness activities, innovative leadership, insightful ecological investigation, or sound land stewardship. The 2004 Awards were presented at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director's Reception, North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference, Washington, DC, 17 March 2005.
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THE SINGING LIFE OF BIRDS: The Art and Science of Listening to Birdsong by Donald Kroodsma. 2005. Houghton Mifflin. ISBN: 0-618- 405-682; Price: $28.00. Donald Kroodsma, the country's leading expert on avian vocal behavior, puts readers inside the mind of a research scientist to better understand how, when, why, and where birds sing. He weaves together scientific facts and personal stories, taking readers "behind the music" of the birds. Recently, birds are in the airin the newsand on the airwaves! Kroodsma was interviewed on NPR's "Fresh Air with Terry Gross." The book also comes with a CD filled with recordings carefully selected to help listeners move beyond "identifying" birds toward "identifying with" them. Available wherever books are sold.
ESSENTIAL ANIMAL BEHAVIOR, by Graham Scott. Blackwell Publishing. This volume provides a comprehensive introduction to all areas of the subject, from the genetic and neurobiological control of behavior to the learning, development, and function of behavior in an evolutionary context. Social behavior is also covered throughout the text. Written in a concise and engaging style, this new book: * Includes examples from both marine and terrestrial environments around the world, * Places current research alongside classic examples * Puts the study of animal behavior in an applied context, emphasizing the implications for animal welfare and animal conservation. For complete details on this book, including the Table of Contents, sample pages, and online ordering, please visit: http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/book.asp?ref=0632057998&promoid=txtMar05
ARCTIC BIRDS, NO. 6. Soloviev, M/Tomkovich, P (Ed.), 2004. Pensoft Pub. 295x210, col and b/w figs, maps, graphs, tabs, paperback. In English. 44 pp. EUR 9.00 A survey of the breeding conditions for Arctic birds in 2003. To order online: http://www.pensoft.net/notes/12216.stm
SPATIAL ANALYSIS IN RAPTOR ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION, edited by Rodríguez-Estrella, R. and L.A. Bojórquez-Tapia. 2004. CIBNOR-CONABIO. This book contains a series of GIS modeling state-of-the-art applications in raptor ecology and conservation. Ricardo Rodríguez-Estrella and Luis A. Bojórquez-Tapia compile selected papers from presentations at the Raptor Research Foundation meeting held in La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico in 1999, as well as articles from recognized authors in raptor ecology. This book provides a valuable synthesis of the most relevant methodological issues in spatial modeling, and thus is useful for upper-level and graduate students, wildlife biologists, managers, and practitioners in the fields of biodiversity, conservation, and environmental planning. CIBNOR, (URL: http://www.cibnor.mx/investigacion/programas/planambiental/ ilibros.php).
ATLAS OF THE BREEDING BIRDS OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY, CALIFORNIA, by John E. Hunter, David Fix, Gregory A. Schmidt, and Jude C. Power. 2005. Redwood Region Audubon Society, Eureka, CA. 440 pp, 197 species accounts, 180 distribution maps, 68 species illustrated. ISBN (Cloth) 0-9760380-0-5, ISBN (Hard) 0-9760380-1-3. 8 ½ x 11 inches. A useful reference for land managers, birders, and biologists interested in the Pacific Northwest or California. Available for $37.18 (soft) or $58.63 (hard) including tax and shipping from Redwood Region Audubon Society, P.O. Box 1054, Eureka, CA 95502.
A BIRDER’S GUIDE TO SOUTHEASTERN ARIZONA, 2nd ed., Richard Cachor Taylor. 2005. American Birding Association, Inc. 42 route maps; 2 color photographs; 10 black-and-white photographs; 22 pen-and-ink or pencil drawings; 384 pp.; ISBN: 1-878788-13-2. $24.95. The very successful edition has been revised to include: expanded bar graphs, keyed to habitats, with seasonal and abundance information for 514 species, up-to-date through Dec 2004; a fully revised annotated “specialties” section, a Lane/ABA Guide hallmark, with information on the best places to find over 240 of the most sought-after and spectacular birds of Southeastern Arizona; maps, detailed directions, and birding tips for the newest birding hotspots, as well as complete updates of the maps from the first edition. Available from ABA Sales PO BOX 6599, Colorado Springs, CO 80934 (PH: 800-590-7736 or 719-578-0607; FX: 800-590- 2473 or 719-578-9705; EM: abasales@abasales.com; URL: http://www.americanbirding.org/abasales).
BIRDS OF TWO WORLDS: THE ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION OF MIGRATION. Russell Greenberg and Peter P. Marra, Editors. 2005. Johns Hopkins University Press, 488 pp, clothbound, $110. ($88 by special order from the press for a limited time 1-800-537-5487 or http://www.presss.jhu.edu, enter code "naf" at checkout for sale price). For centuries biologists have tried to understand the underpinnings of avian migration: where birds go and why, why some migrate and some do not, how they adapt to a changing environment, and how migratory systems evolve. In Birds of Two Worlds, Greenberg and Marra bring together the world's experts on avian migration to discuss its ecology and evolution. The contributors move the discussion of migration to a global stage, looking at all avian migration systems and delving deeper into the evolutionary foundations of migratory behavior. Birds of Two Worlds will become indispensable for ornithologists, evolutionary biologists, serious birders, and public and academic libraries.
BIRDS OF THE DELTA OF SELENGA RIVER (PTITSY DEL'TY SELENGI). A FAUNISTIC REVIEW. Fefelov, IV/et al, 2001. Pensoft Pub. 207x138, 32 col photos, 5 tabs, index, hardback, In Russian. 320 pp. EUR 39.00, A faunistic review of the birds populating the delta of a Siberian river, with 300 species involved. To order online: http://www.pensoft.net/notes/12202.stm.
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DO YOU HAVE JOURNALS AND BOOKS which you no longer use, are gathering dust, and occupying space that could be put to better use? Are you moving and don’t want to move a ton of journals and books? Put an announcement in the Ornithological Newsletter letting people know what you have to offer. There are many organizations which are happy to be able to obtain these materials and put them to good use.
ARE YOU TRYING TO BUILD an ornithology, ecology, or natural history library? Put your own notice in the Ornithological Newsletter asking for journals to be donated and you will pay the shipping costs. There is no charge for notices in the Ornithological Newsletter.
AVAILABLE: A large selection of used ornithology and other natural history books, at reasonable prices. The current list is on my website (URL: http://home.netcom.com/~symbios/usedbooks.html - SANFORD "SANDY" WILBUR (EM: symbios@ix.netcom.com), 4367 S. E. 16th, Gresham, OR 97080.
FOR SALE: Our bookshop in the Boston area has acquired a substantial, if interrupted, run of The Auk dating from 1899 to 1948. The lot consists of 132 issues in fair to very good condition, and there are 141 issues dating from 1900-1942 that we are offering individually. We are offering the lot for $650.00 (reference our stock no. 79903) and the individual issues for $20.00 each. Our web address, http://www.rarebook.com. Visitors can use the keywords "ornithology periodicals science" to view the contents of this lot, or "birds" to search for other titles concerning ornithology. Individual Auk issues at $20.00 each. Very Good unless noted: 1900: Vol. XVII No. 2: 1 copy no wraps; 1902: Vol. XIX No. 3: 1 copy no wraps; 1903: Vol. XX No. 3: 1 copy no wraps; Vol. XX No. 4: 1 copy no wraps; 1904: Vol. XXI No. 2: 1 copy VG, 3 copies no wraps; Vol. XXI No. 3: 1 copy VG; Vol. XXI No. 4: 1 copy VG; 1907: Vol. XXIV No. 1: 1 copy (Fair); Vol. XXIV No. 3: 3 copies (2 copies VG, 1 copy Fair); 1908: Vol. XXV No. 3: 2 copies, one w/ wraps detached; Vol. XXV No. 4: 1 copy wraps detached; 1909: Vol. XXVI No. 1: 1 copy (tanned wraps); 1913: Vol. XXX No. 1: 1 copy (Fair no wraps); Vol. XXX No. 2: 1 copy lacks front wraps; Vol. XXX. No. 3: 3 copies; 1914: Vol. XXXI No. 4: 6 copies, 4 w/o wraps; 1915: Vol. XXXII No 4: 1 copy (Fair); 1916: Vol. XXXIII No. 1: 1 copy VG; Vol. XXXIII No. 4 : 3 copies (Fair); 1917: Vol. XXXIV No. 1: 1 copy (Fair); Vol. XXXIV No. 2: 1 copies (Fair); Vol. XXXIV No. 3: 3 copies VG; 1918: Vol. XXXV No. 2: 3 copies VG; Vol. XXXV No. 3: 2 copies (VG to Good); 1919: Vol. XXXVI No. 3: 2 copies VG; Vol. XXXVI No. 4: 3 copies (1 w/o wraps); 1920: Vol. XXXVII No. 1: 1 copy (Fair); 1921: Vol. XXXVIII No. 1: 5 copies (Fair to Good); Vol. XXXVIII No. 2: 4 copies VG; Vol. XXXVIII No. 4: 5 copies Fair to Good; 1922: Vol. XXXIX No. 1: 2 copies 1 VG, 1 G; Vol. XXXIX No. 2: 3 copies VG; Vol. XXXIX No. 4: 2 copies 1 VG 1 G; 1923: Vol. XL No. 1: 3 copies G; Vol. XL No. 3: 3 copies VG; Vol. XL No. 4: 2 copies VG; 1924: Vol. XLI No. 1: 2 copies VG; Vol. XLI No. 2: 4 copies VG; Vol. XLI No. 4: 4 copies VG; 1925: Vol. XLII No. 2: 3 copies VG; Vol. XLII No. 3: 1 copy G; 1926: Vol. XLIII No. 1: 5 copies VG; Vol. XLIII No. 2: 1 copy VG; Vol. XLIII No. 3 : 1 copy VG; Vol. XLIII No. 4: 3 copies VG; 1927: Vol. XLIV Nos. 1-4: VG set; Vol. XLIV No. 1: 4 copies VG; Vol. XLIV No. 4: 2 copies VG; 1928: Vol. XLV No. 1: 3 copies VG; Vol. XLV No. 2: 3 copies VG; Vol. XLV No. 4: 4 copies VG; 1929: Vol. XLVI No. 1: 2 copies G; Vol. XLVI No. 2: 2 copies VG; Vol. XLVI No. 4: 1 copy G; 1930: Vol. XLVII No. 2: 3 copies VG; Vol. XLVII No. 3: 2 copies VG; 1931: Vol. XLVIII Nos. 1-4 set (Good); 1932: Vol. XLIX No. 1: 1 copy VG; Vol. XLIX No. 3: 1 copy VG; 1937: Vol. LV No. 1: 1 copy G; 1942: No. 1: 1 copy VG. Inquiries can be directed to orders@rarebook.com. Boston Book Company, 705 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 (PH: 800-653-7767; 617-522-2100, FX: 617-522- 9359). (We welcome any members who wish to visit the shop, however, the material is at our shipping warehouse and we would need advance notice to bring any issues over for in-store sales.)
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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.i-o-c.org/IOComm/index.htm.
* in this section indicates new or revised entry
COOPER ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY MEETINGS at Humboldt State University, Arcata, California, 15 - 18 Jun 2005. The meeting will be held on the campus of Humboldt State University,
THE SOCIETY FOR THE CONSERVATION AND STUDY OF CARIBBEAN BIRDS (SCSCB) will be holding its 15th Regional Meeting in Guadeloupe, 1-6 Aug 2005. Registration materials, call for papers will be available by mid-March. For further details, please contact CAROLYN WARDLE (EM: cwardle@batelnet.bs), SCSCB, PO Box 863208, Ridgewood NY 11386 USA.
THE 123RD STATED MEETING OF THE AOU will be held at the University of CaliforniaSanta Barbara in Santa Barbara, CA, 23 - 27 Aug 2005. Further information can be obtained on the conference webpage (URL: http://www.aou.org/2005meeting/). Contact person: STEVE ROTHSTEIN (EM: rothstei@lifesci.ucsb.edu).
THE 11TH MEETING ON ARGENTINE ORNITHOLOGY will take place from 7-10 Sep 2005, in the Argentine Museum of Natural History "Bernardino Rivadavia", in Buenos Aires. The conference is organized by Aves Argentina/ Asociacion Ornitologica del Plata. During the 4 day conference participants will be informed on research topics in ornithology and current work in Argentina and other countries, in plenary sessions, symposia, oral presentations, posters and other complementary activities. To obtain the first circular, with information about inscription, plenary sessions, confirmed symposia, datelines for summaries, and an invitation to present new topics for symposia, please contact rao@avesargentinas.org.ar
*THE 30TH MEETING OF WESTERN FIELD ORNITHOLOGISTS will be held from 28 Sep - 1 Oct 2005 in Santa Maria, California. Visit the WFO web site (URL: http://www.wfo-cbrc.org) for details about venues, lodging, and field trips. This announcement also serves as the first call for papers and poster presentations. A special session will be held on the "Status, distribution, conservation, and management of birds in human-dominated landscapes." Other conference themes include Systematics and biogeography of birds of the Pacific Coast region; Techniques for field study of birds (especially censusing and monitoring); and New information on field identification problems of birds in western North America and the eastern Pacific Ocean." Please see the WFO website for details about presentations or contact TED FLOYD (EM: tedfloyd@aba.org).
*IV NATIONAL PERUVIAN ORNITHOLOGICAL CONFERENCE (9-12 Oct 2005) at Universidad Catolica Santo Toribio de Mogrovejo, Chiclayo, Peru is being organized by Naturaleza and Cultura Internacional, Asociacion Cracidae Peru. For more information visit: http://www.darwinnet.org/ VICNO/ or contact vicno@darwinnet.org.
*The RAPTOR RESEARCH FOUNDATION (RRF), 2005 annual meeting will be held from 12-16 Oct at the KI Convention Center and adjoining Regency Suites Hotel in Green Bay, Wisconsin (URL: http://www.regencygb.com/convention.html). The meeting will be hosted by the Cofrin Center for Biodiversity, which is part of the University of Wisconsin, Green Bay (URL: http://www.uwgb.edu/biodiversity). One special session, on raptor education, has been identified to date (see description below). Field trips include a visit to the Linwood Springs Research Station near Stevens Point to observe Saw-whet Owl banding and an outing to observe raptor migration on the Lake Michigan shore. Details on the meeting are posted and updated periodically on the RRF web site (URL: http://biology.boisestate.edu/raptor) or for general information, contact RRF Conference Committee Chair DAN VARLAND (PH: 360-538-4582; EM: daniel.varland@rayonier.com). Abstracts for the scientific program are due 30 June. For information on the scientific program, contact ANGELA MATZ, Scientific Program Chair (PH: 907-456-0442; EM: angela_matz@fws.gov). SPECIAL SESSION ON RAPTOR EDUCATION. We would like to gather raptor educators from around the country, both those who care for live birds and those who do not. We will discuss what is educational and how to get the message across, from program content to methods of presentation; we will also cover the "big picture" of conservation and habitat preservation. Presenters from raptor organizations will discuss topics on bird carewhich birds to use, raptor housing and enclosures, diets, transportation, bird health, enlisting volunteers and volunteer responsibilities. The federal regulations in place for keeping live birds will be explored, and finally we would like to have actual raptor programs presented for critique by local students. This special session will be comprised of a series of 20-minute presentations. If you would like to participate or for more information, contact session organizer KATE DAVIS, Executive Director of Raptors of the Rockies (PH: 406-829-6436; EM: raptors@montana.com; URL: http://raptorsoftherockies.org).
*28TH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE WATERBIRD SOCIETY will be held in Jacksonville, FL, during 13-16 Oct 2005.
THE SOCIETY OF CANADIAN ORNITHOLOGISTS will meet at the Delta Barrington Hotel in Halifax, Nova Scotia from 20 - 22 Oct 2005. Information on the program, accommodations and deadlines for abstracts and registration will be posted on the society website (URL: http://www.sco-soc.ca/) as it becomes available or contact ANDREW BOYNE (EM: Andrew.Boyne@ec.gc.ca) or MARTY LEONARD (EM: mleonard@dal.ca).
20TH TRUMPETER SWAN SOCIETY CONFERENCE **CALL FOR PAPERS** The 20th Trumpeter Swan Society (TTSS) Conference will be held in Council Bluffs, Iowa, 20-22 Oct 2005. The Conference will be co-hosted by TTSS and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and held at Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites at Ameristar. The biennial conferences of TTSS provide the only public forum in North America that brings together private citizens and conservation groups, policy makers, swan managers, and researchers to examine the status and needs of Trumpeter Swans in the U.S. and Canada and to work together to make all populations secure. The focus of the 20th Conference will be the restoration of the Interior Population of Trumpeter Swans. Presentations will examine the restoration accomplishments and lessons learned, the challenges and opportunities that remain, and highlight the role of private/agency partnerships in this effort. In addition, the Conference will include sessions on the biology, habitat concerns, and management of all Trumpeter Swan populations in the U.S. and Canada. Papers and posters that will increase the understanding of the biology and management of Tundra Swans and Mute Swans in North America or their interactions with Trumpeter Swans are also invited. We strongly encourage the private partners involved in Trumpeter Swan restoration, management, and research, as well as the agency managers and biologists to participate. If you are interested in making a presentation at the 20th Conference, please contact MADELEINE LINCK (EM: ttss@threeriversparkdistrict.org, PH: 763-694-7851) for additional information, including presentation guidelines and submission dates.
*4TH INTERNATIONAL HORNBILL CONFERENCE, Mabula Game Lodge, South Africa, 6-9 Nov 2005. Theme: "The Active Management of Hornbills and their Habitats for Conservation." Organized by The Ground Hornbill Research and Conservation Project, South Africa, in association with the Hornbill Research Foundation, Thailand, the Conference will be held at Mabula Game Lodge inside the Mabula Game Reserve, 40 km west of Bela Bela, South Africa and two hours drive north of Johannesburg International Airport. This 4th Conference aims to bring together field researchers from Asia and Africa on the conservation and management of hornbill populations, as well as zoo and bird park curators, veterinarians and all others interested in the field of managenment, reproduction and conservation of hornbills. The Conference will focus on topics such as provision of nest boxes, supplementation of food, captive breeding and husbandry, reintroduction and translocation, genetic analysis, capture and marking, comparison with sympatric species, habitat analysis and habitat alteration. However, there will also be opportunities to report on new information for other aspects of hornbill biology. On the final day there will be two separate sessions, one by the IUCN/SSC Hornbill Specialist Group to identify global problems and priorities for conservation action, and a second on the Ground Hornbills and their conservation in Africa. Papers and posters are welcomed on the Conference theme or other aspects of hornbill biology, and must be submitted to the Conference Organizers by 31 Jul 2005. The registration fee for the Conference is ZAR 2,600.00 (*genuine students ZAR 1,300.00) and is payable to the Conference Organizers by 31 Jul 2005. After that date, registration fees will increase to ZAR 3,000.00 (*genuine students ZAR 1,700.00). This fee includes access to all Conference facilities and documents, an ice-breaker on the first evening, and a copy of the Conference proceednings. Financial aid to attend and participate in the Conference will be sought for deserving participants from developing countries on a case-by-case basis. All participants will be required to stay at the Lodge. The rates for all accommodation are as follows and all payments must be made in South African Rands (ZAR, current exchange rate for rough estimation, US$1.00 = ZAR 5.80). For further information, please visit the Conference Website (URL: http://www.nfi.org.za/Birds/conference/index.html) or contact Conference Organizers: ALAN & MEG KEMP, Postnet Suite #38, Private Bag X19, Menlo Park, 0102 South Africa (PH/FX: +27-12-804-7637, EM: hornbillconference2005@yahoo.co.uk).
*THE SECOND NORTH AMERICAN SEA DUCK CONFERENCE, sponsored by The Sea Duck Joint Venture, is scheduled for 7-11 Nov 2005 at the Loews Annapolis Hotel in Annapolis, Maryland, USA. Various federal and private organizations are also sponsors of this international conference and the USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center (PWRC) is the host agency. This meeting of sea duck scientists from around the world provides a forum to exchange information about sea duck biology and management. The conference will provide a stimulating environment, in which scientists may expand their scientific vision in hopes of a better understanding and conservation of sea ducks. All research disciplines dealing with sea ducks will be considered for oral or poster presentations. Workshops will be conducted on topics including offshore wind farms, contaminants, satellite telemetry, and seaduck harvest (sport and subsistence). Tours available for the conference include Baltimore Inner Harbor (Aquarium), Historic Annapolis (Naval Academy), and the PWRC sea duck colony. A website has been established for more information and includes registration and abstract submission guidelines. (URL: http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/seaduck_conf2005/, EM: SeaDuckConf@usgs.gov). Conference Chair: MATTHEW C. PERRY; Conference Coordinator: ALICIA M. WELLS.
THE WATERBIRD SOCIETY will hold a special meeting in the city of Tainan, Taiwan 24-27 Nov 2005. The theme of the meeting will be Avian Disease and the Migration of Birds. Recent outbreaks of avian influenza in Asia, Europe and North America sparked concern about the transmission between birds and humans. The Waterbird Society will sponsor symposia on avian diseases and bird migration focusing on Asia to understand the evidence for transmission between wild and domestic birds. There will also be symposia on the biology of the black-faced spoonbill, conservation of long-legged wading birds, shorebird migration, and workshops on regional conservation. This meeting promises to be an exciting event with legendary Taiwanese hospitality and a full program of international scientists. You will likely be pleasantly surprised to see how much of the natural beauty of Taiwan remains and field trips are being planned to whet your travel appetite. For more information go to http://www.waterbirds2005.org.
*33RD ANNUAL MEETING OF THE PACIFIC SEABIRD GROUP will be held in Girdwood, AK, during 15-19 Feb 2006.
*GAMEBIRD 2006 - A Joint Conference - Quail VI and Perdix XII. 31 May - 4 Jun 2006 at The University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA. The Warnell School of Forest Resources is hosting Gamebird 2006, an international conference on management of gamebirds. This meeting combines the 6th North American Quail Conference and the 12th Perdix Conference to encourage international collaboration and exchange of ideas. The primary focus of this conference will be ecology of gamebirds in managed ecosystems in the previous focus areas of North America and Europe, but also South America, Africa, and Asia. Participation of biologists involved in all aspects of management and research of gamebirds is encouraged. Please see the conference website for details (URL: http://gallus.forestry.uga.edu/QuailVI/) or contact DR. JOHN P. CARROLL (EM: jcarroll@forestry.uga.edu).
*24TH INTERNATIONAL ORNITHOLOGICAL CONGRESS 2006, 13-19 Aug 2006, Hamburg, Germany. Call for contributed orals, posters and round table discussions is now posted on the website (URL: http://www.ioc.org). Final deadline for contributions is 1 Jul 2005.
*4TH NORTH AMERICAN DUCK SYMPOSIUM AND WORKSHOP, Ramkota Hotel, Bismarck, North Dakota, 23-26 Aug 2006. Organized by North Dakota Game and Fish Department, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Delta Waterfowl, Ducks Unlimited, Inc., USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, North Dakota Chapter of the Wildlife Society, and Bureau of Reclamation. The theme is "Integrating Waterfowl Science and Management." Contact MIKE JOHNSON (EM: mjohnson@state.nd.us PH: 701-328-6319) for additional information or to be put on the email list for future information and announcements.
*4th NORTH AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGICAL CONFERENCE, Veracruz City, Mexico, 3-7 Oct 2006. The 4th NAOC is being organized jointly by the American Ornithologists' Union, Cooper Ornithological Society, Society of Canadian Ornithologists-Société des Ornithologistes du Canada, Association of Field Ornithologists, Wilson Ornithological Society, Waterbird Society, Raptor Research Foundation, and Sección Mexicana del Consejo Internacional para la Preservación de las Aves - CIPAMEX (local host). The conference is also endorsed by the Neotropical Ornithological Society, Pacific Seabird Group, and Society for the Conservation and Study of Caribbean Birds. The conference theme is "Wings without borders". The Steering Committee is co-chaired by CHARLES M. FRANCIS (EM: charles.francis@ec.gc.ca) and JOSÉ LUIS ALCÁNTARA (EM: jlalcant@colpos.mx). The Scientific Program Committee is co-chaired by JOHN FAABORG (University of Missouri, EM: faaborgj@missouri.edu) and J. FRANCISCO ORNELAS (Instituto de Ecología, EM: ornelasj@ecologia.edu.mx). The Scientific Program Committee will issue a call for symposia in the early fall 2005, and the full conference program is expected to be assembled in December 2005. The mailing of the Circular of Information and call for papers will be made in January 2006. The Local Committee is co-chaired by ERNESTO RUELAS INZUNZA (EM: ruelas01@prodigy.net.mx) and JUAN E. MARTÍNEZ GÓMEZ (EM: endemicos_insulares@yahoo.com.mx). The conference will feature a rich scientific program, symposia, plenary lectures, business meetings of societies, and social activities. Pre-and post-conference activities will include training workshops, and birding, culture, and nature tours. Veracruz is home to a rich avifauna, with over 700 species reported for the state, of which >230 species are Neotropical migrants and >20 species are endemic to Mexico. The conference is scheduled to coincide with the peak of the migration season in the world's largest raptor migration bottleneck. Check the NAOC website for updates on organization (URL: http://www.NAOC2006.org).
*10TH AMERICAN WOODCOCK SYMPOSIUM (4-6 Oct 2006), hosted by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources at the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center near Grayling, MI. For more information visit the symposium website (URL: http://www.michigandnr.com/woodcock-symposium/)
VIII NEOTROPICAL ORNITHOLOGICAL CONGRESS will be held in Jun 2007 in Maturín (Monagas, Venezuela) together with the Unión Venezolana de Ornitología and our Secretary General will be Carlos Bosque.
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JOHN CALEEKAL GEORGE died on 1 April 2005 in Guelph, Canada, at the age of 83 after a brief illness. He joined the AOU in 1968, and was elected Elective Member in 1977. John George was Professor and founding Head of the Department of Zoology, University of Baroda, India, (1950-67), and founder in 1963 of the Indian Journal of Ornithology, Pavo.
DR. ALEJANDRO GRAJAL has accepted an appointment as Senior Vice President for Conservation, Education and Training, Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Road, Brookfield IL 60513. USA. PH: 708-485-0263 ext 260, FX: 708-485-1649, EM: Algrajal@Brookfieldzoo.org.
PAUL A. JOHNSGARD received the National Wildlife Federation's 2004 National Conservation Achievement Award (Science) in Washington, DC, on 31 March 2005. Johnsgard has authored 49 books, and more than 100 papers, book chapters, or other scientific publications. The award centered on his long-term conservation efforts involving Nebraska's Platte River and its associated Sandhill Crane habitats. He is a Foundation Professor of Biological Sciences Emeritus at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He was elected as an Elective Member of the American Ornithologists' Union in 1961 and a Fellow in 1970.
AFTER 25 YEARS AS A RESEARCH ASSOCIATE at the LSU Museum of Natural Science, DOUG PRATT is leaving Louisiana to become the new Research Curator of Birds at the North Caroline State Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh, NC. He will move to Raleigh in June, and begin his duties at the museum 1 Jul 2005.
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To correct your address in the membership database please send the new information to the OSNA Business Office, 5400 Bosque Blvd., Suite 680, Waco, TX 76710 (EM: business@osnabirds.org, PH: 254-399-9636, FX: 254-776-3767) or change it yourself online (URL: http://www.osnabirds.org). To alert your colleagues of new address information contact the Ornithological Newsletter Editor, CHERYL L. TRINE (address below).
CHANGES/ADDITIONS:
SCHEIMAN, DANIEL. EM: dscheiman@audubon.org
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The Ornithological Newsletter (ISSN 0274-564X) is published bimonthly by the Ornithological Societies of North America (OSNA) in electronic and paper forms. Membership dues in any OSNA Society include $3.50 for the cost of publication. Separate subscriptions are not available. For application to membership, write the OSNA office, 5400 Bosque Blvd., Suite 680, Waco, TX 76710.
Questions, comments and notices can be sent to Cheryl L. Trine, Ornithological Newsletter Editor at ctrine@andrews.edu
All contents copyright © 2005 The Ornithological Societies of North America. All Rights Reserved.