News
Research updates, media coverage, and articles about Shiloh's conservation work
In the News
Whimbrel research on a global scale
Shiloh co-authored an Ibis study comparing whimbrel migrations around the world. Read the September research paper and Manomet's October explanation of its findings and conservation implications.
Whimbrels are here. The scientists who track them are coming too →
September 2026 - CAI interviews Manomet's Dan Ruthrauff about plans to satellite-tag juvenile Hudsonian Whimbrels stopping on Cape Cod before their first migration to South America. The work aims to identify the habitats these young birds need along their journeys.
Award Winning Filmmaker Kim Smith Delights in American Oystercatchers →
August 2026 - The American Oystercatcher Working Group shares Kim Smith's short film following three nesting oystercatcher families. Its announcement credits Shiloh and the collaborative conservation work that helped make the documentary possible.
Flagship Species, Hemispheric Impact: Manomet’s Work on Shorebird Conservation →
August 2026 - Manomet describes how the American Oystercatcher recovery model is guiding conservation of eight additional shorebird species, including Hudsonian Whimbrel and Magellanic Plover. The update includes Shiloh's whimbrel photography and the continuing tracking work he helped build.
How a handful of birds with trackers are rewriting what we know about Whimbrel migration →
July 2026 - Manomet follows satellite-tagged Hudsonian Whimbrels whose journeys connect the Pacific and Atlantic flyways, challenging assumptions about separate populations. Alan Kneidel and Dan Ruthrauff describe how tracking and partner sightings reveal unexpected routes and conservation needs.
Oystercatchers, known for sharp bills and beady eyes, are making a comeback thanks to conservation →
July 2026 - Associated Press coverage of the 45% American Oystercatcher population increase, crediting Shiloh's leadership of the American Oystercatcher Working Group and examining the climate and habitat threats that remain.
Into the Arctic Refuge: The Search for Whimbrels →
July 2026 - Daniel Ruthrauff reports from the Katakturuk River as Manomet continues Shiloh's whimbrel research. The team recaptures a male Shiloh and Kirsti Carr first banded in 2022 and equips both members of its pair with satellite transmitters.
Scientists are tracking whimbrels to help their populations rebound →
June 2026 - Dan Ruthrauff carries on the whimbrel tracking project Shiloh began two years ago, fitting satellite transmitters to birds west of Kaktovik on Alaska's North Slope. With whimbrel numbers down about 70%, the team hopes to replicate the American Oystercatcher recovery Shiloh helped lead (Alaska Public Media / KNBA)
Ruddy Turnstone Tagged on Cape Cod Spotted in Brazil After Tracker Signal Is Lost →
May 2026 - A Ruddy Turnstone satellite-tagged on Cape Cod in 2025 bred in the Canadian Arctic and was resighted alive in Brazil after its transmitter failed, documenting a trans-Atlantic migration. The Manomet-led study continues the shorebird tracking work Shiloh helped pioneer
Maine workers who lost their lives honored at Worker’s Memorial Day ceremony →
April 2026 - WABI reports on the Workers' Memorial Day ceremony in Augusta, where Shiloh was among the Mainers remembered by name for losing their lives while working.
CMS COP15 Provides Hope for Declining Shorebird Species in the Americas →
March 2026 - At the Convention on Migratory Species COP15 in Brazil, governments added the Hudsonian Whimbrel, Hudsonian Godwit, and Lesser Yellowlegs to Appendix I and adopted a Concerted Action for the Magellanic Plover - the same species South American partners named "Shiloh" in his honor
The collective application of shorebird tracking data to conservation →
March 2026 - This Conservation Biology paper, co-authored by Shiloh and dedicated to his memory, describes how the Shorebird Science and Conservation Collective turns shared tracking data into practical conservation action. Contributions from 75 organizations supported 18 conservation projects in the collective's first three years.
A New Name, A New Chapter for the Hudsonian Whimbrel →
March 2026 - Manomet explains the 2025 taxonomic split recognizing the Hudsonian Whimbrel as a species distinct from the Eurasian Whimbrel. Once separated, the Hudsonian population's nearly 70% decline is no longer masked in global assessments, sharpening conservation focus on the whimbrel Shiloh tracked across the Americas
Re-sight Round Up: American Oystercatchers at Holgate →
February 2026 - Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey reports the first recorded sighting of Yellow N35 since Shiloh banded it as a chick on New Hampshire's Lunging Island in 2023. The bird was seen at Holgate in December 2025, a reminder of the lasting value of his banding work.
New Study Maps Pacific Flyway Shorebird Declines →
February 2026 - Manomet reports the first comprehensive flyway-wide assessment of nonbreeding shorebirds along the Pacific Americas Flyway, finding nearly half of monitored species declining, including Hudsonian Whimbrel
Breeding shorebird surveys in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska, suggest population declines over two decades for most species →
February 2026 - An Ornithological Applications study co-authored by Shiloh compares Arctic Refuge shorebird surveys from 2019 and 2022 with surveys from 2002 and 2004. The findings suggest declines for most species and emphasize the need for sustained monitoring across the birds' annual cycles.
Whimbrel Pair Migrate Separately to South America
Multiple outlets covered the Valentine's Day story of Lindsay and Katakturuk — the mated whimbrel pair tagged by Shiloh whose remarkable split-flyway migration he discovered. Dan Ruthrauff describes continuing Shiloh's Arctic NWR research.
Comparing acoustic and visual monitoring methods for assessing biodiversity and distributions of Arctic-breeding shorebirds →
February 2026 - A Journal of Applied Ecology study co-authored by Shiloh compares acoustic recorders with visual surveys in two Arctic regions. Extended recordings improve monitoring coverage and average species detections per plot, while visual surveys detect some species the recorders miss; a September correction updates several counts and analyses.
American Oystercatcher Working Group Meeting – 25th Anniversary Edition →
October 2025 - Todd Pover reports on the working group's 25th annual meeting in New Jersey, including a memorial session, a 5K run/walk, and a closing bonfire honoring Shiloh's leadership and contributions to shorebird conservation.
Tracking Whimbrels Through Emerging Threats →
October 2025 - Center for Conservation Biology report on monitoring whimbrel populations facing new environmental challenges during migration, using transmitter technology on Virginia's Eastern Shore
The First Tracking Data for Juvenile Hudsonian Whimbrels →
October 2025 - Satellite tracking study co-authored by Shiloh revealing migratory connections between Cape Cod and wintering sites across the Caribbean and South America
The Whimbrel and the Wind Turbines: Capable of Coexistence? →
September 2025 - Investigation into whether whimbrels can coexist with Virginia's offshore wind project, finding 42% of tracked birds fly through the wind energy area during migration
Reducing bias in shorebird nest survival rates across a large Arctic landscape →
September 2025 - First published online in 2025 and appearing in a 2026 issue of Ibis, this study co-authored by Shiloh examines 96 shorebird nests across the Arctic Refuge. Cameras, temperature loggers, and limited nest visits help researchers assess breeding success while reducing monitoring disturbance.
NPR All Things Considered →
July 28, 2025 - Feature on shorebird conservation success
NPR Morning Edition →
July 23, 2025 - American Oystercatcher population rebound story
NTSB releases preliminary report on fatal North Slope helicopter crash →
July 2025 - KNBA reports on the NTSB's preliminary investigation into the June 4 crash that killed Shiloh and pilot Jonathan Guibas. At the time of this report, investigators had not determined the cause.
Shorebirds in Florida are losing habitat. Living shorelines are part of the solution →
June 2025 - Molly Duerig's reporting includes Shiloh's explanations of American Oystercatcher recovery and coastal habitat loss, alongside efforts to restore oyster reefs and living shorelines in Florida's Mosquito Lagoon.
Prominent bird researcher from Maine killed in North Slope helicopter crash →
Anchorage Daily News coverage of the fatal crash near Deadhorse, detailing Shiloh's role as senior shorebird scientist at Manomet
Family and colleagues remember the scientist and pilot →
Alaska Public Radio remembrances from family and professional colleagues following the fatal helicopter crash near Deadhorse
Conservation biologist Shiloh Schulte dies in Alaska helicopter crash →
Maine news coverage of the loss of Kennebunk resident and conservation biologist Dr. Shiloh Schulte
Plymouth scientist killed after helicopter crashes in remote part of Alaska →
Boston-area coverage of the loss of Dr. Shiloh Schulte from Manomet Conservation Sciences in the Alaska helicopter crash
Scientist at Plymouth conservation nonprofit dies in remote Alaska crash →
Boston Globe report on the helicopter crash that killed Shiloh during Arctic whimbrel research near Deadhorse, Alaska
Inside the All-Out, 16-State Mission to Save the American Oystercatcher →
May 2025 - Audubon feature on the American Oystercatcher Working Group's multi-state conservation initiative to prevent the species from being listed as endangered
NPR Living on Earth Interview →
May 16, 2025 - Shiloh discusses American Oystercatcher recovery success
Key WHSRN Site for American Oystercatcher and Whimbrel Moves Toward Official Protection →
April 2025 - WHSRN report on conservation progress at the Mataquito-Huenchullamí site in Chile, a breeding and wintering area for the American Oystercatcher subspecies Shiloh helped recover and for over 1,500 Whimbrels, moving toward formal protection through Manomet-led international collaboration
Oystercatcher Recovery Campaign Offers a Rare Success Story about Shorebird Conservation →
March 2025 - Inside Climate News feature on the 15-year recovery initiative led by Shiloh that achieved a 45% population increase, with discussion of future climate threats to coastal species
Running the Gauntlet – The Journey of Juvenile Whimbrel on Cape Cod →
December 2024 - Alan Kneidel recounts fieldwork with Shiloh and Liana DiNunzio on Cape Cod, then follows the tagged juvenile whimbrels through their first migrations and the storms and other threats they encounter.
American Oystercatcher Working Group →
November 2023 - Shiloh shares the aerial-survey results behind the reported 45% increase in American Oystercatchers since 2008, describing the coordinated counting work of 22 partner groups along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts.
Arctic Nesting Whimbrels – 2023 →
July 2023 - Shiloh's own field account from the Jago River describes searching for nesting whimbrels, fitting GPS tags, and expanding research across the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to connect breeding grounds with migration and wintering sites.
Kennebunk Select Board elects new chair, officers →
July 2022 - Local reporting on Shiloh's election as chair of the Kennebunk Select Board, covering his election from vice chair and the board's selection of its officers.
Whimbrels in the Arctic →
July 2021 - Shiloh tells the story of tagging whimbrels on Alaska's Katakturuk River, working with Kirsti Carr and USFWS colleagues to uncover the birds' migration routes and develop remote nest-monitoring methods.
Audubon Magazine Profile →
May 2020 - Arctic fieldwork feature 'The Midnight Sun and the Whimbrels'
Selectman is top Maine finisher at Boston Marathon →
April 2019 - A profile of Shiloh as the fastest Maine finisher at the Boston Marathon, reflecting on the connections between endurance running, conservation work, and serving his community.
Whimbrel Wanderings →
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Alaska - Shiloh's satellite tracking research on whimbrels from Kanuti Refuge and the Colville River, documenting their 9,000-mile migrations between the Arctic and South America
ArcticSoundsNET Research →
Advanced bioacoustic monitoring technology for Arctic bird populations
How Manomet's Bird Banding Lab is protecting migratory species →
From piping plovers to American oystercatchers, this Plymouth-based conservation group tracks bird recovery while connecting students to nature. Mentions Shiloh around the 4 minute mark.
Honors & Remembrances
In the year since Shiloh's passing, his colleagues and communities have honored him in many ways.
Remembered by the Maine Legislature
The Maine House adopted a memorial sentiment honoring Shiloh’s conservation research, collaborative leadership, and service to Kennebunk. The remembrance appears in the Senate’s June 12 calendar as HLS 380.
Read the legislative remembrance (PDF, page 5) →
Seacoast Track Club dedicates a race
The Seacoast Track Club, of which Shiloh was a member, dedicated their Kennebunk Library 5K to his memory.
A celebration of life
Close to 250 people gathered at the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust to celebrate Shiloh's life.
Photography exhibit in Plymouth
Manomet exhibited “The Art & Science of Recovering Shorebird Populations” at the Plymouth Public Library, featuring photographs by four Manomet scientists — including Shiloh. A reception for the photographers was held September 25.
An award renamed in his honor
Shiloh posthumously received the American Oystercatcher Award. In his honor it was renamed The Shiloh Schulte American Oystercatcher Award — fitting, as he had long been among those who chose each year’s recipient.
“Fly With Shiloh”
The Seacoast Track Club’s 2026 calendar carried a “Fly With Shiloh” theme. The club adopted the Whimbrel as its symbol — inspired by Shiloh’s photo of one that flew non-stop from Newfoundland to Brazil in just four days — as an emblem of stamina and endurance.
Photo: Arne LesterhuisA plover named “Shiloh”
Conservation partners in South America named a satellite-tracked Magellanic Plover “Shiloh” — a bird Shiloh himself had tagged in Patagonia.
A monitoring protocol dedicated to Shiloh
The American Oystercatcher Working Group dedicated its breeding productivity monitoring protocol to Shiloh. He helped develop its pilot versions, and the protocol carries that collaborative work into a shared approach to monitoring nesting success along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts.
Read the protocol and dedication (PDF, page 1) →
Manomet’s Annual Report remembers Shiloh
Manomet’s published 2025 Annual Report includes a two-page remembrance of Shiloh’s life, research, and collaborative conservation work. His photography appears throughout the report, including on its cover.
Read the remembrance (PDF, pages 18–19) →Kennebunk dedicates its Annual Town Report
The Kennebunk Select Board voted unanimously to dedicate the 2025 Annual Town Report to Shiloh and fellow community member Roger Ellenberger, honoring their service to the town.
Read the Select Board minutes (PDF, page 3) →
Exhibit returns to Cape Cod
“The Art & Science of Recovering Shorebird Populations” shows at the Osterville Village Library June 1–August 28, 2026, dedicated to Shiloh, with a reception July 8 and a photo talk August 25.
Exhibit details →
A new scholarship for early-career scientists
Manomet is creating a new scholarship in Shiloh’s honor for early-career scientists pursuing field work — reflecting his lifelong passion for helping others get their start.
Support the scholarship →
Remembrance in Portsmouth
On the first anniversary of his passing, the Seacoast Track Club gathered in Portsmouth, New Hampshire to remember Shiloh.
Remembrance in Alaska
That same evening, Manomet’s field crews in Alaska gathered for their own remembrance.