The 128th annual meeting of the American Ornithologists’ Union, a top professional organization for scientists who study the biology and ecology of birds, will be held next week in San Diego, California.  This year’s meeting is being hosted jointly with other major ornithological professional organizations, including:  the Cooper Ornithological Society and the Society of Canadian Ornithologists. NRC avian biologist Scott Yanco will be in attendance and will be presenting the results of some of his research regarding nest-site selection of Flammulated Owls in central Colorado.  This research is part of a larger, ongoing project concerning habitat selection and population demography in the species, lead by Dr. Brian Linkhart of the Colorado College, Department of Biology. Flammulated Owls are listed as a Forest Service Sensitive Species and are highly dependent on mature forests.  Many of these forests are subject to increased pressure from timber harvest, expanding development, and the effects of fire suppression.  Dr. Linkhart’s research, which has been ongoing since 1981, has contributed greatly to our understanding of the species and has helped land and resource managers make more informed decisions regarding the use of America’s public lands.

If you are interesting in learning more about this topic or the avian services that NRC provides please contact us or visit our avian web page.

Watch NRC’s blog where we will post the electronic version of Scott’s presentation next week.