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Complete the essential USFWS-approved prerequisite for YBCU recovery permits with this two-part training, featuring an intensive classroom deep-dive and four hours of supervised field application.
Description
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Secure your federal survey credentials with Western Biology’s essential Yellow-billed Cuckoo (YBCU) Survey Protocol Training. This USFWS-approved workshop is a prerequisite for biologists, consultants, and land managers seeking an ESA Section 10(a)1(A) recovery permit to conduct surveys for the western Distinct Population Segment (DPS).
Workshop Experience
Led by renowned avian researcher Dr. Murrelet Halterman (lead author of the current survey protocol) and expert biologist Adam Petry, this training uses the latest regional findings (updated annually) to combine rigorous classroom theory with critical field application.
Part I: Classroom Session (In-Person Only): Deep dive into YBCU biology, western DPS status, identification (aural and visual), and the federal permitting process.
Part II: Field Session (Hotchkiss, CO): Hands-on practice at multiple survey sites along the North Fork of the Gunnison River. Participants will gain 4 hours of supervised field experience, practicing the Halterman et al. (2016) call-playback protocol in suitable Critical Habitat.
Professional Benefits
Permit Eligibility: Fulfills the official USFWS-approved training requirement.
Continuing Education: Eligible for up to 7 CEUs through The Wildlife Society (Category I) for Certified Wildlife Biologists®.
Expert Access: Learn directly from the architects of the survey standards and regional experts.
Logistics & Investment
Dates/Location: June 17-18, 2026 | Hotchkiss, Colorado.
Registration Fee: $145 – $295 (Tiered pricing for non-profit, agency, and private sectors).
Combined Training: Participants requiring the full 12 supervised hours for USFWS Region 6 eligibility are encouraged to pair this workshop with our Advanced Field Workshop (Cuckoo Camp).
Optional Add-On: YBCU Habitat Float
Enhance your field knowledge with an exclusive 10-mile journey through the heart of Yellow-billed Cuckoo habitat. Guided by Adam Petry, Dr. Murrelet Halterman, and Western Slope SUP, this float offers a unique and unforgettable perspective on riparian ecology along the Gunnison River.