By volunteering, you can integrate your birding hobby with scientific research, be part of a monitoring program that helps manage our parks for the enjoyment of future generations, and contribute to a regional initiative that will increase our understanding of the status of bird populations in our national parks. For more information on the monitoring program see our Bird Monitoring Protocol webpage.
Benefits:
Improve your bird identification skills
Learn from and network with birders in our area
Learn GPS, map reading, and data collection skills
Take an active role to assist the NPS in its mission to preserve and protect both cultural and natural resources
Increase your appreciation for the significance of natural resources at your National Parks
Point counts
Will be conducted between May 25 - July 15.
Volunteers will record general survey information
(e.g. site name, time, weather, etc.).
Volunteers will record all birds seen and heard within a 10-minute period.
Time committment
Approximately 3-4 hour mandatory training covering:
Project overview
Survey procedures
Datasheets
GPS and compass use
Number of counts will depend on interest and availability of volunteers
Estimated 30 minutes per point to get there, collect basic data, and conduct a 10-minute point count
Point counts will be conducted between sunrise and 5 hrs after
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