Workshops 2021 RRF Conference
Workshops at an RRF or NRN conference provide an excellent opportunity to develop or hone your skills as a raptor researcher! Full-day and half-day workshops will be held at various locations on Saturday October 9, 2021 (with the exception of one multi-day workshop).
Descriptions, costs, time, and pertinent details are provided below for each workshop. Though exact meeting locations are to be determined for many workshops, rest assured that they will be in walkable locations from the Boise Centre or transportation will be provided from a central location. Registrants will be notified with specific details prior to the conference. Please address questions to Neil Paprocki or Michael Henderson by emailing rrf2021@peregrinefund.org.
Full-day Workshops:
Total Canopy Access for Ecologists
Forest canopies are a major source of regional and global biodiversity, yet remain understudied due to difficulty of access. Many raptor species nest in trees, and nests can be placed anywhere in a tree crown, near the bole, outer branches, and the highest branches. Rope-based access methods are affordable and transportable, thus providing the most practical solution for unbiased and replicable sampling in forest canopies. However, recent research has revealed a generally low level of expertise among ecologists in rope-based canopy access methods. We will introduce participants to multiple techniques for canopy access (i.e. “tree climbing”) with ropes, describing the advantages and limitations of each in terms of efficiency, mobility, and safety. Topics will include selection of proper equipment approved for tree climbing, differences between mountaineering and tree-climbing methods and equipment, common errors that put climbers at risk, and techniques for accessing all parts of the canopy including branch tips. The course is meant to introduce raptor biologists to concepts and methods that may be new to them and to provide enough information for participants to make informed choices on methods most suitable to their needs, and seek continued training as needed. The course will be co-organized by The Peregrine Fund and Intermountain Bird Observatory of Boise State University, and will be held in Julia Davis Park in downtown Boise, across from the BSU campus. Transportation is not provided, but Julia Davis Park is located within walking distance of most conference venues. Professional tree climbing instructors from arboriculture and science will lead the course. Participants will learn by direct participation, all climbing will be supervised, and all equipment will be provided. No prior experience in tree climbing is necessary. This course is covered by liability insurance.
Instructors: David L. Anderson and Robert Miller
Cost: ECRR = $50; Others = $100
Maximum class size: 20
Lunch included
Time: 8:00 – 17:00
Location: Julia Davis Park
Nest Entry Techniques for Cliff Nesting Raptors
Many raptor species nest on cliffs and accessing nests is often an essential part of raptor natural history studies. Course instructors have extensive experience entering cliff nests of various species in an array of ecosystems and will teach students safe and efficient techniques for nest entries. This course will cover basic gear selection and safety inspections, rappelling safety assessments, knots, team communication, proper anchor building and rappel set up, rappelling and ascending techniques, and basic rescue procedures. This course is intended as an introduction to raptor nest entry and is not for professional certification. The class will be hands on and, weather permitting, conducted primarily in the field. Students that demonstrate competence with safety procedures will likely have the opportunity to access an unoccupied raptor nest under the supervision of instructors. Transportation to field site is provided as well a lunch. This course is organized by the Birds of Prey NCA Partnership.
Course Prerequisites: A basic working knowledge of ropes, knots, and rappel techniques will maximize class efficiency and allow instruction to focus more on nest entries as opposed to rappelling. However, no experience is required as the course will be structured to facilitate learning at various experience levels. Students should be fit enough to hike up to 1 mile in the field in rugged terrain carrying up to 20 pounds of gear, spend a day on their feet, and ascend 50’ of rope.
Clothing: We will be outside for the entire day, weather permitting. Dress for the conditions to be comfortable and focused for a day of field work. There will be periods of working and standing around, so bring layers. Sturdy hiking boots, pants, and long sleeves are required.
Safety Equipment and Gear: Students should supply their own rock climbing harness and helmet. Helmets must be equipped with a chin strap and designed for climbing, hard hats and other helmets will not suffice. If this presents a barrier for you to enter the class please contact instructors. Sunglasses and leather work gloves will also be helpful.
Weather: Although a full day weather event sufficient to cancel the course is unlikely, it is possible. The Boise area rarely experiences steady all day rain. In the event of intermittent rain showers the course may be a combination of indoor classroom work and outdoor practice as the weather allows. In the event of a major weather event, the course may be cancelled and payments will be refunded if indoor arrangements cannot be made.
Instructors: Jordan Harrison, Steve Crane, Michael Henderson* (Henderson.michael@peregrinefund.org), Eric Chabot, and others
Cost: ECRR = $50; Others = $100
Maximum class size: 20
Lunch included
Time: 8:00 – 17:00
Meeting Location: TBD
Half-day workshops
Harnessing Raptors with Transmitters
This class will cover the process of attaching transmitters (either VHF, satellite, or GSM) to raptors, from initial thoughts of the bird’s welfare to specifics of making a backpack harnesses and attaching telemetry units to birds. We will discuss and demonstrate several different options and methods for making harnesses, different attachment techniques (e.g., tailmount, patagial), and types of transmitters. The majority of the class will be hands-on, using a backpack harness to attach a transmitter to carcasses of different-sized raptors.
Instructors: Tricia Miller, Vince Slabe, and Danial Driscoll
Cost: ECRR = $20, Others = $40
Maximum class size 25
Time: 8:00 – 13:00
Location: TBD
Field and In-Hand Raptor Identification
Accurate and precise raptor identification is a basic but foundational skill set that should be in every raptor researcher’s toolbox. This class will focus on both field and in-hand raptor identification. The first section of the course will focus on raptor field identification, and the basic skills needed to become an expert in raptor ID (i.e., species shape, flight style, plumage). The second section will focus on in-hand ID, with a specific focus on molt and its use in aging raptors. Workshop participants will learn how to use the new HawkWatch International In-hand Guide to Diurnal North American Raptors, and will walk away from the course with a hardcopy of this fantastic resource. This will be a classroom-based course.
Instructors: Bryce Robinson, Jesse Watson, and Neil Paprocki
Cost: ECRR = $20, Others = $40
Maximum class size: 50
Time: 13:00 – 17:00
Location: TBD
Techniques for Handling, Auxiliary Marking, and Measuring Raptors after Capture: A Bird in the Hand is Worth Two in the Bush.
This course will give students hands-on experience in applying the following types of auxiliary markers to raptors: butt-end and lock-on U.S. Geological Survey leg bands, feathers (through feather imping), and patagial markers for small and large raptors. Students will also have the opportunity to learn and practice proper handling and measuring techniques. This will be a classroom-based course.
Instructors: Dan Varland, Coastal Raptors and John Smallwood, Montclair State University.
Cost: ECRR = $20, Others = $40
Maximum class size 20
Time: 13:00 – 17:00
Location: TBD
Writing and Peer Review
A wise Ph.D. advisor once said “It’s not science unless it’s published”. Publishing a manuscript or peer-reviewing for a respected journal is often an arduous, time-consuming, and sometimes confusing process. This workshop will discuss that process and help you become a better writer and peer-reviewer — whether you are involved in your first or fortieth manuscript. Topics that will be explored include 1) Authorship — who’s in, who’s out, and when to address; 2) Manuscript Writing — how to construct a well-organized manuscript, writing and grammar tips; 3) Peer-review — how to provide strong but constructive comments to colleagues; and 4) Revisions and Response to Reviewers — advice on giving thorough and professional responses to reviewer feedback. This will be a classroom based course taught by several well-experienced instructors.
Instructors: TBD
Cost: ECRR = $20; Others = $40
Maximum class size: 40
Time: 8:00 – 12:00
Location: TBD
Multi-day Workshop TBA
North American Banding Council Raptor Bander Certification Session, Boise, Idaho
Intermountain Bird Observatory will host a North American Banding Council (NABC) workshop and certification session for raptors at the Assistant Bander, Bander, and Trainer level from September 30 – Oct 3 in Boise, Idaho. This workshop and certification is being held prior to the annual meeting of the Raptor Research Foundation and Neotropical Raptor Network, in Boise, Idaho. This workshop is independent from the annual meeting and registration in conference is not required.
The workshop is planned to include one day of classroom instruction and discussion, followed by two-days of field certification. This is a unique opportunity to receive expert instruction and assessment in a breathtaking location. Note that this workshop is intended only for experienced banders and trappers who are planning on undergoing the certification evaluation. NABC certification is a voluntary professional certification process which demonstrates that banders possess a certain level of proficiency. NABC certification does not guarantee permitting through the Bird Banding Lab.
Up to 10 candidates will be accepted, based on receipt of applications. In addition to the standard NABC certification fee of $35.00, there will be a supplemental charge of $400.00 per candidate to cover workshop-related costs. Camping at field sites is available free of charge, participants would need to bring their own sleeping bags or bedding. Candidates are responsible for their own meals. IBO can assist with finding affordable lodging if not camping on site.
To apply: please email Jessica Pollock (jessicapollock@boisestate.edu) and Greg Kaltenecker (gregorykaltenecker@boisestate.edu) for details and application instructions. You will not be able to apply to this workshop through conference registration. Contact the organizers directly.
Instructors: Greg Kaltenecker and Jessica Pollock
Cost: $435
Maximum class size 10
Food: Not provided