Welcome!

Weber State University is pleased to host the Association of Field Ornithologists annual meeting in Ogden, Utah, August  12 – 14, 2010.  Weber State University is situated between the spectacular Wasatch Range of the Rocky Mountains to the east and the Great Salt Lake to the west.  The conference will feature two days of contributed scientific papers, posters, and symposia.  Plenary sessions will include Craig Benkman, Professor and Robert B. Berry Distinguished Chair in Ecology, University of Wyoming, and Charles Duncan, Director of the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network and past AFO President. 

 Field trips will take place before and after the meetings showcasing western specialties from alpine tundra to desert canyons.  Birding in northern Utah this time of year will be impressive.  In fact, Great Salt Lake was listed by Audubon Magazine as one of six “Best Fall Migration Hotspots”!  Over 7.5 million birds, representing 257 species utilize Great Salt Lake each year.  It is one of the most important sites in North America for migrating and breeding shorebirds, waterbirds and waterfowl and is listed as a site of Hemispheric Importance in the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network.  Fall shorebird migration will be well underway during the meeting. 

The AFO encourages ornithologists to use this meeting as a jumping off point to explore the American West.  Utah boasts five national parks, more than any other state in the lower 48, as well as eight national monuments and 48 state parks.  In addition, Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks are just a (gorgeous) day's drive away.  Participants, their families and guests will find a community teeming with fun activities, beautiful mountain vistas and sites of both biological and historical significance.  Ogden was listed by Sunset Magazine as the city with the “Best Access to the Outdoors.”  The landscape is spectacular and provides plenty of activities for the extreme enthusiast or someone just looking for a nice walk.

This meeting also promises to be one of the most affordable ornithological meetings in years.  Salt Lake City is just 30 miles away, and is a major hub for Delta Airlines resulting in relatively low airfare.  Low-cost dorm rooms will be also available.  For further information contact the Local Committee Chair, John Cavitt (jcavitt@weber.edu).