The Ornithological Newsletter On-Line

ORGANIZATION NEWS

NEW BENEFIT FOR AOU MEMBERS: you can now access 'Birds of North America Online' through the AOU website. BNA Online normally costs $40/year, but as an AOU member you get it free! Also, free to the public, the full, 829 page AOU Check‑list of North American Birds 7th edition is now available online, as well as a set of pdf files

AOU SILENT AUCTION–The American Ornithologists' Union will be holding its first ever silent auction at the next meeting in Laramie, Wyoming (8 ‑ 11 Aug 2007). This event is intended to raise funds for Student Affairs Committee (SAC) events at future meetings. For the past 2 years, the SAC has organized student events such as workshops, mentor programs, student‑professional lunches, and a quiz bowl in order to increase student involvement and participation at the meetings. We hope to continue to provide activities at the annual meetings that are relevant and of interest to students, and we are hoping to fund these events via the silent auction. We are currently requesting donations for the auction, so look around your offices and attics (and those of your friends) for items that would appeal to our members, such as items with biology and ornithology themes. Other items will also be accepted. This is the perfect venue for those items that are so useful that you cannot throw them away, yet you have not used yourself in a while. Also, we know that in addition to all your scientific and technical skills, many of you (and your loved ones) have creative talents as well. This is the perfect opportunity for you to showcase your talent by donating to a good cause one (or two!) of those wildlife photographs, collectibles, specialty items, or crafts and artworks that you are so proud of. Below is a list of the sorts of items we are looking for: Books and field guides ‑ New and used (good condition); Vintage, hard‑to‑get, out of print, or autographed books are especially welcome; Art and photography (paintings, sculpture, tapestries, etc...); Teaching/training materials; Memorabilia from past meetings; Services ‑ Consulting (statistics, lab, methods, etc...); Jewelry; Calendars; Decorations; Greeting cards; Posters; T‑shirts; Binoculars; Field equipment; Software ‑ Statistics, data collection, etc...; Videos/DVD's; Items from field sites and zoo gift shops. If anyone has suitable items they would like to donate, they are asked to contact the auction organizers: MELANIE COLON (EM: colonm@u.washington.edu) or VICKI GARCIA (EM: vga@email.arizona.edu). Items will be on display until noon, 11 August, at which time the highest bidder wins the item. Cash and credit cards will be accepted. So, whether you donate or not, be sure to stop by the auction and see if anything catches your eye!

AOU ELECTIVE MEMBERS AND FELLOWS should receive ballots for Elective Member nominees in late May or early June. Fellows or EMs who do not receive a ballot by 15 Jun should request one from SCOTT GILLIHAN (EM: aouExecutiveOfficer@aou.org; PH: 505‑326‑1579). Ballots must be returned by mail to the Secretariat by three weeks before the Stated Meeting (i.e., by 18 Jul 2007) and the names of newly‑elected ELECTIVE MEMBERS will be announced at the Business Meeting of Members on 9 Aug 2007 at the University of Wyoming in Laramie. In July 2007, FELLOWS will be sent balloting and other information related to their upcoming meeting (8 Aug 2007 at the University of Wyoming), during which they will elect new Fellows and conduct other business. Contact Secretary Sara Morris (EM: aousecretary@aou.org) for more information.

AOU OFFICERS AND ELECTIVE COUNCILORS WILL BE ELECTED by electronic and postal ballots this year. In June, all members will receive a postcard detailing the election process. Biographies of all officer and elective councilor nominees will be available on the AOU website (URL: http://www.aou.org). Any member preferring a paper ballot, should contact SCOTT GILLIHAN (EM: aouExecutiveOfficer@aou.org; PH: 505‑326‑1579) after 1 Jun. Balloting will end 18 Jul 2007. The names of newly‑elected OFFICERS AND ELECTIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS will be announced at the Business Meeting of Members on 9 Aug 2007 at the University of Wyoming in Laramie.

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NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

SAMPLING WORKSHOPS–The Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling (CREEM) is hosting three linked workshops 15‑25 Aug 2007 in our purpose‑built facilities at the University of St Andrews, Scotland. The aim of these workshops is to train participants in the latest methods for design and analysis of distance sampling surveys, including line and point transects. The workshops are taught by leading researchers in the field, using industry‑standard software. The first workshop (3.5 days 15‑18 Aug) will run at an introductory level, and will focus on "conventional" distance sampling methods, as described in the standard reference book Introduction to Distance Sampling. The second workshop (3 days 20‑22 Aug) will cover recent advances in distance sampling research and software. The third workshop (2.5 days 23‑25 Aug) will focus on methods of predicting abundance or density of biological data using the "count" method of Hedley and Buckland (2004, Chapter 4 of the Advanced Distance Sampling book). For all three workshops, participants are encouraged to bring their own data sets, and can expect to do some preliminary analyses with their data. Computer sessions take place in our modern computer classroom (attached to the seminar room); participants can use our computers or bring their own laptop computers. For further information, please consult our website (URL: http://www.ruwpa.st‑and.ac.uk/distance.workshops/index2007.html)

CALL FOR PROPOSALS – NESCent Sabbatical Scholars, Working Groups and Catalysis Groups–The National Evolutionary Synthesis Center (NESCent) is now accepting proposals for sabbatical scholars, working groups and catalysis meetings. Proposals are accepted twice a year, with 15 Jun and 1 Dec deadlines. Proposals for post‑doctoral fellowships are accepted at the 1 Dec deadline. Proposals for short‑term visitors are considered four times a year, with deadlines on 1 Jan, 1 Apr, 1 Jul, and 1 Sep. For more information, please see our website (URL: https://www.nescent.org/science/proposals.php).

THE ASSOCIATION OF AVIAN VETERINARIANS is welcoming submissions for ‘Notes from the Field’, a subsection of the Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery (JAMS) dedicated to stories from veterinarians, researchers, and support staff who are engaged in avian conservation, field research, or other field activities. JAMS is published on a quarterly basis. The goal of this section is to inspire others to get involved with avian conservation efforts. We are offering an honorarium of $250 for each accepted manuscript (one per issue) for publishing in the journal. Please make submissions to SCOTT FORD, DVM, ABVP‑Avian by e‑mail (EM: akeaglevet@yahoo.com). Selection Criteria: *Submissions should be made by individuals of any education level who are directly involved in avian conservation or field research efforts. Those that highlight the use or advancement of medical sciences will be preferred. *Submissions must not condone activities that violate the policies (e.g., AAV or AVMA statements) or laws (national or international) that pertain to the ethical treatment and international movement of animals. *Submissions should conform to the “Instructions to Authors” guidelines that appear in each issue of the Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery. *Preference will be given to submissions that encourage participation or illustrate methods by which the “average person” can get involved in conservation efforts.

NABC CERTIFICATION SESSION–Eastern Bird Banding Association is scheduling its next NABC certification session at the Bander level for up to four candidates seeking or already possessing U. S. or Canadian banding permits or subpermits; and at the Trainer level for up to three candidates who have already achieved NABC Bander certification for 5‑7 Oct 2007 at Braddock Bay Bird Observatory near Rochester, NY. Applications may be obtained from and submitted, no later than 25 Aug, to ELIZABETH W. BROOKS, 5540 Jericho Hill Road, Alfred Station, NY 14803 (EM:: brookser@infoblvd.net, PH: 607‑587‑9571). NABC manuals and further details are available from the NABC website (URL: http://www.nabanding.net/nabanding/). Accepted candidates will be notified no later than 1 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; however, for those not able to do so, the examination may be taken at BBBO by prior arrangement, and passage of the examination is required in order to do the field evaluation at BBBO. Trainer candidates who have already passed Bander certification 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). ROBERT P. YUNICK, (EM: anneboby@aol.com).

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NEWS FROM THE ORNITHOLOGICAL COUNCIL

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.

OC NOMINATES ORNITHOLOGIST CLAIT BRAUN to USFWS advisory committee on wind energy–The United States Fish and Wildlife Service is forming a federal advisory committee to guide the agency in a review of its voluntary siting guidelines for wind energy farms. These guidelines are intended to help the industry mitigate the impacts of wind energy on wildlife. The Ornithological Council, believing that this effort required strong ornithological expertise, was pleased to nominate Clait Braun, who has not only served on the National Wind Coordinating Committee's Grassland and Shrub Steppe Species subcommittee, but who also has extensive experience in multistakeholder processes, having chaired the USDA's federal advisory committee for Wildlife Services.

ORNITHOLOGY ON CAPITOL HILL ‑ OC is preparing to participate in the annual Congressional Exhibit and Reception organized by the Coalition for National Science Funding. This coalition advocates for increased funding for the National Science Foundation. This year, we are likely to spotlight the Migration Interest Group: Research Applied toward Education (MIGRATE) Research Coordination Network, whose principal investigators include ornithologists Jeff Kelly, Sarah Mabey, Frank Moore, Tom Smith, and Martin Wikelski.

BIRDWALK FOR CONGRESS AND THE ADMINISTRATION ‑ The Ornithological Council and the Smithsonian Ornithology Initiative, together with co‑organizer American Bird Conservancy, hosted the third annual Congressional Birdwalk to celebrate International Migratory Bird Day. Led by the Honorable Hank Paulson and Wendy Paul, who served as honorary co‑hosts, and by celebrity birder Scott Weidensaul, guests included P. Lynn Scarlett (Deputy Secretary of the Interior), USFWS Director Dale Hall, and Mark Rey, the USDA Deputy Undersecretary for Natural Resources, as well as several Congressional staffers. The event was first conceived of by OC Chair David Blockstein and serves as an opportunity for government officials to develop an appreciation for birds and for the scientific and conservation organizations to build relationships with these officials. Loaner nocs were generously supplied by Brunton.

OC, NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY HOST APHIS STAFFERS ‑ In May, the Ornithological Council and the Divisions of Birds and Mammals of the National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) organized a training session for Veterinary Regulatory Services staffers of the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. These staffers act mainly as the liaison between the scientists within the Federal Government and the officers of the Customs and Border Protection (Department of Homeland Security), who serve at the ports, inspecting and clearing imports of wildlife specimens and related material. Other guests included two members of the staff of the APHIS Veterinary Services program, which is the office that develops the policies and procedures controlling the import of specimens. The primary purpose of the visit by the staffers to the NMNH was to learn about the origin, treatment and preservation, and use of specimens. The opportunity to provide this training arose out of a relationship of several years duration between the OC and Veterinary Services, culminating in the publication of OC's Imports Permit Guide (URL: http://www.nmnh.si.edu/BIRDNET/PERMITS.html). As a result of this training session, the OC is in discussions with APHIS about additional training programs that will include the Customs and Border Protection staff.

OC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR INVITED TO ADDRESS WORLD CONGRESS ON ANIMAL WELFARE ‑ The 6th World Congress on Alternatives and Animal Use in the Life Sciences invited OC Executive Director Ellen Paul to give a talk on the application of animal welfare policies and oversight practices to ornithological research specifically and field biology generally. The Congress will be held in Tokyo.

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES PASSES LEGISLATION PROTECTING FEDERAL SCIENTISTS ‑ In March, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 331 to 94 to approve Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act (H.R.985 ). Similar action by the Senate (on S. 508) would send the bill to President Bush, who has threatened to veto the legislation. The bill would grant federal scientists and contractors the right to expose political interference in their research without fear of retaliation. The House also approved an amendment by Rep. Bart Stupak (D‑Mich.) giving scientists the right to present their research at conferences and in peer‑reviewed journals. Francesca Grifo, senior scientist and director of the Scientific Integrity Program at the Union of Concerned Scientists said of the House bill, " Today, both Republicans and Democrats stood up to protect the brave scientists who expose political interference in their work. The resounding bipartisan support for this bill should embolden the Senate to pass similar legislation and send it quickly to the president's desk."

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GRANTS AND AWARDS

FOR INFORMATION ON CONTINUING GRANTS PROGRAMS relevant to ornithological research, visit: http://www.nmnh.si.edu/BIRDNET/Grants/index.html.

FULBRIGHT SCHOLAR PROGRAM FOR US FACULTY AND PROFESSIONALS–The Fulbright Scholar Program is offering 48 lecturing, research or combined lecturing/research awards in the biological sciences during the 2008‑2009 academic year. U.S. Fulbright Scholars in 150 countries and all regions of the world enjoy an experience of a lifetime, one that provides a broad cultural perspective on their academic disciplines and connects them with colleagues at institutions around the globe. Awards range from two months to an academic year. Faculty and professionals in biology may apply not only for awards specifically in their field, but also for one of the many "All Discipline" awards open to any field. Grants are awarded to faculty of all academic ranks, including adjunct and emeritus. In most countries lecturing is in English, though awards in Latin America, Francophone Africa, and the Middle East may require proficiency in another language. The application deadline for Fulbright traditional lecturing and research grants worldwide is 1 Aug 2007. U.S. citizenship is required. For other eligibility requirements, detailed award descriptions, and an application, visit our website at (URL: http://www.cies.org), or send a request for materials to (EM: apprequest@cies.iie.org).

DENNIS RAVELING SCHOLARSHIP–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 October 2007. 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. All entries should be single-sided with no staples PLEASE Mail or email to: California Waterfowl Association, ATTN: Nicole Berset, 4630 Northgate Blvd., Suite 150. Sacramento, CA 95834.

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PUBLICATIONS AVAILABLE

CONDORS IN CANYON COUNTRY: The Return of the California Condor to the Grand Canyon Region, Sophie A. H. Osborn. Grand Canyon Association. ; 160 pages, 9 1/2" x 9", full color illustrations. ISBN‑10: 0‑938216‑87‑2; ISBN‑13: 978‑0‑938216‑87‑2; Hardcover; $29.95. ISBN‑10: 0‑938216‑98‑8; ISBN‑13: 978‑0‑938216‑98‑8; Softcover edition; $18.95. Sophie A. H. Osborn's groundbreaking book, Condors in Canyon Country, tells the tragic but ultimately, triumphant story of the condors of the Grand Canyon Region. The book's kaleidoscopic photographs of these huge birds flying free over the Southwest are nearly as breathtaking as seeing California condors live. Condors in Canyon Country is available on the Grand Canyon Association's website (URL: http://www.grandcanyon.org) or at your favorite book retailer.

WATERBIRDS AROUND THE WORLD, Edited by Gerard Boere, Colin Galbraith and David Stroud, 2007. Publisher: Stationery Office. 940 pages, ISBN: 0114973334, hardcover, £50. In 2004, the Conference ‘Waterbirds around the World’ was held in Edinburgh. The aim of the presentations and discussions was to review the protection, management and study of the world’s waterbird species and the migration routes that they use. The main conclusion was that urgent action is necessary to halt and reverse wetland loss and degradation, and to strengthen networks of key sites for waterbirds. The conference resulted in publication of this new book, which is a current global assessment, to be used here and now, in addressing contemporary conservation issues. The book, edited by staff from JNCC, Scottish Natural Heritage and Wetlands International, and pulling together the work of 452 authors from 59 countries, gives a telling insight into the status of the world’s waterbird species and their migration routes. The news is mixed for species conservation, but the publication gives a wealth of recommendations for future international nature policy. The publication is available for download at (URL: http://www.jncc.gov.uk/worldwaterbirds). Or order your copy from THE STATIONARY OFFICE, (URL: http://www.tsoshop.co.uk/bookstore.asp?FO=1159966&Action=Book&ProductID=0114973334&From=SearchResults).

WILD GOOSE DILEMMAS: Population Consequences of Individual Decisions in Barnacle Geese, Black JM, Prop J & Larsson K 2007. Branta Press. Groningen, The Netherlands. A new Animal Behavior / Behavioral Ecology text offered by independent publisher. A culmination of over 25 years of barnacle goose research, with old highlights and new and exciting findings. This book is about an amazing array of individual characteristics that exist in barnacle goose societies ‑ characteristics that yield different abilities when surviving breeding attempts and long migrations. Describing their many qualities and attributes, from mate choices to habitat preferences, the authors provide insight into the rich lives of these social animals. Wild geese face one dilemma after another regarding ways and means for making ends meet. The story line focuses on two populations. One has recovered from its once threatened status and the other is equally remarkable, having abandoned an arctic lifestyle in favor of southern nesting areas. Available in North America ($35 + p&p) via online shopping at the HSU Bookstore (URL: http://www.hsubookstore.com/ then choose Humboldt Books, Humboldt Campus Local Authors, Wild Goose Dilemmas), and in Europe via (EM: info@brantapress.nl).

MARSHES: The Disappearing Edens, by William Burt, 2007. Yale University Press. 192 pp, 92 color illustrations. ISBN: 9780300122299; Hardcover, $35.00. Burt has been photographing the unique wild beauty of the marshes for thirty years. This volume is a presentation of 90 of his most striking photographs. He also offers his reflections on the marshes he has visited. His photographs explore all aspects and seasons of marsh life but focus especially on such shy inhabitants as rails, bitterns, grebes, and gallinules. Burt’s narrative invokes the marshes of the past and compares them to todays’s. Available from Yale University Press (URL: http://yalepress.yale.edu/yupbooks/home.asp).

PEREGRINE QUEST: from a Naturalist¹s Field Notebook by Clayton White. 2006. Western Sporting Publications. 390 Pages + Front Matter. Full color images throughout, 6 x 9 inches, hardbound, color dust wrapper.$32.95. This is the story of a naturalist and noted authority on the Peregrine Falcon who spent his lifetime studying this species throughout the world in locations including Utah, Alaska, South America, Australia, Fiji, and others. The narrative is taken from Clayton White¹s field notes and relates experiences that took place during his 50 years of global travel. The story integrates ethics of landscape stewardship along with information about the falcon in various geographic locations. The book is available by calling 1‑888‑FLY‑HAWK.

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MEETINGS

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

2007 ANNUAL MEETING OF THE COOPER ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY, will be held at the Holiday Inn in Moscow, Idaho, 19‑23 Jun, 2007. All details of the meeting, including on‑line registration, accommodations, travel tips, etc., can be found on the official meeting website: (URL: http://www.dfa.uidaho.edu/ceis/conferences/cooper/default.asp). This site will continue to be the source of the most up‑to‑date information concerning the conference, including details of the scientific program as it evolves. If you have additional questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the conference organizers, KERRI VIERLING, Chair of the Local Committee, and STEVE KNICK, Chair of the Scientific Committee.

16TH REGIONAL MEETING OF THE SOCIETY FOR THE CONSERVATION AND STUDY OF CARIBBEAN BIRDS, 18‑24 Jul 2007, San Juan, Puerto Rico. The meeting, organized locally by the Puerto Rican Ornithological Society (La Sociedad Ornitológica Puertorriqueña) will feature technical paper sessions, symposia, workshops and Working Group meetings on bird research, management and conservation work in the Caribbean, as well as mid‑ and post‑conference field trips to enjoy Puerto Rico's rich bird life. Visit the society website (URL: http://www.scscb.org) and click on "News" for forthcoming information.

THE ASSOCIATION OF FIELD ORNITHOLOGISTS' 2007 MEETING will be held at the University of Maine in Orono 26‑29 Jul 2007. Information about the meeting, pre‑ and post‑meeting trips, and the Gulf of Maine region will be available on the AFO website (URL: http://www.afonet.org/) soon. Contact REBECCA HOLBERTON, Laboratory of Avian Biology, Dept. Biological Sci., Univ. of Maine, Orono, ME 04469 (EM: rebecca.holberton@maine.edu, PH: 207‑581‑2526), for more information.
125TH STATED MEETING OF THE AOU will be held at the University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, 8‑11 Aug 2007. Information about the meeting can be found on-line (URL: http://www.aou.org/meetings/2007/index.php3).

RAPTOR RESEARCH FOUNDATION and HAWK MIGRATION ASSOCIATION OF NORTH AMERICA JOINT CONFERENCE IN 2007. The RRF 2007 annual conference will be held in conjunction with the HMANA tri‑annual conference in Allentown, Pennsylvania, hosted by Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Association. The conference dates, 12‑16 Sep 2007, are timed to enjoy the annual broad‑winged hawk and osprey migration through eastern Pennsylvania with daily counts of over 1,000 birds possible. The meeting will be held at the Fogelsville Holiday Inn Conference Center, strategically located near the base of the Kittatinny Mountain, a world‑renown flyway for raptors and songbirds. Field trips to several migration watch sites such as Hawk Mountain, Bake Oven Knob, Cape May, are planned. A special symposium on the status of North American Raptors will be held on Saturday and Pat and Clay Sutton will deliver the keynote address on Thursday. A symposium on the American Kestrel is planned for Thursday. For further details contact local organizing committee chair LAURIE GOODRICH (EM: Goodrich@hawkmtn.org) or check the website (URL: http://www.hawkmountain.org).

IV INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON BREEDING BIRDS IN CAPTIVITY, 12 ‑ 16 Sep 2007, Toronto, Canada. It will be 20 years since the last conference of its kind, held in Los Angeles in 1987. Much has changed in the world of aviculture, zoology, ornithology and conservation. It is our goal to again bring forward the wealth of information, experiences and socialization these conferences had years ago and to honor one of the centuries greatest assets to our community – Dr. Jean Delacour. Symposium topics will vary greatly, however an emphasis will be placed on the role of aviculture in the conservation of avian biodiversity and the educational aspects and potential of birds in captivity. Various natural history and husbandry issues will be covered extensively. For more information visit (URL: http://www.isbbc.org/).

THE 2007 Meeting of the SOCIETY OF CANADIAN ORNITHOLOGISTS / SOCIÉTÉ DES ORNITHOLOGISTES DU CANADA will be held 27‑29 Sep 2007 at the Queen’s University Biological Station on Lake Opinicon, Ontario, Canada. Information and updates on registration, accommodations and abstract submission will be posted regularly to the SCO / SOC website (URL: http://www.sco‑soc.ca/). For more information, contact local host JOE NOCERA, Biology Dept., Queen’s Univ., Kingston, ON, Canada, K7L 3N6 (EM: nocerajj@biology.queensu.ca, PH: 613‑533‑6000, ext 77593).

The 27TH MEETING OF THE PRAIRIE GROUSE TECHNICAL COUNCIL will be held in Chamberlain, South Dakota, 8 -10 Oct 2007. The purpose of the meeting is to: (1) gather the Technical Committee to identify, discuss, and implement management issues of prairie grouse; (2) provide an atmosphere where managers and biologists working with prairie grouse can gather and exchange information; (3) promote information sharing from current research; and (4) foster the integration of science into the implementation of management for prairie grouse. We are issuing a call for papers and posters to be included in the meeting scientific sessions. Abstracts should be no longer than 1 page (single spaced). Electronically (MS Word format) submit your presentation title and abstract to: KC JENSEN, Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007 (EM: kent.jensen@sdstate.edu). If there are questions you can contact KC at (PH: 605-688‑4781). The deadline for submission of abstracts for inclusion in the scientific sessions is 1 Aug 2007. Information on travel, lodging, and other conference information can be found on the conference web page (URL: http://wfs.sdstate.edu).

*ABS, the NORTH AMERICAN BLUEBIRD SOCIETY, is proud to present its 30th Annual Convention, “NABS 2007 ‑ BLUEBIRD PARTNERSHIPS ‑ SCIENCE OF BLUEBIRDS,” 20‑23 Sep 2007, at the University of Georgia Center of Continuing Education, Athens, GA. Details of all presentations and field trips, including an on line Registration form, can be found on the NABS website (URL: http://www.nabluebirdsociety.org) or contact HELEN MUNRO (EM: nabs2007@nabluebirdsociety.org, PH: 910-673‑6936). An international array of scientists and researchers will make presentations, covering all three species of Bluebirds, on Breeding Biology; Ecology, Behavior & Genetics of Birds, and Physiological & Population Stress on Wildlife. Other topics include invasive fire ants, the biology of sparrows, paper wasps and utilization of the web for species cataloging. Pre, Mid and Post Conference field trips which include the Aquarium in Atlanta, the State Botanical Gardens and Stone Mountain will also be available to Registrants.

*9th BIENNIAL CONFERENCE OF RESEARCH ON THE COLORADO PLATEAU will be held on 29 Oct ‑ 1 Nov 2007 at Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona. The conference focuses on research and resource management efforts related to the physical, cultural, and biological resources of the Southwestern United States, with a special emphasis on the Colorado Plateau. Conference activities include meetings of partner organizations, sessions on special scientific and management issues, oral and poster presentations, and evening social gatherings. In addition to the special sessions and invited presentations, the conference will include contributed presentations from researchers, managers, and others involved in science and resources management on the Plateau. Anyone interested in presenting an oral paper or poster is invited to do submit an abstract. For additional information visit the conference website (URL: http://sbsc.wr.usgs.gov/cprs/news_info/meetings/biennial/2007/index.asp#maincontent) or contact SCOTT DURST (EM: scott.durst@nau.edu).

*31st ANNUAL MEETING OF THE WATERBIRD SOCIETY will be held 30 Oct – 3 Nov 2007 at the Historic Building of the University of Barcelona, Spain. Three full days of scientific sessions are planned, including 6 symposia (contact information listed for symposia with openings remaining): “Waterbirds as Indicators of Global Change”, “Avian Diseases: The Role of Waterbirds” (MIKE ERWIN, EM: rme5g@cms.mail.virginia.edu), “Spatiotemporal Distribution of Seabirds in Offshore Marine Environments” (JACOB GONZALEZ‑SOLIS, EM: jgsolis@ub.edu), “Phylogeography and Population Genetics of Seabirds: Implications for Conservation” (ELENA GOMEZ‑DIAZ, EM: elegomez@ub.edu), “Rice and Waterbirds: Science, Management, and Conservation” (KATHY PARSONS, EM: parsonsk@manomet.org), and “Comparative Demographics of Temperate and Tropical Roseate Terns”. The meeting also will feature plenary addresses by Dr. John Croxall (“From Local Science to Global Conservation: Perspectives from Southern Ocean Seabirds”) and Dr. Keith Hobson (“Isotopic dabbling in the lives of Waterbirds”). Field trips are planned to various areas along the Mediterranean coast, including one full‑day excursion to the rice fields of the Ebro delta, an important breeding and feeding site for herons, egrets, ducks, waders, shorebirds, gulls, flamingos, coots, and moorhens. Registration information can be accessed through the Society’s web page on BIRDNET, or directly at http://www.wbs2007.org. For more information about the scientific program, contact DAVE SHEALER (EM: david.shealer@loras.edu).

WORLD OWL CONFERENCE: Owls, Ambassadors for the Protection of Nature in their Changing Landscapes will be held in Groningen, The Netherlands, 31 Oct – 4 Nov 2007, and is hosted by Birdlife International in The Netherlands, the Global Owl Project and the World Owl Trust. A workshop on Owl Survey and Monitoring Techniques will be held on 31 October followed by three days of science, one day birding and evening social events, and a post‑conference tour. Please check out our website for further details and tell others about this event. We hope to see you there! http://www.worldowlconference.com

4th BIENNIAL AUSTRALASIAN ORNITHOLOGICAL CONFERENCE – Call for Papers and Expressions of Interest: The Fourth Biennial Australasian Ornithological Conference will be held at the University of Western Australia in Perth, Western Australia, 3-5 Dec 2007, hosted by The Western Australian group of Birds Australia (RAOU). Post‑conference field excursions will be available. For more information visit http://www.birdswa.com.au/aoc2007 or by write to the conference coordinator: S. MATHER, Birds Australia Western Australia, 167 Perry Lakes Drive, Floreat, WA 6014 Australia (EM: aoc2007@birdswa.com.au; PH: +61 (0)8 93896416).

4TH INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS IN FLIGHT CONFERENCE will be held 13‑16 Feb 2008, at the new McAllen Convention Center in McAllen, Texas. The conference theme is Tundra to Tropics: Connecting Birds, Habitats and People, which will be shared with International Migratory Bird Day (URL: http://www.birdday.org/) for 2008. The focus of the conference will be international connections of all sorts that further bird and habitat conservation throughout the Western Hemisphere. Concurrent paper sessions will focus on issues in bird conservation and will be of two types, 1) standard sessions typical of scientific society meetings, and 2) sessions followed by a facilitated discussion session. The goal of each of the latter sessions will be to produce a strategic action plan to be distributed to all partners within weeks of the conference. Details will be posted on the Partners in Flight web site (URL: http://www.partnersinflight.org). In the mean time, contact TERRY RICH with inquiries (EM: terry_rich@fws.gov).

*12TH BIENNIAL ALASKA BIRD CONFERENCE will be held in Fairbanks, Alaska, 4‑7 Mar 2008. Suggestions for pre‑conference workshops, special sessions, and associated meetings are now being accepted. Conference details will be posted on the Alaska Bird Observatory website as they become available (URL: http://www.alaskabird.org). For further details contact local organizing committee chair NANCY DEWITT (EM: ndewitt@alaskabird.org).

*THE 2008 ANNUAL MEETING OF THE WILSON ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY, will be held 18‑20 Apr in Mobile Alabama, an important trans‑Gulf migration site. This will be a joint meeting with the Association of Field Ornithologists. The local host, FRANK MOORE, may be reached at the Dept. of Biological Sciences, University of Southern Mississippi, 118 College Drive, Box 5018, Hattiesburg, MS 39406 USA; (PH:: 601‑266‑4748; EM: Frank.Moore@usm.edu).

*CONFERENCE AND CALL FOR PAPERS: Ingestion of Spent Lead Ammunition: Implications for Wildlife and Humans. Convened by The Peregrine Fund, 12‑15 May 2008, At Boise State University, Boise, Idaho. The goal of the conference is to promote a better understanding of ingested spent lead ammunition as a source of lead exposure and to reduce its effect on wildlife and humans. For details, visit (URL: http://www.peregrinefund.org/Lead_conference/). For a flyer to post on bulletin boards, visit: (URL: http://www.peregrinefund.org/Lead_conference/Flyer%20March08.pdf), Or contact: The Peregrine Fund, 5668 West Flying Hawk Lane, Boise, Idaho 83709 (PH: 208-362‑3716, EM: tpf@peregrinefund.org).

*JOINT MEETING OF THE AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION, COOPER ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY, AND THE SOCIETY OF CANADIAN ORNITHOLOGISTS ‑ will take place 6‑9 Aug 2008 in Portland, Oregon. This meeting will commemorate the 125th anniversary of the AOU and special events are being planned to celebrate this notable event. A website is in preparation and will be used for abstract submission and registration. Members will receive an e‑mail notification as soon as the website is available. The meeting organizers are planning a green meeting. Among the measures being taken to reduce the carbon cost and other environmental impacts of the meeting are the selection of a Green Seal Lodging Property (the Hilton Portland). To save paper and costs, the Circular of Information will be mailed only to members who do not use e‑mail. The hotel and nearly all events associated with the meeting are all accessible via the MAX rail (public transportation; free in the downtown area). Numerous special events for students, including receptions and a special luncheon are planned. Meeting partners include: Oregon State University, Portland State University, University of Portland, U.S. Geological Survey, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, Oregon Zoo, Portland Audubon Society, and the Audubon Society of Corvallis.

THIRD NORTH AMERICAN SEA DUCK CONFERENCE will be held in Québec City, Canada, on 10‑14 Nov 2008. It will be hosted by the Canadian Wildlife Service (Québec Region), in partnership with the non‑profit organization Regroupement QuébecOiseaux. Additional information on the conference is available on the following web site (URL: http://www.seaduckconference2008.org), or use the following contacts: MICHEL ROBERT (Chair of the Organizing committee; EM: michel.robert@ec.gc.ca, PH: 418‑649‑8071); JEAN‑PIERRE L. SAVARD (Chair of the Scientific committee; EM: jean‑pierre.savard@ec.gc.ca, PH: 418‑648‑3500).

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