Statewide nongame biologist Andrea Orabona appointed as wildlife fellow
Wyoming’s nongame bird biologist was recently recognized for her contributions to wildlife by The Wildlife Society’s Fellow program. Andrea Orabona of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department was appointed as a Fellow, an honor known to only three others from the department. The fellowship recognizes members of The Wildlife Society who have distinguished themselves through exceptional service to their profession.
“I feel so proud to be among the ranks of some amazing biologists who have been appointed as Fellows,” Orabona said. “It’s humbling and an absolute honor. You are appointed for life so I take that seriously.”
Orabona has been active in The Wildlife Society since 1979, starting in the student chapter at Colorado State University. She remained an active member over her 27-year career with Game and Fish, serving most recently as immediate past-president for the Central Mountains and Plains Section.
The nomination materials praise Orabona’s vast technical and institutional knowledge of nongame species in Wyoming.
“She has worked to develop and implement monitoring for every species of nongame bird that breeds in Wyoming and devoted countless hours in coordinating National Breeding Bird Surveys, implementing Integrated Monitoring in Bird Conservation Regions and developing specific protocols for monitoring grassland birds,” said Zack Walker, Game and Fish nongame program supervisor.
In addition to this work, Orabona has implemented standardized monitoring for secretive marsh birds, heron rookeries and raptors. She leads the Wyoming Bird Records Committee and is the editor for the Atlas of Birds, Mammals, Amphibians and Reptiles in Wyoming.
Although Orabona’s position with the Game and Fish has focused on nongame birds, she devotes her time to assist with the management of habitat in the Red Desert, helping preserve and enhance natural springs habitat in the region.
“No matter where you look in the state, you can easily find someone who lauds her dedication to Wyoming’s resources and is able to share how she has taught them about Wyoming’s
wildlife,” Walker said. “Her dedication to Wyoming’s natural resources knows no bounds.”
As a Fellow, Orabona intends to continue to promote the wildlife profession and The Wildlife Society. The Society has over 11,000 members across the world from representing scientists, managers, educators, technicians, planners, consultants, students and others who manage, conserve and study wildlife populations and habitats.
“I feel so proud to be among the ranks of some amazing biologists who have been appointed as Fellows,” Orabona said. “It’s humbling and an absolute honor. You are appointed for life so I take that seriously.”
Orabona has been active in The Wildlife Society since 1979, starting in the student chapter at Colorado State University. She remained an active member over her 27-year career with Game and Fish, serving most recently as immediate past-president for the Central Mountains and Plains Section.
The nomination materials praise Orabona’s vast technical and institutional knowledge of nongame species in Wyoming.
“She has worked to develop and implement monitoring for every species of nongame bird that breeds in Wyoming and devoted countless hours in coordinating National Breeding Bird Surveys, implementing Integrated Monitoring in Bird Conservation Regions and developing specific protocols for monitoring grassland birds,” said Zack Walker, Game and Fish nongame program supervisor.
In addition to this work, Orabona has implemented standardized monitoring for secretive marsh birds, heron rookeries and raptors. She leads the Wyoming Bird Records Committee and is the editor for the Atlas of Birds, Mammals, Amphibians and Reptiles in Wyoming.
Although Orabona’s position with the Game and Fish has focused on nongame birds, she devotes her time to assist with the management of habitat in the Red Desert, helping preserve and enhance natural springs habitat in the region.
“No matter where you look in the state, you can easily find someone who lauds her dedication to Wyoming’s resources and is able to share how she has taught them about Wyoming’s
wildlife,” Walker said. “Her dedication to Wyoming’s natural resources knows no bounds.”
As a Fellow, Orabona intends to continue to promote the wildlife profession and The Wildlife Society. The Society has over 11,000 members across the world from representing scientists, managers, educators, technicians, planners, consultants, students and others who manage, conserve and study wildlife populations and habitats.
Sara DiRienzo (307-777-4540)
