Joe Meyers (USGS-PWRC) and University of Georgia Graduate Student Beth Wright will present preliminary data on the density and habitat of the Swainson's Warbler in Bond Swamp National Wildlife Refuge at the Georgia Wildlife Society's fall meeting. Brooks Meanley, a retired PWRC wildlife biologist, first began working on Swainson's Warbler at the same general location while in military service during the 1940's. Meyers and Wright have located high densities of Swainson's along the Ocmulgee River and Stone Creek. Habitat may be associated with river cane, a native bamboo, but analysis and habitat model testing will not be completed until after the 2002 field season. Meyers hypothesized that this species is a indicator of proper water management (regular annual flooding of bottomland forest is necessary) in the southeastern Coastal Plain. Future plans are to determine the effect of flooding using GIS techniques, habitat analysis, and USGS water resources data.

Contact: J. Michael Meyers (Joe) 706-542-1882

Sparling Co-Coordinator of Workshop "Global Amphibian Declines:  an Integrative Approach"

Research Biologist Don Sparling was a co-coordinator of the workshop "Global Amphibian Declines: an Integrative Approach" during the week of 18-23 August in Racine, Wisconsin. The other coordinators were Greg Linder, USGS and Sherry Krest, US Fish and Wildlife Service. The workshop was sponsored by the Society of Environmental Contaminants (SETAC) and the Johnson Foundation. Approximately 35 scientists representing different areas of expertise from the United States and Canada gathered to share ideas on amphibian declines and develop chapters highlighting specific areas of amphibian ecology and stressors. The objective of the workshop was to produce a book that identifies the primary causes of amphibian declines, analyzes how these causes can interact and offers possible remediation actions. It will be targeted towards resource managers and policy makers and is expected to be published by SETAC Press by November 2002.

Contact: Donald W. Sparling 301-497-5723

Atlanta Publication Covers Migratory Bird Conservation:  Includes Meyers' Swainson's Warbler research

The Atlanta Journal Constitution has a three-day front page spread devoted to migratory bird conservation currently still online at http://www.accessatlanta.com/ajc/. Print coverage was done in mid May 2001. Joe Meyers of USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Athens, GA discussed many of the topic's in the articles with reporter Charles Seabrook. Joe's and University of Georgia graduate student Beth Wright's research on Swainson's Warbler at Bonds Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is featured in one article. Many other Fish and Wildlife Service personnel, university researchers, and private citizens are featured in eight different print and web articles, also. Rapid human population growth in north Georgia, bird mortality from TV and cell towers, backyard wildlife management, rare and declining bird species are just some of the featured topics. Attractive art and photos compliment the layout and encourage readers to check out all the important conservation information.

Contact: J. Michael Meyers (Joe) 706-542-1882

Public Service Announcement Contacts: USFWS - Nell Baldacchino 301-497-5766 (5763)
(Through October 14, 2001) USGS - B.H. Powell 301-497-5782

Where the Wild Things Are

Celebrate Earth Science Week and National Wildlife Refuge Week at the National Wildlife Visitor Center, Patuxent Research Refuge

Uncover the mysteries of wildlife through a wide variety of hands-on activities for all ages at the 2nd Annual "Patuxent Wildlife Festival" on October 13-14, 2001 from 10AM - 3PM. Wildlife activities will include:

"Behind the Scenes Guided Tours of Patuxent Wildlife Research Center" - see how endangered whooping cranes are raised in captivity for release to the wild and discover the fascinating history of this premier research facility.

"Be a Detective! Investigate the Web of Life" - explore exhibits, meet live animals, and enjoy hands-on activities for all ages while you discover how the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service provides habitat for a myriad of creatures, great and small, that all play a role in the web of life. Kids become detectives as they look for clues, gather evidence, and uncover the relationship between wildlife and habitat.

"Meet a Researcher" - Scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey = s Patuxent Wildlife Research Center will be on hand to tell you about their exciting discoveries.

"Wildlife Conservation Tram Tours" - enjoy a journey through the habitats of Patuxent Research Refuge and discover how research, wildlife management and public involvement are the keys to wildlife conservation.

FREE admission. Event will occur rain or shine.

The National Wildlife Visitor Center is located on Powder Mill Road, between the Baltimore- Washington Parkway and Route 197 south of Laurel, Maryland. Please advise us of any special needs at least two weeks in advance so that we may accommodate you. Call 301-497-5763, TDD 301-497- 5779 Visit us on the web for upcoming events and more!!!

USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center www.pwrc.usgs.gov

See Previous HiLites:

August 31, 2000
September 21, 2000
September 28, 2000
October 5, 2000
October 16, 2000
October 30, 2000
November 8, 2000
November 16, 2000
November 22, 2000
November 30, 2000
January 4, 2001

March 15, 2001
March 22, 2001
March 29, 2001
April 5, 2001
April 12, 2001
May 17, 2001
May 24, 2001
June 6, 2001
June 21, 2001
August 27, 2001