January 2010

TOPIC:  Orioles and Ocelots: Wisconsin's Connection to Costa Rica

SPEAKER:  Craig Thompson

WHEN:  Tuesday, January 19

TIME:  7:00 pm Refreshments
TIME:  7:30 pm Program

WHERE:  Capitol Lakes Retirement Community -- click for map
333 W. Main Street, Madison

PARKING:  Free – ramp across the street
Lower levels – must use unmarked spaces or those labeled “DNR”

PRE-MEETING DINNER:  You are invited to join Madison Audubon board members and friends at the pre-program dinner with our speaker beginning at 5:15.

Paisan's 131 West Wilson Street

QUESTIONS?:  Please call the MAS office at (608)255-2473.

More than half of Wisconsin’s 238 species of breeding birds spend the winter in Latin America, entirely dependent on tropical habitats for survival. Unfortunately, Latin America’s lush forests are rapidly being destroyed as burgeoning human populations clear land to meet basic needs. The result is declining populations of many of our most beloved birds, including Baltimore Oriole, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Wood Thrush and Golden-winged Warbler.

Wisconsin is taking groundbreaking action by supporting protection of 1,500 acres of threatened forest on Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula, a global conservation priority and home to thousands of species of plants and animals, including the beautiful ocelot and magnificent jaguar. Fifty-four species of Wisconsin’s birds find safe harbor in the Osa’s forests, including 18 considered conservation priorities.

Craig Thompson received a Master's degree in Zoology and Physiology from the University of Wyoming where he taught ornithology and studied the ecology of Burrowing Owls in short grass prairies. He is currently Regional Land Program Supervisor with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and also chairs the Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative's International Committee. A Master Bird Bander, Craig has conducted birding trips to Latin America for the past 17 years.