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INSTITUTE FOR FIELD ORNITHOLOGY | |
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INSTITUTE FOR FIELD ORNITHOLOGYNEOTROPICAL BIRD ECOLOGY 10-17 October 2008  Photo copyright Canopy Tower Tropical ornithology will surprise and delight you. There is far more known about the haunts and habits of temperate zone bird species than those that inhabit the tropics, but in recent years that knowledge gap has been closing. During the week you will focus on the latest research on tropical bird natural history including: species diversity, habitat characteristics, migration patterns, nesting behavior, and the multiple roles birds play in tropical forest ecology. You will divide your time between classroom sessions and field experience. While this is a workshop and not a birding tour, it is certain that you will see many species of extraordinary birds ranging from toucans to antbirds to tanagers, all in the course of the week.  John Kricher is best known for his book A Neotropical Companion, which has become a standard reference on tropical ecology and which includes a great deal of emphasis on birds. He has also authored three ecology field guides in the Peterson Field Guide Series, and has contributed articles to Birding, Birder's World, and Bird Watcher's Digest. John has done Earthwatch-sponsored research on migrant birds and is widely published in ornithological journals. He is past president of the Wilson Ornithological Society, the Association of Field Ornithologists and Nuttall Ornithological Club and is a Fellow in the American Ornithologists Union. John is a member of the board of directors of the American Birding Association and has served on the boards of New Jersey Audubon Society and Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences. He is a professor of biology at Wheaton College and lives with his wife Martha Vaughan on Cape Cod.  Ocellated Antbird. Photo copyright Canopy Tower The workshop sites will be centered around the splendid Canopy Tower and Canopy Lodge. The Canopy Tower, in the heart of Panama's Soberania National Park, is at an altitude of 900 feet above sea level, and from its roof you can see the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal and the skyline of Panama City, just 30 minutes away. In addition to offering first class accommodations, Canopy Tower allows birders access to the rainforest canopy itself, where species such as the Blue Cotinga and Green Shrike-Vireo can be easily observed. The total bird list for the Tower and surrounding area keeps growing and is now 283 species. The Canopy Lodge is located in El Valle de Anton, and is a new facility which, like Canopy Tower, abounds in comfort, hospitality, good food, and excellent birding. Species such as the unique White-tipped Sicklebill are found nearby and species ranging from Sunbittern to Black-crowned Antpitta are possibilities. By contrasting the birds found around Canopy Tower with those around Canopy Lodge, we will come to better understand the factors that determine tropical bird diversity. We'll also see a fantastic array of bird species!  Rufous-crested Coquette. Photo copyright Canopy Tower The trails are relatively flat and well kept but may be slippery when wet. Hikes are not longer than 3-4 hours with frequent stops and beverages available in the accompanying vehicles. No strenuous activities at all are planned. Climate is warm to hot, and humidity is constantly high. Canopy Tower does not have elevators, and bedrooms are on first and second floors, the dining room on the third, and the observation deck on the fourth so there will be walking up and down the stairs. Due to the unique characteristics of some of the rooms there are different per person price structures. Please note that there are 5 single rooms at Canopy Tower, but they are smaller and share a common bathroom. Due to the limited number of available rooms, we cannot offer the double rooms for one person only. If we cannot find you a roommate, you will be booked into the single rooms. There are two suites at Canopy Tower that will be booked on a first come/first served basis. Price includes lodging, ground transportation (including airport transfers) and all meals. Single room: $2,745 ABA Institute for Field Ornithology, ABA |
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