Black Oystercatcher Webinar

Black Oystercatcher with chick.\Photo by Heather Roskelley.

After a brief summer hiatus, CoastWatch’s webinar series resumes, and brings the focus back to the rocky shoreline.  On Wednesday, September 16, at 6 p.m., Joe Liebezeit of Portland Audubon will lead a virtual session on “Oregon’s Black Oystercatchers and Rocky Habitats: Revealing its mysteries to help protect a species of conservation concern.”

Hosted by CoastWatch Volunteer Coordinator Jesse Jones, the webinar will provide an opportunity to learn about this unique shorebird of conservation concern that depends on
rocky shoreline habitats. Since 2015, Portland Audubon, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and coastal partners have been monitoring this species along Oregon's Coast with the help of a team of community scientists. Liebezeit will discuss the bird's unique life history, the conservation challenges in protecting it, and the results of the multi-year monitoring effort.  Learn about how this work is being used to advance conservation of oystercatchers and Oregon's rocky habitats
and how you can be involved.

Joe has worked for Portland Audubon since 2013, acting as their staff scientist, and leads their Community Science and Coastal Conservation Programs. Prior to his position with Portland Audubon, Joe worked for the Wildlife Conservation Society for 12 years leveraging on-the-ground science efforts to protect wildlife in Arctic Alaska. He received his B.S in Zoology from the University of New Hampshire and a Master’s Degree in Wildlife Management from Humboldt State University. Joe’s work crosses conservation science, policy and outreach disciplines.  He serves on a number of scientific and policy advisory committees, and has
contributed to numerous peer-reviewed publications and conservation planning processes.

The webinar is free and open to all.  To register, contact Jesse Jones, jesse@oregonshores.org. You will be sent a Zoom link close to the date of the event.