Aaron Skinner

Check out this @TEDx talk! Conservationists must work with local communities to implement economically viable #conservation solutions. Thanks @FulbrightCol @FulbrightPrgrm @NatureAg @TNC_Colombia @TEDxUBC @selvaorgco @WoRCSLab #ornithology #Sustainability youtube.com/watch?v=osryaOTm…

So grateful for the opportunity to speak to general audiences on the importance of birds, biodiversity, and conservation. Ironically, I really enjoyed preparing and delivering this talk on the 6th mass extinction, despite its macabre nature!
 youtube.com/watch?v=A7tQ1r0s…

2nd chapter of MS just published on winter space use in my favorite #nightjar the #EasternWhipPoorWill! academic.oup.com/condor/adva… Missing the long nights already! @IllinoisNRES @usfs_nrs @Thomas_J_Benson @Traval #ornithology #aerialinsectivores

Beautiful birds a plenty! Woodcreepers were the most frequent captures at our study sites, manakins were fairly common, and we only captured one species of antbird. Why do these birds persist in fragmented landscapes while many of their close relatives are lost?

Connecting with the folks living on the farms was also incredible! Working out has always been a big part of my life, and people were always excited to share in the local birds... A true exchange here though, as I totally learned how to milk a cow!

Pilot field season was a success.. We crossed many a river, encountered wasp nests in excess, battled tropical arm bacteria, and had near-death encounters with spiky caterpillars, but also managed to resurvey 54 point count locations and do some preliminary mist netting!

Incredible to be back in the #EjeCafetero & Piedemonte Orinocense (5 years later!?), but exploring potential field sites for my PhD this time around. @TNC_Colombia and the silvopastoral systems they promoted have had big impact in the region!

Thank you @pili_caicedoa and @selvaorgco for introducing me to La Guajira (the northernmost department of Colombia). The diversity of this country (and its avifauna) never ceases to amaze me. Had some really cool birds hitting the nets, and saw about 50 lifers over 2 weeks!

Wow, incredible to finally be in Colombia, and working with local undergrads to answer common questions about grad school in the US and Canada. Thank you @oharaco, @selvaorgco, and Jorge Pinilla for feedback, organization, and this wonderful opportunity!