Topic: Pinyon Jays: Their Natural History, Research, and Opportunities for Citizen Science

Speakers: Amy Seglund, Sensitive Species Coordinator, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and
Liza Rossi, Bird Conservation Coordinator, Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Date and Time: Thursday, March 2nd at 7 pm (doors open at 6:30 pm for socializing)
Location: Hybrid: In person at Evergreen Christian Church and virtual attendance via Zoom

Presentation Details

Pinyon Jays are not a bird we typically think of as residents in our Evergreen world, but a quick look at the Pinyon Jay species map on eBird shows you that these corvids are seen across the Bear Creek Watershed, albeit infrequently. Their common name reflects the preferred Pinyon Pine habitat of these very social corvids.

And this habitat, and the Pinyon Jays that make their home in it, are vulnerable. Pinyon Pine forests are drought stressed across North America. Pinyon Jays, which depend on  Pinyon Pine seeds for a substantial part of their diet, are classified in the IUCN Red List as Vulnerable because of rapid population declines, inferred to result from drought-related degradation of its piñon-juniper woodland habitat and habitat loss.

You will have an exceptional opportunity to learn about the natural history of Pinyon Jays, and the research underway to preserve them, at Evergreen Audubon’s Chapter meeting on Thursday, March 2, 2023, at 7 pm. Amy Seglund and Liza Rossi from Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) will also share how we can assist with survey efforts and will provide a summary of current CPW research and monitoring of the species.

Note: Our presenters will be joining us online, and our meeting will be both online and virtual via Zoom (details below).

About the Speakers:

Amy Seglund received her undergraduate degree from Western Washington University and her Master’s degree from Humboldt State University where she studied the pacific fisher. She spent two years in the Peace Corps stationed in Guatemala studying bird populations. Since returning from the Peace Corps, she has held several positions including one studying the reproductive physiology and behavior of coyotes and as a Conservation Biologist with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. She has been with CPW for 16 years as a Species Conservation Coordinator. She currently focuses on the American Pika, Gunnison’s and White-tailed prairie dogs, the southern White-tailed Ptarmigan, Brown-capped Rosy-Finch, and Pinyon Jays.

Liza Rossi has worked for Colorado Parks and Wildlife for more than 20 years. She started as an Area Biologist in Routt and Jackson Counties, where much of her time was focused on Greater Sage-grouse, Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse, and Greater Sandhill Cranes. In 2016, Liza became the statewide Bird Conservation Coordinator, working on avian species of greatest conservation need. Liza is a member of the Central Flyway Migratory Bird Nongame Technical Committee, the Lesser Prairie-chicken Interstate Working Group, and the Pinyon Jay Working Group. Liza received her undergraduate degree from Middlebury College and her Master’s degree from Colorado State University.

Meeting Logistics

Be sure to arrive when doors open at 6:30 pm so you can grab a good seat (virtual or actual) and visit with your Evergreen Audubon friends & neighbors. If attending virtually, consult the Zoom Meeting Details below. The meeting proper begins at 7 pm with brief announcements to catch you up on Evergreen Audubon’s jam-packed calendar of events and outings, immediately followed by the evening’s program.

Zoom Meeting Details

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83158390470?pwd=YnczUHJ4WExONTU4RWNDQXZDQzhLQT09

Meeting ID: 831 5839 0470
Passcode: 030633

Dial-in according to your phone’s area code.  If you are dialing in from a Colorado phone, the number is:
+1 720 707 2699 US (Denver)
Meeting ID: 831 5839 0470
Passcode: 030633

Or find the appropriate number for your area code visit the Zoom website https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kzc31iRPZ