BCR 121: Ashli Gorbet, Wildlife Biologist

Ashli Gorbet is a wildlife biologist and ornithologist. As a child, Ashli was deeply influenced by her grandmother who grew up in the Carpathian Mountains of Transylvania, Romania. Ashli has a B.S. in Natural Resources, Wildlife Management from The Ohio State University and is currently pursuing a Master of Natural Resources from Utah State University. After spending over a decade studying the habitats and bird life of New Mexico and the southwest, Ashli returned to Ohio to work as the Banding Projects Manager for Black Swamp Bird Observatory, a dream job for her. During her time in New Mexico, Ashli had the opportunity to study Yellow-eyed Juncos and Varied Buntings, led an independent study investigating the breeding biology of Black-throated Gray Warblers, spent a decade in ecological compliance-related work for the federal government, and served as the Secretary of the New Mexico Ornithological Society. Ashli currently sits on the Recording Standards and Ethics Committee of the American Birding Association, is a member of the Ohio Bird Conservation Initiative Steering Committee.

Know Your Bird Calls – Lets have some more fun! Can you guess what bird is singing on this show after I introduce our guest Ashli Gorbet and before the outro? Take a guess and leave your answer in the comment section below this post! Good luck to all as I will post the results at the end of this week so all can participate.

Show Notes:

• You were exposed to the natural world while growing up; you credit your grandmother with spurring your interest in the natural world. How did she do this?
• You had the chance to visit Romania, and the village where your grandmother grew up in Transylvania. What would you like to tell birders and wildlife enthusiasts about Romania and why is Romania important?
• During your time in New Mexico, you undertook a multi-year study on the breeding biology of Black-throated Gray Warbler, something nobody had ever done previously. What made you want to study Black-throated Gray Warblers?
• Walk us through what is required to become a “licensed bird bander?”
• We have heard of folks who are concerned about the effects of bird banding on the birds. You have practical experience over a period of years with banding songbirds, what is your take on the pros and cons?
• What do you find so interesting about wood warblers and why have you focused so much of your career working to unravel the mysteries of these birds.
• What are the questions you are working to answer in your current position as banding projects manager with BSBO?
• What is the role and importance of regional bird observatories such as BSBO?
• You work to mentor young birders and early-career ornithologists and bird banders. Why do you put so much emphasis on this in your work?
• You’re a member of the ABA’s Recording Standards and Ethics Committee. What is the committee currently working on that may be of interest to birders in the ABA area?

Mentioned In Episode:

Black Swamp Bird Observatory

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