Mike Wolder was recognized for his outstanding contributions to the Migratory Bird Program in June when he received a regional director award. FWS Director Dale Hall (left), Deputy Regional Director Ken McDermond, Mike Wolder and Regional Director Steve Thompson at the award ceremony in Monterey, Calif. (photo by Scott Flaherty)

Mike Wolder a biologist at the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex, was a 2008 Regional Director’s Award June 24 for his outstanding contributions to migratory bird issues throughout Region 8 and the Pacific Flyway. The award was presented by Regional Director Steve Thompson at the Region 8 All Project Leaders Meeting in Monterey, Calif.

Wolder has served as the Service coordinator for the annual Midwinter Waterfowl Survey in California for the past eight years. He has been responsible for scheduling, survey completion, data collection and report submission to the flyway representative. In addition, he coordinates with flyway biologists and helps conduct special fall and December goose population surveys in the Sacramento Valley. These surveys are used to facilitate flyway management and harvest regulation decisions. Wolder’s participation in the Flyway Management Process also includes annual submissions and attendance at the March meetings of the Pacific Flyway Study Committee.

Of particular note over the years are Wolder’s efforts on Tule white-fronted geese. Through cooperative ventures with employees from the California Department of Fish and Game, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, the U. S. Geological Survey, and University of California, Davis, he has played a significant role in the monitoring, capture, marking and subsequent discovery of additional migratory and breeding ground information. Wolder’s knowledge and experience coupled with his outgoing personality have helped him facilitate many “on the ground” accomplishments, often under adverse conditions.

More recently, Wolder’s skills have been put to the test in addressing avian influenza issues in the Sacramento Valley. Once again, partnerships have been the key to facilitating employee medical clearances, capturing and sampling of pintail ducks, monitoring and submission of carcasses for sampling, and handling media inquiries related to disease concerns.

Management practices of the wetlands upon which many migratory birds depend, especially those related to mosquito abatement and public health concerns, are also on Wolder’s long list of accomplishments. He co-authored a handbook of best management practices for wetlands in order to minimize mosquito production both on and off refuge.

No matter what the task, and in addition to all his other duties as the Supervisory Wildlife Biologist for a large complex of refuges, Wolder’s coworkers say he approaches each and every “opportunity” with a cheerful “can do” attitude and that he is always ready to help develop, organize and implement whatever is required to get the job done!