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Chris Merkord

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  1. Chris Merkord
    Wingspan was established in 1992 as a newsletter designed to provide timely information to members of the Raptor Research Foundation. Wingspan complements the content in the Journal of Raptor Research with conservation news, announcements, RRF business, and other commentary. Editors: Brian Washburn (2016)
  2. Chris Merkord
    The Lapwing once had many regional names; the Loon has a British-American identity crisis and the respectable-sounding Apostlebird is often called a Lousy Jack. Why do bird names, both common and scientific, change over time and why do they vary so much between different parts of the English-speaking world? Wandering through the scientific and cultural history of ornithology takes us to the heart of understanding the long relationship between birds and people. Lapwings, Loons and Lousy Jacks uncovers the stories behind the incredible diversity of bird names, explains what many scientific names actually mean and takes a look at the history of the system by which we name birds. Ray Reedman explores the natural history and folklore behind bird names, in doing so unlocking the mystery of the name Scoter, the last unexplained common name of a British bird species.
  3. Chris Merkord
  4. Chris Merkord
    Animal Cognition is an interdisciplinary journal offering current research from many disciplines (ethology, behavioral ecology, animal behavior and learning, cognitive sciences, comparative psychology and evolutionary psychology) on all aspects of animal (and human) cognition in an evolutionary framework. Animal Cognition publishes original empirical and theoretical work, reviews, methods papers, short communications and correspondence on the mechanisms and evolution of biologically rooted cognitive-intellectual structures. The journal explores animal time perception and use; causality detection; innate reaction patterns and innate bases of learning; numerical competence and frequency expectancies; symbol use; communication; problem solving, animal thinking and use of tools, and the modularity of the mind.
  5. Chris Merkord
    The Robert Cooper Audubon Society (RCAS), Inc., is a regional chapter of the National Audubon Society, serving approximately 500 members in East Central Indiana, in Blackford, Delaware, Grant, Henry, Jay, Madison, and Randolph Counties.
  6. Chris Merkord
    The California Academy of Sciences is an organization and a natural history museum in San Francisco, California which runs research, education, and public engagement programs to further its mission: to explore, explain, and sustain life on Earth.
  7. Chris Merkord
  8. Chris Merkord
    Dear colleagues! We are pleased to invite you to participate in the 9th International Meeting of European Bird Curators that will take place on the 12th - 16th of October 2015 at the State Darwin Museum in Moscow, Russia. The Meeting language is English and Russian with simultaneous translation into both languages. The main purpose of this Meeting is to promote cooperation, dissemination of the best practices and new techniques in the samples reinforcement, curation, management, studying, traditional and new ways of using bird collections (skins, skeleton, eggs, spirit, tissue, sound, archive, database etc.) and expanding the collections-based research, new methods and results. All ideas and suggestions for the scientific program are welcome. We expect about 100 participants from Europe, America, all over Russia and other territories of the former Soviet Union. Both Oral and Poster presentations can be submitted. Oral presentations should last about 15-20 minutes plus 10 minutes for discussion. All submissions and presentations should be in English or Russian. The format of the presentation should be MS PowerPoint on a CD or USB Flash Drive. A computer with a video projector is available for the presentation. The presentation files and posters (maximum size: 1400 mm x 800 mm) should be submitted to the conference office at the start of the meeting. To apply, please fill out the Registration form before May 29, 2015. Abstract submissions to be considered for oral presentation or for posters should be of no more than 300 words in Word format and filled out Registration forms must be sent via email to igorfad@darwinmuseum.ru before May 29, 2015. Abstracts will be published by the beginning of the conference. The Meeting papers will be published as a special volume in 2016. Registration Fee: € 80 to be paid on arrival. This fee includes all days of informational sessions, a program booklet, the Welcome Party, coffee breaks, lunches and Guided tours.
  9. Chris Merkord
    A new meeting has been added to the =1']Ornithology Meetings database. Meeting Description: The 9th International Meeting of European Bird Curators will take place on the 12th - 16th of October 2015 at the State Darwin Museum in Moscow, Russia. The Meeting language is English and Russian with simultaneous translation into both languages. The main purpose of this Meeting is to promote cooperation, dissemination of the best practices and new techniques in the samples reinforcement, curation, management, studying, traditional and new ways of using bird collections (skins, skeleton, eggs, spirit, tissue, sound, archive, database etc.) and expanding the collections-based research, new methods and results. Meeting Website: http://www.darwinmuseum.ru/eng/?dir=science Click here to view the meeting
  10. Chris Merkord
    The journal Iheringia, Série Zoologia, edited by the “Museu de Ciências Naturais” of the “Fundação Zoobotânica do Rio Grande do Sul”, publishes original research findings in zoology with emphasis on taxonomy, systematics, morphology, natural history, and community or population ecology of species from current Neotropical fauna. Scientific notes will not be accepted for publication. Species lists without a taxonomic approach, or that are not the result of studies on the ecology or natural history of communities will not normally be accepted. The same applies to identification keys of groups of taxa defined by political boundaries. Authors wishing to inquire about the scope of the journal or the suitability of a particular topic are encouraged to contact the Editorial Board prior to submission. Furthermore, articles with a main focus on agronomy, veterinary, zootechny or other areas involving applied zoology will not be accepted. Its abbreviated title is Iheringia, Sér. Zool., which should be used in bibliographies, footnotes and bibliographical references and strips. Journal was published as individual numbers irregularly through 2001. In 2002 publication became one volume with four issues per year.
  11. Chris Merkord
    The Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center is dedicated to understanding, conserving and championing the grand phenomenon of bird migration. Founded in 1991, we are located at the Smithsonian's National Zoological Park in Washington, D.C. We seek to clarify why migratory bird populations are declining before the situation becomes desperate. Our programs help raise awareness about migratory birds and the need to protect diverse habitats across the Western Hemisphere.
  12. Chris Merkord
    BirdsCaribbean is a vibrant international network of members and partners committed to conserving Caribbean birds and their habitats. We raise awareness, promote sound science, and empower local partners to build a region where people appreciate, conserve and benefit from thriving bird populations and ecosystems. We are a non-profit (501 (c) 3) membership organization. More than 100,000 people participate in our programmes each year, making BirdsCaribbean the most broad-based conservation organization in the region. You can learn more about us, our work, and how to join at: http://www.birdscaribbean.org. Founded in 1988, BirdsCaribbean is the largest single bird conservation organization in the Greater Caribbean region, including Bermuda, the Bahamas and all islands within the Caribbean basin. The organization changed its name from the Society for the Conservation and Study of Caribbean Birds to BirdsCaribbean in 2013.
  13. Chris Merkord
    6TH NAOC CALL FOR SYMPOSIA AND ROUND-TABLE DISCUSSIONS The 6th North American Ornithological Conference (NAOC) will meet in Washington, DC, from 16-20 August 2016. We are now requesting proposals for half-day, full-day, and lightning-style symposia and round-table discussions to occur at the conference. Proposals are due by 1 Dec 2015. We seek to have a suite of thematic sessions at NAOC 2016 that provides in-depth exploration of a wide range of timely topics and that highlights the importance of, and the exciting new advances in, ornithological research and conservation. We wish to see ornithologists and conservationists come together in round-table discussions for discourse, debate and planning for future work. Proposals for symposia, lightning symposia, and round-table discussions that emphasize the theme of NAOC 2016 (Bringing Science and Conservation Together) are especially encouraged. All proposals for symposia or round-table discussions must be received by 1 Dec 2015. Send them to the NAOC 2016 Scientific Program Committee Chair (COURTNEY CONWAY, via email (EM: cconway@uidaho.edu) with the subject, “NAOC 2016 Symposium Proposal”. For more information, visit http://naoc2016.cvent.com/events/naoc-2016/custom-127-9cca73ad2f044f8790ca08d7f1d28536.aspx?cpc=N7NS9Z47L7Q. Contact the Committee Chair with any questions or concerns. Visit us online at http://www.naoc2016.com and sign up to be notified of upcoming NAOC 2016 news and announcements.
  14. Chris Merkord
    THE RAPTOR RESEARCH FOUNDATION’S 2015 CONFERENCE The Raptor Research Foundation’s 2015 Conference will be held in Sacramento, CA, 4 - 8 Nov 2015 – the fiftieth anniversary of the ground-breaking Madison Peregrine Falcon symposium. Distinguished biologists from that 1965 symposium will be assembled for a panel discussion, and Peter Bloom will present "Fifty Years of California Raptor Conservation" as an opening plenary. Sacramento is easy to get to, with proximity to the diverse Central California coast, the Sierra Foothills, the Central Valley, and much more. Sessions will be held at the Doubletree Hotel near the raptor-rich American River Parkway. Hosting the conference is the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory (GGRO), celebrating 30 years of raptor migration monitoring in the Marin Headlands. Early Career Raptor Researcher (ECRR) Skills Courses will be held on Wednesday before the conference officially begins. Symposia are Conservation of Golden Eagles in a Changing World, Wind Power and Raptors, Raptors in a Changing Climate, Ecology of Island Raptors, and Diseases and Toxins, plus numerous field trips in the area. Registration is now on line: http://www.raptorresearchfoundation.org/conferences/current-conference For more information or to offer sponsorship contact the RRF Conference Chair: KATE DAVIS (EM: raptors@montana.com) Or the local host, GGRO director: ALLEN FISH (EM: afish@parksconservancy.org). See you in Sacramento!
  15. Chris Merkord
    A new meeting has been added to the =1']Ornithology Meetings database. Meeting Description: The Raptor Research Foundation’s 2015 Conference will be held in Sacramento, California, USA, 4–8 November 2015. Meeting Website: http://www.raptorresearchfoundation.org/conferences/current-conference Click here to view the meeting
  16. Chris Merkord
    More information about "AOU and COS agree to pursue merger"
    Leaders of the AOU and COS met together at the annual meeting in Norman, Oklahoma to review the progress and success of our partnerships: the joint publication of our journals, joint communications and website (American Ornithology.org), and our joint annual conference. During the leadership meeting, a motion was made for the two societies to pursue a merger. Both societies formally approved moving ahead with this pursuit in the coming year. During the Oklahoma conference, this action was announced at the AOU Fellows meeting and the COS business meeting. Both societies will be seeking input from their members, multiple times, as they take the necessary steps in this pursuit. The goal is for the societies to reach consensus on the advisability of merging to best serve our membership, our missions, and ornithology as a profession. Any questions at this early stage should be directed to SCOTT LANYON, President, AOU (lanyo001@umn.edu) and/or MARTIN RAPHAEL, President, COS (mraphael@fs.fed.us). Oct 14 request for input: AOU and COS Members, The AOU Council and the COS Board met together in July at our annual meeting in Norman, Oklahoma to review the progress and success of our partnerships: the joint publication of our journals, joint communications and website (www.americanornithology.org ), our joint Science Arbitration initiative, and our joint meetings. During this meeting, one board member posed the question, “shouldn’t we merge?” The members of each governing board of COS and AOU discussed this proposal at great length and the many potential benefits with great enthusiasm. The Council and Board jointly and unanimously approved moving ahead to study the possibility of a merger. This development was announced and discussed at the AOU Fellows meeting and the COS business meeting in Oklahoma. Over the coming months, COS and AOU members will receive communications soliciting your input. Initially, leadership wants to hear both what excites you and what concerns you about the idea of merging the two organizations. Once we’ve collected your feedback, leadership will work to resolve identified concerns. We will then communicate our proposed solutions to these concerns and solicit member reactions. By late fall we hope to finish gathering input and reactions, and to finalize a recommendation to AOU Council and COS Board - either to merge (and if so what a merger would entail) or to remain separate. If the governing boards of the two societies agree on a solid proposal for merger, the final step will be a vote by membership. The Cooper Ornithological Society bylaws and the State of California, where COS is incorporated, call for a vote by the COS membership. The AOU bylaws require that the AOU Fellows vote on an issue of this magnitude. Although the AOU bylaws do not require a vote of the general membership, Council would nevertheless like to conduct such a vote, to inform the voting of the AOU Fellows. Our goal is to conduct the vote this winter so that we can proceed quickly – either to merge, or to work independently but continuing our joint ventures in meetings, publications, website, and science arbitration. To jumpstart the discussion, here are some of the suggested reasons why a merger might be in the best interest of the membership of both organizations: Lower Dues for Individuals Members of both organizations would pay one membership fee, not two, to the merged organization. Increased resources to support members at all stages of their careers. By combining programs and leadership efforts, a single organization would be in a better position to offer quality mentoring and development activities for students, early career professionals, teachers, mid-career professionals and retirees at annual meetings, more research and travel grants, recognition awards, editorial support for Latin American authors and online resources for teaching, research and outreach. All members would have access to The Auk: Ornithological Advances, The Condor: Ornithological Applications and The Birds of North America. In a merged organization, fewer resources would be applied to administrative and operating expenses by combining functions, leaving more resources to be applied to ornithology (Note that finances of a merged organization are being evaluated by a subcommittee at this time). Greater agility in publishing. A primary function of our societies is to produce journals that provide high quality science to aid authors, scientists, agencies, and the public. Journal publishing is changing rapidly and evolution of the digital platforms, rapid online availability, open access, archive access, print-on-demand, etc, are needed to continue to enhance the visibility, impact and usability of the journals, and these possibilities will be strongly facilitated by the increased resources of a merged society. In a merged organization, strategic decisions would be more streamlined than the current situation with two societies. Increased likelihood of success in fundraising. The act of merging the two societies would be a significant statement to potential funders of our commitment to and vision for the future of ornithology. Since we met in Oklahoma, a small team of AOU representatives (Steve Beissinger, Scott Lanyon and Melinda Pruett Jones) and COS representatives (Martin Raphael, Kim Sullivan, Tom Martin, and Blair Wolf ) has been discussing the merger concept and a preliminary set of issues raised by leadership and members of AOU and COS. Those issues and their tentative resolution are described in the following table. Now is a good time for us to receive your input. Are we addressing your concerns in the issues and resolutions identified above? What excites you and what concerns you about the prospect of a merger? Just as importantly, what are the great things about each society that you would want leadership to be sure to preserve in a merged organization? We ask that you respond to the President of the AOU and/or the President of COS (addresses are below) by email, a phone call, or letter by Oct. 19, 2015. We expect this to be the first of several opportunities for the memberships of both societies to participate in the process underway. Our next steps include analysis of the financial impact of a possible merger, and continued discussions by representatives of both societies to resolve the remaining issues identified in the table above and others that may arise. We expect to communicate our findings again to membership by late-November. Sincerely, Scott M. Lanyon President, American Ornithologists' Union University of Minnesota 1987 Upper Buford Circle St. Paul, MN 55108 612-624-6291 lanyo001@umn.edu Martin G. Raphael President, Cooper Ornithological Society 3625 93rd Ave SW Olympia, WA 98512 360-753-7662 mraphael@fs.fed.us For questions or comments about your OSNA society membership, please contact business@osnabirds.org.
  17. Chris Merkord
  18. Chris Merkord
    The Field Guide to the Birds of New Zealand is the modern classic of the genre – the tried and trusted reference for lovers of New Zealand birds. Comprehensive, reliable and easy to use, this fourth revised edition features: 374 species, including 35 new additions – the book's biggest revision since first publication 85 stunning colour paintings of New Zealand birds, including rare and recently extinct species an introduction to key bird-watching sites distribution maps and an in-depth guide to field identification an additional handbook section that includes information on the distribution, habitat, population, conservation, breeding, behaviour and feeding habits of each species The only field guide to New Zealand birds officially endorsed by the Ornithological Society of New Zealand, this is the most authoritative reference available – a wonderful celebration of our extraordinary and diverse birdlife.
  19. Chris Merkord
    Provides a comprehensive overview of the fascinating and diverse field of avian incubaiton Covers the nest, the egg, incubation, and the study of avian reproduction Incorporates new research on nest structures, egg traits, and life history Discusses contemporary methodologies such as self-contained temperature probes and citizen science Describes how biological knowledge can be applied to challenges such as conservation and climate change Nests, Eggs, and Incubation brings together a global team of leading authorities to provide a comprehensive overview of the fascinating and diverse field of avian reproduction. Starting with a new assessment of the evolution of avian reproductive biology in light of recent research, the book goes on to cover four broad areas: the nest, the egg, incubation, and the study of avian reproduction. New research on nest structures, egg traits, and life history is incorporated, whilst contemporary methodologies such as self-contained temperature probes and citizen science are also discussed. Applied chapters describe how biological knowledge can be applied to challenges such as urbanisation and climate change. The book concludes by suggesting priorities for future research. This book builds upon the foundations laid down by Charles Deeming's 2002 work Avian Incubation (available for readers of this book to access online for free), much of which remains relevant today. Read in conjunction with this previous volume, it provides an up-to-date and thorough review of egg biology, nest function, and incubation behaviour, which will be an essential resource for students of avian biology, as well as both professional and amateur ornithologists working in the field of avian reproduction.
  20. Chris Merkord
    The fascinating lives of Buzzards are revealed from extensive studies over many years A long overdue update of the natural history and ecology of the Common Buzzard Provides detailed accounts of their breeding cycle from courtship until fledging of broods Guidance provided on Buzzard breeding studies including interpretation of aerial behaviour This is a much-needed and authoritative account of Common Buzzards gained from extensive studies by the author over 60 years and also from enthusiasts in this country and across northern Europe. The accounts describe the life history and ecology of Buzzards mainly inhabiting the British uplands where historically they have always been most numerous. For the first time, population activities are followed through successive seasonal stages of their life cycle. These include the vital and inter-related aspects of Buzzard territories and social behaviour, diets and hunting methods, food requirements, prey abundance and breeding success, survival and life spans and how Buzzard numbers and distribution have changed, particularly in relation to the influence of Man. The book also demonstrates how well Buzzards have adapted to living in our modern and rapidly-changing landscapes, constantly adapting their habits in response to prey resources and environmental conditions. In the book’s first section, The Year of the Buzzard, the sequential changes in the composition and behaviour of a Buzzard community, their seasonal patterns of food habits and hunting methods, their breeding season from courtship until fledging of broods and their subsequent dispersal are outlined. The second section, Special Topics, provides greater detail of six key aspects of their ecology which are explored within the following chapter topics: Territory; Energy and Food Needs; Predation; Food Supply and Breeding Success; Demography and Population Dynamics; and Changes in Buzzard Abundance.
  21. Chris Merkord
    This book provides a worldwide review of the ecology, behavior, morphology and breeding biology of the Lanner falcon (Falco biarmicus). From historical sources to the most recent ornithological literature, a comprehensive approach reveals the uniqueness and adaptability of this falcon from Afrotropic to Palearctic ecozones.
  22. Chris Merkord
  23. Chris Merkord
    Finally, the work of Wilfried Hansen and Dr. Jürgen Synnatzschke is available as a book. So far, it was scattered in 11 separate issues of the scientific journal Beiträge zur Naturkunde Niedersachsens and only accessible to a small number of experts. In the meantime, these issues are all out of print. They have now been revised, updated with extensive new data and united into a single book. The resulting monograph treats the tail feathers (rectrices) of the birds of Central Europe. The identifying characters of the tail feathers of more than 300 bird species are described in detail and depicted on first- class black-and-white drawings. New measurement tables for the longest wing feather complete the work. The foreword by Prof. Dr. Urs N. Glutz von Blotzheim makes this historical work a real classic of ornithology. An English summary and image captions in English open this German work to an international public. Erstmals liegt das Werk von Wilfried Hansen und Dr. Jürgen Synnatzschke als Buch vor. Bisher war es auf 11 separate Hefte der wissenschaftlichen Fachzeitschrift Beiträge zur Naturkunde Niedersachsens verstreut und nur wenigen Fachleuten zugänglich. Diese Hefte sind in der Zwischenzeit alle vergriffen. Sie wurden nun als Buch zusammengefasst und mit zahlreichen neuen Daten ergänzt. Die entstandene Monographie behandelt die Steuerfedern der Vögel Mitteleuropas. Die Bestimmungsmerkmale von über 300 Vogelarten anhand der Steuerfedern werden ausführlich beschrieben und auf erstklassigen Tuschezeichnungen dargestellt. Vervollständigt wird das Werk durch neu hinzugefügte Schwungfeder-Tabellen. Durch das Vorwort von Prof. Dr. Urs N. Glutz von Blotzheim wird dieses historische Werk zu einem echter Klassiker der Ornithologie. Eine englische Zusammenfassung und Bildunterschriften auf Englisch öffnen dieses deutschsprachige Werk einem internationalen Publikum.
  24. Chris Merkord
    The extraordinary ruins of Machu Picchu, at an elevation above 2400 m, were among the most amazing creations of the Inca Empire at its height: its giant walls, terraces and ramps seem to have been cut out of continuous rock escarpments. This remote site lies on the eastern slope of the Andes on the upper reaches of the Amazon basin in a region exhibiting a rich diversity of flora and fauna. With the publication of this Field Guide to the Birds of Machu Picchu and the Cusco Region, visitors from all over the world can now appreciate and identify the birds of the mountains, valleys, and forests of this World Heritage Site. The Field Guide to the Birds of Machu Picchu and the Cusco Region is the result of a unique, three-continent collaboration between Barry Walker in Peru, Buteo Books in Virginia (USA), and Lynx Edicions in Barcelona. The text from previous versions of Barry Walker’s field guide has been completely rewritten and updated. Covering the nearly 500 species known to occur in the region, the individual species accounts provide details on habitat, behavior, localizations, and occurrence. The 165 color plates on pages facing the text are drawn from illustrations painted for the monumental Handbook of the Birds of the World. This is a field guide with all the essentials to identify the bird in the field, yet compact and light enough to fit in a pocket or carry on the Inca Trail. A section of the book contains a detailed guide to the best birding sites in the region and an annotated checklist, both of which will be of great value to the visiting birdwatcher.
  25. Chris Merkord
    A comprehensive examination of the molt processes (feather growth) of different species of birds, one of the most important and fundamental processes in the life history of any bird. To most observers, molt seems an overwhelming subject. But birders use many aspects of molt more than they realize—to distinguish juvenile birds from adults, to pick out an individual hummingbird from among dozens visiting a feeder, and much more. And for those whose interest goes beyond simply identifying birds, questions such as What triggers molt to start? How fast do feathers grow? and How long do they last? offer a fascinating window into the lives of birds. Put plainly, molt relates in some way to everything a bird does, including where it lives, what it eats, and how far it migrates. Here, for the first time, molt is presented for the nonscientist. Molt is very orderly and built on only four underlying strategies: simple basic, complex basic, simple alternate, and complex alternate. This book clearly lays out these strategies, relates them to aspects of life history, such as habitat and migration, and makes this important subject accessible.
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