2nd Annual
Georgia Bird Conservation Summit
Friday, October 13, 2006
Jekyll Island Convention Center
4:00 – 6:00 PM – FREE
The goal of the summit is to inspire all Georgia birders to take action and get involved with bird conservation activities. You’ll learn which birds are doing well, and which need help, and what you can do to make a difference.
Moderator: Peter Stangel
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
Swallow-tailed Kite Conservation in Georgia
Diana Swain, Wildlife Biologist
Georgia Department of Natural Resources
A long-distance Neotropical migrant, Swallow-tailed Kites nest in the southeastern U.S. and winter in southern South America. There is concern that their numbers, already severely reduced by the early 1900s, may suffer further declines due to the loss of nesting and wintering habitat. Diana will present an update on DNR's eight-year Swallow-tailed Kite project, and talk about what needs to be done to help protect this species.
Wood Storks over Georgia
Larry Bryan, Wildlife Biologist
Savannah River Ecology Laboratory
For the past 22 years, Larry has been studying Wood Storks to better understand their nesting and foraging needs, and why they have chosen our state as a good place to live. Conservation efforts to help this recovering endangered species include building artificial nest platforms and managing foraging ponds. Birders can help by getting involved in monitoring efforts at colonies and roosts and reporting sightings of banded storks.
Cats Indoors – Saving Birds from Cats
Linda Winter, Director
Cats Indoors! Campaign , American Bird Conservancy
Scientists estimate that hundreds of millions of wild birds are killed each year by domestic cats. The simplest solution is to keep your cat inside—they will lead a healthier, happier life, and you’ll spare the lives of a lot of birds and wildlife. Linda will talk about strategies to use with your own cat, those of your neighbors, and even how to engage your community in Cats Indoors programs.
Conserving Georgia’s Important Bird Areas
Jim Wilson, Georgia’s Important Bird Areas Coordinator
Atlanta Audubon Society
Loss of habitat is the biggest reason for declines in our bird species. With Georgia being the largest state east of the Mississippi River and a very significant flyway for migratory birds, we must identify, monitor, and save those areas of our state that are most needed by our declining bird populations or watch them slowly disappear like Bachman’s Warblers. All birders can help in this endeavor, and Jim will cover what the program is doing and how everyone can participate.
Georgia ’s Citizen Scientists Help Save Birds
Tim Keyes, Wildlife Biologist
Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Amateur birders have always played a critical role monitoring birds and their habitats from Christmas Bird Counts to Breeding Bird Surveys. Tim will speak about several efforts around the state where birders can put there significant talents to work monitoring priority bird species. DNR is overseeing a number of bird projects that address management questions for rare birds, or simply try to keep track of bird population changes. There are opportunities for both expert and amateur birders to participate, contributing critical information to bird conservation efforts.
