Dear Birders, Research will continue this year on shorebirds migrating through the southwest Lake Erie Marsh Region and you have the opportunity to be involved! This research will collect valuable information which will be used to improve habitat management strategies for this important stopover area. Your help is needed to ensure this project is successful in collecting the greatest amount of information possible. As part of the project, researchers will be capturing and color-marking shorebirds on their breast feathers. The color-marking is a temporary marking which enables information to be collected on the movements and habitats used by the migrating birds. You can help with this project by seeking out color-marked shorebirds during your birding adventures this spring. When you are lucky enough to spot a marked bird, record information on the colors of the markings, the location, the type of habitat, the species sighted, and the bird’s behavior; report your sighting to Keith Norris ([log in to unmask], (217)855-6324). More information, pictures of marked birds, and a convenient data sheet are available on the Black Swamp Bird Observatory's website (Click Here<http://www.bsbobird.org/pdf/Shorebird_Migration_Research_Form.pdf> ). When you see one of these color-marked birds, take comfort in knowing that bird is contributing to the conservation of shorebird habitat and our understanding of shorebird migration ecology. And don’t forget to send in your sighting! The color-marking operation is one aspect of a larger research project. This entire study will provide insights on: · Body mass dynamics of migrating shorebirds · Food and habitat resources available for migrating shorebirds in the southwest Lake Erie Marsh Region · Local shorebird movements and stopover duration The results of this research will be used to improve the “Shorebird Habitat Conservation Strategy” developed by the Upper Mississippi River & Great Lakes Region Joint Venture. Happy birding, Keith -- Keith A. Norris Graduate Associate School of Environment & Natural Resources The Ohio State University Project Website <http://twel.osu.edu/projects/Norris.html> [log in to unmask] 217.855.6324 ______________________________________________________________________ Ohio-birds mailing list, a service of the Ohio Ornithological Society. Our thanks to Miami University for hosting this mailing list. Additional discussions can be found in our forums, at www.ohiobirds.org/forum/. You can join or leave the list, or change your options, at: http://listserv.muohio.edu/scripts/wa.exe?LIST=OHIO-BIRDS Send questions or comments about the list to: [log in to unmask]