..AN INTRODUCTION FROM THE PRESIDENT Dear fellow RRF members, Back in July you received an announcement that the Raptor Research Foundation was preparing to begin a newsletter and now you are about to read the first issue. Those of you who joined the Foundation back in 1966 received your first issue of the RRF newsletter in January 1967, but then it was called the RAPTOR RESEARCH NEWS. You might ask why is your , organization producing a newsletter when we already publish The Journal of Raptor Research, First, it was suggested by many of you that responded to the survey sent out by Vice President Michael Collopy and his Ad hoc Committee on Publications. To further respond to that, let me remind you of the differences between the two publication types. The Journal is a peer- reviewed or refereed publication which publishes articles of scientific content which tend to be of more interest to those doing some research with raptors. Because of the need to have manuscripts critically reviewed before accepting them for publication, the time required to produce such a publication is more lengthy and the process more costly. Newsletters, on the other hand, deal more with news items, and while we hope the information will be just as accurate as in the Journal, the content will more likely concern people dealing with raptors in a less formal way. In summary, Journal articles tend to be more about raptors and Newsletter articles about raptor people. Because materials submitted to the Newsletter will not have to be circulated to various experts for review and the content Will not be set in type, the cost of the production of the Newsletter wiE be much less than die Journal. Also because of the nature of content there may be an additional audience that would read the Newsletter, This suggests that perhaps we should consider an RRF membership category that receives only the Newsletter? But that remains to be worked out. Usually information is much more timely in newsletters which would suggest that it ought to be issued more frequently? This also remains to be seen. We wEl address these and other possible questions after we see what sort of response we get from you the members and readers. Please let us hear from you, and we thank you in advance for providing us feedback. Sincerely, Richard J. Clark, President, Raptor Research Foundation „AN INTRODUCTION FROM THE EDITOR The Raptor Research and Technical Assistance Center (RRTAC) is proud to produce this first issue of Wingspan-~a newsletter designed to provide timely information to members of the Raptor Research Foundation. We thank George Carpenter for naming our newsletter, Holly Kirkpatrick for designing the logo, Butch Olendorffor logistical assistance, and Kay Sundberg for the desktop publishing. The Wingspan will serve as a network for distributing information on publications, job openings, conservation alerts, and other news about raptors, raptor programs, and raptor biologists. So far, we have been pleased with the interest that the newsletter has generated. Our next issue is scheduled to be printed in March. The RRF Board of Directors will vote on whether to approve this newsletter format at the fall meeting. Please send comments or suggestions to me or members of the Board of Directors, Karen Steenhof, Editor WINQSPAN ABOUT RRTAC-. The Raptor Research and Technical Assistance Center (RRTAC) is a cooperative effort involving Federal and state governments, the academic community, and the private sector. RRTAC ’s purpose is to promote and develop raptor research, technical assistance, and public information/education programs. The 7 RRTAC cooperators include the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Boise State University (BSU), University of Idaho, Idaho State University, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, and the Peregrine Fund, The BLM and BSU are the main RRTAC cooperators. Mark Fuller, Director of BLM RRTAC, oversees the functions of 13 research scientists, technicians, geographers, computer assistants, and support staff. Included in this staff are raptor specialists Butch Olendorff, Mike Kochert, Karen Steenhof, Bob Lehman, and Leslie Carpenter. Toni Cade, Director of BSU Raptor Research Center, and Marc Bechard oversee BSU graduate student research. Currently, RRTAC *s main effort is the cooperative research project by the BLM and Idaho Army National Guard which is assessing the effects of military activity and other uses on the major raptors in the Snake River Birds of Prey Area. This 5-year project, which began in 1990, provides a firm foundation for other RRTAC involvements, including global change research, studies of livestock grazing and fire on raptor populations, technical assistance, and outside projects as requested by other agencies and the private sector. RRTAC maintains an extensive collection of about 17,500 reprints on raptor biology. Staff members are available for assistance on raptor management issues and study/monitoring design, They wiU conduct literature searches, answer specific questions about raptors, and provide on- site ev^uatipns in some cases. RRTAC personnel can be contacted at the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, 3948 Development Avenue, Boise, Idaho 83705 (208- 384-3482). H THE RAPTOR RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC. (FOUNDED 1966) PRESIDENT: Richard J. Clark VICE-PRESIDENT: Michael W. Collopy SECRETARY; Betsy Hancock TREASURER; Jim Fitzpatrick BOARD OF DIRECTORS EASTERN DIRECTOR: Keith L. Bildstein CENTRAL DIRECTOR: Thomas Nicholls CANADIAN DIRECTOR: Paul C. James MOUNTAIN & PACIFIC DIRECTOR: Stephen W, Hoffman DIRECTOR AT LARGE #1: DIRECTOR AT LARGE #2; DIRECTOR AT LARGE #3: DIRECTOR AT LARGE #4: DIRECTOR AT LARGE #5: DIRECTOR AT LARGE #6: INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR #1: Fabian M. Jaksid INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR #2: Eduaido E. Ifigo-Elias Michael W. Collopy Robert E. Kenward Jeffrey L. Lincer David M. Bird Paul F, Steblein Gary E. Duke SEPTEMBER 1992 ..THEY WILL BE MISSED tm pr0mwml raptor mtogimpam^rna:^inJm$mx Both . Jm Murphy M Bkk Fttmer had mud^ :. signifltmt oouMbutiom to the raptor prttfmiau, md they he deeply mmed ■. hy their coUeagues. RICHARD E, FITZNER Richard E. Fitzner, 45, was Idlled in a plane crash on 3 June 1992 while surveying for ferruginous hawk nests at the Army’s Training Center near Yakima, Washington. A colleague, Lester E. Eberhardt, and the pilot, Raymond L. JOSEPH R. MURPHY Gilkerson, were also killed in the crash of the Cessna 182. Joseph R. Murphy, former professor of zoology at Brigham Young University, died as a result of cancer on 17 June 1992 in Orange, California at the age of 67. Joe served as president of the Raptor Research Foundation between 1974 and 1983. He also served as an editor of the Journal during part of that time. While Joe is best remembered for his work on bald eagles and golden eagles, he was actually trained as a community ecologist, and his Fh.D. dissertation concerned some ecological relationships in the Mammoth Hot Springs area of Yellowstone National Park. He started his work with raptors while looking at bald eagles in Yellowstone. He trained many graduate students and, of the many whose committees he chaired, eight did a master’s thesis and five a Ph.D. dissertation on raptors. His students were among those who did some of the earliest studies on the ferruginous hawks in the western United States. He will best be remembered for his wit, his charming baritone voice, and his ability to be an extemporaneous speaker. He will be missed by those who knew him and especially those close to him. An employee of Batelle Northwest Laboratories at Richland, Washington for 20 years, Dick worked with numerous wildlife species, including waterfowl and upland birds, but he was perhaps best known in the raptor community for his work with ferruginous and Swainson’s hawks on and near the Hanford site in southcentral Washington. His Ph.D. dissertation at Washington State University was the first to focus on the breeding behavior of the Swainson’s hawk. In the course of his career, Dick collaborated with numerous state and federal agency personnel in addition to advising and sponsoring graduate and undergraduate students from universities around the country. His zest for field work and his ready and cheerful responses to requests for help from students and colleagues alike will always be remembered. Those of us who knew and worked with him will miss his wit and friendship and will find it difficult to fill the void left by his sudden death. He is survived by his wife Lisa and their 3-year old son, Brant. - Clayton White - Marc J. Bechard WINGSPAN ORGANIZATION - Focusing on Birds of Prey for Conservation Of Nature Species over ‘40 Latin Americans and Conservation, given to propagation received training, studies Kenyan lecturers and post- and continued on 14 raptor species, graduate students, generated restoration- over 2,000 migrant songbirds much enthusiasm and interest in The Peregrine were netted and marked, raptor raptor research and conservation. Fund hatched and other faunal and floral One individual from the course 156 Peregrine Falcons {Falco surveys continued, and work will receive a grant for raptor in 1992, and 97.5% continued to establish a research in East Africa, survived at least to release. The biological monitoring program. Fund released 133 Peregrines at Support was also provided for In Madagascar three Malagasy 23 sites in ID, MT, OR, WA, local research and conservation technicians have been trained, and WY. Peregrines were also in Honduras. The Harpy Eagle and two Malagasy Master’s provided for release in CA and field program expanded to degree students are involved in in the Midwest. All 19 include activities in Panama, research to use ecological Aplomado Falcons (F./e/«t>ra/w) Ecuador, Venezuela, and requirements of raptors as a raised this year were saved for Guyana. Over 17 Harpy Eagle guide for reserve design/ breeding, with multiple releases nest sites are now known. Two management and as indicators in in TX and Mexico to begin in eagles are being monitored by monitoring conservation 1993. The Fund’s breeding pairs satellite. Support is also being programs. Twenty pairs of the of Mauritius Kestiels (F. provided for a Columbian endangered Madagascar Fish were transferred to biologist. BdigX^ {Haliaeetus vociferoides) other facilities as the kestrel have been located, and ten pairs restoration project nears a Ethiopian Region - The Pan- on three adjacent lakes are being successful completion. The Africa Raptor Conservation studied to determine the best Peregrine Fund will again Program (PARC) began in methods to increase the : manage egg hatching and kestrel Kenya last year with a project to population beyond its recently rearing in Mauritius during the increase public awareness and estimated 45 to 50 pairs. 1992 breeding season. Eggs are understanding of raptors, develop now obtained primarily by a raptor research program, and Oriental Region - The first "double clutching" wild pairs. identify important areas for Philippine Eagle (Pfr/iecop/inga Captive Harpy Eagles {Harpia conservation of raptors. was bred in captivity by harpyja) were borrowed from Construction of a facility to thePhilippineEagleConserva- the governments, of Ecuador and house and display raptors for tion Program Foundation, Inc. Panama in an effort to develop education of small groups of Additionally, two locations with five breeding pairs. "decision makers" is almost wild eagles are known on the complete. Three educational island of Luzon, and based on Neotropical Region - The booklets on diurnal raptors, owls, the extent of habitat, biologists Maya Project is completing its and vultures, have been written, estimate a population of 10 to 15 fifth year of research and and. the first is scheduled for pairs there. On the island of conservation in the contiguous distribution to primary and Mindanao, where the captive forest area of Guatemala, secondary schools this fall. A breeding is carried out, Mexico, and Belize. This season short course in Raptor Biology researchers . know of six SEPTEMBER 1992 PROFILES successful nests this season. The total population on Mindanao should be larger than on Luzon. Three-fourths of all Philippine Eagles are believed to exist on these islands. World Center for Birds of Prey - Visitors included 5,044 children from 220 classes. The new Velma Morrison Education Center, designed to accommo- date over 50,000 visitors a year, is under construction. "Wise as an Owl, A Resource and Teacher’s Guide to Birds of Prey" written by L. Langelier and illustrated by J. Schmitt and E. McGowan, has been published and is available for purchase. Entry and analysis continue on almost 20 years of data from captive Peregrine Falcon breeding. Collaborative research projects on nutrition, genetics, endocrinology, and immunology of raptors are underway. The World Center is also in the process of assembling an on-site laboratory and a museum collection of raptors. During June, the Archives of American Falconry was dedicated along with the James Nelson Rice Wing of the administration building. Acknowledgments - Every program and project is in cooperation with and made possible by other individuals, organizations, and governments. Printing space, not significance, prevents their listing. O THE IOWA RAPTOR FOUNDATION The Iowa Raptor Foundation is currently co-sponsoring several research projects in the Upper Midwest which are conducted through the Midwest Raptor Research Fund with cooperation from various state and federal agencies. Projects include: Monitoring of Red-Shouldered Hawks Surveys and monitoring of Red- shouldered Hawk nesting in Pools 9-11 of the Upper Mississippi Wildlife Refuge are being done, in cooperation with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Non-game Program. Although this species was once common throughout much of the Upper Midwest, its current status is not well understood, and it is currently listed as endangered, threatened, or of special concern in most midwestern states. There is an apparently stable population of RSH in Pools 9-1 1 of the Mississippi River, most likely due to strict management regulations since the late 1930’s. Monitoring of Raptor Migration Avenues in Iowa We hope to develop a network of monitoring points and on-site educational programs along raptor migration avenues in Iowa. Sites include the Mississippi River Valley in northeast Iowa and southwest Wisconsin, the Loess Hills along the Missouri River Valley in southwestern Iowa, and the Des Moines River Valley in south- central Iowa. Identification of Bald Eagle Night Roosting Locations During the past few years, as many as 300-400 Bald Eagles have wintered in the Des Moines River/Red Rock Lake area in south central Iowa, We have developed an on-going program to identify and protect important Bald Eagle night roosting areas in this region. We are currently assisting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in developing a suitable management plan for important Bald Eagle roost sites that are located on Corps property, and we are working with conservation groups and private individuals to protect other night roosts on private property. Most of these raptor projects have internships and/or student project potentials. We would like to invite your input, suggestions, questions, or participation in the field work. For more information contact Jon S trovers, P.O. Box 32, Pella, lA 50219, (515) 628-3254, U WINGSPAN RARE AND ENDANGERED UPDATE ON FEDERAL California Condor {Gymnogyps californianus) - has been listed as "endangered" since 1967. The last Condor was brought in from the wild in 1987. Since then, captive propagation efforts at the Los Angeles Zoo and San Diego Wild Animal Park have increased the population size from 27 to 64, On 14 January 1991, 2 Condors were released and are doing well. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plans to release 4 more individuals this year and to continue expansion of the captive population. Everglade Snail K\t@ (Rostrhamus sociabiHs plumbeus) - has been listed as "endangered" since 1967; The Florida Cooperative Wildlife Unit is currently studying distribution and breeding success of the endangered kite. Bald Bag\© {Haliaeetus leucocephalus) - currently listed as "endangered" in 43 states and threatened in 5 (Oregon, Washington, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Minnesota). It is not listed in Alaska or Hawaii. Increases in nesting populations throughout the species* range since 1978 prompted the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to re-consider the status of the species. The Service’s February 7, 1990 "Notice of Intent" to reclassify the eagle generated considerable discussion in the professional community about threats to eagle habitat and the lack of measures to insure habitat security. Although work began on a "downhsting package," no proposal for reclassification has been made. Northern Gray Hawk {Buteo nitidus maximus) - currently listed as a Category "2": candidate species. Preliminary studies indicate that the population in Arizona appears stable, and a significant portion of the habitat has been acquired by BLM, Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Nature Conservancy. Northern Goshawk {Accipiter gentilis) - Both "apache" and "northern" races became Category "2" candidates in November 1991. Two petitions filed in 1991 to list the goshawk as "threatened" were recently deni^ by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on the grounds that there was insufficient information to identify genetically-distinct populations. The service, however, initiated a status review of the species in January 1992. Swalnson’s Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) - Formerly listed as a Category "2" candidate species, the Swainson’s Hawk was dropped to a "3C" listing in 1989. The decision was based on data presented at the 1985 RRF Workshop in Sacramento on "Status and Listing Needs", which indicated healthy nesting populations throughout much of the species’ range. Ferruginous Hawk (Buteo regalis) - continues to be listed as a Category "2" candidate , species. A petition filed in June 1991 to list the species as "endangered" is still pending. Audubon’s Crested Cafacara (Polyborus plancus audubonii) - The Florida population of the Caracara was listed as "threatened" in 1987. The species occurs in 5 Florida counties. A recovery plan was approved in November 1989. Southeastern American Kestrel (Falco sparverius paulus) - currently listed as a Category "2" candidate species. Some surveys indicate the population may have experienced as much as an 80% decline since the 1940’s due to modem logging practices. Nest box programs have been successful in re-population of certain local areas. Northern Aplomado falcon {Falco femoralis septentnonalis) - listed as "endangered" since 1986, Twenty-four Aplomado Falcons have been reintroduced in Texas since 1985. The state of Arizona is developing a plan for reintroducing Aplomado Falcons to the southeastern comer of that state. SEPTEMBER 1992 RAPTORS OF NORTH AMERICA STATUS CATEGORIES P©r©grlna Falcon (Falco peregrinus) - Both the Arctic Peregrine Falcon {F. p. tundrius) and the American Peregrine Falcon (F. p. anatum) were listed as "endangered" in 1970. Populations of the Arctic Peregrine Falcon (northern Alaska, northern Canada, and Greenland) and northern American Peregrine Falcon (interior Alaska, southern Yukon Territory, and southern Northwest Territories) have been increasing since 1978 and appear to be nearing full recovery in many areas, The Fish and Wildlife Service is preparing a proposal recommending delisting Arctic Peregrine Falcons and northern American Peregrine Falcons. The proposal will probably be published in September or October of 1992, A final rule will have to be published within one year of publishing the proposed rule. The proposal will apply to all Arctic Peregrine Falcons and to those American Peregrine Falcons in Alaska, Yukon Territory, and Northwest Territories. The "Western" population of the American Peregrine falcon occurs in southwestern Canada, the western United States, and Mexico. The Fish and Wildlife Service appointed a new Recovery Team for the western peregrine population in 1989, and the Team recently completed a review of current survey information. The population has been increasing since the early 1980*s and has achieved recovery goals for downlisting in most areas. Cactus F©rrugln©us Fygmy-owl {Glaucidium brasiliarum cactorum) - currently listed as a Category "1" candidate species with a declining trend. The Fish and Wildlife Service is now considering a petition, received in May of 1992, to list the owl as "endangered." Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis) - The Northern Spotted Owl {S.o. caurina) was listed as "threatened" in June of 1990. Both the Mexican Spotted Owl (S.o. lucida) and the California Spotted Owl {S.o. occidentalis) are currently listed as Category "2" candidate species. The Fish and Wildlife Service proposed to list the Mexican Spotted Owl as "threatened" in November 1991. A final ruling is expected by November 1992, S DEFINITIONS Endangered - species that are in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant part of their range. Threatened - species that are likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future throughout aU or a significant portion of their range. Category t - taxa for which there i$ enough information on biological vulnerability and threats to justify lisdng as endangered or threatened. Although other listing activity currently precludes listing of "Cl" species, listing is anticipated, and agencies are encouraged to consider ^Cl" taxa in environmental planning. Category H - taxa for which listing is possibly appropriate except that available data on biological vulnerability and threats are inadequate to Support proposed rulings. Additional research and field study are necessary to ascertain the status of "C2" species. Category 3 - taxa formerly listed as "C2" that are no longer under consideration for listing because; 1) they have become extinct ("3 A"); 2) they are not taxonomically distinct ("3B"); or 3) they have proven to be more abundant or widespread than previously believed and/or are not subject to any identifiable threat ("3C"). WINGSPAN ■ ;■ FOURTH WORLD CONFERENCE The World Working Group on Birds of Prey and Owls (WWGBP) held its fourth meeting at a former Stasi (a.k.a. the East German Secret Police) training camp in the rural community of Gosen, some 25 km southeast of downtown Berlin, from 10 through 1 7 May 1992. The conference was capably organized by Dr, Bemd-U. Meyburg and R.D, Chancellor, and was attended by more than 500 participants representing nations on 6 continents. The meeting’s ambitious program, which included 9 sessions spread over the course of 5 days and nights, was devoted to a broad range of topics, including systematics and taxonomy, environmental contaminants, tropical raptors, conservation biology, reintroductions, trapping and radio-telemetry techniques, and rare lesser- known owls. Three 1 -day excursions to ecologi- cally significant destinations in Brandenburg, an overnight Journey to Mecklenberg to see Lesser Spotted Eagles, Sea Eagles, and Ospreys, as well as briefer trips to the West and East Berlin Zoos, rounded out the diverse program. At a lively business meeting, members of the working group overwhelmingly reelected Dr. Bemd-U. Meyburg as Chairman, Drs. Dean Amadon and Vladimir Galushih as Vice Chairmen, and R.D. Chancellor as Hon. Secretary-Treasurer. In an attempt to broaden the board’s membership, Dr. Meyburg proposed, and the membership subsequently enthusiastically elected, five additional Vice-Chairmen: Drs. David Bird, Tom Cade, Mark Fuller, Michel Terrasse, and Jean Marc Thiollay, Twenty-four resolutions concerning various aspects of raptor conservation, including one in support of reauthorization of the U.S. Endangered Species Act, were also passed. More than 250 oral and poster presentations were included oh the program’s schedule. One of the meeting’s more sobering presentations, entitled "Large-scale killing of migrating raptors on the Maltese Island," was offered by Paul Portelli, director of the Maltese Ornithological Society, The Maltese Islands consist of a small archipelago in the center of the Mediterranean that are currently inhabited by some 345,000 people, 30,000 of which are registered bird shooters and trappers. Using repeating firearms, and shooting mainly for pleasure, each year these individuals, together with thousands of unregistered hunters, kill hundreds of thousands of birds, including upwards of 50 Ospreys, 75 Black Kites, 20 Short-toed Eagles, 5Q European Sparrowhawks, 1,000 Honey Buzzards, 5 Egyptian Vultures, 50 Hen and Pallid Harriers, 100 Montagu’s Harriers, 7,000 Marsh Harriers, 25 Eleonora’s Falcons, 1,000 Hobbies, 300 Red- footed Falcons, 1,750 Kestrels (including many Lesser Kestrels), and 1,000 Owls. Although laws restricting these activities were enacted in 1980, limited enforcement and low penalties ensure that the slaughter continues unabated. Those interested in learning more about this unfortunate situation should contact P. Portelli, c/o MOS, P.O. Box 498, Valletta, Malta. Individuals interested in denouncing these events should direct their protests (in English), to Mr. Michael Falzon, Minister for the Environment, SEPTEMBER 1992 ON BIRDS OF PREY -BERLIN, GERMANY Ministry of the Environment, Horiana Beltissebh, La Valletta, Malta. Yet another frightening scenario was offered by Canadian researchers D. Lacombe and David Bird in a paper entitled "The Impact of Fenthion in Birds of Prey." Fenthion, or phosphorotioic acidi is a registered organophosphate originally developed for use as an insecticide. However, it is currently also being used as an avicidal agent to control nuisance birds including Rock Doves, European Starlings, House Sparrows, and Weaver Finches, all of which are frequently fed upon by raptors, Although studies of Fenthion’ s effects on raptors are still in their infancy, Lacombe and Bird reported that in series of controlled experiments (1) kestrels captured Fenthion ladened birds more often than unexposed prey, (2) that the chemical was three times more toxic to kestrels than to target species, and (3) that even sublethal doses of the chemical were capable of significantly altering the hunting behavior of this raptor. As a result of this presentation, members of the WWGBP enacted a resolution calling for a halt in the use of Fenthion until additional studies of its secondary toxic effects are completed and the product’s use is reevaluated. A number of papers offered by both Eastern and Western European scientists discussed the plight of dwindling populations of Lesser Kestrels in their countries. Although the reason or reasons for this colonial species’ declining numbers AND OWLS remains unclear, there appears to be growing support for the notion that this grassland raptor is being threatened by reductions in its grasshopper prey base resulting from the spread of modem agricultural practices. An evening workshop on the conservation of Lesser Kestrels attracted several dozen participants who agreed to form a "Recovery Team" for the species as part of an ICBP "action plan for the conservation of Western Lesser Kestrel populations," One of the Recovery Team’s first tasks will be to assess the current population . status of the species throughout its range. Individuals wishing to learn more about the Recovery Team’s activities should contact J. P. Biber, Steinengraben 2, CH-405 1, Basel, Switzerland. Rob Davies, Director of the African Raptor Information Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa, has offered to host the World Working Group’s next meeting four years from now, and I suggest that aU of us plan to attend. Readers who have not already joined the WWGBP can do so for 1992 and 1993 (a 2-year membership) by sending a check for $28.00 made out to WWGBP, to R. D. Chancellor, WWGBP, 15b Bolton Gardens, London SW5 OAL, England. Finally, abstracts of all of the papers presented at the meeting are also available from R. D. Chancellor for $20.00. 5 - Keith Bildstein Hawk Mountain Sanctuary WINGSPAN UPCOMING MEETINGS, SEMINARS, & WORKSHOPS 1992 SEPTEMBER 10 - 12 NATIONAL WATCHABLE WILDLIFE CONFERENCE, Missoula, Montana. Contact: Natl, Watchable Wildlife Conference, P. 0, Box 497, Green Mountain Falls, CO (719 -475-0469) SEPTEMBER 13-15 INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP ON AVIAN INTERACTIONS WITH UTILITY STRUCTURES. Miami, Florida. Contact: Sujata Holalkere, Electric Power Research Institute, 3412 Hillview kve„ Palo Alto, CA 94304 (415 - 855-2574) 1993 JANUARY 11- IS INTERNATIONAL SHRIKE SYMPOSIUM. Lake Placid, Florida. Contact: Reuven Yosef, Archbold Biological Station, Lake Placid, FL 33852 (816 - 465-2571) JANUARY 18- 22 STATISTICS FOR FIELD ECOLOGY. Denver, Colorado. Contact: West, Inc., 1402 S. Greeley Hwy, Cheyenne, WY 82007 (307-634-1756) SEPTEMBER 22-25 NEOTROPICAL MIGRATORY BIRD SYMPOSIUM AND WORKSHOP. Estes Park, Colorado. Contact: Tom Martin, Coop. Fish & Wildlife Unit, Dept. Biol. Sciences, Univ, of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701 OCTOBER 2-4 ASSOCIATION OF FIELD ORNITHOLOGISTS AND AMERICAN BIRDING ASSOCIATION. New London, CT. Contact: Robert Aslans, Box 5416, Dept. Zoology, 270 Mohegan Ave., Connecticut College, New London, CT 06320 OCTOBER 23- 25 WESTERN BIRD BANDING ASSOCIATION. Riverside, California. Contact: Barbara Carlson, Dept. Biology, Univ. of California, Riverside, CA 92521 (714 - 657-3111) NOVEMBER 11 - 15 RAPTOR RESEARCH FOUNDATION. Bellevue, Washington. Contact: Leonard Young, 5010 Sunset Drive NW, Olympia, WA 98502 (206 - 866-8039) NOVEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 8 WORKSHOP ON CAPTURE, HANDLING, AND MARKING NORTH AMERICAN EAGLES. Bozeman, Montana. Contact: Montana State University, Office of Extended Studies, 303 Montana Hall, Bozeman, MT 59717 (406 - 994-6683) MARCH 14 - APRIL 1 WORKSHOP ON CAPTURE, HANDLING, AND MARKING NORTH AMERICAN EAGLES. Bozeman, Montana. Contact: Montana State University, Office of Extended Studies, 303 Montana Hall, Bozeman, MT 59717 (406 - 994-6683) MARCH 19 - 24 58TH NORTH AMERICAN WILDLIFE AND NATURAL RESOURCES CONFERENCE. Washington, D.C. Contact: Wildlife Management Institute, Suite 725, 1101 14th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20005 APRIL 29- MAY! THE WILSON ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY. Guelph, Ontario. Contact: Keith Bildstein, Hawk Mtn Sanctuary, Rt 2, Kempton, PA 19529 (215 - 756-6961) JUNE 8-13 THE AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION MEETING. Fairbanks, Alaska. Contact: Edward C. Murphy Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Fairbanks, AK 99775-0180. NOVEMBER3-7 RAPTOR RESEARCH FOUNDATION MEETING. Charlotte, North Carolina. Contact: Robert S. Gefaell, Carolina Raptor Center, P.O. Box 16443, Charlotte, NC 28297 (704 - 875-6521) SEPTEf\/lBER 1992 1092 RRF ANNUAL MEETING SEATTLE, WASHINGTON The Raptor Research Foundation (RRF) will hold its 1992 Annual Meeting from Wednesday, November 11th through Sunday, November 15th, at the Red Lion Hotel/Bellevue, 300 1 12th Avenue, Bellevue, WA 98004 (206) 455-1300. Bellevue is a suburb of Seattle, situated on the eastern shore of Lake Washington. Wednesday, November 11 will feature an all-day field trip to Nortihem Spotted Owl habitat. The Board of Directors will also meet on Wednesday. A Symposium on the "Biology, Conservation, and Management of the Northern Spotted Owl" will be held on Thursday, November 12. The morning session of the Symposium will consist of invited review papers on Spotted Owl ecology (habitat use, diet, demography. and behavior). The afternoon session will focus on conservation and management strategies for Northern Spotted Owls, Persons desiring more information about the Spotted Owl Symposium should contact: Dr. Michael W. Collopy, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, 3200 S.W. Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR 97331 (503) 750-7307. The General Scientific Program will take place on Friday, November 13 and S aturday , November 1 4. Those wishing more information should contact: Mark Stalmaster, 209 23rd Avenue, Milton, WA 98354 (206 - 922-5435). A symposium on Burrowing Owls will be held concurrently with the general paper session on November 13. The Symposium will emphasize population ecology and status, breeding biology, habitat use, movements/ migration, and contaminants. Persons desiring more information about the Burrowing Owl Symposium should contact: Dr. Jeffrey L. Lincer, BioSystems Analysis, Inc., 5355 Mira Sorrento Place, Suite 100, San Diego, Ca 92121 (619) 597-7550. 1993 EUROPEAN RRF MEETINGS The first European meeting of the Raptor Research Foundation will be held 10-15 September 1993 at the University of Kent at Canterbury, England. It is hoped that this will be the first in a series of RRF meetings in different parts of Europe, initially at 2-year intervals. The lOrtg-standing RRF fall meetings will continue to be held each year in North America, on different dates from those in Europe. The 1993 European meeting will be sponsored by The Hawk and Owl Trust, an organization whose goals are to further the interests of birds of prey through practical conservation, creative research, and imaginative education. The Trust sponsored a conference on the "Biology and Conservation of Small Falcons" in 1991 and has been involved in research on harriers, bam owls, merlins, and long-eared owls, Canterbury is easily reached from London Heathrow and Gatwick Airports. Nearby ferry ports link Kent to the French, Belgian, and Dutch channel ports. The program committee is organizing excursions and guided tours to local sites of ornithological interest (including a trip to Downe House, the home of Charles Darwin). Day trips to France are also easily possible. The scientific program will include 2 , symposia on "Ecology and Conservation of Harriers" and "Solving Raptor/Human Conflicts". Program Coordinator, Dr. Mike Nicholls, invites papers, posters, films, and videos on any aspect of raptor biology, ecology, or management. Write to Dr, Nicholls for a call for papers or for more general information about the conference at: Christ Church College, North Holmes Road, Canterbury, Kent, CTl, IQU, England. WINGSPAN RESOLUTIONS TO BE CONSIDERED BY THE RRF BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND MEMBERSHIP Resolutions regarding birds of prey, their habitat, Resolutions submitted after this time will be held over status, and management will be accepted for for consideration until the following year, consideration by the Board of Directors and Resolutions accepted by the Board will be limited to Membership of the RRF. Resolutions should be 10 minutes of discussion, subject to time extensions submitted to the Resolutions Chairperson no later granted by the President, and speakers will be limited than 1 month prior to the annual RRF meeting. This to one minute to present their views, is the minimum lead time tp allow the resolutions to be put into acceptable format and submitted to the Submit your resolutions to: David K, Gafceldn, Board of Directors for action. At this time the Board Resolutions Chairperson, C/0 Institute for Wildlife may take whatever action is deemed appropriate Studies, P. 0. Box 1104, Areata, California 95521. (approve, deny, revise, or table the resolution). SEARCH FOR A NEW EDITOR OF THE JOURNAL OF RAPTOR RESEARCH Joe Schmutz, the current editor of the Journal of Raptor Research, is stepping down from a successful three-year term at the end of 1992. Raptor Research Foundation President Dick Clark has asked Eastern Director Keith Bildstein to chair a search committee to find a capable successor to Joe. RRF Director At Large Mike CoUopy and Editor Schmutz will also serve on the committee. Editing the Journal of Raptor Research is clearly the most challenging and rewarding position available in RRF, Although our Journal’s editor works harder and longer for RRF than any other single member, they also reap the benefits of working closely with the Foundation’s most active scientists; shepherding worthy manuscripts through the publication process; and developing their own writing, editing, and communication skills. Joe and his predecessors have left some rather large shoes to fill. If you feel that you are up to this task - or if you wish to nominate someone who is - please call or write Keith at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary for additional details concerning the selection process. (Phone 215 - 756-6961; Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, HR 2, Box 191, Kempton, PA 19529-9449), WINGSPAN CONTRIBUTIONS The Wingspan editorial staff welcomes contributions from RRF members and others interested in raptor biology and management. Announcements of job openings, grants, meetings, and available publications as well as news of members and requests for information should be sent or faxed to Karen Steenhof, BLM - RRTAC, 3948 Development Avenue, Boise, Idaho 83705 (FAX 208-384-3493). The deadline for the next newsletter will be 5 February 1992. If you intend to submit more than a paragraph, please notify the editor by 15 January so that space can be reserved. SEPTEMBER 1992 ANNOUNGEMENTS POSITIONS AVAILABLE Avian Scienoe And Conservation Centre: Bach spring and summer the Avian Science and Conservation Centre of McGill University offers up to 4 non-salaried internships. This includes free residence with kitchen facilities provided within walking distance of the Centre. We are located just a short bus ride from downtown Montreal. In 1991 and 1992 our interns hailed from Spain, U.S.A., Canada, Czechoslovakia, England, Mexico, and Germany. Each intern gains experience in the care, handling, and propagation of captive birds (mostly birds of prey) and most important, gets an opportunity to conduct publishable rc/search either on captive birds or in the field depending on annual funding. Our main research areas include behavioral ecology, nutrition, reproductive physiology, parasitology, toxicology and management. We also operate a Peregrine Falcon breeding program. If interested, submit a letter of recommendation, a resume of experience, and a cover letter indicating your research interests by February 1st, 1993 to: Dr. David M. Bird, Director, Avian Science and Conservation Centre of McGill University, Ste. Anne De Bellevue, Quebec H9x ICO (1-514-398-7760 Fax 1-514-398-7983). Arizona Bald Eagle Nestwatch Program: Arizona supports a small population of desert nesting bald eagles. Eighteen - 20 nestwatchers will be hired for the 1993 breeding season, February to June, Nestwatchers will work in teams of 2 collecting information on nesting and foraging activities, and habitat use, and they will monitor disturbances near nests. Nestwatchers will be camping in the field and paid $45.00/day, maintaining a 10 day on, 4 day off schedule. Nestwatchers must provide their own camping equipment and transportation to and from the field (a high clearance vehicle is desired). If you are interested in contributing to the protection and recovery of this endangered species and gaining valuable field experience in the process, please call or write: Greg Beatty, Nongame Branch-Arizona Game and Fish Department, 2221 W. Greenway Road, Phoenix, AZ 85023 (602 - 789-3512). The World Bird Sanctuary offers internship opportunities in St. Louis, Missouri. Individuals interested in learning about raptors and other bird species and the captive management of these species should apply. Interns will participate in rehabilitation, captive breeding, captive management, and educational programs. Housing available (not board). Send a cover letter, resume, and 3 references (with phone numbers) to: Walter C. Crawford, Jr., Executive Director, World Bird Sanctuary, P. 0. Box 270270, St. Louis, MO 63127 (314 - 938-6193). GRANTS Th© International Osprey Foundation (TIOF) is seeking applications for its fourth grant to support research activities of a graduate studeiit primarily focusing on Ospreys. Work with other raptor species may be considered, however. The award recipient will be expected to provide a report on his or her research and use of the funds within a year of receiving the grant. Applicants should submit a proposal outlining their project and the intended use of the funds by December 31, 1992. The grant will be awarded on March 31, 1993. Please send a project description of no more than two pages. Also provide an itemized estimate of expenses and the name, address and phone number of the graduate supervisor. Send applications to: TIOF, Endowment Fund, P.O. Box 250, Sanibel, Florida 33957-0250, USA. # Students enrolled in a degree-granting institution at either the undergraduate or graduate level are eligible to apply for the Hawk Mountain-Zeiss Raptor Research Award. Up to $2,000 will be granted on the basis of a project’s potential to improve understanding of raptor biology and its ultimate relevance to conservation of raptor populations. To apply, students should submit a brief description of their research program (max 5 pp, double-spaced), a -Continued 13 I WINGSPAN curriculum vitae, a budget summary (including other funding anticipated), and 2 letters of recommendation to: Hawk Mountain Zeiss Award. Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Association, Route 2, Box 191, Kempton, PA 19529. Deadline for applications is 15 November. Awards will , be announced in February 1993. Support for this award is provided by Carl Zeiss Optical, Inc. PUBLICATIONS AVAILABLE # John Cooper’s book, Recent Advances in the Study of Raptor Diseases, is still in print and can be ordered from Chiron Publications, Keighley Business Centre, South Street, Keighly, W. Yorks BD21 lAG, UK. Price is £12 in UK and Europe and £14 in USA, Australia, and Africa. ForU.S. checks, allow $30.00. • J.E. Cooper’s book, Veterinary Aspects of Captive Birds of Prey, was reprinted in 1991 and can be ordered from J.E. Cooper, DANIDA Support Project, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P. O. Box 1387, Morogoro, Tanzania, East Africa. £20 UK; $40 U.S.A./Canada (surface); $55 U.S. A/Canada (air). # '^Patterns and Recent Trends in Counts of Migrant Hawks in Western North AmericOy 1987 - 1991 " provides the first comprehensive trend analysis of count-index information gathered at four sampling lookouts in the western US. "Patterns and Trends" may be ordered from HawkWatch International, P.O. Box 35706, Albuquerque, NM 871 76 (1 -505- 255-7622). Copies of the report are available for a $20 fee to HawkWatch International members, $30 for non-members, and $50 for for-profit companies and institutions. The 148-page scientific report details HawkWatch data on western hawk migration and provides 12 recommendations to guide subsequent research and action by HawkWatch and others seeking to protect birds of prey. # A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service report entitled "Assessment of Bald Eagle Use in the American Falls Project Area, Snake River, Idaho" is available from Rich Howard, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 7696 Overland Rd., Room 576, Boise, ID 83705. «BBi— NEOTROPICAL RAPTORS # The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Center for the Study of Tropical Birds, Bipartite Committee SEDUE-USFWS, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Association, HawkWatch International, Ecosfera, and Pronatura are providing funds and support for research and education on migrating raptors in Veracruz, Mexico. The program includes the first banding station for migrating raptors in Mexico, daily counts of migrating hawks, and educational programs in the cities of Xalapa and Cardel, IgMiMiiPiWiiii NEWS OF : MEMBERS # Thanks to a NSF-NATO fellowship, VICTOR APANIUS, will be spending 1 year at Serge Daan’s laboratory in Holland starting 1 September. They’ll be looking at the relationship between parental effort and immune function of kestrels. His address will be: Zoological Laboratory, University of Groningen, P.O, Box 14, 9750 AA Haren, the Netherlands. On Bitnet, he’ll be: APANIUS@PUCC (add .PRINCETON.EDU for Internet). He says "Come Visit". # KEITH L, BILDSTEIN, RRF’s Eastern Director, recently accepted the position of Director of Research at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Kempton, Pennsylvania. Bildstein, who had been a Professor of Biology at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina, began his new duties on 1 July 1992. Researchers interested in working in collaboration with Hawk Mountain personnel, and in taking advantage of the Sanctuary’s unique field setting should contact Bildstein SLi Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, RR 2, Box 191, Kempton, PA 19529 - 9449 (215 - 756-6961, Fax 215 - 756-4468). # TOM BOSAKOWSKI started a new position as wildlife biologist in February 92 with Utah Division of Wildlife Resources at the Fisheries Experiment Station in Logan, Utah (84321), He plans on remaining active with publishing on raptors and is currently studying nest-site selection of Swainson’s and Red-tailed Hawks in his spare time in the Logan area. # MARK FULLER began serving as Director of the BLM’s Raptor Research and Technical Assistance Center (see page 2) in July. Until June 1993, he will be stationed in the BLM’s Washington Office where he can be reached at BLM, 1849 C St, NW (240), Room 204-LS, Washington, D.C. 20240-9998 (202 - 653-9209, ext. 3277). He will be moving to RRTAC’s Boise headquarters next summer, .# EDUARDO INIGO-ELIAS has moved from the Centro de Estudios para al Conservacidn de los Recursos Naturales, A.C., ECOSFERA in Mexico to continue his Ph.D. studies in ih& Dept, of Wildlife and Range Sci., 118 Newins-Ziegler Hall, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611 (904 - 392-4851). • ROBERT N, ROSENFIELD has accepted a position as Assistant Professor in the of Biology at the Univ. of Wisconsin at Stevens Point, Stevens Point, WI 54481 (715 - 346-4524). m ROBERT RUSSELL and BRUCE MACWHIRTER were recipients of the 1992 Hawk Mountain-Zeiss Research Award. Russell, a UC- Irvine graduate student, will study how weather patterns at Cape May Point influence hawk migration, and MacWhirter, a doctoral student at Ohio State University* will investigate the reproductive biology of northern harriers in New Brunswick, Canada. # CHRIS STINSON is an assistant professor at the University of Washington and is teaching in the Environmental Management track in their School of SEPTEMBER 1992 Business’s M.B.A, program. He is also a research associate at the Burke Museum. @ STANLEY A. TEMPLE has won a Chevron Conservation award in recognition of his pioneering work in restoring endangered bird species. ® Raptor t-shirts, photographs, calendars, cards. Books from children’s pictorial to technical all on Birds of Prey. Send$l (refundable on first order) for catalogue to The Eyrie, Box RN 788, Redcliff, Alberta TOJ2PO. ® WANTED: Sightings of wing tagged bald eagles. Orange tags - both wings - black numerals - both legs banded. Please send sightings to: John Castrale, Non-Game Wildlife Biologist, Forest Wildlife H Q, RR 2, Box 477, Mitchell, IN 47446. # I am seeking reports of behaviorial interactions of Black and Turkey Vultures at roosts for a 3-year study on behavioral ecology. Contributions are greatly appreciated and will be acknowledged. Barnaby Marsh, IV, Box 1215 Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA 02238. • Authors of publications bn shrikes (Lanins, Eurocephalus, Corvinella) are asked to send reprints to Reuven Yosef, Archbold Biological Station, P. 0. Box 2057, Lake Placid, FL 33852 USA. A bibliography of the shrikes of the world will be published by the Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology. ITEMS AVAILABLE REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION WINGSPAN SEPTEMBER 1992 NEWS ABOUT RAPTOR ORGANIZATIONS The MacDonald Raptor Research Centre of McGill University has formally changed its name to the "Avian Science and Conservation Centre." The captive kestrel colony will still remain a major focus of its research. The Grounded Eagle Foundation (GEF) is a non-profit organization devoted to wildlife rehabilitation, education, preservation, and conservation. The Foundation operates the Raptor Room, a wildlife rehabilitation facility located in the Swan Valley of western Montana. The Grounded Eagle Foundation also sponsors the Raptor Revue, a raptor education program and publishes the "Raptor Room News" quarterly. The GEF provides a statewide toll free hotline to refer injured wildlife to proper care facilities. Annual sponsorships cost $20. Donations are tax-deductible. To become a sponsor or for more information contact GEF, HCR 31, Box 900, Condon, MT 59826 (406 - 754-2880). THE WINGSPAN Raptor Research & Technical Assistance Center 3948 Development Avenue Boise, Idaho 83705 HawkWatch International, Inc. (HWl) monitors migratory raptors at sites in 5 western states. Each year an average of 30,000 raptors (18 species) are observed, with about 3,000 captured and banded annually. HWI sponsors an Adopt- A-Hawk program in which persons or groups can sponsor an "individual" banded raptor, Adoption costs range from $25 to $300, depending on species. For more information contact: HawkWatch International, Inc., P.O. Box 35706, Albuquerque, NM 87176-5706 or call toll-free: 1 -800-726-HAWK. The Raptor Recovery Center, based in Lincoln Nebraska, receives almost 300 sick or injured raptors each year. Over half of all birds are successfully treated and released. The center publishes a biannual newsletter, "Free Flight", which is sent to members, and the center is open to tours by appointment for members only. Memberships provide support for the maintenance and rehabilitation of all raptors under the center’s care. To become a member contact: The Raptor Recovery Center, Inc., Route 13, Lincoln, NE 68527, All donations are tax-deductible. BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID BOISE, IDAHO PERMIT NO. 220