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INSTITUTE FOR FIELD ORNITHOLOGY

ORNITHOLOGY FIELD CAMP

CANCELLED

3-8 June 2008
Great Falls, Montana
Instructor: Terry McEneaney

COURSE DESCRIPTION

One of the greatest field expeditions of all time was the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1805-1806. The marvelous country explored by Lewis and Clark would be eventually divided into states, and the state where they spent most of their epic journey, is now called Montana "Big Sky Country". Our "Ornithology Field Camp" follows some of the historic footsteps and paddle strokes of Lewis and Clark.

Designed to go beyond bird listing and ticking, this unique course adds an adventurous ecological and historical perspective while being out "in the field". The five day immersion will involve a combination of avian ecology, physical energy, Lewis and Clark history, and campfire talks, with the ultimate goal of having fun outdoors with a group of fellow birders. Topics will include: bird identification and behavior, habitat assessment, nest searches, census techniques, tips on bird song, bird migration, and conservation. In addition, we will collect and compare our results with what Lewis and Clark found over 200 years ago. Target birds will include: Burrowing Owl, Golden Eagle, Prairie Falcon, Brown Thrasher, Least Flycatcher, American White Pelican, Red-naped Sapsucker, Osprey, Bald Eagle, Long-billed Curlew, Sharp-tailed Grouse, Lark Bunting, and Chestnut-collared Longspur to name a few.

INSTRUCTOR

Terry McEneaney has been the staff ornithologist at Yellowstone National Park for the past 20 years. Prior to this position, he was an ornithologist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for 12 years where he gained valuable field experience throughout the western United States, Canada, Mexico, and Greenland. Terry has lived in towns throughout Montana, and has birded the Big Sky state for 38 years. He is author of Birding Montana, Birds of Yellowstone, and The Uncommon Loon; author of numerous articles in scientific publications, popular magazines, and periodicals such as National Geographic and Smithsonian and author of the Big Sky Birding column in Montana Best Times. Terry is a professional birding guide for Field Guides, Inc., an instructor for the Yellowstone Institute, a member of the Wyoming and the Montana Bird Records Committees, and an international lecturer. Besides being very knowledgeable about Montana and its birdlife, Terry has studied the Journals of the Lewis and Clark Expedition extensively. Field biology is Mr. McEneaney's expertise and it is at the field biology level where he has made his most valuable contributions. The outdoors is where he ultimately feels most comfortable.

WORKSHOP LOCATION

The setting for our "Ornithology Field Camp" will be on the famed Missouri River below Great Falls on the edge of the "shining mountains". As you will see, the country hasn't changed that much since Lewis and Clark's time, and we will be paddling and tent camping along their Missouri River route. Our entire base of operations will be on the Missouri River as it courses through the rolling foothills of the Great Plains, with Great Falls, Montana being the nearest airport.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

It is not necessary to have a marathon style background, but you must be able to do the following: paddle a canoe on a relatively mild-flowing large river and feel comfortable on water; hike 3-5 miles off trail; set up your own tent; put up with the elements (e.g. mosquitoes, weather, mud); and lastly, no whiners. The course will be geared for a moderate physical pace, so would not be suitable for those seeking an extreme experience. All potential students need to contact the instructor beforehand to ensure they meet the physical requirements of the workshop (406-848-7942, 6-9:00 pm Mountain Time). Please check with your personal physician if you have health problems that may affect participation.

WORKSHOP PRICES

$2369

Price includes 5 nights lodging and tents (single or double tents are available), ground transportation during the workshop including airport transfers, canoes and outfitting, and all meals during the workshop. Workshop is limited to 9 participants.

ABA Institute for Field Ornithology, ABA
4945 N 30th St, Suite 200, Colorado Springs, CO 80919
719/578-9703 x235 . fax 719/578-1480 . ifo@aba.org