THE PRIMARY SOURCE

NEWSLETTER FOR CONSERVANCY OF THE ROCKIES | SPRING/SUMMER 2018 | NUMBER 52

by William Bevil, Communications Manager

n preparation for our 30th Anniversary, aimed at special species. They’re the I I’ve gained a new appreciation for foundation of the Integrated Monitoring in our organization that comes from seeing Bird Conservation Regions program, which it through a retrospective lens. Looking today spans 15 states across the west. The April 21, 2018 • 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. back through time at our organizational seeds of our private lands stewardship Barr Lake State Park Nature Center milestones reminds me of how a hawk approaches were planted in the early days must experience the world while soaring through efforts such as Prairie Partners. Join Bird Conservancy of the Rockies and celebrate 30 years of conserving and high overhead. It enjoys sweeping views of With pride, we can point to children who their habitat during Earth Day weekend. the landscape, with transitions in color and took ight through our educational programs Enjoy guided bird walks, bird banding, texture that change from one mile to the next. two decades ago and have since excelled at live raptor presentations and educational But its keen raptor eye, suited for hunting careers in science and conservation. activities for kids and adults, followed by tiny prey, also enables them to make out the lunch and cake. The kite festival is hosted We often measure achievements in numbers, details and ner points. by Friends of Barr Lake. such as acres enrolled or kids attending As I’ve been poring through old newsletters, camps. Some results are less tangible but Admission is $5 per vehicle and annual reports and articles, identifying the equally important. By being in this for the includes park entrance fees, lunch most notable accomplishments in our 30- long haul, we have unlocked mysteries and and kites for the kite festival. year history, what has really struck me is made a positive difference for people, birds how interconnected each of those things are. and the landscapes we share. To register, visit: Individually, a project or initiative may seem www.birdconservancy.org/30years isolated. But from a high-level view, you see Passionate and dedicated staff, partners, Thank you to our sponsors and event partners! them as part of a larger story. Each piece is volunteers, supporters—YOU—make this part of a larger tapestry, new elements that possible. Relationships are the threads that contribute to something greater. hold it all together and ensure a lasting, impactful organization. Our work continues! For example, the evolution of our bird We invite you to soar with us, riding the monitoring programs and protocols are thermals of past successes and drawing evident in early initiatives like Monitoring inspiration to help ensure birds are a part of Colorado’s Birds and targeted programs our world for the next 30 years and beyond. THE PRIMARY SOURCE The Primary Source is the member newsletter of Bird Conservancy of the Rockies

Board of Directors Larry Modesitt, M.B.A., CQE, CTP, Chair Peter Ampe, Esq., J.D., Secretary David Charles, M.D. Eileen Dey, B.S. Jack Ferguson Geoffrey Geupel Grady Grissom, Ph.D. Eric Lane, M.S. Yvette Martinez, B.A. Jim Strickland From the Director Tour group visits with the Perez family at D. Jean Tate, Ph.D. Tres Papalotes Ranch near Janos, Chihuahua. Ed Warner, M.S., L.H.D. Return to Mexico

Tammy VerCauteren - Executive Director tammy.vercauterenbirdconservancy.org I was excited and anxious to return to Mexico are improving the productivity of the ranch and Visit www.birdconservancy.org for staff list. after a 20-year hiatus from the eld. I knew ensuring Alberto has a future as a rancher. In based on our research the landscape had turn, he is ensuring our grassland birds have Main Of ces: changed dramatically, especially with center a healthy home for the winter. pivot irrigation. That was very apparent as 14500 Bunting Lane Our partners at IMC-Vida Silvestre work Brighton, CO 80603 we drove through what should have been (303) 659-4348 lowland grassland habitat. Pivot after pivot with a network of 30 landowners to enhance the resiliency of their rangelands and bring 230 Cherry Street, Fort Collins, CO 80521 and stacks of cotton dotted the landscape. (970) 482-1707 back natural disturbance processes through grazing to improve the health of the land 4502 Avenue I, Scottsbluff, NE 69361 However, there was hope nestled in the (308) 633-1013 pockets of grass that still exist and the bene ting the cows, birds and people. IMC ranchers who have a passion for the is also collaborating with the community grasslands. Jorge and his daughter, to change the landscape and use their The Primary Source refers to a bird’s Ana, joined us in the eld to share their knowledge and tools to develop better primary feathers which power its ight. management efforts including mesquite watering systems for grazing. You, our members, Friends, volunteers and removal to increase productivity of the partners are the primary source of Bird I was also excited about the conversations that Conservancy’s power to accomplish its grassland. Removing mesquite is also are getting started with farmers to look at the mission to conserve birds and their habitats. critical in our efforts to enhance habitat for whole system — from the grass, to the crops, the bene t of grassland birds. While in the to the aquifers and birds, and the people who Editing and design: eld, Jorge’s daughter lit up when she saw live there. William Bevil, Communications Manager her rst Cinnamon Teal in the binoculars provided by Kathanne Lynch, long-term By working with people, we can nd common Go Paperless supporter, birder and land conservationist. It ground and values and ensure a healthy If you prefer to receive an was a reminder to take a moment, share your future for people, birds and the land. I left electronic-only version of passion and create a spark in someone else. Mexico inspired by all the wonderful ranchers this newsletter, please email we met, our dedicated partners at IMC, william.bevilbirdconservancy.org to We also visited with Alberto, a young rancher our collaborators with the Forest Service update your subscription preferences. who wants to carry on the ranch traditions- International Programs and our long-term His mother is a 7th generation rancher supporters including Kathanne and Board and Father a 3rd generation rancher. All Member Jean Tate. Advertise in The Primary Source his brothers and sisters moved to the city, Looking to promote your business and help but his heart is on the ranch. Working conserve birds and their habitats? Ad rates with our partners at IMC- Vida Silvestre, start at just $50 with distribution to over 500 he is changing the traditional ways of members and supporters! Contact us to grazing and forcing the cattle to utilize the - Tammy VerCauteren learn more: infobirdconservancy.org forage differently. The dollars and technical Executive Director assistance we are providing with our partners

2 THE PRIMARY SOURCE Special Interest Groups Highlighting the unique role of monitoring efforts aimed at speci c species by Jenny Berven, Science Program Manager

As the Integrated Monitoring in Bird Black Hills for South Dakota Department of Conservation Regions (IMBCR) program Game, Fish and Parks. Science Director Luke celebrates its tenth year and we recognize George is collecting genetic material from what it has done for bird conservation, Brown-capped Rosy-Finches in collaboration Levad Award: we also want to take a step back and with Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Recognizing Excellence acknowledge how our special species University of California Santa Cruz, Colorado in Ornithology projects ll in knowledge and conservation Parks & Wildlife, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service gaps not covered by large scale monitoring and the U.S. Forest Service to obtain a better programs like IMBCR. understanding of the genetic variation and The Richard G. Levad Award movement patterns of the species. honors the memory of Rich Levad Bird Conservancy has several special who, after 30 years as an English species projects that are helping to ll in teacher, turned his lifelong love those informational gaps. Before 2012, a of birds into a second career with seemingly basic question, such as ‘where Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory. do Black Swifts go in the winter?’ did not In 2005, Staff and Board chose to have an answer. Through a collaboration honor Rich by establishing this with Kim Potter (U.S. Forest Service), award in his name. Carolyn Gunn, some geolocators, birds returning to the same nest area every year, The award is presented to a person and the willingness of researchers to climb who, like Rich, inspires others challenging terrain, we now know where to conserve birds by sharing Black Swifts spend their winters. knowledge and experiences, and provides distinguished service to Remote wilderness night hikes are the ornithological community. necessary for gathering data about Mexican Spotted Owls. Photo by Danny Hofstadter. Do you know someone who is deserving of this All of these projects share at least one thing in special award? common: the species’ populations seem to be Visit www.birdconservancy. in trouble. Throughout the West, Black Swift org/levadaward to submit breeding sites are disappearing. The Mexican your nomination! Spotted Owl is federally listed as Threatened. Biologists once found American Dippers in Rich was especially passionate most streams in the Black Hills, but now about research on ‘special’ species Biologist Rob Sparks releases a Black Swift there are few. Brown-capped Rosy-Finches like the Black Swift, Purple Martin, af xed with a lightweight GPS backpack. have already declined significantly and Western Screech Owl and colonial Focused monitoring efforts helped shed light on changes to Colorado’s alpine environment waterbirds—efforts which are often this species’ migratory behaviors and wintering may further limit their habitat. Our scientists locations in Brazil. Photo by Todd Patrick. dif cult to nd funding for precisely are working hard to determine the causes, because they’re so speci c. the rst step in reversing these trends. Most of our teams travel off the beaten path Rich died of Lou Gehrig’s Disease to study birds, but some hike off-trail and in in February 2008. In his nal days, the dark. Biologist Wendy Lanier runs a crew Rich and his family worked to monitoring Mexican Spotted Owls in Arizona establish the Richard G. Levad and New Mexico. Along with our partners Memorial Fund. This fund is at the U.S. Forest Service, we have been dedicated to continuing special counting spotted owls for four years to help species research efforts. For more the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service decide if and information about how to contribute when the Mexican Spotted Owl can be safely to this fund, visit the Chip In! page removed from the list of threatened species. on our website. Be sure to indicate Sometimes special species projects focus on your donation is dedicated to the We’re studying Brown-capped Rosy-Finches birds in speci c locations. Biologist Nancy Richard G. Levad Memorial Fund in in their alpine habitat to identify causes of the appropriate box. Drilling is looking at American Dipper nest site population decline. Photo by Joel Such. occupancy and reproductive success in the THE PRIMARY SOURCE 3 ON THE COVER: American Dipper Photo by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

A Partnership for the Birds Working together to deliver conservation science on working lands by Ty Woodward, Private Lands Wildlife Biologist

OUR MISSION Set at the con uence of the open grassland We worked with contributing partners prairies of eastern Colorado and the including Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Conserving birds and their habitats unique coniferous extension of the Palmer U.S. Forest Service (Research Division) through science, education and divide is Kiowa Creek Ranch. Named for and the Natural Resources Conservation land stewardship the headwaters which ow into the South Service (NRCS) to preserve and restore Platte River, this property is owned by the forest while selectively removing Audubon Rockies and managed by High some of the severely burned trees. This OUR VISION Country Land Management (HCLM). enhances existing habitat while improving HCLM’s charismatic owners, Dan and and providing new opportunities for select A world where birds are forever Adrian Lorenz , focus on stabilizing natural groups of birds. abundant, contributing to healthy processes that provide bird habitat which landscapes and inspiring human supports their multi-species livestock curiosity and love of nature. production business “Corner Post Meats.”

Audubon Rockies recognized the property’s OUR APPROACH importance when securing it for their Conservation Ranching Initiative as many Our mission is advanced through parcels in the area had already been lost to sound science, achieved through development. They also saw in the Lorenz’s empowering people, realized kindred spirits who shared their vision through stewardship and for ranching in harmony with the natural sustained through partnerships. ecosystem. Now, they work together to The work at Kiowa Creek improves habitat enhance bird habitat through grazing and for Great Horned Owls and other birds. Our work radiates from the share that conservation land ethic within Rockies to the Great Plains, their local community as well as the wider A more resilient and vigorous forest Mexico and beyond. ranching industry. improves habitat for species such as Western Bluebirds, Pygmy Nuthatches, Together, we are improving Wild Turkey and Northern Goshawks. The native bird populations, the adjacent edge habitats and transitions between mixed-grass prairie and forest land and the lives of people. provide additional bene ts for grassland species such as Western Meadowlarks, Vesper Sparrow and Red-tailed Hawks. Connect with Us Future monitoring of bird populations For the latest on our upcoming events, at the site will verify how well the visit www.birdconservancy.org, sign up enhancements are working. for our e-newsletter on our website or Kiowa Creek Ranch provides diverse become a fan of Bird Conservancy of habitat for plants, such as this wild iris, as This unique partnership between bird the Rockies on Facebook. well as wildlife and livestock. conservation organizations and engaged Facebook land managers/livestock producers Bird Conservancy of the Rockies recently www.facebook.com/birdconservancy highlights how practical, win-win got involved to help address concerns solutions can achieve multiple outcomes. Twitter within the forested habitats on the ranch. We’re excited to help create a lasting @BirdConservancy When the 2014 Black Forest Fire hit the legacy, improving the livelihood of both property, it severely burned about ¼ of its YouTube people and birds at Kiowa Creek for forest, with high-intensity crown res that Search: Bird Conservancy of the Rockies generations to come. killed entire stands of ponderosa pine.

4 THE PRIMARY SOURCE New Banding Coordinator A look ahead at the future of Bird Conservancy’s bird banding programs One of Bird Conservancy’s longest-running grew up in Oregon and began birding on programs is bird banding. At banding family trips to Malhuer National Wildlife BIRD BANDING stations, birds are caught, measured, Refuge. Colin took his rst eld job in 2004 banded and released by skilled biologists, studying sagebrush shrub-steppe birds Visitors are welcome to visit our spring while educators interpret the process for and has been working in avian monitoring bird banding stations at Chadron State the public. Much of what we know about and research ever since. He partnered with Park and Chico Basin Ranch in Colorado. , dispersal, annual survival, Bird Conservancy for his Master’s thesis, For more information, check out our website: studying breeding ecology and habitat use species’ life-spans and population trends www.birdconservancy.org/ comes from long-term studies involving of Mountain Plovers. what-we-do/education/bird-banding banding. We are proud to contribute to that knowledge every year by facilitating multiple bird banding stations in Colorado and Nebraska. As we enter our 30th year studying and conserving birds, a focal point BandingBandin stations offer a unique opportunity to of our strategic plan is expanding our bird studytdb bird demography and population dynamics banding program and nding new ways as well as provide up-close educationaltio al to share the information gleaned with the scienti c community and the public. experiences that can have a lasting impactpact on visitors. This year, we welcome Colin Woolley as ~ Colin Woolley our new Banding Coordinator, a position that was made possible in part through Bird banding is a crucial component of many studies that allow us to individually identify the generous support of one of our donors. birds and track their movements. The top priority of a banding coordinator is to ensure the He will be responsible for managing the safety of the birds that we capture and release. Bird Conservancy biologists are trained in state and federal permits that allow Bird the proper handling of wild birds and continually assess their banding efforts to uphold Conservancy to capture, band and release safe practices. Colin is eager to work with the talented Bird Conservancy biologists and wild birds. A lifelong lover of birds, Colin educators as he continues to grow a safe and scienti cally robust banding program.

STAFF MIGRATIONS Kelli Hirsch, Development Manager, is a central Nebraska native (now living in Brighton) who brings considerable skills Welcome in fundraising and philanthropy to our to our new Staff! organization. She also plays French horn with the Denver Philharmonic Orchestra! Jennifer Timmer is our Conservation Delivery Biologist and is based in our Fort Collins, Welcome to our new Board Members! CO of ce. Jen is focused on developing tools and resources for our partners utilizing our Jim S. Strickland has spent his career growing scienti c research and bird monitoring data. innovative, science-based organizations — most recently as founder and president of FAST BioMedical. He enjoys helping reseach-based Rita Sims, Accounting Manager, works entitities thrive and is a passionate advocate closely with the CAO and Accounting team for conservation and sustainability. to oversee accounts payables, payroll needs and to generally ensure our nancials are Eileen Dey is owner of Dey Consulting in good working order! Rita is based in our and brings a wealth of experience working Brighton, CO of ce. within the energy sector to utilize science and best practice management approaches Lauren Connell, Private Lands Wildlife that reduce environmental impacts and Biologist, works closely with private improve community relationships. landowners and managers in northeastern Farewells: Wyoming (based in Gillette, WY) to enhance Tyler Edmondson, Allison Fowle, Peggy Marston, Sonja Macys, and restore habitat in sagebrush and Alexandra Mayes, Jeff Birek, Greg Levandoski, Valerie Marshall, grassland ecosystems. Nancy Gobris, Mary Ferraro, Jason Beason, Steve Deitemeyer

THE PRIMARY SOURCE 5 CALENDAR Pre-registration is required for all Camp/Educational Programs

EST. 1992 2018 CAMP PROGRAMS

DAY CAMPS (Ages 4-12) OVERNIGHT CAMPS (Ages 12-17) HOMESCHOOL PROGRAMS Day Camps are the perfect introduction to Overnight Camps offer a welcoming science and nature for younger kids, fostering learning environment for kids who have Homeschool programs are offered at positive learning experiences through hikes, aged out of our Day Camps, as well as games, crafts and outdoor play. pre-teens and teens who are new to Bird our Environmental Learning Center Conservancy programs. Overnight camps located at Barr Lake State Park. Wild Nestlings Mini-Camp (Ages 4-5) take place at Highlands Camp in Allenspark, July 12 and 13 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. daily CO, with drop-off and pick-up at our All About Grasslands Tuition: $18/child/day Environmental Learning Center at Barr Monday, April 9 from 1:30 - 3:30 PM $5/child, $1/adult Budding Birders (Ages 6-9) Lake State Park in Brighton, CO. 10% multi-child discount July 16-20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily Taking Flight (Ages 12 to 14) Tuition: $200/week Dates: June 11—16 Annual Bald Eagle Hike Raptor Camp (Ages 6 -9) Location: Highlands Presbyterian Camp Monday, May 7 from 9 AM -12 PM July 30-August 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily Tuition: $750/week $5/child, $1/adult Tuition: $200/week 10% multi-child discount On the Wing (Ages 15 to 17) Amazing Adaptations (Ages 10-12) Dates: June 20 – 29, 2018 July 23-27 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, with an Location: Highlands Presbyterian Camp optional campout on Wednesday night. Tuition: $1,250/week Tuition: $275/week Big Week Camp (Ages 10-12) August 6-10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, with an optional campout on Wednesday night. Tuition: $275/week

FAMILY CAMPOUT VOLUNTEER! Leaders-in-Training Program Bring the whole family out to Barr Lake for (Ages 12 to 17) Are you passionate about connecting a night under the stars! Participants enjoy Older campers increase leadership skills others with nature and science? hikes, games and some quality time around by sharing their knowledge and passion Become a Bird Conservancy volunteer the camp re. Get to know our camp staff for birds and the natural world with and be part of the solution for and meet other camp families. Children younger campers. LITs assist camp staff conservation! Volunteers assist with in- must be accompanied by an adult. Includes in delivering programs and providing an class programs, eld trips and special dinner and breakfast. enriching experience. Space is limited events around the Denver area. June 2 - 3, 2018 • 5 p.m. - 10 a.m. to 5 per session, so apply early! Visit the $5/child and $10/adult web address below to learn more. For more information contact Sherry at (303) 659-4348 x11 or e-mail: [email protected] To enroll in camp programs, visit www.birdconservancy.org/what-we-do/education

For the past 30 years, the Scienti c and Cultural Facilities SCHOLARSHIPS Half, full and partial scholarships are District (SCFD) has been a catalyst for culture across the available thanks to Bird Conservancy donors Denver metro region. With one powerful penny collected and grants from the Brighton Legacy from every ten dollars spent in seven participating counties, Foundation, The Dellora A. and Lester J. SCFD provides invaluable nancial resources, creating Norris Foundation, Society for Science & the an ecosystem of unparalleled access for all to experience Public and Adams County Open Space. art, culture and science. SCFD funding supports Bird For more information, contact Conservancy’s education programs, helping us connect, Jennifer Watson at (303) 659-4348 x19 or engage and inspire thousands of people in nature each year. e-mail: [email protected]

6 THE PRIMARY SOURCE 2018 Speaker Series Do you have The Evolution of Beauty any of these?

In his new book, The Evolution of Beauty: How Darwin’s Forgotten Theory of Mate Choice Shapes the World—and Us, evolutionary ornithologist Richard O. Prum, PhD, examines how mating preferences—what Darwin termed “the taste for the beautiful”—create the extraordinary range of ornamentation in the animal world. Join us for our rst 2018 Speaker Series event with Richard as he explores amazing examples of bird beauty, from intricate courtship dances to elaborate plumage with bright colors. Take a closer look at club-winged manakins who sing with their wings, and great argus pheasants who dazzle prospective mates with a four-foot-wide cone of feathers covered in golden 3D spheres. You will also discover how this framework provides important insights into the evolution of human sexuality. Tuesday, May 1 • 7 p.m. Presented in partnership with $12 Bird Conservancy/Museum member • $15 nonmember Book sale & signing after the talk!

If so, you might want to In the News consider having a will.

Bird Conservancy recently received a $5,000 grant Planned Giving: A Lasting Legacy from the Society for Science and the Public, a nearly for Birds and People century-old nonpro t that works to expand scienti c literacy. The grant supports expanded delivery of STEM-related educational Including Bird Conservancy of the activities for low-income students in the Nebraska Panhandle, a predominantly Rockies in your estate planning rural community, and enables our educators to magnify the use of bird banding will bene t people, birds and land. stations to engage underserved youth in scienti c research. Your gift makes an impact beyond your lifetime, and helps ensure Bird Conservancy is here for the next 30 Brighton Legacy Foundation awarded a $2,500 grant to Bird years and beyond. Conservancy of the Rockies to support educational programs at our Environmental Learning Center at Barr Lake State Park. To nd out easy ways you can support The foundation works to encourage a spirit of philanthropy, Bird Conservancy of the Rockies improving the quality of life for all residents in Brighton, beyond your lifetime, please contact Colorado. Kelli Hirsch, Development Manager, at (303) 659-4348 ext. 12 or kelli. Bird Conservancy’s summer camp program “On the Wing” was [email protected]. recently recognized with the 2017 Innovative Environmental Education Program Award from Colorado Alliance for When there’s a will, there’s a way! Environmental Education (CAEE). The award was presented at the Advancing Environmental Education Conference on March 3, a gathering of CAEE members from across the state representing educators, non-pro ts, nature centers, government agencies, higher education, businesses– all working to advance environmental education. THE PRIMARY SOURCE 7 Bird Conservancy of the Rockies 14500 Lark Bunting Lane Brighton, CO 80603 www.birdconservancy.org

Printed with 100% wind power, environmentally friendly The Primary Source No. 52 - Spring/Summer 2018 toners and vegetable-based inks on recycled paper

Chip in for Birds! Thank You for You can help protect birds today with your gift to Chipping In! BIRD CONSERVANCY OF THE ROCKIES Donations in any amount are welcome and can be made securely at www.birdconservancy.org. Click “Donate Now” on the top right of the page. Become a Member of Bird Conservancy! WAYS YOU CAN HELP $35 Individual Member You can count on me Please contact me about how I can include for a monthly gift! Bird Conservancy in my estate plans $60 Family / Household Please contact me to make a gift in I have included Bird Conservancy someone’s memory or honor in my estate plans $100 Sponsor Name $250 Contributor Address $500+ Friend City/State/Zip Email Please mail to: Bird Conservancy of the Rockies Phone 14500 Lark Bunting Lane I have enclosed a Check* in the amount of $ Brighton, CO 80603 * Please make check payable to Bird Conservancy of the Rockies or Bird Conservancy of the Rockies is a 501(c)(3) nonpro t organization. Your gift is tax deductible. Save a stamp! Donate online at www.birdconservancy.org  THANK YOU for supporting bird and habitat conservation! Click “Donate Now.”