BOARD OF DIRECTOR NOMINATIONS 2001 NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE:

William Dawson (chair), John Rotenberry, Kim Sullivan, and Jared Verner

The following people (in alphabetical order) have agreed to be nominated for the Cooper Ornithological Society (COS) Board of Directors, to serve from 2002–2005.

Theresa L. Bucher received her Ph.D. from the University of California, Los Angeles, in 1982, after a move in the 1970s into biology following a 1964 baccalaureate in political science. She joined COS in 1977 and is a Life Member. She has participated in a variety of committees for the Society and is currently a member of the Finance Committee. She has served a previous term on the Board of Directors (1987–1989) and contributed substantially to the development of the present managerial arrangements for the COS Endowment. Dr. Bucher's research contributions have been recognized by her advancement to elective member in the American Ornithologists' Union. She has authored or coauthored more than 30 papers in peer-reviewed journals, including The Condor, and has been an invited participant in several international symposia. Her research interests concern avian energetics, respiration, and development. She has provided important analyses of the ontogeny of metabolism and ventilation in several species and documented the existence of shallow nocturnal hypothermia in small tropical passerines. In pursuing these topics she has worked in North America, the tropics, and Antarctica.

Kathleen A. Granillo is the Regional Biologist and Regional Research Coordinator in the Division of Refuges and Wildlife of the Southwest Region of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. She was interested in birds at an early age, and became an avid birder and passionate avian ecologist. For several years, she monitored bird populations in the Sierra Nevada with Dr. Jared Verner and studied wildlife in old-growth Douglas-fir forests with Dr. C. J. Ralph. She then moved into resource management to participate in on-the-ground conservation of birds and their habitats. She remains an active member of COS and was Co-chair of the Local Committee for the 2001 annual meeting in Albuquerque. She regularly attends annual meetings and has published in The Condor. She has a B.S. in Forestry (wildlife emphasis) from the University of California, Berkeley, and an M.Sc. in Wildlife Resources from the University of Idaho.

Brian A. Maurer is an associate professor jointly appointed in the departments of Fisheries and Wildlife and Geography at Michigan State University. Prior to joining MSU he was an associate professor at Brigham Young University. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Arizona in 1984, has been a member of COS since 1983, and attends annual meetings regularly. Dr. Maurer has published one paper in The Condor, two in Studies in Avian Biology, and frequently reviews manuscripts for the two journals. He co-edited Studies in Avian Biology No. 13, and regularly reviews books for The Condor. His research interests are in wildlife ecology, biogeography, macroecology, and quantitative ecology, which he explores using a variety of avian systems. He has published two books on geographical analysis of avian distributions and macroecology.

Kathryn Purcell is a Research Wildlife Biologist for the USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station, in Fresno, California. She earned her B.S. in Biological Sciences from the University of California, Davis (1980), her M.Sc. in Wildlife from Humboldt State University (1988), and her Ph.D. in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology from University of Nevada, Reno (1995). She has been a member of COS since 1987. She regularly attends annual meetings, chairs technical paper sessions, and reviews manuscripts for The Condor. She has one paper published in The Condor and has served on the Student Awards Committee. Her research interests focus on life histories of open-cup and cavity-nesting birds, source-sink dynamics, wildlife-habitat relations, nest-site selection, nest parasites, brood parasites, and responses of birds to habitat alteration, including forestry practices, prescribed burning, and grazing.

Blair O. Wolf is an assistant professor in the Department of Biology, University of New Mexico. He received his Ph.D. from Arizona State University in 1996. Dr. Wolf has been a member of COS since 1986 and regularly attends its annual meetings. He served on the Student Participation Committee during 1996–1999 and is currently a member of the Finance Committee and Chair of the Publications Committee. His goal as Chair of the latter is to bring The Condor online to both COS members and libraries. He is also working on an electronic archive of back issues of Condor extending from 1899 to 2000, with the goal of seeing it freely available on the World Wide Web. Dr. Wolf has published 13 papers on birds, all in refereed journals including Condor, and has authored or coauthored three species accounts for The Birds of North America. His innovative research deals with biophysical ecology, physiology, and behavior of desert animals, especially birds, as well as with plant-animal interactions in desert settings and use of stable isotopes in tracking nutrient and water flow in deserts.

REPORT OF THE SEVENTY-FIRST ANNUAL MEETING OF THE COOPER ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY

The Cooper Ornithological Society held its 71st annual meeting at the Sheraton Old Town, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 18–21 April 2001. Co-chairs of the Local Committee were Kathy A. Granillo and Deborah M. Finch, and the Scientific Program Committee Chair was J. David Ligon. The 278 meeting registrants presented 100 papers and 41 posters. The program included symposia on grassland birds and borderland birds, and workshops on litigation in ornithology and preparing museum specimens. The Friday plenary paper was “The Western range revisited” by Debra L. Donahue, University of Wyoming, and the Saturday plenary talk was “Systematics post-Sibley and Monroe,” by Dr. Peter Houde, New Mexico State University.

The Society's award for lifetime achievement in ornithological research, the Loye and Alden Miller Award, was presented to Frank A. Pitelka. Mewaldt-King Student Research Awards were presented to 3 students this year: Jill L. Deppe, University of California-Riverside, for “Selection of stopover habitat by trans-gulf Nearctic-Neotropical migrant landbirds in Yucatan, Mexico;” Amanda M. Hale, University of Miami, for “Metapopulation approach to understanding the effect of sociality, population dynamics, and persistence;” and Kristen Ruegg, San Francisco State University, for “Using molecular markers to link breeding and wintering populations of Swainson's Thrush, a Neotropical migrant.”

Three students won Joseph Grinnell Student Research Awards: David Logue, Colorado University, for “A new approach to determine the function of duetting in a tropical wren;” Kenneth Feeley, Duke University, for “Factors influencing the diversity and abundance of breeding birds in isolated habitat fragments;” and Andrea Smith, Queens University, for “Evolutionary history of the Band-rumped Storm-Petrel: a test of sympatric speciation in seabirds.” Student Travel Awards were presented to Andrea S. Lueders, Colorado State University, Kimberly Suedkamp, University of Missouri, Amy L. Musante, University of California-Santa Barbara, Leonor Jiménez, Instituto de Ecología, Veracruz, Mexico, Lori Hennings, Oregon State University, and Bonnie L. Peterson, San Diego State University.

Four awards were presented for outstanding student papers. Mark F. Haussman, Iowa State University, was awarded the A. Brazier Howell Award for his paper (with coauthor Carol M. Vleck), “Telomere length provides a novel technique for ageing birds.” David M. Whalen, University of New Mexico, was awarded the Frances F. Roberts Award for his paper (with coauthor Bryan D. Watts), “The influence of migrant density on stopover patterns of Northern Saw-whet Owls.” Board of Directors Student Paper Awards were presented to Joseph A. Reale, Jr., Miami University of Ohio, for his presentation (with coauthor Robert B. Blaire), “Reality check: do artificial nests adequately predict nesting success?” and to Leonor Jiménez, Instituto de Ecología, Veracruz, Mexico, for her poster (with coauthors Juan Francisco Ornelas and Alejandro Espinosa de los Monteros), “A phylogenetic perspective on the evolution of plumage iridescence in hummingbirds.”

Through the annual balloting by all members of the Society, John Faaborg, Joseph C. Ortega, and Abby N. Powell were elected to three-year terms on the Board of Directors. In the Board of Directors' meetings, the following were elected to assume, or continue in, office: Terrell D. Rich, President; Bonnie S. Bowen, President-elect; Eileen M. Kirsch, Secretary; Peter Stettenheim, Assistant Secretary; Bonnie S. Bowen, Treasurer; James J. Dinsmore, Assistant Treasurer; David S. Dobkin, Editor of The Condor; and John T. Rotenberry, Editor of Studies in Avian Biology. Dr. Sartor O. Williams III gave the banquet presentation, “From Coronado to today: five centuries of avifaunal exploration in New Mexico.”

The Cooper Ornithological Society will meet with the American Ornithologists' Union, Raptor Research Foundation, Association of Field Ornithologists, and Society of Canadian Ornithology for the 3rd North American Ornithological Conference in New Orleans, 24–30 September 2002. Tom Sherry and Kim Smith are Co-chairs of the Local Committee, and Frank Moore is Chair of the Scientific Committee.

The Board of Directors passed six resolutions at the annual meeting. Resolutions were prepared by the Conservation Resolutions Committee, consisting of Mark Sogge (Chair), Carol Beardmore, Marc Bechard, Eileen Kirsch, and Terry Root. If you know of individuals or organizations that should receive official copies of one or more of these resolutions, contact Mark Sogge or Ellen Paul, Executive Director of the Ornithological Council.

SUPPORT FOR PROTECTION OF ISOLATED WETLANDS

Whereas, prior to 9 January 2001, the Clean Water Act was interpreted by federal agencies (principally the United States Army Corps of Engineers and United States Environmental Protection Agency) to bring all wetlands and waters that provide or could provide habitat for migratory birds under federal authority based on the “Migratory Bird Rule;” and

Whereas, on 9 January 2001, the United States Supreme Court (in Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County v. United States Army Corps of Engineers et al.) invalidated the “Migratory Bird Rule” as a criterion for linking some wetlands to federal regulation; and

Whereas, this ruling by the United States Supreme Court removes federal protection of some isolated wetlands and casts substantial doubt on the scope of federal authority to protect isolated wetlands; and

Whereas, state and local regulation of wetlands is highly variable and frequently inadequate; and

Whereas, millions of shorebirds, waterfowl, wading birds, and other birds depend on isolated wetlands and waters including prairie potholes, playa lakes, and similar areas for nesting habitat, wintering areas, and stopover sites during migration; and

Whereas, loss of isolated wetlands could significantly affect the long-term survival, abundance, and distribution of these species;

Therefore, be it resolved that the Cooper Ornithological Society

1. Encourages the United States Congress to amend the Clean Water Act to clarify that it applies to isolated wetlands and waters to the extent allowable under the Commerce Clause of the United States Constitution; and

2. Requests that the Army Corps of Engineers and Environmental Protection Agency interpret the Clean Water Act to minimize the loss of federal authority over wetlands; and

3. Recommends completion of the National Wetlands Inventory, to identify the location and extent of existing wetlands; and

4. Requests that the President of the United States issue an executive order requiring full protection of all wetlands on federal lands; and

5. Recommends that all states enact legislation to protect isolated wetlands.

OPPOSITION TO OIL EXPLORATION IN ARCTIC NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Whereas, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is the largest unit in the National Wildlife Refuge System, containing an unparalleled example of an intact, naturally functioning community of arctic and subarctic ecosystems, and is an important part of a larger international network of protected arctic and subarctic areas; and

Whereas, 180 bird species—including numerous shorebirds, waterfowl, loons, songbirds, and raptors—as well as numerous other species of wildlife, occur in the Arctic Refuge, with 135 of these bird species found in the North Slope and coastal plain habitats; and

Whereas, the President of the United States and the Secretary of the Interior have expressed support for initiating oil and gas exploration and drilling within the coastal plain portions of Arctic National Wildlife Refuge; and

Whereas, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated in 2000 that there is only a 50% chance of finding 5.3 billion barrels of oil (a nine-month supply) in the coastal plain area, leading to only a partial and temporary easement of fuel supplies; and

Whereas, oil and gas development is widespread on the coastal plain of Alaska's North Slope, and the Arctic Refuge is the only area on Alaska's North Slope where petroleum development is specifically prohibited by Congress; and

Whereas, a Legislative Environmental Impact Statement (LEIS) submitted to Congress in 1987 concluded that oil development and production in the Refuge's coastal plain would negatively impact waterfowl, seabirds, and shorebirds, as well as numerous other wildlife including the Porcupine caribou herd, muskoxen, wolves, and polar bears; and

Whereas, despite technological advances in oil and gas exploration and development, these activities remain intrusive industrial processes requiring extensive infrastructures of drilling platforms, roads, pipelines, power plants, processing facilities, loading docks, dormitories, airstrips, gravel pits, utility lines, and landfills; and

Whereas, the ecosystems within the Arctic Refuge are highly sensitive to, and very slow to recover from, the types of physical impacts likely to occur as a result of oil and gas exploration and development, likely leading to negative impacts to the birds, mammals, and other wildlife within the Refuge;

Therefore be it resolved that the Cooper Ornithological Society opposes oil and gas exploration and drilling in Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, until such time as independent scientific review (e.g., by the National Academy of Sciences) determines that exploration and drilling techniques are compatible with maintaining the ecological values of the refuge; and

Be it further resolved that the Cooper Ornithological Society encourages the President of the United States to develop an energy policy that focuses on conservation, energy efficiency, and long-term, sustainable, and renewable energy alternatives, thereby reducing the likelihood that the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge will be targeted for future oil and gas exploration.

SUPPORT FOR CONSERVATION AND REINVESTMENT ACT (CARA)

Whereas, the Cooper Ornithological Society, as a professional organization devoted to the science and conservation of bird species, recognizes that government funds play an important role in North American bird conservation; and

Whereas, current government funding for North American bird conservation programs is not sufficient to provide for long-term persistence of many ecologically, economically, and recreationally important bird species or the habitats upon which they depend; and

Whereas, effective conservation of birds and their habitats requires appropriate planning, adequate and long-term funding, and public education; and

Whereas, the Conservation and Reinvestment Act (CARA), would dedicate funds obtained from the Outer Continental Shelf oil and gas revenues to state wildlife conservation programs, providing a steady stream of funding and greatly increased flexibility to help conserve the nation's birds and other wildlife; and

Whereas, CARA could provide funding for the conservation of non-game species, much as the Pittman-Robertson Act has done for game species; and

Whereas, the U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan, Colonial Waterbird Plan, and other Bird Conservation Plans have already been developed by Partners in Flight and other organizations, identifying critically important conservation issues and recommended conservation actions; and

Whereas, the Cooper Ornithological Society supports the principle behind CARA, and its objective to dedicate and equitably distribute a meaningful portion of Outer Continental Shelf revenues to all states for wildlife conservation and associated recreation and conservation education;

Therefore be it resolved that the Cooper Ornithological Society urges passage of the Conservation and Reinvestment Act; and

Be it further resolved that the Cooper Ornithological Society recommends using bird conservation plans as tools for prioritizing and allocating state-level funding that is obtained through the Conservation and Reinvestment Act.

COMMENDATION OF THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE FOR PROMOTING SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH IN THE NATIONAL PARKS

Whereas, the National Park Service, in its Natural Resource Challenge, recognized the value of scientific research, pledged to make the parks centers for broad scientific research and inquiry, and stated that research should be facilitated in parks where it can be done without impairing other park values; and

Whereas, the National Park Service has created the Sabbatical in the Parks and Learning Center programs, encouraging scientists to undertake research projects in the parks and offering those scientists logistical support; and

Whereas, the National Park Service is now making available a list of the scientific research needs of the parks, helping scientists to match their own research interests with those of the parks; and

Whereas, the National Park Service has developed a National Parks Science Scholars Program, funded by Canon USA, Inc., to encourage graduate students to conduct research within National Parks; and

Whereas, the National Park Service was instrumental in creating, and actively participates in, the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit program, which provides partnerships with university-based researchers who wish to conduct scientific studies in the parks; and

Whereas, the National Park Service has made its research permit and reporting system available on its website and consistent across the parks, making it easier for scientists to apply for research permits; and

Whereas, the National Park Service's Park Science newsletter is now available on its website;

Therefore be it resolved that the Cooper Ornithological Society commends the National Park Service for taking these steps to facilitate research in National Parks, thereby moving forward rapidly to meet its dual responsibilities, “science for parks” and “parks for science.”

OPPOSITION TO THE CLOSURE OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION CONSERVATION AND RESEARCH CENTER

Whereas, the Smithsonian's Conservation and Research Center (CRC), located in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains, is a world leader in conservation research, training, and outreach; and

Whereas, CRC staff conduct valuable conservation-related ecological research, both at the site and around the world, including comprehensive long-term studies of species' life history and population changes (such as the Kentucky Warbler study, initiated in 1979), and studies of “keystone species” and “flagship species” (such as Eld's deer in Burma, Asian elephants, green sea turtles, and others) that tend to promote conservation policies that are good for both wildlife and people; and

Whereas, CRC-based studies include some of the longest and most important research on migratory species on both their North American breeding grounds and their tropical wintering grounds; and

Whereas, CRC has been responsible for sustaining critically endangered species such as the Guam Rail, Micronesian Kingfisher, and Bali Mynah in captivity, and has been pivotal in the in situ conservation of the Hawaiian Crow (‘Alala), Hawaiian forest species, and other endangered bird species; and

Whereas, the CRC includes the Migratory Bird Center, which is the only research center focusing entirely on migratory birds and whose research into the effects of sun-grown coffee and sun-grown cacao on bird populations has been the basis of conservation efforts throughout the world; and

Whereas, CRC offers invaluable training opportunities for students and professionals in ornithology and other disciplines, including wildlife management, protected area management, and conservation methodology; and

Whereas, CRC offers programs to educate and involve school children, their families, and other interested adults about biological conservation, to encourage support and involvement in intelligent environmental decision making; and

Whereas, the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution has announced plans to close the CRC, compromising most or all of the above high-quality and high-value programs, including the Migratory Bird Center;

Therefore be it resolved that the Cooper Ornithological Society opposes the closure of the Smithsonian's Conservation and Research Center and urges the Smithsonian to keep the CRC open and its research, conservation, and training programs fully funded.

MEETING COMMENDATION

Whereas, the Cooper Ornithological Society held its 71st Annual Meeting at the Old Town Sheraton in Albuquerque, New Mexico; and the meeting was hosted and sponsored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station, University of New Mexico Department of Biology; New Mexico Ornithological Society, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, U.S. Geological Survey Midcontinent Ecological Science Center, New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, National Park Service, S.W.C.A Environmental Consultants, and the World Wildlife Fund; and

Whereas, scientifically stimulating and effectively executed annual meetings provide important opportunities for members to interact professionally and socially, encouraging the exchange of information and ideas critical to the persistence and vigor of the society; and

Recognizing that the Committee on Local Arrangements, assisted by an energetic and dedicated group of volunteers under the talented direction of Kathy Granillo and Deborah Finch, provided us with a diverse and enjoyable assemblage of exhibits, special events, field trips, and evening social events; and

Recognizing that the Committee on the Scientific Program, under the capable direction of J. David Ligon and David Whalen, arranged outstanding and stimulating scientific lecture sessions, workshops, and poster sessions; and

Whereas, all those who have attended and participated in this meeting have been enriched by it;

Therefore be it resolved that the Cooper Ornithological Society commends the Committee on Local Arrangements, the Committee on the Scientific Program, and the other conference organizers for their efforts toward this successful 2001 meeting; and

Be it further resolved that the Cooper Ornithological Society thanks the numerous hosts and sponsors for their generosity and participation in the conference.