Hosted By: The Klamath Bird Observatory

79th Annual Meeting of the Western Bird Banding Association

29th Annual Meeting of the Western Field Ornithologists 25th Annual Meeting of the Oregon Field Ornithologists

September 9-12, 2004

Windsor and Windmill Inns Ashland, Oregon

Meeting Welcome

Greetings to All Participants!

On behalf of the Klamath Bird Observatory (KBO), your local host, welcome to the 79th Annual Meeting of the Western Bird Banding Association (WBBA), the 29th Annual Meeting of the Western Field Ornithologists (WFO), and 25th Annual Meeting of the Oregon Field Ornithologists (OFO). We, the members of WBBA, WFO, OFO, and bird enthusiasts alike, have a wonderful opportunity not only to see old friends and take part in the traditions of our respective organizations, but also to learn about the differing traditions of our partner organizations and meet new friends.

We are excited to enjoy this special event with everyone as we share in the awe of the unique and pristine environments that surround us in the Klamath Siskiyou Region. This meeting is a celebration of the scientific study of birds and their habi-tats. Through ornithology we are gaining a better understanding of bird population trends and factors that influence popula-tions. Through the study of birds and their habitats we are developing a tool for identifying conservation needs and for evaluating the effectiveness of local, regional and international conservation efforts.

Integrating the meetings of these three organizations has been a challenging task and has been made possible through much effort from individuals from our three organizations. Catherine Waters (WFO) has been involved in all aspects of meeting preparation and has done a wonderful job keeping communication open among our organizations’ representatives, meeting coordinators, and participants. Robbie Fisher (WFO) has accomplished the monumental achievement of organizing the meeting registrations and juggling sign-ups for field trips, meals and workshops. Along with Cat and Robbie I have had the pleasure of working with the other members of the meeting organization committee. Rob Hewitt (LBJ Enterprises, WFO) has been involved with many aspects of meeting planning, and specifically has taken the lead in putting together an impressive field trip schedule, with the help of Pablo Herrera (US Forest Service, WFO), and providing an opportunity for various vend-ers to take part in our meeting, and assuring the availability of meeting t-shirts. Ted Floyd (American Birding Association, WFO) was responsible for a meticulous job of compiling the WFO talks, and with C.J. Ralph (US Forest Service, KBO, WBBA, WFO, OFO) who has compiled WBBA related talks, organizing a rich scientific paper session. C.J. has also con-sulted with KBO regarding every aspect of putting on this meeting. Dennis Vroman (OFO) has acted as our liaison to OFO and provided much calming input during the planning process.

Klamath Bird Observatory staff members and intern students have played a major support role in helping KBO host this meeting. Laurel Genzoli and Melissa Pitkin have organized every aspect of this meeting from the KBO side of things. Bob Frey has provided excellent support in planning field trips, workshops and other aspects of the meeting. The rest of our staff has also taken up much slack as our attention in the office has been focused on meeting planning.

In addition to the folks mentioned, many additional individuals have been a tremendous help in the preparation of this meet-ing. The contribution of volunteers, workshop teachers, field trip leaders, presenters and many others is much appreciated. Anne Wheeler at the Windmill Inn, and Brian Mam at the Best Western Windsor Inn have been very helpful with our or-ganization process and in providing a significant discount on hotel rooms. John Warren, owner of the Windsor Inn has gra-ciously donated the use of Windsor Hall for this occasion and Shawn Whitescorn from Confident Caterers has been ex-tremely helpful in planning for our food and beverage needs. Please take an opportunity to thank all of the folks who have helped to make this meeting happen.

We appreciate you taking time out of your busy lives to attend and contribute to this meeting’s success. This joint meeting represents a trend in North America where science-based bird conservation interests are working together under NABCI - the North American Bird Conservation Initiative. I hope you find this meeting energizing, and take that energy back into your communities, continuing to spread the wonder of birds, bird conservation, and excellent science to all your partners.

Sincerely,

John Alexander, Klamath Bird Observatory, Executive Director Western Bird Banding Association, 2nd Vice-President Western Field Ornithologists, Member Oregon Field Ornithologists, Member

Local Host

The Klamath Bird Observatory

The Klamath Bird Observatory is a non-profit research organization promoting conservation in the Klamath Bioregion and throughout the Western Hemisphere. Klamath Bird Observatory biologists conduct projects focusing on:

• using science to study the ecology and habitats of birds;

• integrating bird monitoring and inventory with conservation and land management programs in Oregon and California;

• training biologists and monitoring bird populations in Central America and the Caribbean;

• providing education and outreach about birds and their environments to scientific outlets, land manag-ers, and the public.

For information on all of the Klamath Bird Observatory’s projects visit www.klamathbird.org/.

Partnerships KBO is affiliated with many partner organizations, agencies, and individuals. One close partnership is with the U.S. Forest Service’s research branch in Arcata, California. The Bird Monitoring Group at the Red-wood Sciences Laboratory and KBO are closely merged with research programs, personnel, objectives, and funding.

KBO’s Partnership with the Redwood Sciences Laboratory (RSL) Wins Recognition

Taking Wing Award presented by the Chief of the USDA Forest Service and by Ducks Unlimited for in-creasing understanding of wetland ecosystems and habitat relationships through excellence in science and management applications. (March 2004)

Partners In Flight National Award presented by the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service honored the Klamath Demographic Monitoring Network and KBO’s Research Director Dr. C.J. Ralph for protect-ing migrating and resident landbirds and their habitats through innovative leadership. (March 2004)

Joint Fire Sciences Program awarded KBO and RSL the “Best Scientist-Manager Partnership” award for inves-tigating bird response to wildfire, fuels treatment, and fire suppression. (April 2004)

New Member Drive Help us grow our membership and budget! A generous donor has pledged $5,000 in matching funds to KBO for all new memberships and donations. Your membership of $35.00 will secure and additional $35.00 for KBO, for a total of $70.00.

Members receive copies of our Newsletter, The Klamath Bird, invitations to KBO events and outings, and internet updates with news regarding the Klamath Bird Observatory.

To become a member, visit the Klamath Bird Observatory table in the vending area at the McLaughlin Room at the Windmill Inn or visit us online at www.klamathbird.org/membership

Participating Organizations

The mission of Oregon Field Ornithologists is to further the knowledge, education, enjoy-ment and science of birds and birding in Oregon. Visit OFO on the web at www.oregonbirds.org

Western Field Ornithologists is an organization committed to field-oriented descriptive ornithology, with appeal for both amateur and professional. The region of interest encom-passes the Rocky Mountain and Pacific states and provinces, including Alaska and Hawai‘i, west-ern Texas, northwestern Mexico, and the northeastern Pacific Ocean. Membership activities include a refereed quarterly journal Western Birds, the annual Conference, and pelagic field trips. Visit WFO on the web at www.wfo-cbrc.org/

The Western Bird Banding Association mission is to encourage and promote bird banding as a useful tool in the study of the biology and migration of western birds.

WBBA was established in 1925 to provide guidance and assistance to a relatively small number of western bird banders, located then primarily in Southern California. Today, WBBA repre-sents banders in the U.S. lying wholly west of the 100th Meridian, Canada west of the 110th Me-ridian, and Mexico west of the crest of the Sierra Madre Oriental.

North American Bird Bander is the quarterly publication of the Western, Inland, and Eastern Bird Banding Associations and includes articles and information of interest to banders. Visit WBBA online at www.westernbirdbanding.org

Meeting Logo Gary Bloomfield Gary Bloomfield is a wildlife artist and illustrator, working primarily in ink and/or transparent watercolor and specializing in birds. He holds a bachelor’s degree in scientific illustration from Humboldt State University. His published work appears in educational coloring books, various brochures, pamphlets, posters, maps, interpretive signs and displays, and educational and non-fiction books. His work can also be found on numerous T-shirts. Gary is an avid birder and part-time field ornithologist. Interested in birds for about as long as he can remember, he did not actually start birding until he was nine. He has called Arcata, in northwestern California, home since 1980. Artist’s Statement: “I enjoy putting extensive research into my work; from personal observation in the field (birding, sketching and photographing ) to comprehensive library, museum and internet delving. ” To view more of Gary’s work visit his web portfolio at www.homepage.mac.com/bloomfieldstudio

Gary Bloomfield BLOOMFIELD STUDIO PO Box 5083, Arcata, CA, 95518 (707) 822-0210 Online Store: www.cafepress.com/bloomfieldart Web Portfolio: gab@humboldt1.com

Field Trip and Vendor Host

Conference Venues

Our joint meeting is being held at both the Windmill and Best Western Windsor Inns in Ashland. These Hotels are located across Ashland Avenue from each other, east of I-5 Ashland Exit # 14. In the Windmill Inn meals will be served in the Shasta Room, on the lower floor, accept for Friday breakfast and lunch, which will be in the Lassen Room on the Lobby Floor. Workshops that are scheduled at the Windmill will be in the Lassen Room on Friday and in the Shasta Room on Saturday. The Windmill Conference Room, where various meetings have been scheduled, is located on the Mezzanine, above the lobby. Be sure to visit the venders who will be set up in the McLaughlin Room on the lower floor of the Windmill. All events sched-uled at the Windsor Inn will be held in Windsor Hall, which is located in the back of the main parking lot.

Meals Attendees who have registered for meals will receive tickets at the registration desks. Breakfasts and Thursday and Sunday lunches have been canceled due to low registration; refunds will be provided by WFO. For hotel guests we have arranged that the complimentary breakfasts be served starting at 5:00 am on Friday and Saturday. At the Windmill Inn breakfast will be served in the Lassen Room on Friday and the Shasta Room on Saturday and Sunday. Windsor Inn breakfasts will be served in Windsor Hall.

Refunds For various reasons, some attendees will receive a refund. Volunteers will be refunded for one day’s registration for each 3-hour time slot worked. Field trip leaders will be refunded for one day’s registration fee for each trip. Attendees who have registered for meals, field trips, or workshops that have been canceled will be refunded the appropriate amount, if they opt out of switching there registration to alternative events. Refunds will be confirmed at the registration table, and WFO will de-liver checks after the meeting.

Field Trips There will be a field trip information booth in the Windmill Hotel’s McLaughlin Room where the vendors will be set up. Field trips will depart from the parking lot at the Best Western Windsor Hotel. During departure times a field trip staging table will be set up in the lobby of Windsor Hall. The parking lots where field trips are to depart from are located in front of Windsor Hall.

Rob Hewitt from LBJ Enterprises is the host of the wonderful field trips provided to participants at this joint meeting. He is also responsible for making the vendor component of the meeting possible.

LBJ Enterprises offers biological consulting, birdwatching tours, birdwatching classes, bird books and birding resources for Northern California and beyond. http://www.birdjobs.com/

Conference Logistics

Gary Bloomfield, Artist Leupold Optics LBJ Enterprises Northwest Nature Shop Optics 4 Birding Oregon Birding Trails Swarovski Optics

Arch McCallum Bio-Acustics B & H Photo Brunton Optics Eagle Optics Field Trip Meeting /Information Booth Kowa Optics Klamath Bird Observatory

The following vendors will be exhibiting their goods and informational tables in the McClaughlin Room of the Windmill Inn on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of the Workshop. Drop by to see what they have to offer!

Wednesday, September 8 Workshops

2:00pm-7:00pm Molt Limits, Peter Pyle; KBO Upper Klamath Field Station and Rocky Point Fire Hall, Rocky Point Oregon

Meetings 6:00pm-10:00pm WFO Committees; Windsor Hall, Windsor Inn

Thursday, September 9 Registration

9:00am-7:00pm Open Registration, Shasta Foyer, Windmill Inn Vendors 9:30am-10:00pm Vendors, Field Trip Info, and Organization Info; McLaughlin Room, Windmill Inn Workshops

6:00am-5:45pm Molt Limits, Peter Pyle, KBO Upper Klamath Field Station and Rocky Point Fire Hall, Rocky Point Oregon

Presenter and Poster Set-up 3:00pm-5:00pm Poster Set Up Windsor Hall, Windsor Inn 4:00pm-5:45pm Presenter AV Set-up Windsor Hall, Windsor Inn Meetings

1:15pm-3:00pm Oregon/Washington Partners In Flight Business Meeting; Windsor Hall, Windsor Inn 12:00pm-5:00pm WFO Board; Shasta Room, Windmill Inn

Meals and Socials 5:00am-10:00am Continental Breakfast; Windsor and Windmill Inns (Hotel Guests Only) 5:30pm-6:30pm Reception and Bar; Windmill Inn, Shasta Room 6:15pm-6:30pm Mandatory Field Trip Leader Meeting, Shasta Room, Windmill Inn 6:30pm-8:00pm BBQ Dinner, Shasta Room Patio, Windmill Inn

Special Evening Program 8:00pm-9:00pm, The Making of The Birds of Oregon by authors David B. Marshall, Matthew G. Hunter, and Alan L. Contreras. Learn what it took to put this amazing resource together. Shasta Room, Windmill Inn

Field Trips 6:15am-4:00pm Trip 1: Klamath Basin Refuge 6:30am-4:00pm Trip 2: Crater Lake/Upper Klamath Lake 8:00pm-10:00pm Trip 3: Owl Trip

Friday, September 10 Registration

7:00am-2:00pm Open Registration, Lassen Foyer, Windmill Inn 2:00pm-7:00pm Open Registration, Shasta Foyer , Windmill Inn

Vendors 9:30am-10:00pm Vendors, Field Trip Information, and Organization Information, McLaughlin Room, Windmill Inn Paper and Poster Session Ted Floyd and C. John Ralph (Chairs)

1:15pm-5:30pm Paper Session 1, Windsor Hall, Windsor Inn 5:30pm-6:45pm Poster Session, Windsor Hall, Windsor Inn

Workshops 6:00am-10:45am Molt Limits, Peter Pyle, KBO Willow Wind Headquarters, Ashland, OR 8:45am-9:45am Exciting New Insights into Hermit and Black-throated Gray Warbler Songs, and How Confusing They Can Be, Stewart Janes; Windsor Hall, Windsor Inn 9:00am-11:00am Tips for Identifying Western Hummingbirds, Steve Howell; Lassen Room, Windmill Inn 10:00am-11:00am Genetics, Migration & Bird Conservation, John Pollinger; Windsor Hall, Windsor Inn

Presenter and Poster Set-up 11:00am-1:00pm Windsor Hall, Windsor Inn 5:30-6:30 pm Windsor Hall, Windsor Inn Meetings

8:30am-1:00pm WBBA Board Meeting; Windmill Inn, Mezanine Room (Working Lunch) Meals and Socials

5:00am-10:00am Continental Breakfast; Windsor and Windmill Inns 11:30am-1:00pm Buffet Lunch; Lassen Room, Windmill Inn 5:15pm-6:45pm Bar and Poster Session; Windsor Hall, Windsor Inn 6:45pm-8:15pm Banquet; Shasta Room, Windmill Inn

Meeting Schedule

Friday September 10 cont. Special Evening Program

8:30pm-9:30pm Keynote: Peter Pyle; Great trans-Pacific migrations: From albatrosses to turtles and sharks to pipits. Windmill Inn, Shasta Room

Field Trips 6:30am-11:30am Trip 4: Bird Banding at Upper Klamath Lake 6:45am-11:30am Trip 5: Birding Transect East 7:00am-11:30am Trip 6: Birding Ashland – Emigrant Lake, Lithia Park 6:30am-11:30am Trip 7: Birding the Rogue Valley 7:00am-11:30am Trip 8: Great-gray Owl 6:15am-11:30am Trip 9: Siskiyou County Loop 6:15am-11:30am Trip 10: High Elevation Siskiyou Crest 6:00am-11:30am Trip 11: California Birding

Saturday, September 11 Registration

7:00am-7:00pm Open Registration Shasta Foyer, Windmill Inn Vendors 9:30am-10:00pm Vendors, Field Trip Information, and Organization Information, McLaughlin Room, Windmill Inn Paper Session Ted Floyd and C. John Ralph (Chairs)

1:15pm-5:15pm WBBA/WFO Paper Session 2: Windsor Hall, Windsor Inn Workshops

7:00am-11:00am Banding Techniques KBO and RSL; KBO-Ashland Headquarters 8:45am-9:45am Band Manager, Keith Larson; Windsor Hall, Windsor Inn 8:45am-9:45am Digiscoping, Clay Taylor and Roy Halpin; Shasta Room, Windmill Inn 10:30am-11:30am MAPSPROG training, Nicole Michel; Windsor Hall, Windsor Inn

Meetings 12:00pm-1:00pm North America Migration Network (Working Lunch); Mezanine Room, Windmill Inn 10:00am-11:00am OFO Business Meeting; Shasta Room, Windmill Inn 5:15pm-6:45pm WBBA Business Meeting; Windsor Hall, Windsor Inn

Meals and Socials 5:00am-10:00am Continental Breakfast; Windsor and Windmill Inns 11:30am-1:00pm Buffet Lunch; Shasta Room, Windmill Inn 5:15pm-6:45pm Vendor Reception; Silent Auction; Book Signing; McLaughlin Room, Windmill Inn 6:45pm-8:15pm Banquet; Shasta Room, Windmill Inn

Special Evening Program 8:30pm-9:30pm Banquet, Expert ID by sound and sight; Joe Morlan; Shasta Room, Windmill Inn. Come watch a

panel of bird experts as they try to identify difficult and problematic birds. This annual event is fun and educational– be sure not to miss it!

Field Trips 7:00am-11:30am Trip 12: Great-gray Owl 6:15am-11:30am Trip 13: Siskiyou County Loop 6:45am-11:30am Trip 14: Birding Transect East 7:00am-11:30am Trip 15: Birding Ashland – Emigrant Lake, Lithia Park 6:30am-11:30am Trip 16: Birding the Rogue Valley 6:15am-11:30am Trip 17: High Elevation Siskiyou Crest 6:00am-11:30am Trip 18: California Birding

Sunday, September 12 Workshops

6:45am-7:00pm NABC Certification (See NABC Certification Description) Field Trips

6:45am-11:30am Trip 19: Bird Banding on the Rogue 6:15am-4:00pm Trip 20: Klamath Basin Refuge 6:30am-4:00pm Trip 21: Crater Lake/Upper Klamath Lake 9:00am-3:00pm Trip 22: Wine Tasting 6:30am-2:00pm Trip 23: Lake Selmac

Meeting Schedule