Avian conservation through research and education
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Conservation Series CDs |
BirdCountry.US "Conservation Series" View-At-Home Programs
Our conservation series of interpretive programs are based on the premise that conservation of any species or group of species depends on the habitat requirements and behavior of those species. In these programs we will highlight the habitat requirements of each species in the group and then explain the gaps that exist in the knowledge of that species. Here is an example of the information on just one species that you can learn from our Conservation Series of interpretive programs:
Did you know that there has never been in-depth study of a population of
Red-headed Woodpeckers (Melanerpes erythrocephalus)? Because of this we
know nothing about:
- - The daily pattern of vocalization, or the relationship, if any, between the vocalizations and behavior.
- - The size of the summer territory or the spacing of these territories.
- - The rates at which young are fed or their nesting success, or even how many broods are raised per year in the various parts of their range.
- The size of hatchlings, whether the parents assist in hatching, and how the young leave the nest at fledging.
- Dispersal of first-year birds or their survival rates.
- Any significant causes of mortality.
Not only do we lack knowledge on the specifics of this species, but we have limited knowledge on their interactions with and effects on other species. There is some anecdotal information on interspecific competition during the breeding season, but we have no knowledge on the degree to which these interactions affect other species.
We do know that red-headed woodpeckers excavate numerous cavities within their territories. Do other species, such as flying squirrels, arboreal mice, tree frogs and secondary cavity-nesting birds, utilize and even depend on these cavities and, therefore, depend on the existence of red-headed woodpeckers in a given area for their own existence?
Another thing we know is that mast production is probably the determining factor on seasonal dispersal of red-headed woodpeckers, but this has never been quantified. Therefore, forestry officials cannot manage the forests that house these birds.
Finally, we know that this species has experienced dramatic population highs and lows, but we need to understand why, especially the long-term effects of such things as land-use patterns and the silviculture practices in urban and suburban landscapes.
Clearly, we have much to learn about the red-headed woodpecker and it will take the work of amateurs and professionals alike to gain this knowledge.
When provided with this kind of direction, can you imagine the giant leaps in understanding and conservation that we can achieve if we get this information into classrooms, birding seminars and symposiums, and your local birding club or Audubon chapter, the very people that can easily and quickly begin to gather this information?
Is there a particular group of birds that has a high conservation priority in your area? Let us know and we will do the research, acquire the needed images, and package it all into a program designed specifically for you. There is no additional cost for this service, simply because we can then add the program to our offerings and make it available to everyone, thereby greatly increasing the exposure for these birds and their conservation and research needs. Let us know what you need by sending us an email today.
Owls
of the Midwest
Owls are one of nature's most fascinating groups of creatures, yet little is known about them simply because most of them are active when we are not. That, in no way, lessens their importance or somehow puts them lower on the list of conservation needs. As an example, the range of the Barred Owl has been expanding in the Northwest, in many cases, to the detriment of the Spotted Owl. The more aggressive Barred Owl simply evicts the Spotted Owl from the territory. This can have a dramatic effect on the conservation of a federally endangered species. In the Owls of the Midwest, you'll get information on the Barn Owl, Eastern Screech-owl, Great Horned Owl, Snowy Owl, Barred Owl, Long-eared Owl, Short-eared Owl, and the Northern Saw-whet Owl. To order yours, visit our e-Store today.
Spotted Breasts - Spotty Knowledge
In this program we look at the spot-breasted thrushes inhabiting the Midwest. These include the Veery, Gray-cheeked Thrush, Swainson's Thrush, Hermit Thrush, and Wood Thrush. "First and foremost, studies are needed to determine the extent and reasons behind the apparently dichotomous reports of territoriality in wood thrushes." And this is only the proverbial tip of the iceberg in this understudied group of birds. Click here for a preview (After downloading the 1.02 MB ppt. file, open it and click "Read Only" when prompted for a password). To order yours, visit our e-Store today.
The ABC's of Diurnal Raptors
Our focus in this program is on the Accipiters and Buteos of the Midwest and their Conservation needs. Cooper's Hawks seem to be adjusting their habitat, especially during the winter, to more urban and suburban habitats. What does this mean for other birds already in those areas? You'll gain insight into the requirements of the Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, Northern Goshawk, Red-Shouldered Hawk, Broad-Winged Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, and Rough-Legged Hawk. Click here for a preview (After downloading the 1.43 MB ppt. file, open it and click "Read Only" when prompted for a password). To order yours, visit our e-Store today.
Woodpeckers of the Midwest
You'll be amazed at how little is known about so many of these highly visible and recognizable birds. For instance, did you know that the Ruby-throated Hummingbird has a close association with the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker? We'll cover the Red-headed Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, and Pileated Woodpecker. Click here for a preview (After downloading the 1.20 MB ppt. file, open it and click "Read Only" when prompted for a password). To order yours, visit our e-Store today.
What programs could you use in your conservation and education efforts?
Email us and let us know what you need.
To view any of our program previews, Microsoft PowerPoint or PowerPoint Reader is required as are a sound card and speakers. After downloading the file,
open it and click on "Read Only" when prompted for a password. Then press F5 on your keyboard to start the preview.
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National
Geographic's
Birding Essentials
Jonathan Alderfer and Jon Dunn, National Geographic Society, paperback, 224 pages.
"... Comprehensive and authoritative, yet engaging and user-friendly, it teaches readers how to begin and improve their birding... what to look and listen for... and how to make sense of what they see and hear..."
Either one or the other of these two authors has worked on all five editions of one of the most respected field guides in the birding world, National Geographic's Field Guide to the Birds of North American. Now they have combined their talents to create Birding Essentials: All the Tools, Techniques, and Tips You Need to Begin and Become a Better Birder. After all, isn't becoming a better birder what all of are striving for? This book belongs on everyone's shelf. Only
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