The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Migratory Bird Program annually recognizes an employee for their accomplishments in leadership and conservation. In 2024, the recipient of the 2024 Migratory Bird Leadership Award for Management and Biological Support is our own Scott Somershoe! Many of you know Scott from nearly a decade as a participant of the PIF Western Working Group, and previously another decade or so involved with the former Southeastern PIF Working Group, where he served a stint as chair with both groups.
Scott was recognized for his insightful and forward-thinking approach to migratory bird conservation. This is probably best illustrated by Scott’s work with Pinyon Jays. Scott recognized that Pinyon Jays appeared to be in significant decline based on existing monitoring efforts in 2017 and started working with others to better understand what was happening with this species. His early investments involved developing a shared monitoring approach and to better understand the relationship of pinyon-juniper forests to pinyon jays. Scott was crucial in establishing partnerships to benefit pinyon jay conservation. Additionally, Scott thrives on mentoring early-career scientists. He is currently assisting five graduate students in their academic pursuits and has contributed to the careers of many others.