MIGRATORY PARTNERSHIP ANNUAL REPORT 2012

Submitted to the USFS International Programs by the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation January 2013

The Migratory Dragonfly Partnership uses research, citizen science, education, and outreach to under- stand North American dragonfly migration and promote conservation.

MDP steering committee members represent a range of organizations, including: Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources; Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum; Pronatura Veracruz; Rutgers University; Slater Museum of Natural History, University of Puget Sound; Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute; Texas Natural Science Center, University of Texas at Austin; U. S. For- est Service International Programs; U. S. Geological Survey; Vermont Center for Ecostudies; and the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.

The Migratory Dragonfly Partnership Project Coordinator Celeste Mazzacano [email protected] 628 NE Broadway, Suite 200, Portland, OR 97232 Tel (855) 232-6639 Fax (503) 233-6794 www.migratorydragonflypartnership.org

Acknowledgements Funding for the Migratory Dragonfly Partnership's work is provided by the U.S. Forest Service Inter- national Programs. Our thanks go to the photographers for use of their images. Copyright of all photographs remains with the photographers.

Front and Back Cover Photographs Wandering Glider (Pantala flavescens) male. Photograph © John C. Abbott. SUMMARY

The Migratory Dragonfly Partnership (MDP), a col- protocol booklet detailing all MDP citizen science proj- laboration formed in 2011 among dragonfly experts, ects, so data collection is consistent and in a format that non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, can be analyzed to better understand this phenomenon. and federal agencies in the United States, Mexico, and These efforts are being implemented through both direct Canada, is seeking answers to questions about dragon- migration monitoring and through Pond Watch, a place- fly migration. MDP is combining research, citizen sci- based effort where participants visit the same wetland or ence, and outreach to better understand North America’s pond site on a regular basis and record the arrival of mi- migrating , the role of migration in the sur- grant dragonflies moving back north and when the first vival of migratory species, and to promote conservation resident adults emerge in the spring. Our outreach work of wetland habitats on which they rely. Understanding has connected with partners and participants across the dragonfly migration requires long-term, coordinated United States as well as in Canada and Mexico. We pro- study across a wide geographic range, and the MDP is vided training to Pronatura Veracruz so their staff can developing an international network of citizen scientists monitor fall dragonfly migrations. We developed presen- to investigate dragonfly migration. tations and resource materials for Migratory Dragonfly In 2011 and 2012, with funding from the USFS short courses, and presented five short courses to train International Programs, MDP made significant progress volunteers in Oregon, Ontario, New Jersey, and Texas. on project objectives. We organized a steering commit- Courses filled to capacity (25–40 people) within hours of tee of scientists, conservation organizations and agency being advertised, and post-class surveys show a high lev- staff to provide oversight and strategic planning for the el of interest and appreciation among participants. Ad- MDP. We developed a variety of educational materials ditional courses will be held in 2013 in Illinois, Minne- and a scientific paper on dragonfly migration as well as sota, and other locations to be determined. We reached a dynamic website that enables citizens to input data on out via an MDP Facebook page, Twitter feed, citizen sci- dragonfly movements at www.migratorydragonflypart​ ence web sites, and traditional media. We researched ad- nership.org. We also developed a field guide for citizens ditional funding options for MDP which will be pursued for use in identifying migratory dragonfly species and a further in 2013.

The aptly-named Wandering Glider (Pantala flavescens), a long-distance champion, makes annual flights across the Indian Ocean. (Photograph © John C. Abbott.)

Migratory Dragonfly Partnership 1 2 2012 Annual Report to the USFS International Programs Project Deliverables

1.1 Scientific Literature Review 1.2 Migration Data Develop a scientific literature review that sum- Review dragonfly- and bird-related list serves to marizes what is currently known about dragonfly compile all available information regarding dragon- migration. fly migration in North America. Status: Completed, Fall 2012 Status: Ongoing

Mike May (Rutgers University, ret'd), an expert odo- A few studies have been published documenting drag- natist with decades of research experience in dragonfly onfly migration in North America, but an abundance migration, developed a literature review that collates of unpublished data and observation is scattered across the most current information available on dragon- list serves, Facebook Group pages, and blogs relating to fly migration. This paper was published in November (dragonflies and damselflies), as well as report- 2012 in the Journal of Conservation. The PDF ed incidentally on list serves for birds and butterflies. is available for download at http://link.springer.com/ In addition, many professional and amateur dragonfly article/10.1007%2Fs10841​​-012-9540-x?LI=true and on enthusiasts are likely to have observations recorded in the Migratory Dragonfly Partnership web site. their own journals but never disseminated further. These Publication of the article was announced on the data are a critical component in our understanding of MDP Facebook page, Twitter feed, and odonate list the timing, location, and duration of annual migrations serves, and the news was quickly picked up and dis- and the species involved. seminated through various blogs and odonate Facebook Xerces staff completed a partial review of list serve Group pages. archives for data and contacted list serve moderators

Common Green Darner (Anax junius). (Photograph © John C. Abbott.)

Migratory Dragonfly Partnership 3

and participants to request additional data. Data collated Box 1: Dragonfly Migration thus far have been mapped (see www.arcgis.com/home/ Flights webmap/viewer.html?webmap=f169533c78854c8d9daa b99a56e71433 for map). List serve review and mapping is ongoing (See Box 1 for additional information). Where: Migratory flights are most frequently seen moving down the east and west coasts of North America as well as through the Midwest. 1.3 MDP Fact Sheet When: Fall migrants may be observed from late Develop a fact sheet about the goals and projects of July through mid-October, depending on location. the Migratory Dragonfly Partnership to be used in Spring migrants or signs of spring migrants may education and outreach. be seen in early spring (March) through as late as Status: Completed, August 2011 early September in some locations, with peaks oc- curring in April and May. In consultation with committee members, the MDP Who: The Partnership is focusing on the five ma- and Xerces developed a fact sheet about dragonfly mi- jor migratory species in North America: Common gration and the goals and projects of the MDP. The fact Green Darner (Anax junius), Variegated Meadow- sheet is available in English and Spanish on the MDP hawk (Sympetrum corruptum), Wandering Glider and Xerces websites (English version is at http://www. (Pantala flavescens), Spot-winged Glider (Pan- migratorydragonflypartnership.org/uploads/_ROOT/ tala hymenaea), and Black Saddlebags (Tramea File/MDP-fact_29_Oct_2012Websec.pdf and a Spanish lacerata). version is at http://www.migratorydragonflypartnership. What: Collection of data on migratory observa- org/uploads/_ROOT/File/MDP-fact-Espanol-v5_25_ tions include: timing, location, direction of travel, Oct_2012Websec.pdf). The fact sheet is distributed species, number observed, and weather condi- at dragonfly short courses, conferences, and outreach tions. events.

1.4 Ecology Fact Sheet Develop a fact sheet on dragonfly ecology and mi- gration to be used in education and outreach. Status: Completed, December 2011

The partnership developed an educational four-page fly- er about dragonflies, which includes information about their biology, migration, and conservation needs. The fact sheet was also translated into Spanish. Both the Eng- lish and Spanish versions are available as a PDF on the MDP and Xerces websites and are distributed at dragon- fly short courses, conferences, and outreach events. The Dragonfly Ecology fact sheet is available at http://www. migratorydragonflypartnership.org/uploads/_ROOT/ File/MDP-dragonfly_ecology_migration-v7_25_ Oct_2012Websec.pdf (English) and at http://www.mi- gratorydragonflypartnership.org/uploads/_ROOT/File/ MDP-dragonfly_ecology_migration-Espanol-v7-25Oct- 2012Websec.pdf (Spanish).

Map of dragonfly migration reports throughout North America. Many migratory events occur along leading lines of mountain 1.5 Interactive Website ranges and coastlines. (Map by Michele Blackburn. Screen Shot from ESRI ArcGIS Online.) Develop an interactive website to record and map data on dragonfly migration. Status: website went live in the spring of 2012; up- dates and additions are ongoing

4 2012 Annual Report to the USFS International Programs John Abbott (University of Texas at Austin) developed In November, TACC staff completed site improvements the website OdonataCentral (www.odonatacentral.org), and updates that include new tracks for Pond Watch and has worked with the Texas Advanced Computing and Migration data entry. The new data entry formats Center (TACC) at UTA to develop and host a website make reporting Pond Watch vs. Migration observations for the Migratory Dragonfly Partnership (MDP). The more obvious and user-friendly. The "My Observations" site went live in May 2012. Content includes the MDP tab includes the choices “enter new migratory observa- fact sheets and citizen-science protocols booklet; infor- tion” and “enter new Pond Watch observation”; the same mation on dragonfly migration, ecology, life history, and choices also appear as links in the log-in box after a user conservation; known distribution of the major migra- logs in. Pond Watch data reporting follows the printable tory dragonfly species in North America; techniques for data sheet Xerces staff developed that is available for surveying, capturing, photographing, and identifying download by users who prefer to keep a printed log of dragonflies; and links to additional dragonfly-related their results before entering them on the web site (http:// resources. Users register their monitoring locations and www.xerces.org/wp-content/up​‌loads/2012/03/Pond_ are guided through a series of pages to record specific Watch_data_sheet_03-07_20128.pdf). migration- and phenology-related data about migratory There is also added functionality in searching for species. and mapping observations. The “Search” option allows New users have registered on the web site after selection of a jurisdiction, taxon, and/or year to filter re- each short course. Xerces staff also enter the migra- cords of interest (i.e., search for all records reported in tion data they are collating from other sources onto the 2012 in New Jersey, all Variegated Meadowhawk sight- MDP web site. This is likely to be an ongoing process ings in Oregon, or all Wandering Glider records in the (and challenge) as some people post detailed reports of entire database). The “Map” option works in the same migration via either Facebook sites or list serve e-mails, way, with filtered results shown as dots on a GoogleEarth but are not part of the community of users for the MDP. map; clicking on each dot brings up a text box that shows This may change as we become a more established pres- the record details. ence, but for now, we are collecting everything we find Compilation and analysis of Migration and Pond reported electronically and will enter those data on the Watch data will be discussed at the MDP Annual Meet- MDP site so that it is all captured in a single database. ing in January 2013.

Screen shot of the MDP webpage.

Migratory Dragonfly Partnership 5 `````

1.6 Monitoring Protocols Develop and implement a monitoring protocol to be ONITORING RAGONFLY used by citizen-scientist volunteers to collect data on M D dragonfly migration in Canada, the United States, IGRATION IN ORTH MERICA and Mexico. M N Protocols forA Citizen Scientists Status: Completed, August 2012

MDP developed standardized protocols for citizen scien- tists to monitor dragonfly migration. Protocols are appli- cable throughout the year, to be used for both southward migration in late summer/early autumn and returning northward flights in spring. Data to be collected include the earliest date when the first of the main migratory species arrive in a given region, habitat, species present in flight, location, numbers, and direction of travel. The protocol was published as a color booklet and distributed to participants in migratory dragonfly short courses and at outreach events. The guide is available on the Xerces website http://www.xerces.org/wp-con​ tent/uploads/2012/03/MDP_Field_Guide_8-3-2012_Fi​ nal_Websec1.pdf and MDP website http://www.mi​gra​ migratory dragonfly partnership torydragonflypartnership.org/uploads/_ROOT/File/ MDP_Monitoring_Protocols_10-15-2012.pdf and will The Migratory Dragonfly Partnership Monitoring Protocols be translated into Spanish in 2013. booklet.

1.7 Capacity-building test the draft monitoring protocols, and MDP provided voucher specimens to help train Pronatura staff in ID. Develop and implement capacity-building trainings in Mexico to enable staff of Pronatura Veracruz to They collected reports of past migration dates from rap- monitor dragonfly migration in conjunction with the tor monitors, assessed current migration, and identified annual raptor migration along the eastern coast of potential long-term monitoring sites around Veracruz. Mexico. In February 2012, Pronatura staff collected nymphs and exuviae from 19 wetlands in Alvarado and 10 wet- Status: Ongoing lands in central Veracruz for isotope analysis. A smaller subset of these wetlands was selected for continued sam- Several MDP members traveled to Veracruz, Mexico in pling in January – March 2013. Pronatura staff also con- September and October 2011 to train Pronatura Vera- ducted public outreach about dragonflies and migration cruz staff in basic dragonfly ecology and methods for with local children. In fall 2012, Pronatura monitored monitoring dragonfly migration. dragonfly migration alone; results and challenges will be Pronatura staff and MDP members worked to discussed at the MDP meeting in January 2013.

John Abbott in the field in Veracruz, Mexico teaching Pronatura staff how to collect and ID dragonflies. (Photograph © Elisa Peresbarbosa.)

6 2012 Annual Report to the USFS International Programs 1.8 Field Guide Field Guide to Migratory Dragonflies Develop a field guide to the five major migratory dragonfly species in North America that can be used by the general public. Status: Completed, August 2012

The MDP created a field guide for the identification of migratory dragonfly species. The guide focuses primar- ily on the five main migrant species in North America, and addresses an additional 11 species that are more Migratory Dragonfly Partnership sporadic migrants, plus “look-alike” species most likely 1 to be confused with migrant species in different regions. The companion field guide to the Migratory Dragonfly Part- The five major migrant species addressed in great- nership Monitoring Protocols. est detail in the guide are Common Green Darner (Anax junius); Wandering Glider (Pantala flavescens); Spot- winged Glider (Pantala hymenaea); Black Saddlebags The final version is spiral bound and printed on (Tramea lacerata); and Variegated Meadowhawk (Sym- waterproof paper. Copies of the field guide are distrib- petrum corruptum). uted at short courses and other events, and it is avail- The 11 additional, more sporadic migrants are able for download on the MDP web site http://www. Band-winged Dragonlet (Erythrodiplax umbrata); Blue migratorydragonflypartnership.org/uploads/_ROOT/ Dasher (Pachydiplax longipennis); Autumn Meadow- File/MDP_Field_Guide_8-3-2012_Final_Websec2.pdf hawk (Sympetrum vicinum); Great Pondhawk (Ery- and the Xerces web site http://www.xerces.org/wp-con​ themis vesiculosa); Twelve-spotted Skimmer (Libellula tent/uploads/2012/03/MDP_Field_Guide_8-3-2012_Fi​ pulchella); Painted Skimmer (Libellula semifasciata); nal_Websec1.pdf. The guide will also be translated into Swamp Darner (Epiaeschna heros); Taper-tailed Darner Spanish. A smaller version will be presented to com- (Gomphaeschna antelope); Carolina Saddlebags (Tramea mittee members at the Annual Meeting to determine if carolina); Red Saddlebags (Tramea onusta); and Striped a pocket-sized guide would be easier to use in the field Saddlebags (Tramea calverti). while retaining detailed information about each species.

The Spot-winged Glider (Pantala hymenaea) is a well-known long-distance migrant. (Photograph © Netta Smith.)

Migratory Dragonfly Partnership 7 Box 2: Citizen Science Projects

Pond Watch: A place-based program to inves- tigate the annual movements of the five major migratory dragonfly species in North America. By visiting the same wetland or pond site on a regu- lar basis, participants will be placed to note the arrival of migrant dragonflies flying south in the fall and moving north in the spring, and to note when the first resident adults of these species emerge in the spring. Volunteers are asked to record negative observations (species absence) as well as positive observations. This project has been particularly appealing to parks and wildlife refuges, nature centers, and teachers. Detailed Stable Isotope voucher card. instructions on how to participate in Pond Watch are located on the MDP website, and a sample data sheet can be downloaded www.xerces.org/ Stable Isotope Project: Collecting specimens to wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Pond_Watch_ be analyzed by MDP partners for their “isotopic data_sheet_03-07_20128.pdf. fingerprint” to determine the distance traveled by a migrating dragonfly from the pond where it Migration Monitoring: Reporting on spring and emerged as an adult. Stable hydrogen isotope ra- fall flights of the five main migratory species in tios in the dragonfly's wing tissue reveal the lati- North America. Volunteers collect data on the tude at which it developed as a nymph, and are timing, location, and duration of annual migra- compared to the location where the adult was tions, and record any additional behaviors ob- captured to assess distance traveled from its natal served (mating, feeding, etc.). pond.

Dragonfly nymphs like this Common Green Darner (Anax junius) are being analyzed for their stable hydrogen isotope "fingerprint". (Photograph © John C. Abbott.)

8 2012 Annual Report to the USFS International Programs 1.9 Citizen Science Migration Monitoring Manage and sustain a network of citizen scientists Short courses were instrumental in training course par- conducting ongoing monitoring of dragonfly migra- ticipants in Migration Monitoring, and more partici- tion each spring and fall. pants will be trained in additional courses in 2013. MDP Status: Ongoing, 2011 - 2012 is also regularly encouraging people on dragonfly list serves and Facebook pages to submit their data to the The MDP developed and launched three main areas of MDP web site. citizen science-based investigation (See Box 2 for back- There was little migration along the West Coast this ground information and below for updates on each proj- year in Canada and the U.S., in contrast to 2011, when ect). As part of the outreach materials, MDP developed a large movements of Variegated Meadowhawks were re- Citizen Science Protocols booklet that gives detailed in- ported in this area. Migration activity was high in parts structions on how to participate in the three main proj- of the Midwest (especially around Duluth, Minnesota) ects (Migration Monitoring, Stable Isotopes, and Pond and along the East Coast. Few migration reports are be- Watch). This booklet was published for use in MDP ing entered on the MDP web site at this point, however, short courses, and is available for download on the MDP with 20 reports from 2012 submitted to the MDP web and Xerces websites. Initially, a Pond Watch flyer was site. Many of the 2012 reports were gleaned from odo- developed to respond to inquiries received from nature nate and birding list serves, Facebook Group pages, and center administrators and others about the project. The personal communications with MDP members. Migra- Pond Watch flyer has been updated to include informa- tion reports will likely continue to be scattered among tion about all three citizen science projects and how to multiple sources, and we are thinking about ways to find participate. these data and integrate them into the MDP database. Xerces submitted a pre-proposal to NSF Informal Pronatura reported migration across 90 days of Science Education program for continuing MDP citizen monitoring in Veracruz, although staff feel this was a science work, and will be working with MDP commit- less active year for migration than in past years. Pro- tee members in 2013 to craft a full proposal to submit in natura’s raptor counters found it a challenge to manage January 2014. counting birds and dragonflies simultaneously, so timed counts weren’t possible in most cases, but the dates, loca- tions, times, and species present were noted. Individuals Pond Watch moved south all season, and huge migration flights were seen on 11 different days at either Cardel or Chichicaxtle, Pond Watch was developed in April 2012 to engage citi- but not in both locations at the same time. Big flights zen scientists in collecting seasonal information at local were short, lasting from 10 to 60 minutes, usually occur- ponds and wetlands they visit on a regular basis. The ring from morning to mid-day, with no large flights ever goal is to increase our knowledge of the timing and loca- observed after 3 pm. They collected 69 adults for stable tion of dragonfly migration across North America, and isotope analysis. Flights were of mixed species, and expand our understanding of the relationship between there was a temporality to species abundance/appear- migrant and resident populations within the same spe- ance: Pantala hymenaea was most abundant at the be- cies. Details are available on the MDP and Xerces web ginning of the season, followed by P. flavescens, Tramea sites, and on the MDP Facebook page. lacerata, T. onusta (Red Saddlebags), and finally Anax ju- Initial feedback suggests that Pond Watch is espe- cially popular among teachers, as the protocols are ame- nable to use by children, and to parks and nature centers, Pond Watch volunteer searching for dragonflies. (Photograph © Michele as a way to engage and educate volunteers and visitors. In Blackburn.) 2012, 725 reports were logged from 219 registered MDP users. Pond Watch was the topic of Xerces’ May 2012 e- newsletter, and they received multiple calls and e-mails about MDP afterwards, including several requesting guidance on how to create dragonfly habitat in their yards. Xerces will work with MDP partners in 2013 to develop dragonfly habitat guidelines for homeowners and land managers. While such habitats would not be used by all types of odonates, and would likely be visited incidentally by migrants, it will serve as a practical tool for outreach, education, and volunteer engagement.

Migratory Dragonfly Partnership 9 nius. Pantala hymenaea was the most abundant species throughout the migration season. Additional species in flights were umbrata (Band-winged Drag- onlet) and E. funerea (Black-winged Dragonlet).

MIGRATORY Stable Isotope Project DRAGONFLY PARTNERSHIP MIGRATORY DRAGONFLY SHORT COURSE MDP PROJECTS In early 2012, volunteers were recruited by MDP to col- Find out more about other MDP Hillsboro, Oregon initiatives, includ- lect Common Green Darner specimens across a latitudi- August 11, 2012 • 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM ing dragonfly short courses, migration Dragonfly migration is one of the most fascinating events in the insect world, but also one of the monitoring, and sta- nal gradient in the southeastern U.S. and Canada. Speci- ble isotope analysis, least-known. To shed light on this understudied phenomenon, the Migratory Dragonfly Part- at www.xerces.org/ nership (MDP), the Xerces Society, and U.S. Forest Service International Programs are pleased dragonfly-migra- mens of target species were also requested from multiple to announce an upcoming Migratory Dragonfly Short Course in Oregon. This full day training tion/projects/. will provide an overview of dragonfly life history, ecology, and migratory behavior and train par- museum collections. MDP partner Vermont Center for ticipants to identify key migratory species and contribute VISIT US AT

data to ongoing MDP citizen science research projects. www.migratorydragon- Ecostudies (VCE) received 619 Common Green Darner In North America, huge numbers of dragonflies fly south in flypartnership.org and fall along both coasts and through the Midwest, but these on Facebook! migrations are still poorly understood. The MDP is filling wing samples, covering an outstanding geographic and this gap by combining research, citizen science, and edu- cation and outreach to better understand North America’s REGISTER AT temporal range. Collection regions include the Bahamas, migrating dragonflies, and to promote conservation of the www.xerces.org/events Virgin Islands, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Mexico, wetland habitat on which they rely. Intended Audience This course is intended for anyone interested in dragonflies and in contributing to our knowledge Puerto Rico, five Canadian provinces, and 35 U.S. states of dragonfly migration. Whether you are a novice or a pro, please join us for this fun and informa- tive event to become a volunteer monitor and help us explore PHOTO CREDIT (though many sites are represented by only one or a few this amazing but understudied phenomenon! Banner: Blue dasher (Pachydiplax longipennis) Cost: Free, please bring a sack lunch Dennis Paulson samples). In-text: When: August 11, 2012 - 10:00 AM to 4:30 AM Wandering Glider (Pantala Where: Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve flavescens) VCE staff have derived the latitude and longitude 2600 SW Hillsboro Hwy • Hillsboro, OR 97123 by Dennis Paulson Register: Online at www.xerces.org/events or by contacting Black Saddlebags (Tramea lacerata) for all the museum specimen labels, and are preparing Alexa Carleton • [email protected] • 503-232-6639 by John Abbott

Migratory Dragonfly Partnership the wing samples for analysis. Sample preparation is a • Celeste Mazzacano Project Coordinator • www.MigratoryDragonflyPartnership.org long process in which each sample is cleaned in a chemi- [email protected] cal solution; dried and acclimated to the laboratory air, clipped to 3–4 micrograms; packed in a tiny silver cap- Migratory Dragonfly Short Course announcement poster. sule; and run in the isotope machine. VCE also received a few specimens of other mi- gratory species: 19 Wandering Glider, 27 Spot-winged Course packets include a color folder with a wetland/ Glider, and 27 Black Saddlebags, all from scattered loca- dragonfly photo theme; MDP field guide and protocols tions south to north. VCE staff is currently concentrat- manual; MDP and dragonfly ecology fact sheets; MDP ing on Common Green Darner analysis. Analysis of 250 project flyer; photo release form; and course evaluation Anax junius from the east was completed in November form. The course consists of a morning of classroom pre- 2012; the remaining samples will be run in late summer sentations followed by an afternoon in the field observ- to early fall of 2013. More specimens will be sought from ing and identifying dragonflies (See Box 3, Migratory the University of Guelph and Royal Ontario Museums. Dragonfly Short Courses). Most of the courses filled to capacity within hours of being advertised, and as many more people were 1.10 Short Courses placed on waiting lists. Participants were excited and en- thusiastic, and asked many questions throughout the day, Develop a series of short courses to be held at critical dragonfly migration routes in Canada and the U.S. making the courses pleasantly interactive. Interestingly, to train volunteer dragonfly migration monitors and almost all participants are new to the world of dragon- engage new partner organizations. flies. Attendees include city and state natural resource and parks agency staff, college and K-12 teachers, Mas- Status: Ongoing ter Gardeners, Master Naturalists, wetland and stream scientists, photographers who like odonates as subjects MDP developed new Migratory Dragonfly Short but know little about them, people with backyard ponds Courses, which were held at five different locations in who see odonates and want to learn more, birders, and Canada and the U.S. from August to September 2012: staff and volunteers from nature centers. Feedback from Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve, Oregon; Point surveys indicates a high level of enjoyment, interest, and Pelee, Ontario; Tualatin Fish & Wildlife Refuge, Oregon; learning among participants. Brackenridge Field Laboratory, Texas; and The Wetlands At least five additional short courses will be held in Institute, New Jersey. These day-long courses educate 2013 including at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum participants about dragonflies and their migration and in Chicago, Illinois in mid-April. The Project Coordina- train them to participate in Migration Monitoring, Pond tor will go on from Chicago to teach a course in Min- Watch, and collecting for the Stable Isotope Project. nesota, as staff at a Minnesota wildlife refuge and several

10 2012 Annual Report to the USFS International Programs Box 3: Migratory Dragonfly Short Courses

The general agenda for the Migratory Dragonfly Short Course is:

9:30 – 9:45 am: Welcome & introductions 9:45 – 10:45 am: Dragonfliy life history and ecology 10:45 – 11:30 am: Dragonfly migration 11:30 – 11:45 am: Break 11:45 am – 12:30 pm: Conservation of dragonflies 12:30 – 1:10 pm: Citizen scientists and the MDP 1:10 – 1:20 pm: Break 1:20 – 2:10 pm: Identification of migratory dragonflies 2:00 – 4:00 pm: Field trip: Observing and identifying dragonflies

Short courses held in 2012: August 11, Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve, Hillsboro, Oregon (led by Dennis Paulson and Ce- leste Mazzacano) September 8, Pelee Point, Ontario (led by Colin Jones) September 15, Cape May Wetlands Institute, Stone Harbor, New Jersey (led by Mike May and Celeste Mazzacano) September 22, 2012, Tualatin National Wildlife Refuge, Sherwood, Oregon (led by Celeste Maz- Top photo: Migratory Dragonfly Partnership Short Course partici- zacano and Michele Blackburn) pants catching dragonflies during field session. (Photograph © Bri- anna Borders.). Bottom left: Short Course participant Marita Trunk September 29, Lake Austin Centre at the Universi- with a Common Green Darner. (Photograph © Alexa Carleton). ty of Texas' Brackenridge Field Laboratory, Austin, Bottom right: Instructor Dennis Paulson holds a captured dragon- Texas (led by John Abbott and Celeste Mazzacano) fly for identification. (Photograph © Brianna Borders.).

Migratory Dragonfly Partnership folder used for media outreach and short course packets.

Migratory Dragonfly Partnership 11 people in the Minnesota Master Naturalist Program and Odonate Survey Project are also interested in participat- ing in MDP projects. Additional courses to be held in 2013 may include the Long Point Bird Observatory in southern Ontario, and a session at the Siskiyou Field In- stitute in southwest Oregon. We received many requests from organizations asking for short courses; they are very popular and we could double the number we are able to offer and still have them fill. We are communicating with sites near dragonfly migration “flyways” to determine where logis- tics and funding can be worked out for 2013. We have also received requests for online training modules as a resource for those unable to attend a short course, and we will investigate that option further in 2013. After each course, we receive follow-up questions via e-mail that indicate people are accessing the web site Aeshnid exuvia attached to vegetation. This cast-off nymphal and registering sites to monitor; we also gain new fol- skin can be analyzed to understand local isotope signatures at lowers on Facebook and Twitter. Seventy-five partici- collection sites. (Photograph © Alexa Carleton.) pants total returned surveys after participating in a short course, and Xerces staff are analyzing and summarizing the results. In December, Xerces staff sent a follow-up nator creates a monthly update on MDP-related activi- survey to all short course participants and all registered ties that is e-mailed to all steering committee members users on the MDP web site to solicit user feedback about and project partners. In addition, a two day face-to-face MDP volunteer resources and to assess the level of par- meeting of the MDP steering committee is held each ticipation in MDP projects from people who have taken year to facilitate communication and planning. the short courses and/or received MDP information. In December 2010, the first MDP steering commit- This survey will be administered annually at the tee meeting took place in Austin, Texas, and the initial end of the year and is an important tool in adaptive organizational structure and goals were set forth. In De- management, as we will use feedback from volunteers cember 2011, the steering committee met in Portland, to guide revision of MDP resource materials as needed, Oregon to review progress on partnership tasks and de- identify any barriers to volunteer participation and re- velop an Action Plan for 2012. tention, and to additionally note program strengths The 3rd annual MDP steering committee meeting and aspects that volunteers find most engaging and will be held in Portland, Oregon in January 2013 to re- motivating. We hope to improve volunteer retention view accomplishments and progress made in 2012, iden- and satisfaction while ensuring that observers have all tify needs and challenges, determine next steps to con- the training and resources they need to reliably identify tinue MDP citizen science programs, data collection and migratory dragonfly species and behaviors. Using these analysis, and information dissemination, and develop a tools, we will be able to create and support a widespread new action plan for the coming year. network of volunteers engaging in regular observations and recording data to generate a useful dataset that will improve our understanding of dragonfly migration in 1.12 MDP Logo North America. Develop the Migratory Dragonfly Partnership logo Status: Completed fall 2011 1.11 Annual Meeting Partnership coordination and annual meeting of Xerces staff developed the logo for the MDP, which was Migratory Dragonfly Partnership approved by the steering committee. Status: Ongoing, 2011 - 2012; annual partnership meeting occurred in December 2011

MDP partners communicate with each other regularly throughout the year via e-mail and conference calls as they work on different projects, and the Project Coordi-

12 2012 Annual Report to the USFS International Programs 1.13 Outreach the symposium may be published as a special issue on Applied Odonatology in the Freshwater Science Journal. Develop and disseminate media outreach tools, including media packets and regular media updates A proposal was submitted by MDP partners to on issues relating to dragonfly migration, conserva- present at the Species of Common Concern table at the tion, and activities of the MDP. XVIII Meeting of the Canada/Mexico/U.S. Trilateral Committee for Wildlife and Ecosystem Conservation Status: Ongoing and Management in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, on May 13-17, 2013. As of the end of 2012, the planning MDP members were involved in multiple and varied committee had not yet met to make final decisions on outreach efforts in 2012. These efforts will be expanded presenters. in 2013 to increase our participant base and to foster re- lationships with new project partners. Social Media

Conferences & Symposia The MDP Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/ MigratoryDragonflyPartnership) ended 2012 with 233 Xerces staff delivered presentations on MDP projects “likes”, and a few new people "like" the page each week. at the annual meeting of the Dragonfly Society of the Members also frequently comment on posts and links Americas and an international Monarch butterfly con- and share them with their own friends. servation meeting. Xerces staff also attended a two-day MDP also has a presence on Twitter (@Dragon- conference on Public Participation in Scientific Research fly_MDP), with 22 followers. The Project Coordinator held in conjunction with the Ecological Society of Amer- posts Tweets about migration reports in different parts ica annual meeting where they engaged in networking of North America, but we anticipate that as more short and learned new ideas for outreach and engagement courses are offered and the number of participants in- through citizen science. creases, volunteers will use Twitter to alert MDP and The Project Coordinator was invited to give a fellow migration monitors about flights in progress and presentation on MDP goals, projects, and progress at a first sightings of migratory species in spring. new symposium on Applied Odonatology at the annual MDP projects are registered on SciStarter, Citizen- meeting of the Society for Freshwater Science (formerly Science.org, and CitSci.org. These sites can be searched North American Benthological Society) in Jacksonville, by the general public for citizen science projects in which Florida on May 19-23, 2013. A collection of papers from to participate, and are used often by teachers.

The circumtropical Wandering Glider (Pantala flavescens) is a common globe-trotting insect. (Photograph © John C.Abbott.)

Migratory Dragonfly Partnership 13 Outreach to Natural Resource Organizations

MDP members began conducting active outreach in 2011 to groups such as Master Naturalists, state odonate survey groups, birding observatories, and nature centers, and we will continue to build and expand these efforts in the coming year. In November, MDP packets were sent to bird observatories in major dragonfly migration fly- ways to begin exploring the potential for partnerships. The Project Coordinator will follow up with staff at these sites in early 2013 to determine how dragonfly migration monitoring could be incorporated into their existing bird monitoring programs. Master Naturalist programs were first developed about 10 years ago, and are currently active in over 30 states in the U.S. Master Naturalists must provide a Xerces 2013 Dragonfly Calendar helps promote the MDP number of volunteer hours each year in “approved” and its projects. projects, and MDP projects have excellent potential to be included. Several recent short course participants were Master Naturalists, and MDP has been contacted bird migration monitoring, and we will pursue those by arboretums and nature centers that work with Mas- possibilities further in 2013. Xerces staff is continuing ter Naturalist chapters about the possibility of holding to develop a list of potential contacts and partners, ways short courses. The MDP Project Coordinator, who was to engage and retain volunteers, and methods to analyze involved previously with a national alliance of Master report data annually, with input and ideas solicited from Naturalist-type groups and still knows many of the co- the steering committee. ordinators, is developing personalized cover letters that will be mailed along with MDP packets to state Master Naturalist program coordinators in early 2013. These 2013 Dragonfly Calendar programs also hold state and national conferences, and many have their own funding through state fish and Xerces creates an invertebrate-themed calendar as part game agencies, university extension programs, and par- of their regular operations. In 2013, the Xerces calendar ticipant dues, so there is potential to support additional focused on dragonflies of North America. The informa- short courses in relevant states and/or present at their tion presented in monthly captions explains the impor- conferences. tance of odonates and the vulnerability of their habitats, Greg Butcher has been working with contacts and discusses aspects of their natural history, including at Hawk Monitoring Association of North America the phenomenon of migration. The calendar has sold to (HMANA) about incorporating dragonfly counts into hundreds of Xerces members and others and will help to promote the MDP and its projects.

Media & Press

The Project Coordinator was contacted by an editor at Sylvan Dell Publishing who is working on a children’s book about that migrate and needed clarifica- tion on their text regarding dragonflies; the MDP will be mentioned in the dedication text and we will receive several copies once it is published as a “thank you”. The Coordinator was also interviewed about Pond Watch by an author working on a book promoting citizen science to the public, to be published by Huron Street Press. Texas Advanced Computing Center made a short video about the MDP that can be viewed at http://www. Spot-Winged Glider (Pantala hymenaea). (Photograph © tacc.utexas.edu/news/multimedia/2012/the-dragonfly- John C. Abbott.) project.

14 2012 Annual Report to the USFS International Programs The Project Coordinator wrote an essay on dragonfly MDP Citizen Science Newsletter migration and the Migratory Dragonfly Partnership for the Spring 2011 issue of the Xerces Society membership Xerces staff are developing the 1st of what will be an an- publication, Wings http://www.xerces.org/wp-content/ nual December/January newsletter that summarizes the uploads/2008/06/Wings_sp11_migratory-​dragonflies. year’s results and findings and recognizes new volun- pdf. teers, people who submitted the most records, saw the A short article written by Richard Preston (author first migratory species in their state in the spring, etc. of the Hot Zone and other books) about a dragonfly mi- Our goal is to let volunteers know their work is appreci- gration event in New York includes an interview with ated and to show them what is being learned and how MDP member Mike May. The article was published in their data are being used. A template will be reviewed the December 3 issue of the New Yorker. at the annual meeting in January 2013. A bi-annual ne- The Project Coordinator was contacted by the as- newsletter will be sent to volunteers in early January and sociate producer of the television program SciGirls, who June each year. found the MDP projects posted on CitSci.org. SciGirls is a national public television series for upper-grade school and middle-school children intended to engage more Community Outreach girls in science, technology, engineering, and math. They were funded for the last two seasons by the NSF, and are Pronatura conducted environmental education and field working on a new proposal to fund season three. Each experiences with 64 children in Chichicaxtle, Mexico. episode has a team of girls working with a female sci- They are also preparing an activity book that explains the entist on a specific project. Season three will focus on ecology of dragonflies and the importance of migration citizen science projects, and the Project Coordinator was in these . contacted to see if dragonflies would be a suitable topic The Project Coordinator hosted an MDP table at for an episode. The producers of the series are interested the North Coast Land Conservancy Bioblitz in Octo- in working with the MDP to develop an episode based ber in Oregon. Xerces staff presented on Pond Watch at around Pond Watch, and we provided a letter of support a teacher training held by Benton County Extension at for their proposal, which is due on January 18, 2013. If Jackson-Frazier Wetlands in Corvallis, Oregon in Octo- funded, pre-production would begin in fall 2013 with ber. Organizers had heard about Pond Watch and invited the actual episode being filmed across three days in 2014. Xerces staff to present at these events.

Common Green Darners (Anax junius) in tandem, female (right) ovipositing. (Photograph © Dennis Paulson.)

Migratory Dragonfly Partnership 15 Common Green Darner (Anax junius) Spot-Winged Glider (Pantala hymenaea)

Black Saddlebags (Tramea lacerata) Wandering Glider (Pantala flavescens)

Provided for scale: Monarch Butterfly Variegated Meadowhawk (Sympetrum corruptum) (Danaus plexippus)

Flight silhouette illustrations for 5 of North America's regular migrants. (Illustrations © Peter Burke.)

16 2012 Annual Report to the USFS International Programs

The Migratory Dragonfly Partnership uses research, citizen science, education, and outreach to un- derstand North American dragonfly migration and promote conservation of the habitat on which they rely. Established in 2011, the Partnership is a collaboration among dragonfly experts, nongov- ernmental programs, academic institutions and federal agencies from the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Migratory Dragonfly Partnership 628 NE Broadway, Suite 200, Portland, OR 97232 Tel (855) 232-6639 Fax (503) 233-6794 www.migratorydragonflypartnership.org

Migratory Dragonfly Partnership

Working to Understand and Conserve North American Dragonfly Migration

MDP_Annual_Rprt_8Jan2013