2006 Ornithological Congress, 22-24 September

[Karen Cleveland]

The registration form for the 2006 Michigan Bird Conservation
Initiative (MiBCI) Ornithological Congress is now available on 
the MiBCI web site at http://www.MiBCI.org. At $70 for registration 
for a 2 day conference, including all meals, it's a great opportunity 
for all those interested in bird conservation to come together 
and work cooperatively for the future of Michigan's birds.

Much of the agenda has been set at this point, and a number of 
dynamic and interesting speakers have agreed to attend. Our 
disease symposium will touch on a number of illnesses with a focus 
on some current hot topics like avian influenza and West Nile Virus, 
presented by staff from the DNR's Wildlife Disease Lab and USDA's 
Wildlife Services who are working directly on these issues. Friday's 
General Assembly meeting is open to all attendees and is an 
opportunity to find out what organizations and individuals
around the state are working on. Saturday morning's speakers will 
be discussing the role of organizations and individuals in some
important 
conservation projects at the state and regional level and how we can 
all work better together. Saturday afternoon will feature status
reports 
on conservation projects and current bird research (papers are still
being 
accepted so apply now if you've been doing something interesting you'd

like to share!). Sunday's Coordinating Council meeting will guide the 
direction of MiBCI into the future.

The meeting is being held at the University of Michigan Biological
Station near Pellston on the banks of scenic Douglas Lake, a short 
3-4 hour drive from the population centers of the southern Lower 
Peninsula. Time has been built into the schedule to allow attendees 
the opportunity to socialize and enjoy the scenery (and birding!) at
the 
facility. We are in the process of identifying a site for a field trip
on Sunday 
morning, have a knowledgeable biologist who will be leading a twilight

birding/owling walk on Saturday. A number of unique items have already

been donated to the silent auction being held on Friday and Saturday 
(check the MiBCI web site for details), with all the proceeds being
applied 
to future MiBCI meetings and supporting the MiBCI web site.

We're looking forward to seeing you there!

Karen Cleveland
MiBCI Transition Team

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Karen T. Cleveland                                         
517-241-4250
All-Bird Biologist                                
clevelak at michigan.gov
Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources
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