birds of montana book project
We are pleased to announce the Birds of Montana project, which is a book that will summarize information on the status, distribution, biology, conservation, and historical aspects of the 422 bird species known to occur in the state. Because Montana is one of the few states without a general reference on its birds, the need for this book is great. Consequently, we have contracted with ornithologist and former Director of Bird Conservation Jeff Marks to lead this exciting project. Jeff and co-authors John Carlson, Dan Casey, and Paul Hendricks began work in September 2007, and the book will be completed in fall 2011. You can help support the book project by participating in the Sponsor-a-Species campaign.
Web pages for Birds of Montana are under construction, so check this page from time to time for new information. Also, please note that the information posted on these pages is in draft form and thus is subject to change at a later date.
- Contents
- Preface
- Introduction to Species Accounts
- Excerpt from History of Montana Ornithology
- Sample Species Accounts
- List of Sponsors
For information contact Jeff Marks, Senior Author, at 503-774-4783 or jeff17_marks@msn.com
Sponsor-a-Species Campaign
Birds of Montana will cover the status, distribution, biology, conservation, and historical aspects of the 422 bird species known to occur in the state. The project is administered by Montana Audubon, a 501(c)(3) institution, and we are seeking funds to help support research and writing time, pay for illustrations and travel to museums and libraries, and defray printing costs to reduce the retail price of the book. All royalties from book sales will go to Montana Audubon.
In addition to requesting funds from foundations, businesses, and government agencies, we are seeking support from individuals who have an interest in birds and conservation in Montana. One way individuals can participate is through sponsorship of species accounts. Individuals can sponsor one or more accounts, with the sponsor's name appearing at the end of each account (see Brown Creeper and Turkey Vulture) and in the acknowledgments. The donation to sponsor an account ranges from $100-300, depending on the conservation status of the species. The rate for agencies and corporations is $1,000 per species account independent of conservation priority. Donations are fully tax deductible.
We hope you share our excitement about Birds of Montana and that you view the project as we do: a gift to Montanans and others who wish to learn more about the state’s birds, and a means of encouraging the public to treasure and protect the abundance and variety of birds in Montana and the habitats that sustain them. A book like Birds of Montana is long overdue, and you can help make its completion possible. We encourage you to sponsor a number of your favorite species to help support this effort.
View a list of bird species available for sponsorship
For information contact Jeff Marks, Senior Author: 503-774-4783, jeff17_marks@msn.com