Programs & Presentations 2011
January 10th, 2011: Dr. John Klicka
‘Empidonax flycatcher research and other neotropical bird studies of Mexico’
Dr. Klicka specializes in genetic research to reconstruct phylogenetic hypotheses of songbird relationships and will present a discussion of Empidonax flycatchers to which he has clarified and discovered some new trends in Mexico. Dr. Klicka has also done considerable research on other Neotropical Migrants in Mexico and will present his findings and images of those efforts as well.
Dr. Klicka is Curator of Ornithology at the Barrick Museum at UNLV and recieved his P.H.D. in 1999 at the University of Minnesota. He is active in phylogentic research including using DNA sequences to reconstruct phylogenetic hypotheses of songbird relationships. Such phylogenies, the cornerstone of modern comparative methods, provide a necessary framework for studying the evolution of various avian traits. Characters examined in this context can include behaviors (such as migration), morphological traits (such as size, osteological characters, or plumage coloration), or distributions through time and space (biogeography).
February 14th, 2011: Felix Owens and Donn Blake
‘Hawk Migration in Veracruz, Mexico’
Our own Felix Owens and Donn Blake will present their bird migration survey information from their recent trip to Veracruz, Mexico for the annual southerly hawk migrations. Veracruz is a huge raptor migration corridor for almost every North American migratory raptor due to its location and topography ideal for raptor migrations. Felix and Don have some wonderful images and video to present.
Photo Information: Some of the almost 300,000 raptors that flew over Veracruz, Mexico on Sept. 27, 2008 when Donn Blake and Felix Owens visited the area to witness the annual “River of Raptors” migration. No where else on the planet does a spectacle occur that approaches the raptor numbers produced here. This was the second largest single day count last year. Most of the birds in this kettle are Broad-winged Hawks.
March 14, 2011: Christy Klinger, NDOW
“Rehabilitating Cavity-Nesting Bird Habitat in Nevada”
Christy Klinger will talk about abandoned mine claim markers and their impacts on birds and other wildlife in Nevada. These pvc posts occur in varying densities all across the Nevada landscape, and in all habitat types. Cavity-nesting birds, as well as reptiles, are attracted to, enter and become entrapped in the hollow, plastic mine claim monuments. The mountain bluebird, Nevada’s state bird, is just one species that will benefit from the recently passed Senate Bill 108 which will allow for on-the-ground mitigation of the remaining posts beginning in November 2011.
Christy is a biologist with the Nevada Department of Wildlife, Wildlife Diversity Division, where her main responsibilities are the conservation and management of non-game species including birds, bats and other small mammals throughout southern Nevada. She has lived in Nevada for more than 13 years, and has been with NDOW for over 10 years.
April 11th, 2011: Robin Powell (IBA Coordinator, Nevada)
“Saving Nevada’s Birds, Acre by Acre”
Some of them live here, some just pass through, some spend only the summer or the winter here. But all of them — Nevada’s birds — share one common need: habitat. And that’s the focus of Nevada’s Important Bird Areas (IBAs). And what is an IBA you ask? An IBA is an Important Bird Area, and Nevada presently has 39 of them, all managed and monitored by Robin Powell, Nevada’s Director of Bird Conservation. Join us for a fun and informative look at the IBA Program, with photographs of several priority areas and a discussion of several conservation projects underway at several IBAs throughout the state. Come share the successes and the challenges Robin faces as she continues to try to bring public awareness to the needs of these areas.
Sept. 12th, 2011: Bruce Lund
“Dragonflies and Damselflies in Southern Nevada”
If you’ve been sneaking looks at large colorful dragonflies while birding (be honest!) here is an opportunity to learn about our local dragonflies and damselflies – and stop lying awake at night wondering about them. If bug names like Comanche skimmer, American rubyspot, Gray Sanddragon and Vivid dancer raise your curiosity, you’ll meet them, plus many others during this program
Many of us know Bruce Lund does birds, but since about 2008 he drifted from birds, and immersed himself in field work on dragonflies and damselflies to become somewhat of a local expert. Bruce will bring field guides, specimens, and field tools for everyone to look over, and share stories of field techniques and experiences he’s had while exploring for these fascinating aerial acrobats.
October 10th, 2011: Amy Sprunger, DNWR Refuge Manager
“Corn Creek Habitat Restoration and Facilities Construction”
Amy Sprunger, Desert National Wildlife Refuge Manager will discuss ongoing projects on the Desert National Wildlife Refuge, Corn Creek Field Station. She will provide a powerpoint presentation about 2011 and future construction activities at Corn Creek, pertinent to habitat restoration and facilities construction. Amy will update us on the new visitor center, changes made to the ponds and creeks, and the wetland habitat.
Nov. 14th, 2011: Robin Wilson, Nevada IBA Coordinator
“Building Habitat in Your Backyard”
How do you keep areas important to birds? Habitat. Every bird species has specific requirements and needs of their surroundings for their survival. Learn the basics on how to build habitat on your property and things to consider when developing your strategy to attract and sustain your desired species or groups of species. Robin will also give us an update on the recent Important Bird Area (IBA) nominations (including Corn Creek).
Robin has lead the IBA program for several years and is actively engaged with the general public conducting restoration projects and establishing IBA’s throughout Nevada. She is a wonderful asset to the State and valued member of the bird community!
