For students, faculty, personnel from federal and state agencies, museums, environmental organizations and consulting firms
Dragonflies and Damselflies: Field Techniques and Identification June 26 - July 2 Instructors: Bryan Pfeiffer Location: Eagle Hill Institute, Steuben, Me Although dragonflies and damselflies are fairly easy to learn, they can be hard to catch or observe in the field. This seminar will emphasize practical field skills for locating and identifying members of the order Odonata. Morning lectures will cover biology, taxonomy, and ecology. From late morning until late afternoon, participants will learn in the field visual identification, net technique, catch-and-release identification, specimen collection, and (for those interested) photography. Most important, the seminar will feature a truly “generic” approach to this order: we’ll cover the particular habitat requirements, field techniques, and appropriate morphological characteristics for the more elusive (and prized) genera, including Ophiogomphus (Snaketails), Stylurus (Hanging Clubtails), Somatochlora (Striped Emeralds), Williamsonia (Boghaunters), and certain members of other genera. For example, although many Somatochlora and Leucorrhinia species inhabit peatlands, your approach to finding and identifying them are entirely different. Evening sessions will cover specimen preparation and identification. We’ll use mounted specimens for lessons in field macro photography. Although students will be busy with adults (dragonflies), we will briefly cover nymph collection and identification. This seminar is suitable for beginning and advancing odonatologists, and for collectors and observers alike. You will get wet and be happy in the company of these charismatic insects. Instructor, Bryan Pfeiffer ([email protected]) has lectured and guided people in the discovery of birds and insects. As a consulting field birder and entomologist, Bryan has worked for governments, timber companies, private landowners, and conservation groups. For general information, go to http://eaglehill.us/programs/nhs/natural-history-seminars.shtml For course calendar and course descriptions, go to http://www.eaglehill.us/programs/nhs/nhs-calendar.shtml For application information and cost breakdown, go to http://www.eaglehill.us/programs/general/application-info.shtml For more information, contact [email protected], 207-546-2821 x 1
