USGS Biologists Receive Alaska Bird Conservation Awards

By Tony DeGange May 2008

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U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Alaska Science Center biologists Bob Gill and Dirk Derksen were presented with awards at the 25th Alaska Bird Conference held March 3-7, 2008, in Fairbanks, Alaska. The Pete Isleib Award for "outstanding contributions to bird conservation in Alaska" was presented to Gill for his 4 decades of research elucidating the life histories of Alaska's shorebirds. Most recently, Gill continues to share up-to-the-minute computer-generated views of the astounding transoceanic migrations of Bar-tailed Godwits, Bristle-thighed Curlews, and Whimbrels through his ongoing work with satellite telemetry (see URL http://alaska.usgs.gov/science/biology/shorebirds/). Derksen was honored and recognized for establishing and continuing the Alaska Bird Conference, which has advanced the science and communication of bird research in Alaska for 25 years. Both awardees were honored at a banquet on March 6.

Above left: Bob Gill (left) receiving the Pete Isleib Award for Avian Conservation from Daniel D. Gibson (University of Alaska Museum of the North). Named after M.E. "Pete" Isleib, this award is presented at the bird conference every 2 years for outstanding contributions to bird conservation in Alaska. The carving is of a Bar-tailed Godwit. [larger version] Above: Dirk Derksen (left) receiving an award from Philip Martin (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service [USFWS]) for his vision and role in creating the first Alaska Bird Conference. The award is a framed photograph of a King Eider, taken by USFWS employee Ted Swem. Martin also presented an award to Tom Melius (USFWS) for his agency's role in supporting the start and continuation of the Alaska Bird Conference. [larger version]

Shorebird Research at the Alaska Science Center USGS (U.S. Geological Survey)

2008 Alaska Bird Conference Alaska Bird Observatory

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May 2008

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in this issue:

cover story:
Water Quality in the Salish Sea

Striking Variability in Sea-Otter Diets and Feeding Strategies

U.S. Coastal Water-Quality Workshop

Trans-Atlantic Coral Ecosystem Study

Alaska Bird Conservation Awards

Sea-Otter Expert Joins USGS Staff

New Mendenhall Postdoctoral Research Fellows

May Publications List