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Raptor WeekAugust 12 – 16, 202412:00 – 1:00 P.M. CST – Virtual via Zoom
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The funds raised through our virtual birding seminars support our youth program,
Rio Diablo Birding Camp.
REGISTRATION IS OPEN! REGISTER HERE
Questions? Please email agrilife.birding@gmail.com.
If you are a Texas Master Naturalist, our educational seminars, birding trips, and some special events may count for Advanced Training!
Raptor Week – TMN AT Request Info – 2024
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SEMINAR LINEUP
Monday – August 12, 2024 –
Raptor Identification
Dr. Ben Skipper — Professor at Angelo State University
Presentation Summary
Raptors are a captivating group of birds that draw significant interest from both casual and dedicated birdwatchers. Identifying these birds can be challenging due to their various plumage morphologies, similarities between species, and the fleeting nature of raptor behavior. However, by focusing on a few key field marks, body postures, and unique species traits, birdwatchers can quickly enhance their raptor identification skills and develop a deeper appreciation for these magnificent creatures.
Biography
Dr. Ben Skipper is an Associate Professor of Biology at Angelo State University. His research focuses on the population genetics of raptors and songbirds, bird-prey interactions, and the evolution of song dialects. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Skipper specializes in the urban ecology of Mississippi kites and other urban raptors, making significant contributions to understanding their habitats and behaviors.
BONUS SESSION: Ususual Raptor Plumages: Albinism, Melanism, Hybrids, Amelanism and Others
Bill Clark — Chairman of RAPTOURS’ Board of Advisors
Presentation Summary
Raptors don’t always match their field guide illustrations. Join us for a fascinating talk featuring photos of North American diurnal raptors with unique plumages, including albino, partial albino, amelanistic, melanistic, and hybrids. We’ll also discuss long-billed syndrome, methane burner casualties, and more. Perfect for birdwatchers, nature enthusiasts, and wildlife photographers!
Biography
With more than 50 years of experience, Bill Clark is a renowned photographer, author, researcher, and lecturer specializing in birds of prey. He dedicated five years as the Director of the National Wildlife Federation’s Raptor Information Center, publishing numerous articles on raptors.
Bill has traveled the globe to study and photograph these majestic birds and has led countless raptor and birding tours for Raptours, now run by his colleague Sergio Seipke. Since 2002, Bill has called the Rio Grande Valley home, where he regularly teaches raptor field identification and biology courses and delivers captivating lectures.
His published works include field guides on raptors in Europe, Mexico, Central America, and Africa, as well as co-authoring the “Photographic Guide to North American Raptors” and the revised “Peterson Guide to Hawks.” Bill continues his research on Harlan’s Hawk, White-tailed Hawk, and Harris’s Hawk, contributing valuable insights to the field.
To download pdf’s of one or more of the four draft presentations on his work on Harlan’s Hawk, go to: http://www.globalraptors.org/grin/ResearcherResults.asp?lresID=155
And scroll down to ‘Publications’ and click on ‘pdf’ after one of the four titles. All publications follow.
Some of his later papers deal with raptor taxonomy. Bill has a personal goal to see and take photographs of all the world’s diurnal raptors.
Tuesday – August 13, 2024
Western Screech-Owl Occupancy In The Face Of An Invasive Predator
Natalie Rugg – USDA ARS Corvallis Forestry Laboratory
Presentation Summary
Due to habitat fragmentation and the novel presence of barred owls, a large generalist predator, increasing concern for western screech-owl populations led to their listing as a species at risk in two Canadian provinces. Here, we describe the distribution of western screech-owls in US Pacific Northwest forests and document an observable impact by barred owls.
Biography
Natalie Rugg has been immersed in the field of bioacoustics since earning her B.S. in Biology from California State University, Chico, in 2017. Her passion for ornithology began much earlier, inspired by her mother, a Wildlife Biologist. Today, Natalie is a US Forest Service Ecologist and leads the audio validation lab at the Pacific Northwest Research Station’s Bioacoustics Lab. She focuses on enhancing multispecies monitoring techniques and integrating passive monitoring technologies into active conservation efforts.
BONUS SESSION: The Wonderful Wild of Texas: Our Owls
Romey Swanson – President of Texas Ornithological Society
Presentation Summary
Join Romey to learn about the wonderful diversity of owls found throughout Texas. We’ll discuss the fascinating life histories of these species while virtually exploring the habitats and conservation efforts they require to thrive in the Lone Star State.
Biography
Romey Swanson, a Certified Wildlife Biologist with nearly two decades of experience, specializes in wildlife conservation across Texas Hill Country and West Texas mountains. He holds a Master’s in Wildlife Ecology from Texas State University and has led numerous bird conservation projects. An expert in identifying over 200 Texas bird species by song or sound, Romey currently serves as President of the Texas Ornithological Society, Vice President of the Texas Herpetological Society, and Executive Director of the Devils River Conservancy. His extensive expertise and dedication make him a pivotal figure in Texas wildlife conservation.
Wednesday – August 14, 2024
Population Demographics and Habitat Use of Gray Hawks in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas
Mike Stewart – PhD Student, Texas A&M University – Kingsville
Presentation Summary
Mike Stewart will discuss his ongoing Gray Hawk research that began in 2020. He will cover how he captures Gray Hawks and the banding process. He will also highlight what his research has uncovered so far as well as what he is currently working on.
Biography
Meet Mike, a retired Army veteran with a passion for birding that spans over two decades in the eastern U.S. and Texas. Armed with an M.S. in Biology from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Mike now resides in Alice, Texas, where he continues his research on Gray Hawks as a student at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. He shares his home with his wife, Yvette, and their Green-cheeked Conure, Greenlee.
Thursday – August 15, 2024
The Raptor Advantage – Why These Animals Are So Good At What They Do
Dr. Craig Farquhar – Co-Author Raptors of Texas
Presentation Summary
Raptors, the majestic hunters of the sky, are true marvels of evolution. Over millions of years, their bodies have been intricately designed to excel in the art of hunting. Every single part of their anatomy and physiology is geared towards one purpose—capturing elusive prey that would much rather avoid becoming lunch!
From their razor-sharp talons to their extraordinary vision, raptors are a testament to the wonders of nature. Join us as we explore the fascinating adaptations that make these birds not just survivors, but masters of their domain. Whether you’re captivated by the fierce falcon or the soaring eagle, there’s always something awe-inspiring to learn about these incredible birds.
Dive in and discover what makes raptors the ultimate aerial predators!
Biography
Meet Dr. C. Craig Farquhar, a passionate conservation biologist, dedicated raptor ecologist, and talented illustrator. With a career that began at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in Austin, TX, where he worked until his retirement in 2018, Dr. Farquhar now shares his wealth of knowledge with students at Texas State University in San Marcos, TX, teaching Raptor Ecology and the Ecology of Rarity.
Dr. Farquhar’s impressive credentials include a Ph.D. in Raptor Ecology and Wildlife Biology from Texas A&M University and a prestigious Frank M. Chapman postdoctoral fellowship at the American Museum of Natural History in New York. His research has taken him to the wild landscapes of South America, studying the magnificent birds of prey that have always captured his heart.
In 2022, Dr. Farquhar co-authored “Raptors of Texas” with Dr. Clint Boal, a comprehensive guide sure to enthrall any bird enthusiast. Join Dr. Farquhar on a fascinating exploration of our world’s raptors, and discover the beauty and importance of these majestic creatures through his eyes.
Friday – August 16, 2024
Raptor Photography Tips & Ethics
Kyler Noe – Wildlife Photographer
Presentation Summary
With a strong commitment to ethical photography, Kyler shares tips and techniques to elevate your raptor photography skills. Whether you’re a birdwatcher or a photography enthusiast, Kyler’s passion and expertise will inspire you to take your shots to the next level.
Biography
An experienced Avian Wildlife photographer from Arizona who specializes in capturing stunning images of wild birds of prey.