Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory Conserving birds and their habitats PRIMARY SOURCE August 2011 | Number 39 Elk to be barred from bird haven Success of RMBO’s It is common to see elk first walkathon will grazing around the Stanley be measured in feet Hotel or rambling across streets in Estes Park, Colo. Spend a beautiful fall morning beside a The large herds charm shimmering lake strolling, or if you prefer, visitors and offer wildlife sauntering, striding, toddling or ambling, photo and viewing oppor- at Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory’s tunities without trekking first-ever walkathon – Walk on the Wild into the wilderness. Side: Take Steps for a Healthy Community – These abundant wapiti on October 1. also add to the competition “I want this event to benefit RMBO’s for habitat among humans environmental education programs and and various wildlife in an also to give people a pleasant place to get urban/wilderness interface outside, have fun and learn something area like Estes Park. Elk about conservation,” Education Director often congregate in small Kacie Ehrenberger said. “I’d like to see lots areas with suitable forage, Partners check out fence designed to keep elk at bay in Estes of feet on the ground and smiles.” leading to the eventual Park bird refuge where they are destroying native vegetation. The action is centered at RMBO’s overuse of those places. Photos by Seth Gallagher Environmental Learning Center at Barr Three acres of the Lake near Brighton, Colo. Individuals or Matthews-Reeser Bird Sanctuary in Estes and called Rocky Mountain Bird Obser- teams are welcome in any of three levels: Park will soon be protected by fencing vatory’s Stewardship Director Seth Gal- • 8 a.m.: 10K loop includes a visit to our specifically designed to keep out elk while lagher. He had some ideas and $12,000 bird banding station allowing smaller animals and humans to remaining in a U.S. Fish & Wildlife Ser- • 9 a.m.: 5K loop crosses the dam easily cross. The fencing has been used vice grant designated to enhance and re- • 10 a.m.: 1K trail ideal for small children effectively in Arizona, and its rustic aes- store riparian habitats for migratory birds. Walks include activities along the way, thetic suits the high-country landscape. EVRPD and the Town of Estes Park Tree healthy snacks and water. The Sanctuary was created by the Estes Board also had funds to contribute. Register and find more information at Park Bird Club and the Estes Valley Rec- “Our stewardship projects usually http://walk.birdday.org/rmbo, or call 303- reation and Parks District (EVRPD) in involve working on private lands with 659-4348 ext. 16. Those unable to attend 1997. Bisected by a stream and the Lake ranchers or farmers and have little pub- the walkathon can participate “virtually” Estes Trail, the predominantly riparian lic exposure,” Gallagher said. “The Estes by making a donation at the website. area attracts many migrating birds, and Lake Trail has 100,000 visitors a year and the flat, paved trail is a popular destination is an exciting new setting for our habitat Inside the Source: for both visiting and local birders. The bird conservation efforts.” club’s records show that 289 species have What will Colorado’s governor, the author been detected at the site. of “The Big Year,” the entire staff of Rocky Elk also find the area attractive, and Mountain Bird Observatory, and you (we lush willow and alder thickets are giv- hope) be doing on Saturday, August 27? ing way to dead or dying plants, invasive Turn to page 2 to find out! weeds and non-native grasses. The number Page 3 Campers frolic and diversity of birds at the site will di- minish without proper management. Page 4 Another day (not) in the office Colorado Division of Wildlife Dis- Page 6 Rapid land changes in Mexico trict Wildlife Manager Rick Spowart, Page 7 Fall bird-banding open to public along with the EVRPD and the bird club, Page 8 Good coffee for birds sought help with this problem last winter Join Governor Hickenlooper, author Mark Obmascik and RMBO for a special celebration It’s a big year for the BBQ for the Birds By Tammy VerCauteren, Executive Director The Big Year: the movie ocky Mountain Bird Ob- With Steve Martin, Owen Wilson, Jack servatory’s annual BBQ Black and Rashida Jones, “The Big Year” forR the Birds picnic will be promises to appeal not only to the birding groundbreaking this year, liter- community but to anyone who enjoys a ally and figuratively. Built by pioneers 122 years comedy-adventure. Directed by David ago, the Old Stone House at Frankel (“The Devil Wears Prada,” “Marley Barr Lake near Brighton, Colo., & Me”), “The Big Year” is scheduled for has been our headquarters for Summer Camp! release on October 14. The movie is 12 years, and at the BBQ on based on “The Big Year: A Tale of Man, August 27 it will officially be- Nature, and Fowl Obsession,” Mark come RMBO’s Environmental Learning Center, too. Obmascik’s popular book about three Following years of plan- Tammy welcomes guests to 2010 BBQ for the Birds picnic extreme birders racing around North at RMBO’s Old Stone House. ning, fundraising, digging and Photo by Victoria Collier America to find the most species in a building by many people, Gov- year and become the ernor John Hickenlooper will lead the silent auction, music and, of course, food continent’s birding celebration to initiate the house as a place will round out the festivities. champion. The author where the community can connect with I always look forward to our BBQ for and learn about nature and conservation. the Birds. It’s fun, and it’s an opportunity will tell tales about Local officials including the mayor, coun- for the staff and board to meet and visit writing the book and ith a variety of day camps for ty commissioners and board members with RMBO supporters and to make the making of the Wyouths aged 4 to 10 and a week- from Adams County Open Space and the new connections. This year, especially, movie at the BBQ for long camp in the mountains for 13 to 15 year-olds, Rocky Mountain Bird Observa- Scientific & Cultural Facilities District I’m grateful to all the members, friends, the Birds on August 27. will join him for the literal groundbreak- donors, volunteers, partners and staff tory offered plenty of opportunities for ing by putting in native plants to launch who brought us to this day by supporting kids to get outside and connect with na- new demonstration gardens. restoration of the Old Stone House and Board of Directors ture this summer. Larry Modesitt, MBA, CQE, CTP, Chair Two girls (above) look for evidence of To cap off the BBQ in a big way, “The creation of the learning center. Carol Cochran, Ph.D., Vice-Chair Big Year” author Mark Obmascik will Come check out the new trails, am- Warren Taylor, Ph.D., Secretary wildlife at the Young Naturalist camp for entertain with stories about birding, the phitheater and interpretive signs and en- Steven W. Deitemeyer 4 and 5 year-olds in July. book and the movie (see sidebar). joy celebrating this old place and its new Charles Hundertmark, M.A., APR, ATMB Nature Investigators (top), ages 6 and Shawn Nowlan, J.D., LLM 7, roam the prairie around RMBO’s Old Bird banding, bird talks and walks, live mission to show that a healthy home for Joe Roller, M.D. raptors, children’s activities, workshops, a birds is a healthy home for all of us. Larry Semo Stone House Environmental Learning D. Jean Tate, Ph.D. Center, the site of the day camps. Tiffany Watts, CPA Hayden McNulty (center) measures the diameter of a tree as part of his re- BBQ for the Birds Tammy VerCauteren - Executive Director [email protected] search project at the weeklong On the Saturday, August 27 Visit www.rmbo.org for staff list Wing camp near Granby, Colo. Old Stone House Environmental Learning Center at Barr Lake, On the Wing campers (far right) ex- Main Office: plore nature — including dead trees — 14500 Lark Bunting Lane, Brighton, Colo. 14500 Lark Bunting Lane, P.O. Box 1232, Brighton, CO 80601 with U.S. Forest Service Wildlife Biologist Register and submit payment at rmbo.org/blog or 303-659-4348 ext. 12 (303) 659-4348 Brock McCormick. by August 19 for the “early bird” $1 per person discount. 230 Cherry Street, Fort Collins, CO 80521 Bella Shroeder (bottom right) uses Admission at the door: (970) 482-1707 a clinometer to measure tree height at P.O. Box 489, Scottsbluff, NE 69363 July’s On the Wing camp. The teen camp- $10 members (308) 220-0052 ers presented their research projects at $12 non-members the end of the week to wildlife biologists The Primary Source logo with a baby Killdeer and from RMBO, the Forest Service, and Colo- $6 ages 5-12 a primary feather from a pelican was designed by Granby, Colo., artist David Utterback. Primary rado Division of Parks and Wildlife and under 5 free feathers give power to a bird’s flight. Our members, RMBO’s environmental educators. Includes lunch & all activities friends, volunteers and partners are the primary On the Wing offered outdoor recre- source of RMBO’s power to accomplish its mission to conserve birds and their habitat. ation in addition to nature study, with a raft trip, horseback riding, hikes and Editing and design: Victoria Collier other activities. 2 Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory Primary Source  August 2011 3 Just Another Day (Not) in the Office RMBO Biologists Spread Out Across the West to Gather Bird and Habitat Data

Golf-ball-size hail, big winds, wildfires, deep snow, big bears, 12,000 feet of altitude, alarms going off in

tents at 3 a.m. “You lookin’ at me?” This Upland Sandpiper Such inconveniences are all in a day’s work Field technicians ham it up during training in May at French Creek Natural Area in Custer State is among the birds counted at Fort Pierre Na- Park, South Dakota. Field crew leader Jeff Birek reported that during the crew’s mid-season tional Grassland in South Dakota. (Photo by for Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory’s biologists training camp, just after finishing “one of the best black bean burrito dinners I’ve ever made, we Jeff Birek) heard rumbling off to the southeast. Our intern, Taylor Barnes, commented on the green hue to and seasonal field technicians during most of May, the sky. Suddenly lightning struck on the next ridge over and we decided to head for our field ve- June and July. That’s when they are traversing the hicles. The rain came down in big, heavy drops and, before we knew it, golf-ball-sized hail stones were falling from the sky. The whole thing lasted just a few minutes but managed to damage all Nathan Pieplow (below) holds a microphone Southwest, Great Plains and Rocky Mountains looking our vehicles!” (Photo by Jeff Birek) used for recording bird songs during mid- and listening for birds for the Integrated Monitoring in season training in June at the top of Inde- pendence Pass near Leadville, Colo. Field Bird Conservation Regions (IMBCR) program and for techs reviewed bird and plant identification at higher elevations before they began surveying the National Park Service. their mid- and late-season transects. When Each year the data they collect during the the season ended in July, Nathan told field crew leader Jora Fogg that he was surprised breeding season feed into an ever-growing during the season to spot a White-eyed Vireo just outside Boulder and a Rose-breasted knowledge base about bird population trends and Grosbeak on a transect at Pueblo Reservoir occupancy rates to inform habitat management and State Park. (Photo by Mary Henson) conservation on public and private lands.

Field technician Matt Gracey (above) conducts point counts at Pawnee National Grasslands Field tech Tim Forrester hiked into Wyoming’s Bridger-Teton National Forest in the pre-dawn in northern Colorado. He also worked in migra- hours of July 4, singing loudly so as not to surprise any animals. With a steep, 700-meter climb tory stopover habitat on the Platte River and ahead to reach his study site, he stopped for a snack and to enjoy the cool morning and the cho- saw some not-so-typical Colorado birds like rus of birds. That didn’t last for long. Tim writes: “I had stopped making noise as I ate, and glanc- Great Crested Flycatcher, Field Sparrow, Balti- ing to my left I saw a grizzly bear ambling toward me, oblivious to my presence. After a moment more Oriole, American Redstart and Eastern of panic, instinct took over and I screamed as loud as I could. The grizzly looked up, and then Bluebird. (Photo by Taylor Barnes, a summer took off into the forest. I was relieved the bear was gone, although he ran straight toward my intern funded by a grant from Colorado Kids transect. My work was a bit delayed that morning Outdoors and the state’s Department of Natu- as I hung around making lots of noise. I felt that my ral Resources) crew leader would understand. As it got lighter, I saw more evidence of bear activity, so I kept up my Field technician Michelle Moravec (left) sur- guard. As if I hadn’t already been thrilled enough by veys in May at Washita Battlefield National nature that morning, I was treated to spectacular Historic Site in Oklahoma. She was a member views as I navigated my study site counting birds of wildlife biologist Ross Lock’s crew, which such as Red Crossbills, Pine Grosbeaks, Mountain encountered smoke from wildfires, high winds Chickadees and Gray Jays. I admired the morning and extreme drought conditions while survey- light illuminating the Tetons as our beautiful coun- ing in National Parks in Texas, Oklahoma, Kan- try turned a year older and I couldn’t help but think, sas, New Mexico and Colorado. (Photo by Max ‘I’m getting paid for this?’” (Teton sunrise and bear Goldman) track photos by Tim Forrester)

4 Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory Primary Source  August 2011 5 Mexican grasslands rapidly give way to the plow Upcoming Events Staff Migrations August RMBO encourages sustainable ranching to help both birds and bottom line Late August to mid-Oct.: Bird banding stations, various locations. See below. ative desert grasslands, a critical winter habitat for dozens Reesa Yale Conrey came to RMBO in March to lead re- 13-14: New West Fest, downtown Fort of North America’s most vulnerable bird species, are being search on Mountain Plovers in western Nebraska after Collins, Colo. Visit RMBO’s booth. Nrelentlessly plowed under by farmers in central Chihuahua, Mexico. completing post-doctoral research at the U.S. Geological 27: 7 a.m. - 2 p.m. Annual BBQ for the Sustainable grazing and better grassland management are the most Survey Fort Collins Science Center on the effects of climate Birds. See page 2. effective and immediate ways to prevent grasslands from going under on nest survival of shortgrass prairie birds. She has a doctor- September the plow. Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory is working with ranchers ate in ecology from Colorado State University, a master’s in Say hello to RMBO staff at these fall events! in the Chihuahuan Desert to help them improve the condition of their wildlife biology from the University of Montana, and bach- 10: Fall Bird Festival at Barr Lake State grasslands, both for birds and their bottom line. elor’s in biology from Dartmouth College. She has worked Park, Brighton, Colo. on the population ecology of Burrowing Owls nesting on The red circles on the Landsat images below represent irrigated 17–18: Sustainable Living Fair, Fort cropland in Chihuahua’s Tarabillas Valley in 2006 and 2010 and Colorado’s prairie dog towns and on population connectivity Collins, Colo. highlight the magnitude of grassland loss in northern Mexico. The valley in small mammals living near highways in western Montana. For fun Reesa hikes, travels, gardens, reads and spends time 24: Northern Colorado Birding Fair, is in the 6.7-million-acre Valles Centrales Grassland Priority Conservation Fossil Creek Park, Fort Collins, Colo. with her husband and cats. She is based in Fort Collins. Area in Chihuahua, where RMBO estimates that croplands increased 24: EcoFair, Brighton, Colo. by more than 600,000 acres in that time frame. One of the largest Mathew McLaren has joined RMBO as a full-time biolo- October grassland areas in northern Mexico, the region supports diverse species, gist, working in the bird monitoring program. After gradu- including the only native breeding population of Aplomado Falcons, which ating from the University of Colorado with a degree in biol- 1: Walk on the Wild Side walkathon formerly occupied the Tarabillas Valley but now hover on the brink of ogy and environmental science, he spent five years conduct- at RMBO’s Old Stone House, Barr Lake. Brighton, Colo. See page 1. extinction there. ing field work in Alaska. Since then he has worked on sev- Based on RMBO survey data, the Valles Centrales has also seen the eral projects in Colorado and Wyoming, including studying 2: Family Program: Migration at Barr Lake Banding Station, 10-noon. loss of more than 500,000 wintering Chestnut-collared Longspurs, a Mountain Plover nest success and habitat use in Wyoming Watch biologists band birds, tackle species that has declined by more than 84 percent since 1966, according and assisting with RMBO’s Mountain Plover nest-marking program in eastern Colorado. He is based in Fort Collins. a migration obstacle course, make a to the North American Breeding Bird Survey. bird feeder. Register: cassy.bohnet@ RMBO plans to secure funding for a private-lands biologist to assist Christina Santana is a private lands wildlife biologist rmbo.org or 303-659-4348 ext 15. landowners with sustainable ranching in Mexico. To learn more, contact stationed in the Natural Resources Conservation Ser- fall bird banding stations [email protected] or 970-482-1707 ext. 20. vice’s Gunnison Field Office. She works with landowners to develop conservation plans funded through Farm Bill These are fun places to see birds “in the programs. Her primary focus is Gunnison Sage-grouse hand.” Check with contacts to see when (GUSG) habitat improvement. She has a bachelor’s in wild- stations are open or to schedule programs. life biology from Colorado State University and eight years (Most are open 5-6 days a week.) The red circles of GUSG field experience including serving as the GUSG on these Landsat lek coordinator for the Colorado Division of Wildlife. • Chico Basin Ranch, Colo. Springs, Colo., Sept. 8-Oct. 8. Lee Derr: infra-red composite Magdalena “Maggie” Vinson relocated from New Hamp- [email protected] or chico- images represent shire in June to join RMBO and the Nebraska Prairie Part- basinranch.com irrigated cropland in ners team in Scottsbluff. She coordinates education and out- • Ridgway State Park, Ridgway, Colo., Chihuahua’s Tarabil- reach activities, focusing on wildlife habitat of the ponderosa Sept. 8-16. Arlene Crawford: ourayout- las Valley in 2006 pine and shortgrass prairie ecosystems. Maggie has a bach- [email protected] (left) and 2010 elor’s in Russian language and literature from Smith College • Ela Wildlife Sanctuary, Grand Junction (right). Chestnut- and a master’s in environmental studies and education from Colo., Sept. 19-Oct. 14. Cary Atwood: collared Longspurs Antioch University New England. She loves to bike, run, [email protected] cook and explore the lands near where she lives. (above) are one of • Chadron State Park, Chadron, Neb., Aug. the species sharply Erin Youngberg first came to RMBO as a volunteer intern 29-Oct. 7. Open House Sept. 10. Maggie declining in the for the Bald Eagle Watch program. A bird lover from a Vinson: [email protected] or region. young age, she jumped at the chance to get involved with 308-220-0052 such a great organization. After working as field technician • Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area, Photos: top by Angel Mon- for a grassland nest study in summer 2010, she was hired Gehring, Neb., Aug. 29-Oct. 7. Open toya; Chestnut-collared as a full-time biologist on RMBO’s International program House Sept. 17. Maggie Vinson: magda- Longspur by Bill Schmoker; based in Fort Collins. When she isn’t observing baby birds, [email protected] or 308-220-0052 LandSat images by Duane B. Pool, Rocky Mountain she performs with her bluegrass band, Finnders and Young- • Barr Lake State Park, Brighton, Colo., Bird Observatory berg. Originally from Jackson, Wyo., Erin has a bachelor’s in Aug. 27-Oct. 8. Cassy Bohnet: cassy.boh- International Program wildlife biology from Colorado State University. [email protected] or 303-659-4348 ext. 15 6 Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory Primary Source  August 2011 7 Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory NONPROFIT ORG P.O. Box 1232 U.S.POSTAGE Brighton, CO 80601-1232 PAID BRIGHTON, CO www.rmbo.org PERMIT NO. 1

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Birds need friends, too Good coffee for birds Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory and Birds & Beans® Help conserve some of the world’s have teamed up to inform consumers about shade-grown most important, enjoyable and beautiful creatures — organic coffee certified Bird Friendly® by the Smithsonian Become a ROCKY MOUNTAIN BIRD OBSERVATORY member today! Migratory Bird Center. If you are already a member, please share this newsletter Most coffee Americans drink today is grown in sun with with friends and encourage them to become members! chemical fertilizers and pesticides on farms that clear-cut the Membership Levels tropical forest, destroying habitat for birds and other wildlife. Name______` Shade-grown-organic-coffee farms in Latin America provide Address______Student/Volunteer...... $20 ` Individual...... $35 shelter and sustenance to huge numbers of migratory birds as City/State/Zip______` Dual/Family...... $60 well as resident birds found nowhere else. Email______` Sponsor...... $100 Bird Friendly® farms meet the highest standards of habi- Phone ______` Contributor...... $250 tat quality and protection using sustainable agriculture. Birds Amount enclosed ______& Beans® roasts only certified Bird Friendly® coffee that ` ` Friends of RMBO is also Fair-Trade certified and artisan-roasted within three New Member Renewal ` ` Additional donation Guardian...... $500-$999 days of shipment. A portion of sales in Great Plains and ` ` Steward...... $1,000-$4,999 Rocky Mountain states will be donated to RMBO. Send me information about planned giving. ` ` I am interested in volunteering. Benefactor...... $5,000-$9,999 “Our biologists work on bird conservation across borders, ` Investor...... $10,000 and above but it is also vital for the public to be involved. An easy way Please make check payable to Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory for people to help birds is by the coffee they choose to drink,” and mail with this form to: says RMBO Executive Director Tammy VerCauteren. RMBO Learn more at www.birdsandbeans.com. ATTN: Membership P.O. Box 1232 Brighton, CO 80601

MEMBERSHIP QUESTIONS? Visit www.rmbo.org, call 303-659-4348 ext. 12, or e-mail [email protected] THANK YOU for supporting Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory American Redstart, Western Wood-Pewee, Wilson’s Warbler and bird and habitat conservation! Photos by Bill Schmoker