INGSPA

VOLUME 3 NO. 2

^SERTEMBERliQp;: 1

Karen Steenhof, Editor

Vicki Hughes, Editorial Assistant

IN THIS ISSUE:

Letters to the Editor

More on Shrikes and Rayens . 2

' Obituary .

Farewell to "Butch" 3

Organization Profiles

The National Birds of Prey Centre 4

The Vulture Study Group 5

New RRF Committee Structure , 6

RJRF Award Winner

Suanne Unger . . . 7

Upcoming Meetings 8-9

Conservation News

Madagascar Serpent-Eagles Rediscovered 10

Bald Eagles to be Reclassified 10

Snake River Birds of Prey Area Dedicated ....... 10

Forest Planning and Spotted Owls 11

Update on Hawkwatch International 12

Announcements . 13-15

MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR

This fifth issue of The Wingspan marks the second anniversary of the Raptor Research
Foundation 's newsletter. During the past 2 years , we have tried to present timely information
to RRF members and Wingspan subscribers, and the feedback that we have received from our
readers indicates that we have been successful. The time has come, however, to turn over the

reins to a new editor . If you would
be willing to take over editorial
responsibilities in 1995 or if you
know someone who might be, please
contact me or any other member of
the RRF Board of Directors. Also
please let us know what you think of
The Wingspan and what its future
should be.

US.

NATIONAL

BIOLOGICAL

SURVEY

WINGSPAN

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

ARE SHRIKES AND RAVENS RAPTORS?

O A FINAL OPINION? O

Dear Editor,

I read in the last issue of THE WINGSPAN the discussion about accepting or not Ravens, as well as other birds
with similar raptorial habits, as raptors or, in a more European way, as birds of prey. I believe that the
controversy was already solved very clearly by Leslie Brown in the early pages of his clever book "British Birds
of Prey", Collins, London 1976, where he points out that only Falconiformes (and Strigiformes, I add) can be
considered true raptors because of their great degree of specialization in catching prey.

Sincerely,

Davide Csermely

UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI PARMA
Viale delle Scienze
43100 Parma (ITALIA)

Note : if you have an opinion you wish to share or any other raptor-related issue, please send
it to The Wingspan editor, 3948 Development Ave., Boise, Idaho 83705.

THE RAPTOR RESEARCH

FOUNDATION, INC.

(FOUNDED 1966)

PRESIDENT: Michael W. Collopy

SECRETARY: Betsy Hancock

VICE-PRESIDENT : David M. Bird

TREASURER; Jim Fitzpatrick

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EASTERN DIRECTOR: Brian Millsap

DIRECTOR AT LARGE #1: Jim Bednarz

CENTRAL DIRECTOR: Thomas Nichoiis

DIRECTOR AT LARGE #2: Robert E. Kenward

CANADIAN DIRECTOR: Paul C. James

DIRECTOR AT LARGE #3: Keith L. Bildstein

MOUNTAIN & PACIFIC DIRECTOR: Karen Steenhof

DIRECTOR AT LARGE #4: Josef Schmutz
DIRECTOR AT LARGE #5: Paul F. Steblein
DIRECTOR AT LARGE #6: Katherine McKeever

INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR #1

: Jemima Parry-Jones

INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR #2: Isabel Bellocq

The Wingspan is distributed twice a year to all RRF members, It is also available to non-members for a subscription rate of $10 per year.
The Journal of Raptor Research (ISSN 0892-1016) is published quarterly and available to individuals for $24.00 per year and to libraries and
institutions for $30.00 per year from The Raptor Research Foundation , Inc . , 12805 St. Croix Trail, Hastings, Minnesota 55033, U.S.A. Add
$3 for destinations outside of the continental United States.

Persons interested in predatory birds are invited to join The Raptor Research Foundation, Inc, Send requests for information concerning
membership, subscriptions, special publications, or change of address to Jim Fitzpatrick, Treasurer, 12805 St. Croix Trail, Hastings, Minnesota
55033, U.S.A.

SEPTEMBER 1994

OBITUAR Y

IN MEMORORIAM

DR. RICHARD R. OLENDORFF
1943-1994

The raptor research community lost one of its
leading and most beloved members recently. On 24
February 1994, Dr. Richard R. Olendorff died of
complications from diabetes at the age of 50. Of
course, he was known to all of us as "Butch."

Butch was a charter member of the Raptor Research
Foundation. He served as RRT’s editor from 1971
to 1976, its secretary from 1975 to 1976, and its
president from 1977 to 1981. He also served on
RRF’s Board of Directors from 1975 to 1977, and
from 1980 to 1982. In 1991, RRF honored Butch
with its most prestigious award, the President’s
Award. RRF is also dedicating the 1994 Annual
Conference in Flagstaff, Arizona to Butch’s
memory.

Butch received his Bachelor of Science Degree in
zoology at the University of Washington in 1967,
and completed his doctorate at Colorado State
University in 1971. Between 1971 and 1974, he
was a Post-doctoral Fellow and Research Associate
at the American Museum of Natural History in New
York. In 1974, he joined the U.S. Bureau of Land
Management as the bureau-wide Endangered Species
Liaison Officer in Washington D.C. From 1977 to
1989, Butch served as the Endangered Species
Coordinator in the Bureau’s California State Office
in Sacramento. In 1989, Butch moved to Boise,
Idaho to establish the Raptor Research and
Technical Assistance Center, BLM’s first
cooperative research unit. In October 1993, RRTAC

was transferred to the National Biological Survey, a
new federal agency dedicated to biological research
on the nation’s public lands.

It may be for his boundless energy and lifetime
commitment to raptor conservation that Butch will
be most remembered. In addition to his regular
duties with BLM, Butch found time to write a
number of state-of-the-art papers concerning raptors,
and during his professional life produced over 35
publications and scientific papers. During the
1980’s, he developed a computerized bibliography
on raptor management with over 10,000 references.
In 1985, he conceived of and was instrumental in
organizing the 10-day World Raptor Meetings in
Sacramento, California, the largest such event in the
history of the raptor profession. Butch was
determined to continue his work to the end. He was
at his desk until a few days before his final trip to
the hospital, working on a revision of his well-
known paper, Suggested Practices for Raptor
Protection on Power Lines, A few months before
his death, he published his last major work, an
exhaustive review of the ferruginous hawk literature.

All who knew him will also remember Butch for his
kindness, sense of humor, and deep personal
integrity. Butch was scrupulously fair, and
examined all sides of every issue. He was
universally respected for the courtesy he showed
everyone regardless of which side of the fence they
were on. He had the rare ability to identify with the
values of others without passing judgement. In a
very real sense, Butch set the standards of personal
and professional behavior that guided the raptor
profession through its early years. He will be sorely
missed,

- Bob Lehman

] 3 t

WINGSPAN

©ic^iPwricniM

THE NATIONAL BIRDS OF PREY CENTRE
Newent, Gloucestershire, England

-- Jemima Parry- Jones

l

The National Birds of Prey
Centre is one of the largest
collections of raptors in the
world. Housing
approximately 240 birds of
65 species, it offers the

visiting public an enormous
variety of live specimens,

including vultures, falcons,
owls, hawks, eagles, and
buzzards.

Now run by Jemima

Parry-Jones, NBPC has
managed not only to educate
large numbers of visitors to a
greater understanding of
raptors, but also to breed 44
different species. The main
aims are conservation

through education, captive
breeding, and research.

Captive breeding and
research go hand in hand.
The NBPC philosophy is not

so much to breed rare
species for release projects,
but to breed small numbers
of young consistently from
many different species.

This strategy stimulates the
interest of the general public,
upon whose funds the centre
depends, and it also makes it
possible to learn more about
captive breeding procedures.
By breeding many species
the centre is able to help and
advise on specific (and
viable) breeding and release
schemes, using the
knowledge gained from a
particular species or a closely
related one. The NBPC also
assists outside projects with
information such as blood
samples, measurements,
weights, and behavior.

Education is tackled in
several different ways. All
visitors to NBPC can watch
one or more of four daily
flying demonstrations with
an accompanying lecture. All
school parties get a guided
tour, and the centre has
information points, school
packs, and a guide book
available.

The centre also provides
short-term work experience
for students; veterinary
students who need hands-on
knowledge; small animal
management students; zoo
keepers; school children
looking a t career
possibilities. The centre has
also hosted persons from
other breeding and release
programs and has provided
on-site training dealing with
captive birds, incubation, and
rearing.

To add to this work the
NBPC will offer a course
leading to a Diploma from
the University of Kent,
beginning in 1995.

The course is part time; the
first year comprises one 2 -
week block of teaching in
April and a 5-day block in
October. The first two
blocks cover raptor biology,
how raptors work both

physically and mentally, and
captive aspects
management, breeding,
health and, nutrition. The

third block covers wild

aspects, including breeding
ecology, migration, and

conservation.

SEPTEMBER 1994

in the second year, students
undertake a supervised home-
based project on any suitable
aspect of raptors in which a
student may be interested.
Success in both parts leads to
the award of a University
Diploma. Anyone is eligible if
a natural interest in raptors is
shown.

For those who do not wish to
go for Diploma level but
would like a chance to learn
about these aspects of raptors
there are three options for
shorter training programs.

The lecturers are well-known

international experts from

university departments,

veterinary practice, government
departments, and specialist

raptor collections, all of the
highest quality. The
surroundings are lovely and
many wild raptors live close by
as well as the captive birds at
the Centre. These are well
founded and first class courses
suitable for anyone interested in
improving their knowledge of
raptors.

For further information write to
Jemima Parry-Jones. The
National Birds of Prey Centre,
Newent, Glos GL18 1JJ.
United Kingdom. Tel 0531

820286 O

VULTURE STUDY GROUP

ENDANGERED WILDLIFE TRUST

* .

A

The Vulture Study Group is
an international organization
devoted to Acciptrid and
Cathartid vulture research,
conservation, and education.

Founded in 1973, the group
is made up of people from
all walks of life who have an
interest in vultures. Their
conservation philosophy is
based on the concept that a
group of concerned people
can take a group of
threatened species under
their protection, and assume
responsibility for their
survival.

The VSG is a working group
of the Endangered Wildlife
Trust, a non-government
conservation action-body
particularly concerned with
vulnerable and endangered
species.

Membership of the Vulture
Study Group is open to
anyone, annual subscription
fees are R30 or $30 (for all
countries outside of southern
Africa).

Members receive two issues
of Vulture News, our
newsletter Gyps Snips, and
are invited to participate in
conservation activities.

Vulture News is the journal
of the VST. It aims to bring
together the latest on
research, conservation and all
other matters concerning
vultures, on a world-wide
basis. Contributions from
ornithologists, reports, news
items, and reviews of recent
literature are included.
Vulture News is published in
March and September each
year and is circulated to
members of the VSG.

For information write:

P.O. Box 72334
Parkview 2122
South Africa
Phone:

(Oil) 646-8617 □

II 5 [

WINGSPAN

RAPTOR RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC. ~ 1994

COliflITTEES & CHAIRS

The RRF Board of Directors recently voted to modify RRF’s committee structure. The new
structure coordinates and consolidates the many representatives to other groups into a single
Conservation Committee. It also organizes several meeting-related subcommittees under the
Conference Committee. It creates a Publications Committee, and combines the Education and
Rehabilitation committees.

Conferences Committee (Michael N. Kochert, Chair: 208/384-3484)

North American Annual Meetings Subcommittee
European Meetings Subcommittee
Resolutions Subcommittee
Public Relations Subcommittee

Awards Committee (Petra Bohall-Wood, Chair: 304/293-2941, x2433)

Dean Amadon Award
William C. Andersen Award
Leslie Brown Memorial Grant
Tom Cade Award

Fran and Frederick Hamerstrom Award
James R. Koplin Travel Award
Stephen R. Tully Award

Conservation Committee (James D. Fraser, Chair: 703/231-6064)
Representatives to Ornithological Council
Representatives to US/Birdlife International
Representative to Endangered Species Coalition
Representative to BLM/RRF MOU
Representatives to Partners-in-Flight

Miscellaneous ad hoc committees created to report on specific issues

Publications Committee (Carl Marti, Chair: 801/626-6172)

Editor, Journal of Raptor Research
Editor, The Wingspan
Editor, The Kettle

Education & Rehabilitation Committee

(Co-Chairs: Nancy Read: 805/734-8232, x58399

Betsy Hancock: 402/489-3802, x6557)

Nomination Committee (Patricia L. Kennedy, Chair: 303/491-6597)

Membership Committee (Richard J. Clark, Chair: 717/846-7788, x405)

3 6 [

SEPTEMBER 1994

RECIPSENT OF THE 1393
LESLIE BROWN AWARD

Suanne Unger , a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer
affiliated with the Mannyelanong Game Reserve in
Botswana, received the RRF’s 1993 Leslie Brown
Award for her educational efforts to protect the Cape
Vulture. Suanne, along with her five co-workers, will
be producing education materials on the Cape Vulture
as well as doing educational outreach programs.

Suanne was born on the 4th of December, 1966 in
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. Suanne enjoys the outdoors,
particularly hiking, camping, bird-watching, and learning
about vegetation. Her interest in the outdoors was initiated
in childhood with walks through the woods, cross-country
skiing, and various vacations with her family.

She graduated from the University of Wisconsin™ Madison -
in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in education,
majoring in Biology. During the summer of 1987, she was
an intern at the Environmental Education Center in
Isabella, Minnesota. For her student-teaching requirement,
she spent six months abroad in New Zealand teaching
science and travelling afterwards. Bird-watching in New
Zealand was a focus of her travels as she bicycled and
hiked around the north and south islands.

Upon returning to the U.S., she accepted a job in
Waukegan, Illinois as a high school biology/earth science
teacher, During her year of teaching, she became very
involved in environmental activities at the school such as
organizing an environmental club, making preparations for
Earth Week 1990 and beginning a recycling program.

With a growing interest in environmental issues, she
decided to return to school for further studies.

In 1990, Suanne began graduate school at the University
of Montana-Missoula in the Environmental Studies
program. While a student, she also taught a biology lab.

Her coursework was interdisciplinary in nature and the
focus of her professional paper was environmental
education in Kenya, She completed the research for her

paper while doing an internship with the United Nations
Environment Programme in Nairobi, Kenya in 1991.

Suanne currently works for the Department of Wildlife
and National Parks at Mannyelanong Game Reserve, a
reserve dedicated to protecting a breeding colony of Cape
Vultures. RRF’s support will help Suanne to prepare a
slide presentation on the Mannyelanong Reserve and the
Cape Vulture, which she and her staff are planning to
show to all of the schools in Otse and neighboring
villages. Suanne ’s group has also initiated a project, in
cooperation with the Vulture Study Group in Botswana, to
determine carcass availability in the southeast district of
Botswana. They are also working on various educational
displays on the Cape Vulture and are planning to produce
a video in the near future. She and her staff have been
observing disturbances at the vulture’s nesting cliff and
have been recording the effects of disturbances on the
vulture population.

According to Suanne, the entire staff at Mannyelanong are
delighted about the RRF Award and say to RRF "Re a
leboga thata" (We are very thankful).

d 7 | :~i I _ . _■ • !

WINGSPAN

1994 RRF ANNUAL MEETING
FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA

The 1994 Annual Meeting of the Raptor Research Foundation will be held November 2-6 in Flagstaff, Arizona.

The meeting begins on Wednesday, November 2 with an all-day meeting of the RRF Board of Directors.

Registration and the art show will start Wednesday evening, and there will be a no-host reception for all attendees
on Wednesday evening. General paper sessions and vendor exhibits begin on Thursday, November 3. Thursday also will feature a symposium
on the Northern Goshawk and an evening no-host reception. The art show will continue through Friday afternoon. General paper sessions
continue on Friday along with a mini-symposium on Mexican Spotted Owls. Field trips will be held Friday afternoon (see below), and the
general business meeting also will be on Friday. Posters will be available for viewing on Friday evening and Saturday. A mini-symposium
on Swainson’s Hawks will be held on Saturday concurrent with general paper sessions, Saturday night’s banquet will be an informal barbecue
(plan on casual attire) followed by dancing to music provided by a DJ. Sunday will feature a 1/2 day workshop on the use of the RANGES
software package.

Three field trips will be offered. A trip to the Grand Canyon will include discussions about the reintroduction of the California Condor and
a visit to a migration monitoring site. A trip to the Coconino National Forest will highlight strategies to manage Mexican Spotted Owls and
Northern Goshawks in the southwest. The cultural history of northern Arizona will be the focus of a trip to Wupatki and Walnut Canyon
National Monuments and the Museum of Northern Arizona. There will be no paper sessions on the afternoon of the field trips.

Accommodations have been arranged at the Little America Hotel in Flagstaff. Room rates will be $65 per night plus tax. Flagstaff is located
in northern Arizona; the drive from Phoenix to Flagstaff is approximately 3 hours. The local committee will provide a 2-page interpretive
guide for drivers/passengers upon request. Flagstaff is served by a limited number of prop planes operated by America West’s Mesa Airlines
Shuttle Service. Bus service is also available from the Phoenix airport terminal to Flagstaff, For travel information or hotel reservations, call
Campus Travel Connection (1 -800-82-TRAVEL). Campus Travel Connection also will provide roommate and car matching services upon
request.

Flagstaff is located at 7000 ft. Be prepared for cool autumn temperatures and the possibility of rain and/or light snow. For more information
about the meeting contact Patricia Hall, Local Committee Chairperson, 436 E. David Drive, Flagstaff, Arizona 86001 (602-774-0041).

— --- -- r—n

The 1995 RRF annual meeting wilt be in Duluth; Minnesota November 1-4. RRF is now soliciting offers to host the 1996 and:
1997 North American inceting, especially front Canada, Mexico, or Central America. Interested parlies should contact: Mike
Ka chert, MBS RRTAC, 3948 Development AvehueFBoise, ID 837Mx (208): 384-3484 or. FAX:' (208)" 384*3493.

1995 EUROPEAN RRF MEETING
BADAJOZ, SPAIN

The second European meeting of the Raptor Research Foundation will be held 17-22 April 1995 in Badajoz,
Extremedura, Spain as part of an international conference focusing on holarctic raptors. The main organizers are
the Asociacion para la Defensa de la Naturaleza y los Recoursos de Extremadura (ADENEX) and the World
Working Group on Birds of Prey and Owls. Themes to be covered include migration, reproductive biology, biology and conservation of owls,
environmental contamination, habitat analyses and census techniques, legislation, endangered species recovery programs, public education,
and socioeconomic aspects. All presentations will be given in English or Spanish, with simultaneous translations.

Extremadura is particularly rich in variety and number of European raptors, and there will be plenty of opportunity to see both raptors and
the Spanish countryside. Extremadura is an important refuge for rare and endangered raptor species, Of 51 species occurring in Europe, 35
can be observed in Extremadura.

Deadline for receipt of abstracts is 15 February 1995. For more information on the conference venue, registration, and abstract submissions,
etc., please contact: R.D. Chancellor, the Hon. Secretary of WWGBP, 15b Bolton Gardens, London SW5 OAL, England. FAX 44-71-370-18-
96.

SEPTEMBER 1994

UPCOMING MEETINGS,
SEMINARS, &
WORKSHOPS

1994

SEPTEMBER 20 - 25

The Wildlife Society First Annual

Conference

Contact: The Wildlife Society
(301-897-9770)

SEPTEMBER 23 - 25

Association Of Field Ornithologists And
The Federation Of New York State Bird
Clubs. Special Topic: Issues and Actions in
Owl Conservation and Biology.

Williams Lake Resort

Rosendale, New York

Contact: Kelly Erlwein. Science Division,

Sullivan County Community College ,

Loch Sheldrake. NY 12759

OCTOBER 22 - 26

National Symposium On Urban Wildlife
Seattle - Bellevue, Washington.

Contact: Lowell Adams (301-596-3311).

NOVEMBER 3 - 6

Raptor Research Foundation Meeting
Flagstaff, Arizona

Contact Patricia A. Half Local Chairperson.
436 E. David Dr..

Flagstaff , AZ 86001
Tel: (602-774-0041).

1995

APRIL 17 - 22

International Conference On Holarctic
Birds Of Prey.

Badajoz, Spain
Contact: R.D. Chancellor
15b Bolton Gardens
London SW5 OAL ENGLAND
FAX: (44-71-370-18-96)

MAY 4 - 7

"Wings Across The Borders"

Hawk Migration Association Of North
America’s Conference VII.

Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Contact: Robert C. Petit, Monroe County
Community College, 1555 S. Raisinville Road,
Monroe, Ml 48161

Tel: (313-242-7300) FAX: (313-242-9711)
JUNE 7 - 11

9th Annual Meeting Of The Society For

Conservation Biology

Fort Collins, Colorado

Contact: Richard L. Knight, Dept, of Fishery

and Wildlife Biology, Colorado State Univ.,

Fort Collins, Colorado 80523

WINGSPAN

COp

)\j

UP

1 NEWS

Madagascar Serpent-Eagles Rediscovered

In April 1994, The Peregrine Fund reported the first capture and release of a Madagascar Serpent-eagle
( Eutriorchis astur) in 63 years. Until this event, the Madagascar Serpent-eagle had rarely been seen in over 60
years and had never been photographed. The last specimen had been collected in 1930. Peregrine Fund
Biologists Russell Thorstrom, Victor Baba, and Barthelemy Damary reported sightings of the rare bird late in
1993, and in January 1994, Malagasy field biologists trained by The Peregrine Fund trapped, photographed, and
released a live serpent eagle. The eagle’s forest habitat is currently threatened by slash and bum agricultural
practices. Peregrine Fund biologists will be studying the serpent-eagle and will be cooperating with other
agencies to protect 745,000 acres of forest on the island of Madagascar.

Bald Eagles To Be Reclassified

On July 12, 1994, the U.S, Fish and Wildlife Service published a notice in the Federal Register regarding the
Reclassification of the Bald Eagle.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposes to reclassify the bald eagle from endangered to threatened in the
lower 48 States except the southwestern population in Arizona, New Mexico, California, within 10 miles of the
Colorado River or the river’s mainstem reservoirs, and those portions of Texas and Oklahoma west of the 100th
meridian. The bald eagle would remain threatened in the five States where it is currently listed as threatened
(Washington, Oregon, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan), and be listed as endangered in Mexico under this
proposal. The special rule for threatened bald eagles would be revised.

This action would not alter those conservation measures already in force to protect the species and its habitats,
nor would it change consultation or taking provisions under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended.

Comments and materials concerning this proposal should be sent to Mr, Robert Adair, Chief, Division of
Endangered Species, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building, l Federal Drive,
Fort Snell ing, Minnesota 555111-4056 , by October IT 1994 .

For futher information or copies of the Federal Register Notice contact: Jody Gustitus Millar, Bald Eagle
Recovery Coordinator, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4469-48th Avenue Court, Rock Island, Illinois 61201
(309-793-5800; FAX: 309-793-5804).

Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Mm Dedicated

On May 21, 1994, the Snake River Birds of Prey Area was dedicated as the Bureau of Land Management’s eighth
National Conservation Area, The Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area was created when
President Clinton signed a bill in August 1993 that provides permanent protection to 482,640 acres of raptor
nesting and foraging habitat. The legislation creating the area recognizes the significance of the public lands that
provide habitat for more than 800 pairs of nesting falcons, eagles, hawks, and owls. It also provides for continued
use of the area for military and livestock grazing. The BLM has been directed to determine the compatibility of
both of these activities with raptors in a revised management plan to be finalized in the late 1990’s.

SEPTEMBER 1994

Forest Planning and Northern Spotted Owls

Edward E. Starkey

National Biological Survey

Cooperative Park Studies Unit
College of Forestry
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR 97331

For nearly 20 years, the Northern Spotted
Owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) has been at
the center of controversy concerning
management of federal forests in the Pacific
Northwest. These owls occupy late-
successional forests, upon which much of
the timber industry of the region has
depended for wood harvest.

Because individual agencies were unable to
develop an adequate conservation strategy
for the spotted owl, the Interagency
Scientific Committee to Address the
Conservation of (he Northern Spotted Owl
(commonly referred to as tire ISC) was
established in 1989. This committee was
chaired by Jack Ward Thomas and was
charged with developing a scientifically
credible conservation strategy for the
Northern Spotted Owl. Their report was
completed in May, 1990 and provided the
groundwork for all subsequent spotted owl
conservation planning efforts. The strategy
basically consisted of late-successional
reserves embedded in a matrix of managed
forests which would provide connectivity.
Owl populations within individual reserves
would be part of a regional metapopulation.

Shortly after the ISC completed their report,
the Northern Spotted Owl was listed as
threatened under the Endangered Species
Act (ESA). Since the ISC report was never
intended to be a recovery plan, as required
by ESA, a new team was formed in late
1991 to prepare a recovery plan. This team
depended heavily on the earlier work of the
ISC but further refined the strategy,
including some recommendations for
management of non-federal lands. Under

the plan, 7.6 million acres of federal lands
would be included in 192 designated
conservation areas, ultimately providing
habitat for about 2300 pairs of owls.

The final draft recovery plan was completed
in December, 1992 but the Bush
Administration chose not to approve it as a
final plan. Thus, the issue remained
unresolved for the Clinton Administration.
On April 2, 1993 President Clinton came to
Portland, Oregon and held a conference with
major forestry stakeholders. He
subsequently instructed federal agencies to
establish the Forest Ecosystem Management
Assessment Team (FEMAT) to identify a
range of alternatives which would meet the
requirements of applicable environmental
laws and regulations while providing
economic and social benefits from federal
forests. The final report was completed in
July, 1993 and included an assessment of 10
options.

President Clinton chose ‘'Option 9" as the
basis for the President’s Forest Plan. This
option includes approximately 7 million
acres within late-successional reserves, 2,2
million acres within riparian reserves, and
1.5 million acres of adaptive management
areas within which application and testing of
new forestry techniques is encouraged.
New, more restrictive, standards and
guidelines were also developed for timber
harvest within the remaining areas of federal
lands.

Although this forest plan provides more
overall protection for spotted owl habitat, it
was not developed as a recovery plan,

While the plan provides a high level of
protection across most of the range of the
Northern Spotted Owl, problem areas
remain. In the eastern Cascade Mts. of
Washington, it provides for less habitat than
the final draft recovery plan. Also, because
the forest plan is limited to federal lands, the
important and complex issue of non-federal
contributions to recovery are not addressed.

At the present time, yet another team is
focusing on spotted owls of the Olympic
Peninsula of Washington. This population
is currently isolated from other populations
in Washington and Oregon, but
establishment of connectivity would require
provision of at least some breeding habitat
on non-federal lands. The team is
attempting to determine whether
connectivity is required for long-term
persistence of Olympic Peninsula owls.
Included in the analysis will be modelling
designed to evaluate the possible impact of
"worst case" scenarios for loss of habitat to
fire.

The next step in the resolution of the
Northern Spotted Owl issue is unclear.
Litigation over the forest plan is certain, and
its adequacy as a basis for recovery of the
spotted owl may well be challenged.
Furthermore, with the 1996 elections
approaching, the political environment will
become increasingly complex. Ultimately,
it seems likely that a new team will be
asked to develop a recovery plan to comply
with the ESA. Stay tuned as the issue
continues to evolve.

....... [ 1 1

WINGSPAN

O NEWS FROM HAWKWATCH INTERNATIONAL □

Stew® Hoffman

HawkWatch International, founded in 1986 in New Mexico, makes extensive use of trained volunteers
to monitor migratory raptor populations along ridgetop flyways in the Rocky Mountain West.
Pioneering count and banding projects are conducted in spring or fall at ten sites in seven western states.
Periodic statistical analysis of the data provides critical information concerning long term trends in
regional populations.

Hawk Watch’s fall 1994 field season begins in mid-August, and ends in early November. Projects
include the continuation of raptor flyway counts in the Wellsville Mountains, Utah (first established in
1977, continuous data since 1987), the Goshute Mountains, Nevada (conducted annually since 1983),
Manzano Mountains, New Mexico (since 1985), Bridger Mountains, Montana (since 1991), and Grand
Canyon National Park, Arizona (since 1991).

In addition, first-time counts are also likely in central Washington (at Diamond Head, near Ellensburg
on the Wenatchee National Forest), at two sites in Oregon (Bonney Butte on the Mt. Hood National
Forest, and Green Ridge on the Deschutes National Forest), and possibly at two sites in northern Utah.

Large scale raptor banding programs are underway again in the Goshutes (where 23,000 raptors have
been banded since 1980), and in the Manzanos of New Mexico (where 2,700 hawks have been banded
since 1990).

With several recent grants from private foundations, HawkWatch International’s high-impact live raptor
and slideshow classroom presentation has been given a tremendous boost. HawkWatch anticipates
reaching over 30,000 students in Utah, Nevada, and New Mexico classrooms during the 1994-95 school
year.

In order to be closer to the geographic center of the field projects, HawkWatch International relocated
its headquarters from Albuquerque to Salt Lake City in July, 1993, The organization continues to
maintain an office in Albuquerque.

Financial support for this work comes from many sources, including: membership, Adopt-A-Hawk,
federal government (Fish & Wildlife Service, Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management), state
agencies (New Mexico Dept, of Game & Fish, Washington Dept, of Wildlife, Oregon Dept, of Fish &
Wildlife, Arizona Game & Fish), National Audubon Society, and the mining and utility industries.
Project reports are available annually for the cost of reproduction and mailing. For more information
please contact: HawkWatch International, P.O. Box 660, Salt Lake City, UT 84110 (801-524-8511).

] 12

SEPTEMBER 1994

dNNOUNCEIVIENTS

ATTENTION: ALL WINGSPAN SUBSCRIBERS: The Post Office does not forward third class mail. If you have
moved and wish to continue receiving THE WINGSPAN, please notify Jim Fitzpatrick, RRF Treasurer, of your
address change. Jim’s address is: |2805. T li'an,- HaStirtgsT^thpw 55033.

:-■■■ ■ ■ ■ I POSITIONS

AVAILABLE

SUMMER STUDENT INTERNSHIPS are available at the
Avian Science and Conservation Centre of McGill
University, near Montreal. Interns gain experience in care,
handling, and propagation of captive birds and become
involved in scientific research. Free residence with
kitchen facilities will be provided. If interested, submit a
letter of recommendation, a resume of experience, and a
cover letter indicating your research interests to DR.
DAVID BIRD, Director, Avian Science and Conservation
Centre of McGill University, 211 II Lakeshore Road, Ste.
Anne de Bellevue, Quebec M9X 3V9. Applications must
be received by 1 February 1995 .

VOLUNTEER INTERNSHIPS IN RAPTOR BIOLOGY
are available with the World Bird Sanctuary. Interns will
become involved with raptor rehabilitation, captive
breeding, captive raptor management, release programs,
education programs and other facets of the Sanctuary’s
work. For more information please contact MAGGIE
BOGART, World Bird Sanctuary, P.O. Box 270270, St.
Louis, MO 63127 (314-938-6139).

FIELD ASSISTANTS NEEDED (2), 1 Feb - 30 Jun
1995, for monitoring Peregrine Falcon territories in
northern and southern California. Prior work observing
nesting peregrines or other cliff nesting birds is preferred.
Person will travel, usually alone, between sites by truck,
sometimes by boat on extended multi-week field trips.
Activities wilt include long hours of observation, some
hiking, working alone, and also coordinating with agency
and military personnel. Person must have own binoculars
and camping gear. Spotting scope and truck will be
provided. Personal car or truck could be used. Salary
starts at $ 1200/month and limited per diem is available.
Send letter of interest and any references to BRIAN
JAMES WALTON, Santa Cruz Predatory Bird Research
Group. Univ. of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064 (408-
459-3115).

PUBLICATIONS

AVAILABLE

RAPTOR CONSERVATION TODAY, edited by B.U.
Meyburg and R.D. Chancellor, is now available in the
U.S. through Buteo Books. The book contains the
Proceedings of the IV World Conference on Birds of Prey
and Owls held in Berlin in October 1992. The list price
is $49.50 plus $3.00 shipping and handling. Order by toll
free phone ( I -800-722-2460 ) or by mail (Buteo Books, Rt.
1, Box 242, Shipman, VA 22971 USA).

BIOLOGY AND CONSERVATION OF SMALL
FALCONS, edited by M.K. Nicholls and R. Clarke is
now available from the Hawk and Owl Trust in London.
The 250-page paperback book contains the proceedings of
the 1991 Hawk and Owl Trust Conference, the first
international meeting on small falcons, It contains 37
papers on more than 13 small falcons and covers topics
such as breeding ecology, evolution and taxonomy, and
management, List price is £22.5. Shipping and handling
is free in the U.K., £3 to Europe, and £7 overseas. Order
from The Hawk and Owl Trust, The National Centre for
Owl Conservation, Wolterton Park, Erpingham, Norwich
NR1 1 7LY United Kingdom.

THE WILDLIFE GAME by Ron Thomson, former
Provincial Game Warden in Zimbabwe, is now available
from the Nyala Wildlife Publications Trust. The 360-page
hardcover book contains 50 chapters, 48 color plates, and
144 black & white photographs. The book discusses
current international wildlife controversies, and discusses
how ecological concepts should guide wildlife
conservation and management. Price of the book is
$70,00 U.S. (shipping and handling costs vary). To order
call or fax the Nyala Wildlife Publications Trust, P.O. Box
12, Mortimer 5870 SOUTH AFRICA. Fax: (0486)787.

STATUS, BIOLOGY, AND MANAGEMENT OF
FERRUGINOUS HAWKS: A REVIEW by Richard R.
Olendorff is now available at no cost from the Raptor
Research and Technical Assistance Center. The 84-page

WINGSPAN

document, published by the Bureau of Land Management,
is a comprehensive review of the literature on ferruginous
hawks. The review provides research biologists and
research managers with a current synopsis of information
about population status, a review of life history
information important to management, a discussion of the
impacts of human activities on ferruginous hawks, and
recommendations for management of the species. To
request a copy, write: Raptor Research and Technical

Assistance Center National Biological Survey, 3948
Development Avenue, Boise, Idaho 83705.

THE EASTERN SCREECH OWL by Frederick R.
Gehlbach will be available this year from Texas A & M
University Press. The book summarizes Gehlbach’s 25-
year studies of the ecology of suburban and rural screech
owls in Central Texas. It includes information on
population ecology, genetics, and life history. To order,
call (I -800-826-89 1 1) or write Texas A&M University
Press, Drawer C, College Station, Texas 77843-4354.

CITY PEREGRINES-a 10-year saga of New York City
falcons by Saul Frank is now available from Hancock
House Publishers. The book recounts the personal
experiences of Saul Frank with peregrine falcons in the
New York City area. The book can be purchased for
$29.95 from Hancock House Publishers, 1431 Harrison
Avenue, Box 959, Blaine, WA 98231-0959.

THE HANDBOOK OF AUSTRALIAN, NEW
ZEALAND AND ANTARCTIC BIRDS, VOLUME 2
(BIRDS OF PREY TO PRATINCOLES) is now
available from Oxford University Press, 200 Madison
Ave., New York, NY 10016. The comprehensive synthesis
of knowledge about birds from the area is edited by S.
Marchant and PJ. Higgins. It includes 900 pages, 70
color and 150 b&w plates. Cost is $295 plus $2.50
shipping and handling.

NEWS OF
MEMBERS

• LLOYD F. KIFF has resigned his position as Director
of the Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology and has
re-located to West Virginia.

• RICHARD D. WILLIAMS has left Pacific Gas and
Electric Co. to accept a position with Resource
Management International, Inc. His new address is
Resource Management International, Inc., P.O, Box
15515, Sacramento, CA 95852-1516 (918-852-1300).

CONTRIBUTIONS

NEEDED

BINOCULARS AND FIELD GUIDES NEEDED to assist
in research and educational programs that have great need
and very low funds. The Mexico Migration Project has
received sufficient donations. The RRF Education
Committee is now expanding the binocular/field guide
donation program. Projects set to receive donations
include research programs in Latin America and the
former Soviet Union. Please consider donating them to
this very worthwhile program, Also, the Education
Committee is accepting nominations for worthy
organizations to be beneficiaries of donations. Contact:
Nancy Read , Education Committee Chair, PO Box 714,
Los Alamos, CA 93440-0714; (805-344-2428) or (805-
734-8232 ext. 5-8399). Please note new address/phone.

REQUESTS FOR
ASSISTANCE

THE SCIENCE MUSEUM OF MINNESOTA is looking
for window or road-killed raptors for a traveling exhibit.
Presently we need a Flammulated and an Elf Owl; any kite
species except a Snail Kite; and fish eagle except Bald
Eagle; any Old World vulture species; any Harpy Eagle
species; any Neotropical falcon species, or Northern
Harrier. If you have any species available that are listed
above, please contact RICK JANNETT, The Science
Museum of Minnesota, 30 East Tenth St., St. Paul, MN
55101 (612-221-9429; fax 612-221-4525).

RAPTOR ELECTROCUTION AND WIRE STRIKE
INFORMATION is needed. I am interested in obtaining
records of raptor contact with electric distribution power
lines. This information is needed to determine which
specific types of overhead distribution line construction
units place raptors at the greatest risk. Any records on
either raptor electrocutions or wire strikes containing
detailed information on the electrical units contacted
would be very valuable. Contact RICHARD HARNESS,
Electrical Systems Consultants, 212 West Mulberry, Fort
Collins, Co 80521 (303-224-9100; FAX 303-224-9137).

MOUNTAIN ECOCONSERVATION AND WILDLIFE
SOCIETY OF INDIA is producing a book entitled BIRDS
OF PREY. All raptor researchers are requested to
contribute their review/research contributions on any
aspect of the subject, especially ecology, biology,
conservation, and management. Please send contributions
to Dr. B.D. Sharma, Secretary, Mews (India), P.O. Box
78, Jammu (J & K) INDIA.

] 14 U

SEPTEMBER 1994

INFORMATION ABOUT THE BLACK SHAHIN
FALCON ( Falco peregrinus peregrinator) is needed for
the preparation of a PhD thesis on the species’ status and
biology. Please send any literature (published or
unpublished), data, or information about specimens (living
or dead) in museums or private collections, Names and
addresses of persons who are working with this bird would
also be useful. Any information received will be
considered in the acknowledgments. Hermann Dottlinger,
Longer Rain 4 , D-85301 Schweitenkirchen, GERMANY.
Tel: (8444) 7588.

NORTHERN HAWK OWL INFORMATION is needed
for the Birds of North America review of this species.
Surprisingly few data exist in the published form, other
than scattered records dealing with the first sighting for an
area, state or province. Any information on behavior,
food, breeding, movements, measurements, concentrations
of birds, etc., would be most valuable, and fully
acknowledged in the final account. Patricia and Dr.
James R. Duncan , Box 20 J, Craven , KS SOG OWO,
CANADA (306-731 -2600); FAN. (306-787-2400).

EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS: PRINTED AND

AUDIOVISUAL. The RRF Education Committee is

compiling a bibliography of printed educational materials
on raptors. For audio-visual materials, we need the title,
author/producer, production date, a brief summary (50
words or less), type of media, loan/rent/sale policies and
prices, and contact name and address. For printed
materials, send samples or a complete description (i.e.
species, region, and topics). Contact Nancy Read,
Education Committee Chair, PO Box 714, Los Alamos, CA
93440-0714; (805-344-2428) or (805-734-8232 ext. 5-
8399).

ATTENTION VENDORS: The Wingspan is interested in
providing a list of sources of equipment. If you know of
a product that would be useful to raptor researchers (e.g.,
traps, markers, telemetry equipment, etc.) please send a
description and an address to Karen Steenhof, RRTAC-
NBS, 3948 Development Ave., Boise, ID 83705.

;; .vvr '.NHYV;. i CHANTS AND

AWARDS

HAWK MOUNTAIN - ZEISS RAPTOR RESEARCH
AWARD is open to graduate students researching aspects
of raptor biology. Deadline for proposals is 15 Nov.
Students may write Hawk Mountain - Zeiss Research
Award, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, RR 2, Box 191,
Kempton, PA 19529.

GENERAL

ANNOUNCEMENTS

THE RAPTOR RESEARCH AND TECHNICAL
ASSISTANCE CENTER (RRTAC) will establish the
Butch OlendorlT Memorial Library to house Butch’s
professional papers and as a center for bibliographic
research on raptors when it moves into its permanent
offices at Boise State University in 1995. Memorials to
fund the library may be made to Butch Olendorjf
Memorial Fund, c/o West One Bank, Skyway Branch, 2730
Airport Way, Boise, Idaho 83705.

THE U.S. BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT has
established the Butch Olendorff Lifetime Achievement
Award for Conservation of Birds of Prey, an occasional
award to recognize individuals and organizations that
make remarkable contributions or sacrifices to raptor
conservation. The first 2 recipients were Idaho Governor
Cecil Andrus and Morley Nelson , both of whom led the
fight to establish the Snake River Birds of Prey National
Conservation Area.

THE SANTA CRUZ PREDATORY BIRD RESEARCH
GROUP has completed all captive breeding efforts, The
offices, labs, and bird chambers have been sold and all
future field work and lab analysis will be conducted out of
new home at following address - SCPBRG Long Marine
Lab, Univ. of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064 (408-
459-2466; fax 459-3115).

The Journal of Raptor Research will contain a book
review section beginning with issue three of 1994.
Authors or publishers interested in having their
publications reviewed by this forum should send a copy to
Jeffrey Marks, Book Review Editor, at the Cooperative
Wildlife Research Unit, University of Montana, Missoula,
MT 59812 , Books, monographs, or symposium
proceedings on raptors or on techniques useful for the
study or management of raptors are appropriate.

A club for young birdwatchers has been formed to
encourage, expand, and reinforce youngsters’ interest in
and knowledge about birds. For a $25 annual membership
fee, children receive a postcard describing a different bird
each week. For more information, contact Early Birders,
P.O. Box 111, Harmony, R.I. 02829-0111.

] 15 [

WINGSPAN

SEPTEMBER 1994

REGEii: THESES!: ©St RAPllRS

• HISTORY, NESTING BIOLOGY, AND PREDATION ECOLOGY OF RAPTORS IN THE MISSOURI COTEAU OF
NORTHWESTERN NORTH DAKOTA. Robert K. Murphy, Ph.D. Dissertation, Montana State University, Bozeman. 212pp.

• EFFECTS OF MONITORING EFFORT AND RECREATION PATTERNS ON TEMPORAL AND SPATIAL
ACTIVITIES OF BREEDING BALD EAGLES. J.M. Stangl, M.S. Thesis, Montana State University, Bozeman.

• HABITAT USE AND HOME RANGE SIZE OF BREEDING NORTHERN GOSHAWKS IN THE SOUTHERN
CASCADES. K.K. Austin, M.S. Thesis, Oregon State University, Corvallis.

• FACTORS AFFECTING FORAGING AND PRODUCTIVITY OF OSPREYS ( Pandion haliaetus) AT CASCADE
RESERVOIR, IDAHO. J.M. Phelps III, M.S. Thesis, Boise State University,

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, Editor, RRTAC, 3948 Development
Avenue, Boise, Idaho 83705 (FAX 208-384-3493). The deadline for the next newsletter will be 5 February 1995.
If you intend to submit more than a paragraph, please notify the editor by 15 January so that space can be reserved.

THE WINGSPAN

Raptor Research & Technical Assistance Center
3948 Development Avenue
Boise, Idaho 83705

Non-profit Organ.

u.s.

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PAID

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