Ecology and Conservation of Migratory Birds
The Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center, in conjunction with the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation, are excited to announce a new intensive two week course in Front Royal, VA, USA: Ecology and Conservation of Migratory Birds.
The course builds on the expertise of the Migratory Bird Center incorporating concepts surrounding the ecology and evolution of migration, migratory connectivity, breeding and non-breeding life history, population dynamics, and the ecological services that migratory birds provide. This course is designed to capitalize on this expertise to teach conservation professionals, field scientists and graduate students the most current methods in the research of bird migration including theoretical concepts, field and laboratory methods, data analysis and applied conservation strategies.
Field sessions will involve training in avian sampling techniques including: daily mist-netting sessions, banding, aging and sexing, digital imagery and morphometrics, tissue sampling, and collecting behavioral observations. A tracking module will include stable isotope analysis, geolocator deployment and analysis, and radio telemetry. A second lab component will consist of workshops on data management and analysis including mark-recapture statistics with Program MARK. Lecture topics will include: seasonal interactions, evolution and adaptation, agro-ecosystems, eco-physiology, stopover ecology, and applied conservation strategies.
SCBI scientists will lead the course, and guest lecturers from other parts of the Smithsonian Institution, American Bird Conservancy, and USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center will provide students a glimpse into exciting, ongoing research and conservation efforts.
- The course takes place from September 9-20, 2013.
- Deadline to apply is July 1, 2013.
- For information on course fees, scholarship opportunities and contact information, please visit the website. http://smconservation.gmu.edu/programs/graduate-and-professional/professional-training-courses/species-monitoring-and-conservation-bird-migration/
- Participants earn Continuing Education Units; graduate course credit (3) is available for qualified applicants through George Mason University at an additional fee. See the course’s page on our website for prerequisites.
