Check back on the status of this for 2006
Introduction
Declines in songbird populations have been documented worldwide. Monitoring programs which provide habitat specific data on population status and identify the causes of declines are desperately needed. These programs need to provide site-specific management recommendations as well as contribute to regional and national databases to identify broader patterns. In this training course, participants will receive intensive instruction on basic avian ecology, bird identification, and study design, as well as practical experience with various nationally standardized avian census techniques. Upon completion of the course participants will be able to design and implement neotropical landbird monitoring programs to identify critical habitats, recommend restoration techniques, and evaluate management activities that influence bird populations.
Course Description
Participants will be trained in nationally standardized monitoring techniques for Neotropical migrants, as well as field identification of songbirds by sight and sound. Monitoring techniques include constant effort mist-netting, nest monitoring, area searching, spot-mapping, point count censusing, and habitat assessment. Participants will be trained to design, establish, and implement an integrated monitoring program that is standardized and compatible with other North American programs related to the international Partners in Flight initiative (e.g. BBIRD, MAPS, BBC, BBS). Lectures on objectives, study design, data management, and statistical analysis will be conducted. The course will emphasize intensive hands-on field techniques and exercises. Instructors will be staff and research associates of the PRBO Conservation Science.
Location
Morning field exercises will be held at PRBO's Palomarin Field Station, one hour north of San Francisco in the Point Reyes National Seashore. The surrounding habitats include coastal scrub and mixed evergreen riparian forest, which support a diverse avifauna of migrants and residents songbirds. Over 200 species have been seen in the surrounding area! Accommodations are available in the nearby coastal town of Bolinas.
Enrollment
Course size will be limited to 15 participants in order to ensure hands-on training. Spaces will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration fees include course materials, and a daily light morning meal. The course registration fee is $700.00.
About PRBO
PRBO has been conducting long-term monitoring of songbird populations for the past 30 years, training over 500 biologists in the past 10 years, and conducting regional, national, and international workshops on bird population monitoring. In addition, course instructors have published numerous articles on bird monitoring methodology.
Further Information and Registration:
Thomas Gardali
Phone: (415) 868-0655, x 381
Fax: (415) 868-9363
Email: tgardali at prbo dot org
