Partner of the Month

WHSRN Partners: Meeting at Manomet Focuses on Panama's "Hemispheric" Site

The Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network was created in 1985 to address shorebird conservation needs on an enormous scale. It is a voluntary, non-regulatory coalition that identifies and promotes conservation of crucial sites for shorebirds, no matter whether they are used in the breeding, migratory, or “winter” season. The Network is governed by a Hemispheric Council, with a Coordinating Office operated as a program of Manomet. WHSRN brings together science, communities and organizations by protecting critically important shorebird species and the habitat they depend on. Fifty-seven sites from throughout the hemisphere are now included. WHSRN works to conserve these "sites" which are distantly separated, vital stopover areas that form critical links in the migration chain throughout the Western Hemisphere.

Manomet recently hosted a WHSRN planning meeting which was mainly focused on the nomination and dedication of the Upper Bay of Panama as a WHSRN “hemispheric” site. The group also discussed the Copper River Migratory Bird Initiative (CRMBI) and the Waterbird Council. Attending the meetings were Rosabel Miro and Karl Kaufmann, Panama Audubon Society; Jim Chu, U.S. Forest Service; Garry Donovan, Canadian Wildlife Service; and a number of Manomet staff, including Charles Duncan, director of the Coordinating Office of WHSRN at Manomet.

During her visit to Manomet, Rosabel Miro, president of Panama Audubon Society, gave a seminar on "Saving Panama's Shorebirds." The Panama Audubon Society is one of the most important and influential organizations working to protect the extraordinary biodiversity of Panama.

Observing the mist netting operation at Manomet. Left to right – Rosabel Miró, Panama Audubon Society; Garry Donaldson, Canadian Wildlife Service; Jim Chu, U.S. Forest Service; Charles Duncan, WHSRN.

Charles Duncan introducing Rosabel Miró at seminar she presented on Panama’s efforts to preserve Migratory shorebirds. Miro discussed birding in Panama and what the Panama Audubon Society is doing to protect migratory shorebirds.