The Ornithological Newsletter On-Line

ORGANIZATION NEWS

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 16 Jul 2008) and the names of newly-elected ELECTIVE MEMBERS will be announced at the Business Meeting of Members on 6 Aug 2008 at the Portland Hilton in Portland, Oregon. FELLOWS will be sent a separate mailing that includes information related to their upcoming meeting (4 Aug 2008 at the Portland Hilton), during which they will elect new Fellows, vote on By-Laws changes, and conduct other business. Contact Secretary SARA MORRIS (EM: aousecretary@aou.org) for more information.

APPOINTMENT OF EDITOR OF WATERBIRDS, the international journal of the Waterbird Society. The current Editor of Waterbirds is retiring at the end of 2008 and the Society wishes to appoint a new Editor to begin duties in October this year. Applications from suitably qualified persons will be considered by the Society. Waterbirds receives about 200 papers a year. The journal is issued quarterly and consists of about 650 pages annually, made up of about 70 peer reviewed scientific papers. In addition, Special Issues are produced at irregular intervals. The duties of the Editor are to (1) receive manuscripts, read them and arrange reviews; (2) After review, make a decision on the manuscript, inform the authors and request any revisions required; (3) monitor revisions by the authors and ensure the paper conforms to Waterbirds format requirements, then place the manuscript in line for publication; (4) edit papers, select size and format for tables and figures, and for each quarterly issue, choose 17-20 papers to be printed; (5) collate corrections on proofs sent to authors, and check final proofs; (6) publish Special Issues as and when these are submitted. Currently, editorial duties require about 20 hours per week. Waterbirds intends to move to an electronic submission/tracking format in near future, and the new Editor will be an integral part of the transition process. An annual honorarium will be available to the Editor, as will an additional budget to cover editorial expenses. The Editor is an ex-officio member of Council. Requests for further information and application should be made by email to Dr. JOHN COULSON (EM: JohnCoulson1@compuserve.com).

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 16 Jul 2008. The names of newly-elected OFFICERS AND ELECTIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS will be announced at the Business Meeting of Members on 6 Aug 2008 at the Portland Hilton.

THE WILSON ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY held its annual meeting 17-20 Apr 2008, in joint session with the Association of Field Ornithologists. The 2008 Margaret Morse Nice Medal was awarded to Jerome A. Jackson, who presented the plenary lecture "Thinking like a mountain, seeing like a woodpecker: behavioral ecology and conservation of woodpeckers." The scientific program included 51 papers organized into eight sessions, 47 posters, and a symposium consisting of 8 papers on migration and coastal ecology. Wilson Ornithological Society Student Travel Awards were won by Ryan Burdge and Mikaela Howie, College of William and Mary; Jason Courter, Ian Horn, and Christine Lattin, Eastern Kentucky University; Peggy Buckley, Katie Chmielowiec, Maura Hanna, Jason Jacobs, Bethany Stephan, Amanda Stockwell, and Ryanne Sullivan, Canisius College; Stacy Stefan, College of Charleston; Eric Beck, Cameron University; Damion Marx, Florida Atlantic University; Emily Runnells, Hobart and William Smith; Kristen Lear, Jack Stenger, Sean Williams, and Meredith Wilson, Ohio Wesleyan University; Vince Cavalieri, Oklahoma State University; Bethany Belock and Kim Martinczack, Saint Mary's College; Charles Clarkson, University of Virginia; Curtis Burney and Erik Johnson, Louisiana State University; Bruce Hitch, Auburn University; and Katy Forgues, Trent University. The Alexander Wilson Prize for the best student oral presentation was awarded to Curtis W. Budney, Louisiana State University, for "Comparative phylogeography of Neotropical birds: ecology predicts levels of genetic differentiation." The Lynds Jones Prize for best student poster presentation was awarded to Zoltán Németh, University of Southern Mississippi, for "Phenotypic organ flexibility around the annual cycle in two Nearctic-Neotropical migratory thrush species." Kelly Hallinger, College of William and Mary, received the Nancy Klamm Best Undergraduate Student Oral Paper Award for “Lifetime fitness of Tree Swallows exposed to aquatic mercury,” and Jack M. Stenger, Ohio Wesleyan University, received the Nancy Klamm Best Undergraduate Student Poster Award for "The bacterial degradation of phaeomelanic and eumelanic feathers." Andrés Cuervo, Louisiana State University, won the Louis Agassiz Fuertes Award for the study "The evolutionary assembly of a species rich avifauna: avian speciation and differentiation in the Andean cloud forest." Paul A. Stewart Awards were received by Anya Illes, University of Washington, for “Do female Stripe-headed Sparrows outsing their mates during territorial incursions?”; Irene Liu, Duke University, for “Female eavesdropping and male song type matching in a songbird”; Trina Schneider-Bayard, University of Connecticut, for “Quantifying cues: testing the influence of social cues on habitat selection behavior”; and Andrea Townsend, Cornell University, for “Optimal dynamics of sociality, relatedness, and parasites in American Crows: linking theoretical predictions with empirical data." The Edwards Prize for the best paper published in volume 119 (2007) of The Wilson Journal of Ornithology was awarded to James A. Cox and Gary L. Slater for "Cooperative breeding in the Brown-headed Nuthatch. Richard C. Banks received the 2008 William and Nancy Klamm Service Award. The following candidates were elected as Members of Council for 2008-2011: Jameson F. Chace, Sara R. Morris, and Margaret A. Voss. The 2009 annual meetings of the WILSON ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY and THE ASSOCIATION OF FIELD ORNITHOLOGISTS will be held jointly 8-12 Apr 2009 in Pittsburgh, PA.

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NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

CALL FOR PAPERS–The Western Bird Banding Association (WBBA) is currently accepting abstracts for papers and posters to be presented at the 2008 annual meeting in Boise, Idaho, 5-7 Sep 2008. Presentations should reflect original research or summarize existing information and should address the use of banding as a tool in avian research and monitoring. All presentations should identify study objectives, describe study methods and data analysis, discuss the significance of the research, and propose future research directions. Please submit abstracts electronically by 15 Jul to (EM: Michael_J_Boyles@nps.gov) For additional information on abstract submission and about WBBA's 2008 meeting, please visit the WBBA website (URL: http://www.westernbirdbanding.org/next-meetings.html).

CALL FOR ABSTRACTS AND EARLY REGISTRATION for the 32nd Annual Conference of the WATERBIRD SOCIETY. Please go to our conference web page (URL: http://www.bio.txstate.edu/wbs2008/) for instructions on submitting Abstracts and Early Registration for the above meeting. The 32nd Conference will be held 5-8 Nov 2008 on South Padre Island, Texas. This is the first time the meeting has been held in the continental U.S. or Canada in the last three years and we are expecting a large turnout of long-time members and students. Three full days of scientific sessions are planned. Eight symposia have been confirmed: 1. "Shorebirds" led by Erica Nol (EM: enol@trentu.ca), 2. "The Texas-Mexican Ornithological Connection" led by Clay Green (EM: claygreen@txstate.edu), 3. "Ecology and Conservation of the Reddish Egret" led by Stefani Melvin (EM: Stefani_Melvin@fws.gov), 4. "Waterbird Studies on the North American Great Plains" led by Christopher Somers (EM: Chris.Somers@uregina.ca), 5. "Climate Change and Aquatic Environments: Impacts and Adaptation Strategies for Birds" led by Katharine Parsons (EM: parsonsk@manomet.org), 6. "Updates on Waterbird Conservation Plans" (papers and a break-out session) led by Jennifer Wheeler, and 7. "Which way did they go? Considerations for tracking colonial waterbirds" led by Susan Elbin (EM: elbin@WildlifeTrust.org) and Tommy King (EM: Tommy.King@aphis.usda.gov). 8. "The Rising Tide: Marsh Birds in a Changing Environment" led by Scott Rush (EM: rushs@warnell.uga.edu). Contributed presentations on other topics are also welcome. We are also considering special sessions for both poster and oral presentations by students. Other suggestions for making our meeting especially attractive for students are welcome (contact EM: Chip.Weseloh@ec.gc.ca). An array of exciting field trips is planned; South Texas is a Mecca for bird watching. Padre Island National Seashore, an 80 mile barrier beach, and Laguna Madre, its protected hypersaline lagoon, are immediately available and abound with wintering shorebirds, waterfowl, gulls, terns, herons and southern residents, such as Reddish Egret, Black-bellied Whistling Duck and others. Day trips into Mexico are planned. Also, immediately to the west is the Rio Grande River and Valley. The nearby Laguna Atascosa and Santa Ana Wildlife Refuges are the only subtropical refuges in the United States and have such specialties as Green Jay, Plain Chachalaca, Great Kiskadee and others. There will be both pre- and post- meeting field trip opportunities to these areas, so plan on a couple extra days in the area. For more information, please see also our Society web page (URL: http://www.waterbirds.org/).

ARE YOU PLANNING TO ATTEND THE AOU/COS/SCO MEETINGS ("PDX08") IN AUGUST? DO YOU BAND BIRDS? Don't miss a very special workshop offered by the U.S. Bird Banding Laboratory. The U.S. Bird Banding Laboratory will offer a special pre-conference workshop on its new banding data program - "BANDIT" - on Monday, 4 Aug 2008. The workshop will be offered at the Portland Hilton, the official meeting hotel from 2:00 to 5:00 pm, in the Studio Theater. If you've never tried Bandit - but want to start - this workshop is for you. If you are using Bandit, and have questions - this workshop is for you. Bring some sample data and a laptop loaded with Bandit (available at http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/BBL/resources/bandit/Software/index.html). To make the most of this opportunity, please read the Bandit Manual (URL: http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/BBL/resources/bandit/Documentation/index.html) and practice using the program. The workshop is free, but for planning purposes, please let us know if you think you might attend. Send an e-mail to DANNY BYSTRAK (EM: dbystrak@usgs.gov). Please take note - this is a pre-conference workshop. Please be sure that you plan to arrive on Sunday evening or Monday morning if you plan to attend this workshop.

THE TERN AND PLOVER CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIP is now online.(URL: http://ternandplover.unl.edu). Check us out! We've got lots of information about Least Terns, Piping Plovers, and our unique program. The Tern and Plover Conservation Partnership studies and protects endangered Interior Least Terns, threatened Piping Plovers and other species within the Platte, Loup, and Elkhorn river systems in Nebraska. Using a proactive manner that minimizes conflicts with private industry, the partnership also works to educate the public and involve local communities. If you have any questions or comments, contact us (EM: ternsandplovers@unl.edu).

TRAGEDY IN FLORIDA–The ornithological community lost three members when a small plane crashed in Florida during a wading bird survey. The three researchers were Damion Marx and Phil Heidemann, graduate students in the lab of Dale Gawlik at Florida Atlantic Universit, and Gareth Akerman, a graduate student at Dalhousie University. FAU, the University of Florida, the South Florida Water Management District and several other agencies have been collectively monitoring wading birds, such as herons and ibises, in the Everglades and surrounding areas since 2005. The research group has specifically been keeping track of how well the birds are reproducing and their responses to Everglades restoration efforts. The FAU lab, run by assistant professor Dale E. Gawlik, was concentrating on the size of wading bird colonies around Lake Okeechobee. Gawlik and Marx co-wrote the FAU portion of reports on the study in 2006 and 2007. On behalf the OSNA societies, we extend condolences to the families of Damion Marx, Phil Heidemann, and Gareth Akerman, and to Dr. Gawlik and the members of his lab.

MEMORIAL FUND–The family of Gareth Akerman, who was killed in the Florida plane crash on 13 March, has established a memorial fund in his memory at Saint Mary's University where Gareth completed his undergraduate honors degree. Below is a link to the Saint Mary's University site where additional information can be found on the fund in Gareth's memory. If you would like to make a donation in memory of Gareth Akerman, B.Sc. (Hons)'05, Saint Mary's University, a member of the ornithological community, please visit the link (URL: http://www.smu.ca/administration/development/gift.html)

BICKNELL’S THRUSH CONSERVATION GROUP–In response to heightened conservation concerns for Bicknell’s Thrush (Catharus bicknelli), a coalition of scientists, natural resource managers, and conservation planners formed during the fall of 2007. The International Bicknell’s Thrush Conservation Group (IBTCG) held its inaugural meeting in Woodstock, Vermont, with 25 people attending from five northeastern states and two Canadian provinces. The groups’ overall charge is to develop and implement a conservation action plan for Bicknell’s Thrush. Participants include representatives from academia, federal and state wildlife agencies, non-governmental organizations, and industry. IBTCG's mission is to develop a broad-based, scientifically-sound approach to conserve Bicknell’s Thrush, incorporating research, monitoring, and on-the-ground management actions. IBTCG is a flexible, inclusive group with a shared commitment to Bicknell’s Thrush conservation. The group is organized by a coordination committee comprised of numerous partners who will seek funding, maintain momentum, set meetings and agendas, and identify next steps. For more information, please visit the IBTCG web site (URL: http://www.bicknellsthrush.org/index.htm).

DISTANCE MONITORING WORKSHOPS–The Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling (CREEM) is hosting two linked workshops 19-27 Aug 2008 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 19-22 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 workshop will be a blend of theory and practice and participants will learn how to use the program Distance. Participants will gain a solid grounding in both survey design and methods of analysis for distance sampling surveys.
The second workshop (3 days 25-27 Aug.) will cover recent advances in distance sampling research and software, as described in the book Advanced Distance Sampling. It is intended for those already familiar with conventional distance sampling methods (e.g., those who have attended an introductory workshop). Participants will learn the use of covariates for modelling the detection function, double-platform methods for when detection at the line or point is not certain, automated survey design and adaptive sampling. Participants will also learn the more advanced features of Distance.

For both workshops, participants are encouraged to bring their own data sets, and can expect to do some preliminary analyses with their data. Participants intending to model their own data in the third workshop will be required to have it formatted according to precise specifications prior to arrival at St. Andrews. 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/workshop_overview.html)

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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.

PERMITS CENTRAL! - Just a reminder to ornithologists that the OC is "permits central" and you can call/e-mail us with any kind of permit question, including banding permits, scientific collecting, import/export (live birds or specimens/tissues), and permits to work on federally managed public land or state lands. From time to time, we hear from a permitting agency that they have encountered someone who has failed to obtain permits. Though this situation is virtually never deliberate, ornithologists should remember that failure to comply with the permit requirements and to follow all procedures will likely result in the loss of research materials and data and potential civil or criminal penalties. It can make it difficult to obtain permits in the future, and can also damage the relationship between the ornithological community and the permitting agencies. Please do contact us for a "permit check" and please share this information with your colleagues and students. You can reach the OC by phone or by e-mail (PH: 301-986-8568, EM: ellen.paul@verizon.net).

CONSTITUTIONALITY OF CANADA'S MIGRATORY BIRD CONVENTION ACT CHALLENGED - A Canadian forestry company called J.D. Irving Ltd. is challenging Canada's laws protecting migratory birds. Arguments began in late March in a New Brunswick provincial court on an application by Irving to have the Migratory Birds Convention Act declared unconstitutional. The company filed the application after it was charged under the federal act as a result of the destruction of several Great Blue Heron nests during a logging operation. The company pleaded not guilty to the charge and challenged the constitutionality of the law, claiming that the protection of birds is under provincial jurisdiction, not federal jurisdiction, and thus violates the provisions of Canada's constitution that allocate powers to the provincial governments. It is not known how bird protection in Canada would change if this law is invalidated. The Migratory Bird Treaty that it implements would have no legal basis for implementation in Canada at the federal level and it is even conceivable that the Treaty itself could be considered void. Logging companies are worried the charge against Irving may signal a change in policy at Environment Canada, which has largely left the forestry industry alone when it comes to enforcing bird protection.

FAREWELL TO A FRIEND - Ornithologists and bird banders have come to know Monica Tomosy, chief of the U.S. Bird Banding Lab since mid-2004, as a tireless captain who steered the Banding Lab's ship through the rough waters of change. From big changes - such as the replacement of antiquated computer hardware and programs and the development of a new band record program (BANDIT) - to the smallest of details, Tomosy's dedication brought about a steady stream of achievements that aided ornithologists in obtaining permits and bands and in reporting data, and that also helped to facilitate the scientific practice of marking birds. Under Tomosy's guidance, the BBL has also been instrumental in promoting the establishment of a banding lab in Mexico and in creating a coordinated North American banding program. The Ornithological Council extends a fond farewell to Monica Tomosy and congratulates her on her new position with the Forest Service Northeastern Research Station.

BANDING LAB ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPORT released by the U.S. Geological Survey - The U.S. Geological Survey has completed and released the official version of the report and recommendations of the Bird Banding Laboratory Advisory Committee. This committee, established in 2005, was charged with providing "advice and recommendations to the Federal Government, through the Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), on the conduct and activities of the Bird Banding Laboratory (BBL). Represented on the committee were the Ornithological Council, the North American Banding Council, the Flyway Councils, the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, The Wildlife Society, Ducks Unlimited, and several other individuals and organizations concerned with bird banding policies and practices and the use of banding data. The committee completed its work in late 2006, having addressed virtually every aspect of the role and operations of the U.S. Bird Banding Lab. The report is due to be posted on the USGS website and we will provide a link once it is provided to us (via Ornith-L, OCNET, and the next Ornithological Newsletter).

OC HOSTS APHIS STAFFERS - The Ornithological Council works closely with the agencies that issue permits for various activities in which ornithologists engage, such as the import of scientific specimens. The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Agency, Veterinary Services, an agency that issues one kind of required permit, holds an annual training workshop in Washington, D.C. for its staffers. For the second consecutive year, the Ornithological Council is pleased to have had the opportunity to arrange a visit to the National Museum of Natural History as part of this workshop. This year, the USDA staffers visited the Museum Support Center where they toured the osteology laboratory and the dermestid colony, followed by a discussion about concerns and questions about the importing process.

GUIDELINES TO THE USE OF WILD BIRDS IN RESEARCH - A major revision of this peer-reviewed document is underway. Section editors have been selected; they will conduct intensive literature reviews over the next six months. We strongly encourage ornithologists who have unpublished data they are willing to share or who are aware of gray literature pertaining to any of the subjects covered in Guidelines (see http://www.nmnh.si.edu/BIRDNET/guide/tableofcontents.html) or who would be willing to peer review one or more sections to contact JEANNE FAIR, Editor-in-Chief, (EM: jmfair@lanl.gov).

PROVIDING SCIENTIFIC EXPERTISE ABOUT BIRDS -The Ornithological Council recently communicated with "NORECOPA" - the Norwegian Consensus-Platforms for Alternatives (to the use of live animals in research) regarding that organization's international meeting on the harmonization of the care and use of animals in field research (Oslo, 21-22 May 2008). We hoped to ensure that the participants were aware of Guidelines to the Use of Wild Birds in Research and also to help the organizers find ornithologists in the region who might attend the meeting. Unfortunately, ornithologists and other wildlife biologists are rarely represented at such meetings and are not often even members of such organizations. We were delighted to find that the organization was already aware of our Guidelines and had linked to Guidelines from their website. In addition, we contacted a number of ornithologists in the region to be sure they were aware of the meeting and urged them to consider attending. In a related matter, we were asked to provide a peer review for a protocol submitted to an Institutional Care and Use Committee regarding a biosafety protocol submitted by a molecular systematics laboratory that handles bird specimens and tissue samples.

OC, SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY, AND THE WILDLIFE SOCIETY - continue their joint efforts to persuade the U.S. Congress to decriminalize the service of federal employees on the boards of nonprofit professional organizations. Having worked with the Office of Government Ethics for a number of years, it has become evident that a legislative change is the only effective option for removing this statutory prohibition that prevents scientists employed by federal agencies from serving on the boards of scientific societies. Although the statute allows agencies to issue waivers, most agencies are reluctant to do so. The three organizations, together with several other scientific societies, have developed two legislative strategies to try to correct this problem. In addition, we are formulating a plan to address agency ethics policies that have been deterring scientists from serving on the boards of scientific societies.

PENDING LEGISLATION WOULD INCREASE PENALTIES UNDER MIGRATORY BIRD TREATY ACT - Representative Peter DeFazio (D-OR) has introduced legislation that would amend the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 so that the intentional killing of protected bird species would be considered a felony, rather than the current Class B misdemeanor. The bill - H.R. 4093 would send a strong message to prosecutors and courts that Congress takes these crimes seriously. It would pave the way for significant fines (up to $50,000) and jail sentences (up to 1 year) for the most serious bird-related crimes. This legislation was apparently motivated by the arrest of a number of people in Oregon, California, and Texas who were charged with killing raptors to protect their roller pigeons. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates that as many as 2,000 to 3,000 raptors were being killed on the West Coast each year using methods including poisoning, beating birds to death with clubs, and suffocation in plastic bags. To encourage your representative in Congress to support this legislation, visit this website: http://audubonaction.org/campaign/hr4093/8w65k8b4ow3wwb7?

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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.

STUART HOUSTON received the 2008 Champion of Owls award, presented by the Center for Biological Diversity on 29 Feb 2008, at the International Festival of Owls in Houston, Minnesota.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF KLAMATH BIRD OBSERVATORY presented with International Award for Bird Conservation–Klamath Bird Observatory’s Executive Director John Alexander received a Partners in Flight Leadership Award at the International Partners in Flight Conference in McAllen, Texas on 16 Feb 2008. Leadership awardees further the goal of protecting migratory and resident landbirds and their habitats through innovative leadership.. Along with C. John Ralph of the United States Forest Service’s Redwood Science Laboratory, Alexander founded the nonprofit Klamath Bird Observatory. Alexander and Ralph were also instrumental in the development of the Klamath Bird Monitoring Network, one of the most comprehensive regional bird monitoring and research programs in the world. They continue to collaborate to maintain this network, as well as the Landbird Monitoring Network of the Americas, which is a collaborative that fosters international bird monitoring partnerships. Through his partnerships with local land managers and his involvement with the California and Oregon/Washington Partners in Flight chapters, Alexander has been a leader in carrying out an effective bird conservation implementation strategy, resulting in integration of bird conservation objectives into state wildlife action plans and local and regional land management practices. Alexander also serves on several national-level conservation committees, promoting the role of science in national and international conservation and management programs. Further, Alexander founded an education and outreach program at Klamath Bird Observatory which reaches thousands of school children, community members and land managers annually, building broad awareness of bird conservation and its basis in science, education and partnerships.

CALL FOR PROPOSALS – NESCent Sabbatical Scholars, Working Groups and Catalysis Meetings. The National Evolutionary Synthesis Center (NESCent) is now accepting proposals for sabbatical scholars, working groups and catalysis meetings. Proposals for postdoctoral fellowships are accepted at the 1 Dec deadline only. Proposals for sabbatical scholars (one semester to a full year), working groups and catalysis meetings are accepted twice a year, with 15 Jun and 1 Dec deadlines. Proposals for short-term visitors (2 weeks to 3 months) 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).

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 Oct 2008. 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 Chavez 4630 Northgate Blvd., Suite 150 Sacramento, CA 95834 (EM: Nicole_berset@calwaterfowl.org).

SEA DUCK JOINT VENTURE -- Solicitation of Proposals for Funding and/or Endorsement, FY09. The Sea Duck Joint Venture (SDJV) is a partnership-based conservation program under the North American Waterfowl Management Plan that promotes the conservation of sea ducks by providing greater knowledge for effective management. Seed money for SDJV projects/studies is currently available through the USFWS. We are seeking proposals that advance our understanding of sea duck biology, ecology, and status from interested parties. Up to $170,000 is available for new projects in FY09. The complete RFP, proposal format, evaluation criteria, and other information are posted on http://seaduckjv.org. Proposals must be received by 29 Sep 2008.

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PUBLICATIONS AVAILABLE

BIRD POPULATIONS, VOLUME 8–The Institute for Bird Populations (IBP) is pleased to announce the electronic publication of Volume 8 of Bird Populations, a journal of global avian demography and biogeography. As with Volume 7, Volume 8 is available to all on the web (URL: http://www.birdpop.org). Volume 8 continues the re-vitalization of publication of the Breeding Bird Census, as well as continuing reports from the North American BBS and MAPS programs and reports from the BTO's integrated avian monitoring programs; also an analysis of patterns of seasonal abundance and diversity in the waterbird community of a major bird sanctuary in India and an analysis of changes in the seasonal abundance of yellowlegs in a Washington state estuary. All papers and reports can be downloaded as pdf files free of charge. Financial support for the publication of 'Bird Populations', however, will be greatly appreciated. Annual membership categories are: $35 individual, $50 institution, and $15 student and senior, and can be completed by visiting (URL: http://www.birdpop.org/). For inquiries regarding IBP or membership contact DAVE DESANTE (EM: ddesante@birdpop.org); for inquiries regarding publication in Bird Populations contact the editor, DAVID AINLEY (EM: dainley@penguinscience.com).

THE WASHINGTON BIOLOGISTS’ FIELD CLUB: ITS MEMBERS AND ITS HISTORY (1900-2006), edited by Matthew C. Perry, (x + 342 pages, 542 photos, color dust jacket, ISBN 13: 978-0-615-16259-1, cloth $25) contains the history of the Washington Biologists’ Field Club as well as a short biography of all the past and present members of the Club. Members of the Club conducted research on Plummers Island in the Potomac River–this land is considered the most intensely studied natural area in North America. The cumulative total of 267 members represents all branches of natural science, with a strong emphasis on biology. In addition to the scientists, members have included famous naturalists such as John Burroughs, administrators like Ira Gabrielson, and well-known artists such as Roger Tory Peterson. All members of the Club resided in the Washington, D.C. area while they were members and many continued as nonresident members after leaving the area. The biographies provide excellent reference material for those interested in many of the biological science leaders during a span of over 100 years. Many of the pictures (1901-2006) are of the two annual social events, Shad Bake in spring and the Oyster Roast in the fall. (URL: http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/resshow/perry/bios/WBFCHome.htm). Copies available at a not-for-profit price of $25 postpaid by check, payable to Washington Biologists’ Field Club, to editor: DR. MATTHEW C. PERRY, USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, 12100 Beech Forest Road, Laurel, Maryland 20708 USA

MAN VS. WILDERNESS: One Scientist’s Migrations and Meditations through the Canadian Arctic. Christopher Norment, 2008. 234 pp., 1 drawing, 2 maps, 3 graphs, 5 3/4 x 9 1/4 inches. ISBN:1-58729-633-0, 978-1-58729-633-8, $26.00 cloth. Based on three seasons of field research in the Canadian Arctic, Christopher Norment's meditation on science and nature, wildness and civilization, is marked by reflection on timeless questions and keen observations of the world and our place in it; what is the role for scientists of sympathetic observation? What can patient waiting tell us about ourselves and our place in the world? Norment spends months on end living in isolation in the Northwest Territories, studying the ecology of the Harris's Sparrow. For Norment, "doing science" can lead to an enriched aesthetic and emotional connection to something beyond the self and a way to develop a sacred sense of place in a world that feels increasingly less welcoming, certain, and familiar. Contact: University of Iowa Press (EM: uipress@uiowa.edu, URL: http://uipress.uiowa.edu).

MOURNING DOVE (Zenaida macroura) HARVEST AND POPULATION PARAMETERS DERIVED FROM A NATIONAL BANDING STUDY. Otis, D. L., J. H. Schulz, and D. P. Scott. 2008. U.S. Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, Biological Technical Publication FWS/BTP-R3010-2008, Washington, D.C. Published this both on the web (URL: http://library.fws.gov/BTP/mourningdove08.pdf) and in paper format. The paper copies are available from the primary author at: David L Otis (EM: dotis@iastate.edu). Please remember to include your postal address! FWS has published a number of Biological Technical publications recently, and the list of these is on the web at: http://library.fws.gov/BTP/index.html

A GUIDE TO NESTLING DEVELOPMENT AND AGING IN ALTRICIAL PASSERINES. Jongsomjit, D., S. L. Jones, T. Gardali, G. R. Geupel, and P. J. Gouse. 2007. U.S. Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, Biological Technical Publication, FWS/BTP-R6008-2007, Washington, D.C., published both on the web (URL: http://library.fws.gov/BTP/altricialpasserines07.pdf) and in paper format. The species that are covered with detailed nestling development accounts are: Dusky Flycatcher (Empidonax oberholseri), Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus ludovicianus), Wrentit (Chamea fasciata rufula), Sprague’s Pipit (Anthus spragueii), Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia gouldii), Chestnut-collared Longspur (Calcarius ornatus), and American Goldfinch (Cardeulis tristis). The paper copies are available from STEPAHNIE JONES (EM: stephanie_jones@fws.gov) or from the primary author (EM: djongsomjit@prbo.org). Please remember to include your postal address! FWS has published a number of Biological Technical publications recently, and the list of these is on the web (URL: http://library.fws.gov/BTP/index.html).

THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION & FIELD RESEARCH NEWSLETTER–This department of the National Aviary in Pittsburgh, PA was created to study and address the impacts of human population and resource consumption on birds and the environment. Our projects are founded on the belief that field research, conservation and community education are fundamentally linked and are best done in concert. We approach these issues with targeted programs that maximize our impact for protection of biodiversity, and meet otherwise unaddressed conservation priorities. Staffed by Dr. Todd Katzner and Dr. Steven Latta, the National Aviary conducts field research and conservation programs in the United States and abroad, including Kazakhstan, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and the Philippines. Our Spring 2008 newsletter, Flight Path, can be downloaded at (URL: http://www.aviary.org/nlet/birdcalls.php). Subscriptions to future issues of the newsletter are free: email the editor (EM: steven.latta@aviary.org). and specify your preference for hard copies or the electronic version.

RAPTOR RESEARCH AND MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES. Bird, David M., Bildstein, Keith L. 2007. Hancock House. 464 pp., 66 photos, 47 illustrations, 11" X 8.5". ISBN: 0-88839-639-2 (Paper, $70). This volume is a thoroughly updated version of the popular but long out of print Raptor Management Techniques Manual. Hancock House (EM: sales@hancockhouse.com).

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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

*AVIAN DISEASES AND CONSERVATION CONFERENCE, 29 - 31 May 2008. College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA. For more information please visit (URL: http://www.westernu.edu/avianconference) or contact DR. MIGUEL D. SAGGESE. (PH: 909-706-3532. EM: avianconference@westernu.edu).

2008 ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE WILDLIFE DISEASE ASSOCIATION, 3-8 Aug 2008, to be at the University of Alberta, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. This conference will be held jointly with the American Association of Wildlife Veterinarians (AAWV) and the Canadian Association of Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarians (CAZWV). The theme this year is “Wildlife Diseases: Northern and Western Frontiers” and abstracts will be accepted until 1 May 2008. For more information, please visit our conference website (URL: http://www.biology.ualberta.ca/parasites/WDA08/).

JOINT MEETING of the AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION, COOPER ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY, and the SOCIETY OF CANADIAN ORNITHOLOGISTS - will take place 4 - 9 Aug 2008 in Portland, Oregon. This meeting will commemorate the 125th anniversary of the AOU and special events are planned to celebrate this notable event. Among measures being taken to reduce the carbon cost and other environmental impacts of the meeting is the selection of a Green Seal Lodging Property (the Hilton Portland), the Circular of Information can be downloaded from the meeting website, and 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. Please visit http://www.pdxbirds08.org/ for further information. Abstracts and early registration are due 15 Apr 2008. Meeting organizers include: USGS Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Oregon State University, Portland State University, University of Portland, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, Oregon Zoo, Portland Audubon Society, and the Audubon Society of Corvallis.

WESTERN BIRD BANDING ASSOCIATION 2008 meeting, 5-7 Sep 2008, in Boise, Idaho. Additional details will be posted on WBBA's website (URL: http://www.westernbirdbanding.org/next-meetings.html) as they become available.

ELEVENTH INTERNATIONAL GROUSE SYMPOSIUM will be held in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada on 11-16 Sep 2008, hosted by the Centre for Applied Conservation Research, Forestry Faculty, University of British Columbia (Vancouver, Canada). This IGS symposium, held every three years, brings together grouse specialists, biologists and wildlife managers from North America, Europe, and Asia. For information on dates, travel, accommodation, scientific program and field tour, please visit the conference website (URL: http://www.forestry.ubc.ca/alpine/IGS2008) or email or phone (EM: Shelagh.Bucknell@ec.gc.ca, PH: 604-940-4642). The symposium will focus on all aspects of grouse biology, research and management with sessions on Population Ecology and Genetics, Habitat and Landscape Ecology, Conservation and Management, and Impacts of Global Warming. Contact KATHY MARTIN (conference chair) to suggest program symposia or special events (EM:Kathy.Martin@ubc.ca).

THE 11th NORTH AMERICAN CRANE WORKSHOP will be held 23-27 Sep 2008 at the Glacier Canyon Lodge Convention Center in the Wisconsin Dells. The workshop is sponsored by the North American Crane Working Group. The workshop will include field trips to Necedah National Wildlife Refuge and tour of the International Crane Foundation. Papers and posters presented at the workshop will be published in a peer-reviewed Proceedings. Abstract submission deadline is 20 Jun 2008. For more information about the meeting and abstract submission, contact JANE AUSTIN (EM: jane_austin@usgs.gov, PH: 701-253-5510).

RAPTOR RESEARCH FOUNDATION CONFERENCE on 24-28 Sep 2008. The educational organization Raptors of the Rockies will host the annual meeting in Missoula, Montana. The University of Montana, renowned for its research and education programs in ornithology, wildlife, and wilderness management, is the co-host. The venue will be the Holiday Inn Downtown at the Park, overlooking the Clark Fork River. Members and non-members are invited to attend. The conference features keynote speakers, paper and poster sessions, a Saturday Raptors in Education Symposium and Workshop on the 2007 book Raptor Research and Management Techniques, a Birds and Art Show and a special showing of the Craighead film, Life with an Indian Prince. Missoula is located in west-central Montana, in a line between Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks, and cultural and natural opportunities abound. The 2008 conference pays tribute to Missoulian John J. Craighead and his late brother Frank C. Craighead, pioneers in wildlife biology, conservation, and American falconry. In their honor, the theme for the week is "The Legacy Lives On." For more information and to register online, visit http://www.raptorsoftherockies.org/ or http://raptorresearchfoundation.org/. You may also contact KATE DAVIS (Local Committee Chair; EM: raptors@montana.com) or DAN VARLAND (Conference Committee Chair; EM: daniel.varland@rayonier.com) with RRF Conference as the subject.

CERULEAN WARBLER SUMMIT 3/GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER SUMMIT (21-25 Oct 2008), Bogotá and San Vicente de Chucurí, Colombia. The members of the Cerulean Warbler Technical Group, El Grupo Cerúleo, and the members of the Golden-winged Warbler Working Group, Alianza Alas Doradas, are pleased to announce a meeting devoted to conservation planning for migratory and resident birds of the northern Andes. Location: To be held at the headquarters of the Federación Nacional de Cafeteros de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia, 21-22 October 2008, and in the town of San Vicente de Chucurí and facilities of the Cerulean Warbler Bird Reserve, Colombia, 23-25 October 2008. All persons interested in the conservation of migratory and resident birds in the Northern Andes and management of forest and agroecosystems for birds in the Northern Andes are invited to attend. For further information visit the homepage of El Grupo Cerúleo (URL: http://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/egc/). For information on logistics and costs of the meeting, please see: http://www.ecoturs.org.

*CALL FOR ABSTRACTS AND EARLY REGISTRATION for the 32nd Annual Conference of the WATERBIRD SOCIETY. Please go to our conference web page (URL: http://www.bio.txstate.edu/wbs2008/) for instructions on submitting Abstracts and Early Registration for the above meeting. The 32nd Conference will be held 5-8 Nov 2008 on South Padre Island, Texas. This is the first time the meeting has been held in the continental U.S. or Canada in the last three years and we are expecting a large turnout of long-time members and students. Three full days of scientific sessions are planned. Eight symposia have been confirmed: 1. "Shorebirds" led by Erica Nol (EM: enol@trentu.ca), 2. "The Texas-Mexican Ornithological Connection" led by Clay Green (EM: claygreen@txstate.edu), 3. "Ecology and Conservation of the Reddish Egret" led by Stefani Melvin (EM: Stefani_Melvin@fws.gov), 4. "Waterbird Studies on the North American Great Plains" led by Christopher Somers (EM: Chris.Somers@uregina.ca), 5. "Climate Change and Aquatic Environments: Impacts and Adaptation Strategies for Birds" led by Katharine Parsons (EM: parsonsk@manomet.org), 6. "Updates on Waterbird Conservation Plans" (papers and a break-out session) led by Jennifer Wheeler, and 7. "Which way did they go? Considerations for tracking colonial waterbirds" led by Susan Elbin (EM: elbin@WildlifeTrust.org) and Tommy King (EM: Tommy.King@aphis.usda.gov). 8. "The Rising Tide: Marsh Birds in a Changing Environment" led by Scott Rush (EM: rushs@warnell.uga.edu). Contributed presentations on other topics are also welcome. We are also considering special sessions for both poster and oral presentations by students. Other suggestions for making our meeting especially attractive for students are welcome (contact EM: Chip.Weseloh@ec.gc.ca). An array of exciting field trips is planned; South Texas is a Mecca for bird watching. Padre Island National Seashore, an 80 mile barrier beach, and Laguna Madre, its protected hypersaline lagoon, are immediately available and abound with wintering shorebirds, waterfowl, gulls, terns, herons and southern residents, such as Reddish Egret, Black-bellied Whistling Duck and others. Day trips into Mexico are planned. Also, immediately to the west is the Rio Grande River and Valley. The nearby Laguna Atascosa and Santa Ana Wildlife Refuges are the only subtropical refuges in the United States and have such specialties as Green Jay, Plain Chachalaca, Great Kiskadee and others. There will be both pre- and post- meeting field trip opportunities to these areas, so plan on a couple extra days in the area. For more information, please see also our Society web page (URL: http://www.waterbirds.org/).

*CALL FOR PAPERS–THIRD NORTH AMERICAN SEA DUCK CONFERENCE, to be held in Québec City, Canada, on 10-14 Nov 2008. Early registration and abstract submission end on 13 Jun 2008. All information on the conference, including registration and call for papers, is available on the web site (URL: http://www.seaduckconference2008.org). For additional information, please 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)

*FOURTH BIENNIAL CONFERENCE OF THE INTERNATIONAL BIOGEOGRAPHY SOCIETY, 8-12 Jan 2009, Mérida, México. Invited symposia will feature talks on the biogeography of disease, patterns and processes in biotic transition zones, disjunct distributions in Asia and America, and the biogeography of species extinction. Attendees are invited to submit abstracts for oral and poster presentations. The conference will also include workshops, field excursions, and social events. Registration, contact, and additional information may be found at: http://www.biogeography.org

*SEABIRD GROUP 10TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE will be held in Bruges (Brugge), Belgium, on 27-30 Mar 2009. The venue will be the historic ‘Provinciaal Hof’ in the market square. Papers on all aspects of seabird research and conservation will be welcomed; in addition to keynote presentations, there will be a special session on ‘Seabird Success Stories’. Contributors to the conference are invited to submit a provisional title and a short provisional outline prior to 1 Jun 2008. The Chairpersons of the Organizing Committee are ERIC STIENEN (Research Institute for Nature and Forest: INBO) and JAN SAYS (Flanders Marine Institute: VLIZ). Address general queries, abstracts and registrations to the Conference Secretariat EM: seabirdconf2009@vliz.be). Additional information is on the websites (URL: http://www.seabirdgroup.org.uk and http://www.vliz.be/conferences/seabirdconference2009.be).

*THE 2009 ANNUAL MEETINGS OF THE WILSON ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY and THE ASSOCIATION OF FIELD ORNITHOLOGISTS will be held jointly 8-12 Apr 2009 in Pittsburgh, PA. The meeting, hosted by the National Aviary and Powdermill Nature Reserve, will be held at the Hilton Pittsburgh and the National Aviary. Abstract submission will open in autumn 2008 and a conference website will be on-line in summer 2008. Ideas for workshops and symposia are currently being accepted. The local host, TODD KATZNER, may be reached at the Department of Conservation and Field Research, National Aviary, 700 Arch St., Allegheny Commons West, Pittsburgh, PA 16212, USA (PH: 412-323-7235 x210; EM: todd.katzner AT aviary.org).

RRF 2009 ANNUAL CONFERENCE - SCOTLAND. For the first time in the society's history, the annual conference (2009) will be held outside of the Americas, to reflect the global interests of the membership. This historic six-day event will be held in Pitlochry, Scotland from 29 Sep - 4 Oct 2009, hosted by the Scottish Raptor Study Group. Social events include an exclusive evening party at a magnificent Scottish castle (to include whisky-tasting and a ceildh) and there are 11 fieldtrip options to some of the country's premiere wildlife sites, including the Isle of Mull and Speyside/Cairngorm Mountains. Numbers are limited to 300 delegates so early booking is advisable. Tickets are selling fast and to date, delegates from 23 countries have already registered. Please visit the conference website to find out how you can register. CALL FOR PAPERS: Papers/posters on any aspect of raptor biology, including behavior, ecology, physiology, or conservation, are solicited. There are also six themed symposia for which abstracts can be submitted (Persecution, Scotland, Haliaeetus, Migration & Wintering, Re-introductions and Conservation Management). Deadline for abstract submission is 1 Jul 2008. Please visit the conference website for information about how to submit your abstract (URL: http://www.rrfconferencescotland2009.org).

25TH INTERNATIONAL ORNITHOLOGICAL CONGRESS 2010 Call for Symposia Proposals (22-28 Aug 2010) Campos do Jordão, Brazil. The Scientific Program Committee has been formed and a web page is in place (http://www.i-o-c.org or http://www.ib.usp.br/25ioc). We hope that you will circle these dates on your calendar and plan to attend! The Call for Symposia has been issued and may be viewed at: http://www.ib.usp.br/25ioc/2007_Second_circular-Symposia_corrected.doc. Proposals for symposia must be received on or before 1 Jun 2008. For further information, please contact PROF. DR. CRISTINA YUMI MIYAKI, Secretary-General of the 25th IOC (EM: ioc2010@ib.usp.br).

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