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THE
PRIMARY
SOURCE
NEWSLETTER FOR BIRD CONSERVANCY OF THE ROCKIES | SPRING/SUMMER 2018 | NUMBER 52
by William Bevil, Communications Manager
n preparation for our 30th Anniversary, aimed at special species. They’re the
I I’ve gained a new appreciation for foundation of the Integrated Monitoring in
our organization that comes from seeing Bird Conservation Regions program, which
it through a retrospective lens. Looking today spans 15 states across the west. The April 21, 2018 • 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
back through time at our organizational seeds of our private lands stewardship Barr Lake State Park Nature Center
milestones reminds me of how a hawk approaches were planted in the early days
must experience the world while soaring through efforts such as Prairie Partners. Join Bird Conservancy of the Rockies and
celebrate 30 years of conserving birds and
high overhead. It enjoys sweeping views of With pride, we can point to children who
their habitat during Earth Day weekend.
the landscape, with transitions in color and took ight through our educational programs
Enjoy guided bird walks, bird banding,
texture that change from one mile to the next. two decades ago and have since excelled at
live raptor presentations and educational
But its keen raptor eye, suited for hunting careers in science and conservation. activities for kids and adults, followed by
tiny prey, also enables them to make out the lunch and cake. The kite festival is hosted
details and ner points. We often measure achievements in numbers,
by Friends of Barr Lake.
such as acres enrolled or kids attending
As I’ve been poring through old newsletters, camps. Some results are less tangible but Admission is $5 per vehicle and
annual reports and articles, identifying the equally important. By being in this for the includes park entrance fees, lunch
most notable accomplishments in our 30- long haul, we have unlocked mysteries and and kites for the kite festival.
year history, what has really struck me is made a positive difference for people, birds
how interconnected each of those things are. and the landscapes we share. To register, visit:
Individually, a project or initiative may seem www.birdconservancy.org/30years
isolated. But from a high-level view, you see Passionate and dedicated staff, partners,
volunteers, supporters—YOU—make this Thank you to our sponsors and event partners!
them as part of a larger story. Each piece is
part of a larger tapestry, new elements that possible. Relationships are the threads that
contribute to something greater. hold it all together and ensure a lasting,
impactful organization. Our work continues!
For example, the evolution of our bird We invite you to soar with us, riding the
monitoring programs and protocols are thermals of past successes and drawing
evident in early initiatives like Monitoring inspiration to help ensure birds are a part of
Colorado’s Birds and targeted programs our world for the next 30 years and beyond.
THE PRIMARY SOURCE
The Primary Source is the member newsletter
of Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
Board of Directors
Larry Modesitt, M.B.A., CQE, CTP, Chair
Peter Ampe, Esq., J.D., Secretary
David Charles, M.D.
Eileen Dey, B.S.
Jack Ferguson
Geoffrey Geupel
Grady Grissom, Ph.D.
Eric Lane, M.S.
Yvette Martinez, B.A.
Jim Strickland From the Director Tour group visits with the Perez family at
D. Jean Tate, Ph.D. Tres Papalotes Ranch near Janos, Chihuahua.
Ed Warner, M.S., L.H.D. Return to Mexico
Tammy VerCauteren - Executive Director
tammy.vercauteren#birdconservancy.org I was excited and anxious to return to Mexico are improving the productivity of the ranch and
Visit www.birdconservancy.org for staff list. after a 20-year hiatus from the eld. I knew ensuring Alberto has a future as a rancher. In
based on our research the landscape had turn, he is ensuring our grassland birds have
Main Ofces: changed dramatically, especially with center a healthy home for the winter.
14500 Lark Bunting Lane pivot irrigation. That was very apparent as
we drove through what should have been Our partners at IMC-Vida Silvestre work
Brighton, CO 80603
(303) 659-4348 lowland grassland habitat. Pivot after pivot with a network of 30 landowners to enhance
and stacks of cotton dotted the landscape. the resiliency of their rangelands and bring
230 Cherry Street, Fort Collins, CO 80521
(970) 482-1707 back natural disturbance processes through
However, there was hope nestled in the grazing to improve the health of the land
4502 Avenue I, Scottsbluff, NE 69361
(308) 633-1013 pockets of grass that still exist and the beneting the cows, birds and people. IMC
ranchers who have a passion for the is also collaborating with the community
grasslands. Jorge and his daughter, to change the landscape and use their
The Primary Source refers to a bird’s Ana, joined us in the eld to share their knowledge and tools to develop better
primary feathers which power its ight. management efforts including mesquite watering systems for grazing.
You, our members, Friends, volunteers and
removal to increase productivity of the I was also excited about the conversations that
partners are the primary source of Bird
Conservancy’s power to accomplish its
grassland. Removing mesquite is also are getting started with farmers to look at the
mission to conserve birds and their habitats. critical in our efforts to enhance habitat for whole system — from the grass, to the crops,
the benet of grassland birds. While in the to the aquifers and birds, and the people who
Editing and design: eld, Jorge’s daughter lit up when she saw
William Bevil, Communications Manager
live there.
her rst Cinnamon Teal in the binoculars
provided by Kathanne Lynch, long-term By working with people, we can nd common
Go Paperless supporter, birder and land conservationist. It ground and values and ensure a healthy
If you prefer to receive an was a reminder to take a moment, share your future for people, birds and the land. I left
electronic-only version of passion and create a spark in someone else. Mexico inspired by all the wonderful ranchers
this newsletter, please email we met, our dedicated partners at IMC,
william.bevil#birdconservancy.org to We also visited with Alberto, a young rancher our collaborators with the Forest Service
update your subscription preferences. who wants to carry on the ranch traditions- International Programs and our long-term
His mother is a 7th generation rancher supporters including Kathanne and Board
and Father a 3rd generation rancher. All Member Jean Tate.
Advertise in The Primary Source his brothers and sisters moved to the city,
Looking to promote your business and help but his heart is on the ranch. Working
conserve birds and their habitats? Ad rates with our partners at IMC- Vida Silvestre,
start at just $50 with distribution to over 500 he is changing the traditional ways of
members and supporters! Contact us to grazing and forcing the cattle to utilize the
- Tammy VerCauteren
learn more: info#birdconservancy.org forage differently. The dollars and technical
Executive Director
assistance we are providing with our partners
2 THE PRIMARY SOURCE
Special Interest Groups
Highlighting the unique role of monitoring efforts aimed at specic species
by Jenny Berven, Science Program Manager
As the Integrated Monitoring in Bird Black Hills for South Dakota Department of
Conservation Regions (IMBCR) program Game, Fish and Parks. Science Director Luke
celebrates its tenth year and we recognize George is collecting genetic material from
what it has done for bird conservation, Brown-capped Rosy-Finches in collaboration Levad Award:
we also want to take a step back and with Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Recognizing Excellence
acknowledge how our special species University of California Santa Cruz, Colorado in Ornithology
projects ll in knowledge and conservation Parks & Wildlife, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
gaps not covered by large scale monitoring and the U.S. Forest Service to obtain a better
programs like IMBCR. understanding of the genetic variation and The Richard G. Levad Award
movement patterns of the species. honors the memory of Rich Levad
Bird Conservancy has several special who, after 30 years as an English
species projects that are helping to ll in teacher, turned his lifelong love
those informational gaps. Before 2012, a of birds into a second career with
seemingly basic question, such as ‘where Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory.
do Black Swifts go in the winter?’ did not In 2005, Staff and Board chose to
have an answer. Through a collaboration honor Rich by establishing this
with Kim Potter (U.S. Forest Service), award in his name.
Carolyn Gunn, some geolocators, birds
returning to the same nest area every year, The award is presented to a person
and the willingness of researchers to climb who, like Rich, inspires others
challenging terrain, we now know where to conserve birds by sharing
Black Swifts spend their winters. knowledge and experiences, and
provides distinguished service to
Remote wilderness night hikes are the ornithological community.
necessary for gathering data about Mexican
Spotted Owls. Photo by Danny Hofstadter. Do you know someone
who is deserving of this
All of these projects share at least one thing in special award?
common: the species’ populations seem to be Visit www.birdconservancy.
in trouble. Throughout the West, Black Swift org/levadaward to submit
breeding sites are disappearing. The Mexican your nomination!
Spotted Owl is federally listed as Threatened.
Biologists once found American Dippers in
Rich was especially passionate
most streams in the Black Hills, but now
about research on ‘special’ species
Biologist Rob Sparks releases a Black Swift there are few. Brown-capped Rosy-Finches
afxed with a lightweight GPS backpack. like the Black Swift, Purple Martin,
have already declined significantly and
Focused monitoring efforts helped shed light on Western Screech Owl and colonial
changes to Colorado’s alpine environment
this species’ migratory behaviors and wintering waterbirds—efforts which are often
may further limit their habitat. Our scientists
locations in Brazil. Photo by Todd Patrick. difcult to nd funding for precisely
are working hard to determine the causes,
because they’re so specic.
the rst step in reversing these trends.
Most of our teams travel off the beaten path
Rich died of Lou Gehrig’s Disease
to study birds, but some hike off-trail and in
in February 2008. In his nal days,
the dark. Biologist Wendy Lanier runs a crew
Rich and his family worked to
monitoring Mexican Spotted Owls in Arizona
establish the Richard G. Levad
and New Mexico. Along with our partners
Memorial Fund. This fund is
at the U.S. Forest Service, we have been
dedicated to continuing special
counting spotted owls for four years to help
species research efforts. For more
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service decide if and
information about how to contribute
when the Mexican Spotted Owl can be safely
to this fund, visit the Chip In! page
removed from the list of threatened species.
on our website. Be sure to indicate
Sometimes special species projects focus on your donation is dedicated to the
We’re studying Brown-capped Rosy-Finches Richard G. Levad Memorial Fund in
birds in specic locations. Biologist Nancy in their alpine habitat to identify causes of
Drilling is looking at American Dipper nest site the appropriate box.
population decline. Photo by Joel Such.
occupancy and reproductive success in the
THE PRIMARY SOURCE 3
ON THE COVER: American Dipper
Photo by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
A Partnership for the Birds
Working together to deliver conservation science on working lands
by Ty Woodward, Private Lands Wildlife Biologist
Set at the conuence of the open grassland We worked with contributing partners
OUR MISSION prairies of eastern Colorado and the including Colorado Parks and Wildlife,
Conserving birds and their habitats unique coniferous extension of the Palmer U.S. Forest Service (Research Division)
through science, education and divide is Kiowa Creek Ranch. Named for and the Natural Resources Conservation
the headwaters which ow into the South Service (NRCS) to preserve and restore
land stewardship
Platte River, this property is owned by the forest while selectively removing
Audubon Rockies and managed by High some of the severely burned trees. This
OUR VISION Country Land Management (HCLM). enhances existing habitat while improving
HCLM’s charismatic owners, Dan and and providing new opportunities for select
A world where birds are forever Adrian Lorenz , focus on stabilizing natural groups of birds.
abundant, contributing to healthy processes that provide bird habitat which
landscapes and inspiring human supports their multi-species livestock
curiosity and love of nature. production business “Corner Post Meats.”
Audubon Rockies recognized the property’s
OUR APPROACH importance when securing it for their
Conservation Ranching Initiative as many
Our mission is advanced through parcels in the area had already been lost to
sound science, achieved through development. They also saw in the Lorenz’s
empowering people, realized kindred spirits who shared their vision
through stewardship and for ranching in harmony with the natural
sustained through partnerships. ecosystem. Now, they work together to The work at Kiowa Creek improves habitat
enhance bird habitat through grazing and for Great Horned Owls and other birds.
Our work radiates from the share that conservation land ethic within
Rockies to the Great Plains, their local community as well as the wider A more resilient and vigorous forest
Mexico and beyond. ranching industry. improves habitat for species such as
Western Bluebirds, Pygmy Nuthatches,
Together, we are improving Wild Turkey and Northern Goshawks. The
adjacent edge habitats and transitions
native bird populations, the
between mixed-grass prairie and forest
land and the lives of people. provide additional benets for grassland
species such as Western Meadowlarks,
Vesper Sparrow and Red-tailed Hawks.
Connect with Us Future monitoring of bird populations
For the latest on our upcoming events,
at the site will verify how well the
visit www.birdconservancy.org, sign up
enhancements are working.
for our e-newsletter on our website or Kiowa Creek Ranch provides diverse
become a fan of Bird Conservancy of habitat for plants, such as this wild iris, as
well as wildlife and livestock. This unique partnership between bird
the Rockies on Facebook.
conservation organizations and engaged
Facebook land managers/livestock producers
www.facebook.com/birdconservancy Bird Conservancy of the Rockies recently
highlights how practical, win-win
got involved to help address concerns
solutions can achieve multiple outcomes.
Twitter within the forested habitats on the ranch.
We’re excited to help create a lasting
@BirdConservancy When the 2014 Black Forest Fire hit the
legacy, improving the livelihood of both
property, it severely burned about ¼ of its
YouTube people and birds at Kiowa Creek for
Search: Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
forest, with high-intensity crown res that
generations to come.
killed entire stands of ponderosa pine.
4 THE PRIMARY SOURCE
New Banding Coordinator
A look ahead at the future of Bird Conservancy’s bird banding programs
One of Bird Conservancy’s longest-running grew up in Oregon and began birding on
programs is bird banding. At banding family trips to Malhuer National Wildlife BIRD BANDING
stations, birds are caught, measured, Refuge. Colin took his rst eld job in 2004
banded and released by skilled biologists, studying sagebrush shrub-steppe birds Visitors are welcome to visit our spring
while educators interpret the process for and has been working in avian monitoring bird banding stations at Chadron State
the public. Much of what we know about and research ever since. He partnered with Park and Chico Basin Ranch in Colorado.
bird migration, dispersal, annual survival, Bird Conservancy for his Master’s thesis, For more information, check out our website:
species’ life-spans and population trends studying breeding ecology and habitat use
www.birdconservancy.org/
comes from long-term studies involving of Mountain Plovers.
what-we-do/education/bird-banding
banding. We are proud to contribute to
that knowledge every year by facilitating
multiple bird banding stations in Colorado
and Nebraska. As we enter our 30th year
studying and conserving birds, a focal point Bandin stations offer a unique opportunity to
Banding
of our strategic plan is expanding our bird study
t d bird
b demography and population dynamics
banding program and nding new ways as well as provide up-close educationaltio al
to share the information gleaned with the
scientic community and the public. experiences that can have a lasting impact
pact on
visitors.
This year, we welcome Colin Woolley as ~ Colin Woolley
our new Banding Coordinator, a position
that was made possible in part through Bird banding is a crucial component of many studies that allow us to individually identify
the generous support of one of our donors. birds and track their movements. The top priority of a banding coordinator is to ensure the
He will be responsible for managing the safety of the birds that we capture and release. Bird Conservancy biologists are trained in
state and federal permits that allow Bird the proper handling of wild birds and continually assess their banding efforts to uphold
Conservancy to capture, band and release safe practices. Colin is eager to work with the talented Bird Conservancy biologists and
wild birds. A lifelong lover of birds, Colin educators as he continues to grow a safe and scientically robust banding program.
STAFF MIGRATIONS Kelli Hirsch, Development Manager, is
a central Nebraska native (now living in
Brighton) who brings considerable skills
Welcome to our new Staff! in fundraising and philanthropy to our
organization. She also plays French horn
with the Denver Philharmonic Orchestra!
Jennifer Timmer is our Conservation Delivery
Biologist and is based in our Fort Collins,
CO ofce. Jen is focused on developing tools
Welcome to our new Board Members!
and resources for our partners utilizing our Jim S. Strickland has spent his career growing
scientic research and bird monitoring data. innovative, science-based organizations — most
recently as founder and president of FAST
BioMedical. He enjoys helping reseach-based
Rita Sims, Accounting Manager, works entitities thrive and is a passionate advocate
closely with the CAO and Accounting team for conservation and sustainability.
to oversee accounts payables, payroll needs
and to generally ensure our nancials are Eileen Dey is owner of Dey Consulting
in good working order! Rita is based in our and brings a wealth of experience working
Brighton, CO ofce. within the energy sector to utilize science
and best practice management approaches
Lauren Connell, Private Lands Wildlife that reduce environmental impacts and
Biologist, works closely with private improve community relationships.
landowners and managers in northeastern
Wyoming (based in Gillette, WY) to enhance
Farewells:
Tyler Edmondson, Allison Fowle, Peggy Marston, Sonja Macys,
and restore habitat in sagebrush and
Alexandra Mayes, Jeff Birek, Greg Levandoski, Valerie Marshall,
grassland ecosystems. Nancy Gobris, Mary Ferraro, Jason Beason, Steve Deitemeyer
THE PRIMARY SOURCE 5
CALENDAR Pre-registration is required for all Camp/Educational Programs
EST. 1992
2018 CAMP PROGRAMS
DAY CAMPS (Ages 4-12) OVERNIGHT CAMPS (Ages 12-17) HOMESCHOOL PROGRAMS
Day Camps are the perfect introduction to Overnight Camps offer a welcoming
science and nature for younger kids, fostering learning environment for kids who have
Homeschool programs are offered at
positive learning experiences through hikes, aged out of our Day Camps, as well as
games, crafts and outdoor play. pre-teens and teens who are new to Bird our Environmental Learning Center
Conservancy programs. Overnight camps located at Barr Lake State Park.
Wild Nestlings Mini-Camp (Ages 4-5) take place at Highlands Camp in Allenspark,
July 12 and 13 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. daily CO, with drop-off and pick-up at our All About Grasslands
Tuition: $18/child/day Environmental Learning Center at Barr Monday, April 9 from 1:30 - 3:30 PM
Lake State Park in Brighton, CO. $5/child, $1/adult
Budding Birders (Ages 6-9)
10% multi-child discount
July 16-20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily
Taking Flight (Ages 12 to 14)
Tuition: $200/week
Dates: June 11—16 Annual Bald Eagle Hike
Raptor Camp (Ages 6 -9) Location: Highlands Presbyterian Camp Monday, May 7 from 9 AM -12 PM
July 30-August 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily Tuition: $750/week $5/child, $1/adult
Tuition: $200/week 10% multi-child discount
On the Wing (Ages 15 to 17)
Amazing Adaptations (Ages 10-12) Dates: June 20 – 29, 2018
July 23-27 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, with an Location: Highlands Presbyterian Camp
optional campout on Wednesday night. Tuition: $1,250/week
Tuition: $275/week
Big Week Camp (Ages 10-12)
August 6-10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, with
an optional campout on Wednesday night.
Tuition: $275/week
FAMILY CAMPOUT VOLUNTEER!
Leaders-in-Training Program
Bring the whole family out to Barr Lake for (Ages 12 to 17) Are you passionate about connecting
a night under the stars! Participants enjoy Older campers increase leadership skills others with nature and science?
hikes, games and some quality time around by sharing their knowledge and passion Become a Bird Conservancy volunteer
the campre. Get to know our camp staff for birds and the natural world with and be part of the solution for
and meet other camp families. Children younger campers. LITs assist camp staff conservation! Volunteers assist with in-
must be accompanied by an adult. Includes in delivering programs and providing an class programs, eld trips and special
dinner and breakfast. enriching experience. Space is limited events around the Denver area.
June 2 - 3, 2018 • 5 p.m. - 10 a.m. to 5 per session, so apply early! Visit the
$5/child and $10/adult web address below to learn more. For more information contact Sherry
at (303) 659-4348 x11 or e-mail:
sherry.nickolaus@birdconservancy.org
To enroll in camp programs, visit www.birdconservancy.org/what-we-do/education
For the past 30 years, the Scientic and Cultural Facilities SCHOLARSHIPS
Half, full and partial scholarships are
District (SCFD) has been a catalyst for culture across the
available thanks to Bird Conservancy donors
Denver metro region. With one powerful penny collected and grants from the Brighton Legacy
from every ten dollars spent in seven participating counties, Foundation, The Dellora A. and Lester J.
SCFD provides invaluable nancial resources, creating Norris Foundation, Society for Science & the
an ecosystem of unparalleled access for all to experience Public and Adams County Open Space.
art, culture and science. SCFD funding supports Bird For more information, contact
Conservancy’s education programs, helping us connect, Jennifer Watson at (303) 659-4348 x19 or
engage and inspire thousands of people in nature each year. e-mail: jennifer.watson@birdconservancy.org
6 THE PRIMARY SOURCE
2018 Speaker Series
Do you have
The Evolution of Beauty any of these?
In his new book, The Evolution of Beauty: How
Darwin’s Forgotten Theory of Mate Choice
Shapes the Animal World—and Us, evolutionary
ornithologist Richard O. Prum, PhD, examines
how mating preferences—what Darwin
termed “the taste for the beautiful”—create
the extraordinary range of ornamentation in
the animal world.
Join us for our rst 2018 Speaker Series event
with Richard as he explores amazing examples
of bird beauty, from intricate courtship dances
to elaborate plumage with bright colors.
Take a closer look at club-winged manakins
who sing with their wings, and great argus
pheasants who dazzle prospective mates with
a four-foot-wide cone of feathers covered in
golden 3D spheres. You will also discover how
this framework provides important insights
into the evolution of human sexuality.
Tuesday, May 1 • 7 p.m.
Presented in partnership with $12 Bird Conservancy/Museum
member • $15 nonmember
Book sale & signing after the talk!
If so, you might want to
consider having a will.
In the News
Bird Conservancy recently received a $5,000 grant Planned Giving: A Lasting Legacy
from the Society for Science and the Public, a nearly for Birds and People
century-old nonprot that works to expand scientic
literacy. The grant supports expanded delivery of STEM-related educational Including Bird Conservancy of the
activities for low-income students in the Nebraska Panhandle, a predominantly Rockies in your estate planning
rural community, and enables our educators to magnify the use of bird banding will benet people, birds and land.
stations to engage underserved youth in scientic research. Your gift makes an impact beyond
your lifetime, and helps ensure Bird
Conservancy is here for the next 30
Brighton Legacy Foundation awarded a $2,500 grant to Bird years and beyond.
Conservancy of the Rockies to support educational programs
at our Environmental Learning Center at Barr Lake State Park. To nd out easy ways you can support
The foundation works to encourage a spirit of philanthropy, Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
improving the quality of life for all residents in Brighton, beyond your lifetime, please contact
Colorado. Kelli Hirsch, Development Manager,
at (303) 659-4348 ext. 12 or kelli.
Bird Conservancy’s summer camp program “On the Wing” was hirsch@birdconservancy.org.
recently recognized with the 2017 Innovative Environmental
Education Program Award from Colorado Alliance for When there’s a will, there’s a way!
Environmental Education (CAEE). The award was presented
at the Advancing Environmental Education Conference on
March 3, a gathering of CAEE members from across the
state representing educators, non-prots, nature centers,
government agencies, higher education, businesses– all
working to advance environmental education.
THE PRIMARY SOURCE 7
Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
14500 Lark Bunting Lane
Brighton, CO 80603
www.birdconservancy.org
Printed with 100% wind power, environmentally friendly
The Primary Source No. 52 - Spring/Summer 2018 toners and vegetable-based inks on recycled paper
Chip in for Birds!
Thank You for
You can help protect birds today with your gift to Chipping In!
BIRD CONSERVANCY OF THE ROCKIES
Donations in any amount are welcome and can be made securely at
www.birdconservancy.org. Click “Donate Now” on the top right of the page. Become a Member
of Bird Conservancy!
WAYS YOU CAN HELP
$35 Individual Member
You can count on me Please contact me about how I can include
for a monthly gift! Bird Conservancy in my estate plans $60 Family / Household
Please contact me to make a gift in I have included Bird Conservancy
someone’s memory or honor in my estate plans $100 Sponsor
Name
$250 Contributor
Address
$500+ Friend
City/State/Zip
Email Please mail to:
Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
Phone 14500 Lark Bunting Lane
I have enclosed a Check* in the amount of $ Brighton, CO 80603
* Please make check payable to Bird Conservancy of the Rockies or
Bird Conservancy of the Rockies is a 501(c)(3) nonprot organization. Your gift is tax deductible. Save a stamp! Donate online at
www.birdconservancy.org
THANK YOU for supporting bird and habitat conservation! 36
Click “Donate Now.”
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