Yellow-billed Cuckoo Workshop Information
Thank you for registering for the Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo survey training workshop. Please review the survey protocols, survey forms and Yellow-billed Cuckoo vocalizations. Bring a copy of the protocols and review it before the workshop, so that we may answer any questions. Please note that the survey protocols are currently being reviewed by the Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo Working Group and information presented in the workshop may be slightly different than those described in the 2009 survey protocol packet (linked below). Also, please download and listen to the Yellow-billed Cuckoo vocalizations to become familiar with them prior to the workshop.
Kern River Valley Workshop
June 27 & 28, 2013 in the Kern River Valley, CA
Day 1: 1pm to 5pm at the Southern Sierra Research Station
Day 2: 6am to 10am. We will meet at the Research Station and then head out to the South Fork Wildlife Area.
The Kern River Valley workshop will be held at the Southern Sierra Research Station's Headquarters, located at 7872 Fay Ranch Rd. SSRS is located off of Highway 178 in the mountains east of Bakersfield near Lake Isabella. At 1:00 pm on June 27th, we will meet the Research Station. To get there turn north (the only direction you can go) on Fay Ranch Rd - at the South Fork Elementry School; from Hwy 178, approximately 2 ½ miles east of Kern River Preserve. The research Station is 1.5 miles down the road on the right. The next morning we’ll meet at the South Fork Wildlife area at 6 am for the field portion of the workshop to demonstrate field survey protocols. Cuckoos breed at this Wildlife area annually and they should be present for our field visit.
In June, the daytime temperatures are typically in the 90s and the nighttime temperature is in the 50s or 60s. Please be prepared for both hot and cold temperatures. Also, bring the following gear with you to the workshop: binoculars, rubber boots (optional, but recommended), hiking boots, sunscreen and mosquito repellent. Also, to help reduce waste, please bring a water bottle and coffee mug. We will provide water, coffee and tea on Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning.
For more information about the Kern River Valley Yellow-billed Cuckoo workshop please contact John Stanek (jrstanek.ssrs AT gmail.com). For more information about the area and for a list of the motels in the area please check Nature Ali's website.
Please download (and read) the Cuckoo Natural History and Survey Protocol pdf before attending the workshop.
Blythe, CA Workshop
June 24 & 25, 2013 in Blythe, CA
Day 1: 1 pm to 5 pm at Southern Sierra Research Station Blythe field house
Day 2: 6 am to 10 am. We will meet at the Palo Verde Ecological Reserve (PVER, 8.5 miles north of Blythe off CA 95 N, map/directions will be provided).
The Lower Colorado River Yellow-billed Cuckoo (YBCU) Survey Workshop will be held at Southern Sierra Research Station's field house, located at 3856 Sandy Point Drive, Blythe CA 92225. The field house is located approximately 7.4 miles / 15 minutes from the Blythe city center. From Interstate 10 take exit 241 heading North on Intake Blvd/US 95 towards Needles CA. At 2.4 miles turn right onto 6th Ave (at large yellow billboard to Hidden Beaches Resort); at 0.6 miles turn right onto Hidden Beaches Drive (follow signs), take the first right into the first paved road/ River Estates Hidden Beaches gated community and the first right onto Sandy Point Drive.
The first day of the workshop we will present information on current YBCU survey protocol, YBCU ecology, as well as information on our current research. After the meeting, participants are welcome to stay on and socialize with other participants and Station field biologists, or at the nearby Hidden Beaches Owls Nest Riverside Garden Pub (beer and food can be purchased).
The second day of the workshop will be held in the field, at Palo Verde Ecological Reserve (PVER), located by the Colorado River approximately 8.5 miles (17 min) north of Blythe, a couple of miles north of our field house. PVER currently supports arguably the largest western cuckoo breeding subpopulation in California (24 confirmed and up to 39 possible breeding territories estimated in 2012); it currently comprises over 160 hectares (400 acres) of multi-structured 2-7 year-old planted riparian cottonwood-willow forest, jointly managed for wildlife habitat by the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program and California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Cuckoo arrival times vary, but visiting the site in late June practically ensures that all participants will hear or see cuckoos. We will demonstrate the call playback protocol, and let participants practice until they feel confident. We will also demonstrate nest finding methods as well as taking participants to view several of the nests found in 2012.
In June, the average morning temperature at 6 am is 74 degrees, rising quickly to 100 degrees by noon. Night time temperatures are rarely below 67 degrees. Please be prepared for both cool and hot temperatures. Sunrise occurs at approximately 6:20 am. Also, please bring the following gear with you to the field portion of the workshop: binoculars, sunhat, sunscreen, and water. If you would like to practice the survey protocol you should also bring your GPS and compass. We will provide data sheets and clipboards. Surveys will be conducted from dirt roads so wear appropriate footwear. After the workshop you can continue to bird at the site if desired.
For more information about the Lower Colorado River Yellow-billed Cuckoo workshop please contact Diane Tracy (dtracy.ssrs AT gmail.com). Blythe has over 14 motels (www.tripadvisor.com/Blythe) as well as numerous restaurants (Chinese, Thai, BBQ, Mexican) and all the major fast food chains. We can provide further information on vegetarian/vegan options in Blythe if requested.
Please download (and read) the Cuckoo Natural History and Survey Protocol pdf before attending the workshop.