Workshops
Workshops at an RRF or NRN conference provide an excellent opportunity to develop or hone your skills as a raptor researcher! We are excited to present five different workshops in our 2021 virtual format. Please address questions to Neil Paprocki or Michael Henderson by emailing [email protected].
All workshops will be held on 9-October-2021 (Saturday) except for Total Canopy Access for Raptor Biologists which will be hold 31-October 2021.
All workshop times are Local Mountain Time (Boise).
There will be no maximum class size for any of the virtual workshops.
All workshops will be offered at no additional cost to those who register for the conference.
Links to attend all workshops will be provided to all who register for the virtual conference.
Workshop 1: Harnessing Raptors with Transmitters. 9 October, 08:00-10:00 MT.
Description: This will be a live and interactive virtual workshop that will cover the different types of transmitters available for tracking raptors and the different types of attachment methods. We will address the costs and benefits of each of these as well as considerations for a bird’s welfare.
Instructors: Tricia Miller, Conservation Science Global, Inc.
Workshop 2: Writing and Peer-Review. 9 October, 10:00-12:00 MT.
Description: 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) Publishing in the Journal of Raptor Research; 4) Peer-review — how to conduct a peer-review, and how to respond to peer-review feedback.
Instructors: Julie Garvin, Tetra Tech; James Bednarz, University of North Texas; Cheryl Dykstra, Raptor Environmental; Joan Morrison, Trinity College.
Workshop 3: Field and In-hand Raptor Identification. 9 October, 12:00 – 15:00 MT.
Description: 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. This virtual workshop will be live.
Instructors: Bryce Robinson, Cornell University; Jesse Watson, HawkWatch International; Neil Paprocki, University of Idaho.
Workshop 4: Techniques for Handling, Auxiliary Marking, and Measuring Raptors after Capture. 9 October, 13:00 – 17:00 MT.
Description: This workshop will begin with an overview of the value of auxiliary marking raptors for scientific research, followed by factors to consider when selecting a marking program. Next will be an overview of the permitting process for auxiliary marking, with a focus on the process in use with the North American Bird Banding Program (Canada and the USA). The workshop will continue with photos and information that (1) demonstrate proper techniques for handling and measuring raptors; (2) describe the types of auxiliary markers in use for raptors, including butt-end and lock-on leg bands, feather imping, inks and dyes, and patagial markers; and (3) show the tools and techniques used to apply these auxiliary markers.
Instructors: Dan Varland, Coastal Raptors; John Smallwood, Montclair State University
Workshop 5: Total Canopy Access for Raptor Biologists. 21 October, 12:00 – 15:00.
Description: 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 found 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. Using a virtual platform, expert climbers will demonstrate multiple techniques for canopy access with ropes, describing the advantages and limitations of each in terms of efficiency, mobility, safety and cost. 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 Intermountain Bird Observatory of Boise State University, and City of Boise Parks and Recreation. Professional tree climbing instructors from arboriculture and science will lead the course. No prior experience in tree climbing is necessary. Following the live presentation there will be a virtual Q&A session.
Instructors: David L. Anderson, The Peregrine Fund; Robert Miller, Intermountain Bird Observatory; Zeke Willard, Idaho Tree Preservation; Kevin Van Brunt, Eden Tree Service; Joshua Chavez, Chavo Tree Care.