Re: AUSTRALIAN BIRD STUDY ASSOCIATION (ABSA) SCIENTIFIC DAY 2007
Hi all,
This year the Australian Bird Study Association's Scientific Day will
be held on March 10th in Forbes, NSW. The program for the day includes
several speakers* presenting topics on the theme of
cooperative-breeding birds in Australia, and a few additional talks on
other interesting topics.
Cooperative-breeding systems in birds have generated considerable
interest and research over the past four decades. Much of this has
been driven by the apparent paradox of individuals foregoing their own
reproduction to assist that of others. Dean Portelli, currently
undertaking a PhD on the cooperative-breeding behaviour of Halls
Babbler (Pomatostomus halli) will give an introductory presentation on
the diversity of cooperative-breeding systems and the theories
proposed to explain their evolution.
Caroline Blackmore has recently undertaken a PhD study on grey-crowned
babblers (Pomatostomus temporalis), a well-known Australian
cooperative-breeder of Australias temperate and tropical woodlands.
More specifically, Carolines research focussed on the interaction
between cooperative-breeding and the impact of habitat fragmentation
on persistence in this near-threatened species.
Rachel Sims PhD research was centred on the cooperative-breeding
behaviour of the Dusky Woodswallow (Artamus cyanopterus). Like other
woodswallows this species is highly mobile, a characteristic not seen
in the majority of cooperative-breeders. Rachels research examined the
cooperative-breeding behaviour and social organisation of this
poorly-understood species.
Iain Woxvold carried out a PhD on one of the most social of Australian
birds, the cooperatively-breeding Apostlebird (Struthidea cinerea).
Unlike the Apostlebird the cooperative-breeding behaviour of the
closely-related White-winged Chough (Corcorax melanorhamphos) has been
well-studied. Iain will discuss society and politics in both these
very intriguing cooperative-breeding species.
Given the 2007 ABSA Scientific Day will be held in Forbes we have two
additional speakers that will give presentations on topics relevant to
this part of Australia.
John Rawsthorne is currently undertaking research on the ecology of
mistletoes and dispersal of mistletoe seeds by birds. Some of this
research is being conducted in Forbes. John will give a presentation
on the preliminary results of his very interesting research project.
Alex Drew has been intimately involved in a long-term monitoring
project concerned with the colonisation and persistence of birds in
revegetated patches in the Upper Billabong Creek Catchment, near the
town of Holbrook north of Albury. Alex will give a presentation on the
progress and results of this project which is particularly relevant to
areas where extensive clearing of eucalypt woodlands has taken place
and revegetation programs are underway.
Finally, David Drynan of the Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme
(ABBBS) will give a presentation on a new and improved method of
submitting banding data to the banding office and also conduct a
Question and Answer session. This is a great opportunity to ask
questions about bird banding in Australia and the ABBBS.
*Please note: this is a tentative list of speakers and is subject to
change prior to the Scientific Day to be held March 10th.
For more details on the event and to register to attend please contact
Dean Portelli at
Happy Birding!!
Dean Portelli
Secretary
Australian Bird Study Association
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References
1.
2. http://g.msn.com/8HMAENAU/2743??PS=47575
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