Conference Workshops
Full Day Courses:
North American Non-Lead Partnership: Non-lead Ammunition Ballistics Testing and Communications Workshop – It’s More than the Science
All too often we find ourselves shocked and dismayed by the general public’s response to scientific products and the implications for 
conservation. If we are to be effective in stimulating behavior that ameliorates the problems defined by science, we have to understand our audience’s current beliefs before collectively moving forward with conservation. This workshop will aid those in attendance in better understanding the culture of hunting, how that culture affects decision making, and the ballistics of hunting ammunition. Whether an experienced hunter or a non-hunter, the content of this class will illustrate the importance of understanding the options available to those who choose to pursue wildlife with firearms. The process of choosing hunting ammunition involves a suite of variables, including tradition, ballistics, availability, and price. How we choose to address these variables when engaging with the hunting public in meaningful conversation has direct correlation to success. We must work to avoid unintended backlash that can result from messaging that misses critical points or beliefs of our audience. This goes beyond just how to encourage change in ammunition use, but is the basis of all conservation efforts: how to connect people with the science that improves conservation.
Instructors: Chris Parish, Director of Conservation for The Peregrine Fund and co-founder of the North American Non-lead Partnership and Leland Brown, Non-lead Hunting Education Coordinator for the Oregon Zoo and co-founder of the North American Non-lead Partnership.
Time: 08:00–17:00
Maximum size: 20
Location: Meeting at Conference Venue, departing shortly thereafter for a local gun range. Transportation will be provided to and from the shooting range, leaving from the Fort Collins Hilton.
Lunch: Provided.
Clothing and the Weather: We will be outside at the gun range and it may be windy. In November, temperatures in the Fort Collins area may range between 30 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. And rain or snow is also possible. Bring clothing suitable for these contingencies!
Cost: ECRR: $40 Others: $80
Harnessing Raptor with Transmitters – Tricia Miller (lead): [email protected]
Course Description: 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 harnesses and attaching them to birds. We will discuss and demonstrate several different options and methods for making harnesses. The majority of the class will be hands-on, involving creation of a backpack-style harness and using that harness to attach a transmitter to carcasses of different sized raptors. As time allows, we may discuss other attachment techniques (e.g., tailmount, patagial) as well as thoughts on data management.
Instructors: Trish Miller, Conservation Science Global, Daniel Driscoll, American Eagle Research Institute and Vince Slabe, West Virginia University.
Time: 08:00–11:00 & 12:00-15:00 (11:00-12:00 lunch)
Class size: 25
Location: Conference Venue
Cost: ECRR: $40 Others: $80
Use of Aircraft for Raptor Ecology Studies – Rob Spangler (lead): [email protected]
Course Description: This half-day course will cover the basics of conducting raptor ecology studies using aircraft as data collection
platforms. From a scientific perspective we will cover the types of studies well suited for aircraft, pros and cons of collecting data from fixed wing and rotor aircraft, understanding basic study design, sources of variation and sampling error. Techniques for collecting, transcribing, and checking data will also be discussed. From an operational standpoint, we will talk about safety, pre-project flight planning, and training for aerial observers.
Instructors: Rob Spangler, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Phil Thorpe, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S.A.
Time: 13:00-17:00
Class size: 18
Location: Northern Colorado Regional Airport, Ft. Collins-Loveland Jet Center, 4824 Earhart Road, Loveland, CO 80538
Transportation: Will be provided to and from the airport, leaving from the Fort Collins Hilton.
Cost: ECRR: $40 Others: $80
Morning Courses:
Photographing Raptors
Our instructors have a long history of professional photography and all met at the RRF Conference in 2004. Each will bring some insight as 
to photographing birds in the wild, captivity, and for science papers. They will explore techniques, equipment, ethics, and processing images. Nick and Rob will teach secrets for taking great videos and Kate will elaborate on publishing, including tips on making captions.
Instructors: Photographers Kate Davis, raptorsoftherockies.net, Nick Dunlop, nickdunlop.com and Rob Palmer, falconphotos.com
Time: 08:00-12:00
Maximum size: 25
Location: Conference Venue
Cost: ECRR: $20 Others: $40
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 US
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. Class will be taught at the conference venue.
Instructors: Dan Varland, Coastal Raptors and John Smallwood, Montclair State University.
Time: 08:00–12:00
Maximum size: 20
Location: Conference Venue
Cost: ECRR: $20 Others: $40
Afternoon Courses:
All About Permits – Permit Types and Requirements for Raptor Studies and Management
This course will provide participants with an overview of the types of federal and state permits that may be required when studying or working with raptors, as well as the general requirements and procedures for obtaining the necessary authorizations. The course will also cover general requirements and procedures for obtaining necessary Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) approvals for research projects involving raptors. Although specific requirements for permits and IACUC authorizations will vary among states and institutions, participants in this workshop will gain enough background to know when a permit or IACUC approval might be required, what type of authorization they may need to obtain, and the background training and application procedures that might be required to obtain the necessary approvals.
Instructors: Brian Millsap, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S.A., Clint Boal, Texas Tech University, U.S.A., Bruce Peterjohn, Bird Banding Laboratory, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S.A
Time: 13:00–17:00
Class size: No limitation.
Location: Conference Venue
Cost: ECRR: $20 Others: $40
Raptor Necropsy Workshop
This class will discuss how to characterize and investigate raptor mortality, associated injuries and disease through a gross necropsy. 
Instruction will include taking pertinent measurements and collection of appropriate samples for disease and contaminant diagnostics. Permitting, zoonotic diseases, common parasite identification and common causes of raptor mortality will be discussed briefly, but emphasis will be on the practical approach to conducting a necropsy. Proper biosecurity and safety practices will also be discussed. Class will consist of lecture/discussion followed by a practical necropsy session.
Instructors: Michael Tincher, Rehabilitation Coordinator and Carrie Laxson, Rehabilitation Assistant, Rocky Mountain Raptor Program
Time: 13:00–17:00
Class size: 15 students
Location: Conference Venue
Cost: ECRR: $20 Others: $40