ECRR Workshop Information

[travisbooms]

Hey Gang,

Here is the information again on the upcoming ECRR Workshops. Please
share this with your fellow students and spread the word as people
start to arrange travel and register for the conference. Some of the
classes are starting to fill-up, so don't wait!

Looking forward to seeing you there.

Cheers,
Travis


Raptor Research Techniques Short Courses
Oct. 5, 2011 at the RRF Annual Conference in Duluth, MN.
For Students and Early Career Researchers

The Raptor Research Foundation (RRF) Early Career Raptor Researchers
(ECRR) Committee will be hosting a day of raptor research skills short
courses for ECRRs at the annual meeting in Duluth, MN. Classes are
only available to students and early career professionals that are
current members of RRF (you can also join prior to registering if not
a current member).

Classes will be taught by leading experts and will focus on hands-on
skill-building typically not available in traditional undergraduate or
graduate classes. Course lengths vary from 4-8 hours and students can
select from a variety of courses throughout the day. Class sizes will
be small (8-16 students per class) to provide an intimate and
interactive learning environment. ECRRs can register for these
courses on a first-come basis through the online conference
registration process (Cost is $10 per class).

Please note the short courses will occur on the day (Wednesday) before
the scientific program begins and students will need to arrive at the
conference venue by 08:00 on Oct. 5.

If arriving the night before, we encourage participants to share
lodging expenses by finding other participants via RRF Facebook or the
Early Career Raptor Researcher’s Google Groups with which to share
rooms.

2011 ECRR Class Descriptions:
Safely Accessing Raptor Nests
Course Description: This class will cover the following topics:
safety, gear and use, knots, ascending, rappelling, getting into
nests, structures, and bird handling while aloft. Class will be
taught at the Univ. Minnesota Duluth climbing wall with a strong
emphasis on experiential learning while hanging from ropes. Climbing
harnesses and all gear will be provided.
Instructors: Joel Pagel, USFWS and Teryl Grubb, US Forest Service

Harnessing Raptors with Transmitters
Course Description: This class will cover the process of attaching a
transmitter (either VHF or satellite) to raptors, from initial
thoughts of the bird's welfare to specifics of making harnesses and
attaching them to birds. The majority of the class will be hands-on,
involving creation of a backpack-style harness and using that harness
to attach a transmitter to carcasses of different sized raptors. As
time allows, we may discuss other attachment techniques (e.g.,
tailmount, patagial) as well as thoughts on data management. Class
will be taught at the Radisson Hotel.
Instructors: Steve Lewis, USFWS and Brian Millsap, USFWS

Techniques for Handling, Auxiliary Marking, Measuring, and Blood
Sampling Raptors after Capture: A Bird in the Hand is Worth Two in the
Bush.
Course Description: This course will give students hands-on
experience in applying the following types of auxiliary markers to
raptors: conventional US Fish and Wildlife Service leg bands, colored
leg bands, leg flags, patagial markers, dyes, and feathers (through
feather imping). Students will also have the opportunity to learn and
practice proper handling, measuring and blood sampling techniques.
This class will be taught at the Radisson Hotel.
Instructors: Dan Varland, Costal Raptors; Eugene Jacobs, Linwood
Springs Research Station; and Wayne Nelson, Camrose, Alberta.

Raptor Tissue Sampling and Necropsy.
Course Description: This class will focus on techniques for getting
research quality data through tissue samples and field necropsies on
dead raptors. Students will learn how and where to collect tissue
samples and conduct field necropsies on raptor carcasses of various
sizes… students should be ready to get their hands dirty! This class
will be taught at the Radisson Hotel.
Instructor: Irene Bueno, University of Minnesota Raptor Center

Raptor Trapping and Handling Techniques for Scientific Research
Course Description: This class will demonstrate safe trapping and
handling methods, including the use of the traditional lure pole and
bow net, as well as the use of the Bal-chatri, Dho-Ghaza, and the
pigeon harness. Permitting, health and welfare of birds, trap
construction, noose tying, and trap use will be covered, including
hands-on instruction. This class will be taught at the Radisson Hotel.
Instructor: Bill Heinrich, The Peregrine Fund.

Raptor Study Skin Preparation
Course Description: This class will provide students the basic
information on how to create museum-quality study skins from raptor
carcasses. Students will have the opportunity to create a study skin
from a raptor carcass and receive step-by-step instructions on how to
do so. This class will be taught at the Radisson Hotel.
Instructor: Jason Smyth, Florida Institute of Technology