Raptor Identification Workshop

[Chris Merkord]

AN INTRODUCTORY RAPTOR IDENTIFICATION WORKSHOP – Boise State University and the Idaho Bird Observatory are offering an introductory raptor identification workshop in Boise, Idaho, on the weekend of 23-25 Sep 2011. The workshop may be offered again the weekend of 30 Sep - 2 Oct, if the demand is high enough. These weekends should encompass the peak timing in raptor migration and will also offer the highest diversity in species and age class compositions. The workshop will concentrate primarily on raptor field identification (including long range ID tips) and will consist of both classroom and field sessions. Classroom sessions will include Powerpoint presentations on raptor biology including their life history and habits, field identification, morphology terminology, behavior and migration biology/routes using some of IBOs raptor band recovery data. Sep is a peak time in southern Idaho for raptor migration and field sessions will be held at Lucky Peak in the Boise foothills which supports one of the largest known raptor migrations in the western U.S. during autumn. A bonus workshop component may include a discussion of raptor trapping techniques and potentially a raptor trapping and banding demonstration if the birds cooperate (participants should not expect to become certified banders). Other optional opportunities may include observing northern saw-whet owl banding which we also do at Lucky Peak. We developed this workshop for folks with beginner to intermediate raptor identification skills. This workshop would be a great opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students interested in raptor ecology and biology. Boise State University is the only university in the U.S. that offers a MS degree in Raptor Biology. The workshop is also well suited for birders, naturalists, biological consultants, and anyone interested in learning more about raptor identification. This course will be an excellent precursor for anyone interested in volunteering/interning at a bird observatory or working anywhere to conduct migratory hawk watches, or for anyone who just wants to learn more about raptors! Enrollment is limited. Register soon. Early registration fee is $325 (registration must be received by 31 Jul). Included in the registration fee: Certificate of completion and Continuing Education Units (CEUs), transportation to and from Lucky Peak (from Boise State), and light snacks. Participants are responsible for their lodging. Participants should bring their own binoculars and spotting scopes. However, if you do not have any, we can provide a limited number of these items. For additional details about the program, see (URL: http://www.boisestate.edu/extendedstudies/cpd/courses/raptor-identification.html).