[Birdtalk] Western Birding Symposium

[Betsy_Beneke at fws.gov]

Hello Birders!

Please read this entire email before going to the web site to look at the
WBS schedule - there's some important information discussed!

AT LONG LAST...

Join Pete Dunne at the Western Birding Symposium!  Information is now
available on-line at:  http://brighamcity.utah.gov.  All the weekend events
are listed there.  However, ON-LINE REGISTRATION WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE
UNTIL MONDAY MORNING, July 17, even though you can see the registration
form there, so please don't try to use it until that date, if you wish to
register using PayPal.  A pdf of the symposium flyer will also be available
at the web site address above, but probably not until Monday noon.  You
could print the pdf, and pay using a personal check, if you don't wish to
use PayPal.

In addition, we will be sending hard copies of the flyer to whomever would
like one.  I just need a mailing address.  Current UOS members and American
Birding Association members - we already have you on the mailing list, and
you will receive the flyer early next week.

UOS MEMBERS:  You will receive a discounted rate for field trips.  A hard
copy of the flyer will be sent to you, with discounts noted on the
registration form.

OTHER GOOD INFORMATION:  The event will be held, in air-conditioned
comfort, at the NEW wildlife education center at Bear River Migratory Bird
Refuge.  We have a wonderful variety of speakers and topics, as well as
trips lined up for you.  We are also offering activities for "non-birding
significant others and children" at the refuge on Friday and Saturday
afternoons!

The pre-symposium field trip to the Uintas on Wednesday, August 16 should
be great!  An all-day trip, with Mark Stackhouse, box lunch provided, in
the comfort of a large Utah Trailways bus - what a good deal at only
$35.00!

Nikon Sport Optics is one of our official sponsors and will have a booth at
the event.  If any of YOUR festivals, events, clubs, etc. wish to have a
display table, we'd love to have you.  Please contact ME to make
arrangements.

The Crystal Inn in Brigham City is offering a discounted rate ($69.00) to
Western Birding Symposium participants, but you MUST tell them you are
registered for the Symposium when you make the reservation.  There are
other motels in Brigham City which have good rates.  Check out the lodging
and camping list on the web site.

PLEASE NOTE:   The Thursday evening Social with hors d'oeuvres and
beverages, followed by a "pishing workshop" by Pete Dunne, is FREE!  What a
deal!  However, if you wish to take part, YOU MUST REGISTER; please write
in the number of folks attending (behind the N/C), so we can plan food
accordingly  (it's going to be yummy, I promise!)

EXTRA FIELD TRIP LEADERS NEEDED:  If you are an experienced field trip
leader, and can assist with any of the trips, we'd love to have your help!
The perks are:  You will get free admission to ALL the symposium events,
and we will provide a room for you at the Crystal Inn in Brigham City (for
as long as rooms remain available; or we'll find another area motel) for
ONE NIGHT for each field trip you assist with; i.e.  assist with one field
trip, get a night free - assist with two field trips, get two nights free.
We would also like additional leaders who are knowledgeable about
wildflowers, plants, wildlife, phenology, water, ecosystems, etc.)  Please
contact me at the phone number below, or by email if you are interested.

PLEASE FORWARD this email to anyone you think would be interested in
attending the symposium!  Help us spread the word!

Hope to see you there!  If you have any questions, don't hesitate to
contact me.

Betsy Beneke
Utah Ornithological Society President
Phone:  (435) 734-6436  (Tuesday through Saturday - daytime)
Email:  Betsy_Beneke at fws.gov