Bird Experts Flock to Orono; UMaine Hosts Field Ornithologists’ Annual Meeting
Contact: Rebecca Holberton (207) 581-2526; David Munson (207) 581-3777
ORONO, Maine — More than 100 ornithologists from across North America and the United Kingdom will be attending bird watching trips, sampling Maine cuisine, and, more importantly, sharing the latest breakthroughs in avian research at the Association of Field Ornithologists’ 2007 Annual Meeting from July 26 — 29.
Hosted by UMaine and co-sponsored by Maine Audubon and the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, the event brings together the world’s leading experts in bird population dynamics, biology and behavior to discuss current projects and establish goals for future research. Featured presentations on seabird conservation and avian influenza will be open to the public.
“A lot of nationally and internationally recognized ornithologists got their degrees from UMaine,” said UMaine professor and meeting organizer Rebecca Holberton. “I offered to organize this a year ago knowing that it would not only be a good opportunity for professional and student ornithologists to see UMaine, but also a great time to see birds here as well.”
From Appledore Island migration to woodcock population monitoring, numerous presentations will bring attendees up to speed on the latest research, and more than a dozen excursions are planned to introduce participants to some of Maine’s best-known avian residents.
Featured speakers include Nation Audubon Society’s Seabird Restoration Program Director Stephen Kress, who will lead Friday’s discussion with his presentation: “Restoring Endangered Seabirds: Lessons from Puffins and Terns,” and Peter Marra of the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center and National Zoo, who will present “Pathways of Dispersion: The Flyways and Byways of Avian Influenza” on Saturday. Kress’ talk, to be held July 27 at 8:30 AM in D.P. Corbett Auditorium on the UMaine campus, will review some of the factor limiting seabird populations and will discuss some of the techniques that have been successful in reestablishing puffins and terns in the Gulf of Maine. Marra will address avian influenza’s far-reaching implications and discuss the role of bird migration and the international bird trade in the spread of the disease. Marra’s talk will be held on July 28 at 8:30 AM in D.P. Corbett Auditorium. Members of the public who wish to attend these free presentations should enter D.P. Corbett Hall from the Flagstaff Road entrance.
Students attending the meeting will have an opportunity to present their research as well, and numerous activities will allow students to meet other researchers and find mentors in their area of study.