Western Field Ornithologists convention, Pueblo, August 16-20, 2017

[Ted Floyd]

Hello, everybody.

 

I’m writing to let you know that the 2017 Western Field Ornithologists (WFO) birding and ornithology convention, to be held in bird-rich Pueblo, is right around the corner. The convention will be held August 16–20, 2017.

Where to start? How about field trips! Half-day and full-day trips will be led by a Who’s Who of Colorado birding talent, joined by such “foreign” luminaries as Kimball Garrett, Jon Dunn, Ron Martin, Forrest Rowland, and others. WFO field trips emphasize truly learning about birds; expert leaders will patiently share their tips for bird ID.

 

Various workshops—both indoors and outdoors—will likewise enhance our understanding and enjoyment of the diverse birdlife of southeastern Colorado. Workshops include “What Do Birds Eat?” (with Dave Leatherman), “Birds from the Inside Out” (Lauryn Benedict), “Identifying Birds By Their Sounds” (Nathan Pieplow), “How to Make, Edit, Share, and Publish Bird Vocalizations (Ted Floyd), “The Ins and Outs of eBird” (Scott Somershoe), and “Identification of Shorebirds” (Jon Dunn). Bird ID panels will be moderated by Ed Harper (photos) and Nathan Pieplow (audio). And a decided highlight will be the keynote presentation by Lauryn Benedict, a professor at the University of Northern Colorado and one of the world’s foremost experts on birdsong.

There’s more! The two days of scientific presentations will be exceptional for their breadth of coverage and overall interest. A sampling of topics to be covered includes: California Condor conservation, ID of Plumbeous and Cassin’s vireos, migration timing of Orange-crowned Warblers, Mexican Ducks in Colorado, geographic variation in Rock Wren songs, and much more. The science sessions are an outstanding venue for understanding Colorado field ornithology in a broad regional perspective. The sessions are moderated by Steve Rottenborn, one of the most respected field ornithologists in western North America.

Our hub of operations will be the Pueblo Convention Center, where all activities will be held: workshops, banquet, receptions, exhibitors, field trip departures, and more. The convention center is connected by a walkway to the Marriott Hotel; when you make your reservation, mention that you are with WFO for a discounted room rate.

WFO loves young field ornithologists! Conventioneers under 18 receive a hard-to-beat 100% discount on the cost of registration. Programs for young and youngish field ornithologists provide opportunities for interaction with both peers and famous elders.

And WFO loves CFO members! All CFO members enjoy a discounted registration fee. For more information on the convention, go online:

 

https://www.westernfieldornithologists.org/conference.php

 

See you in Pueblo!