Local And Regional Birding
Citizen Science Programs
(If you know of any inaccuracies or omissions on this page,
please email us by clicking here: mailto:das@duluthaudubon.org
)
See also: DAS Increases Its Commitment
To Citizen Science
Trumpeter Swan Sightings
Skill Level: Ability to identify species Timing: On-going
The Minnesota DNR requests that you report your sightings of trumpeter swans
to the DNR Nongame Wildlife Program by calling toll free at 1-888-646-6367. Your
report should include the date, time and location of the sighting as well as any
information on the color of wing tags, collar or any other visible markers or
codes.
Red-Necked Grebe Sightings
Sill Level: Ability to identify species
Timing: On-going
The Minnesota DNR is asking people to report sightings of red-necked
grebes. The red-necked grebe population has steadily declined over the past 50
years as lakefront owners have removed aquatic vegetation from the shoreline.
Report your observations to Pam Perry at 218-828-2228, or email her at pam.perry@dnr.state.mn.us.
Minnesota Volunteer LoonWatcher Survey
Skill Level: Any Timing: Seasonal
"Loon watchers" should either live on a lake or regularly visit the
same lake. Loon watchers report on their lake at the end of the season providing
information on nesting success, numbers of loons observed, "interest occurrences," and any problems that may have negatively affected the loons.
Check to see if someone is already submitting data on your lake. Contact Pam
Perry at pam.perry@dnr.state.mn.us
or call 218-828-2228.
Minnesota Loon Monitoring Program
Skill Level: All Timing: Early July
This long-term project of the Minnesota DNR annually gathers information
about common loon numbers on more than 600 lakes distributed among six regions.
Volunteers visit each lake for one morning during a ten-day period in early
July, count the number of adults and juveniles seen and report their findings to
the DNR for analysis. This program helps the DNR detect significant changes in
the loon population and to anticipate any problems that could jeopardize the
bird in the future. For information, try http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/ecological_services/non-game/projects/loon_survey
Boulder Lake Breeding Owl Survey
Skill Levels: General owl knowledge, other participants
welcome
Timing: March-April
This survey begins in late March and ends with two survey periods in early
April. Volunteers monitor the species of owls in the area to help monitor trends.
Email boulder@d.umn.edu if you would like
to participate. For more information and survey protocol, visit http://www.nrri.umn.edu/boulder/research/citizen/owls/index
Boulder Birding Big Day
Skill Level: All Timing: Usually a Saturday in early May
This is a fun bird count that is part of ongoing citizen monitoring of
indicator species at Boulder. There are tentative plans for DAS to co-sponsor
this event in the future, so some aspects of the program may change. Generally,
the three hour "friendly competition begins at 7:00 a.m. and concludes with
a bird tally at around 11:30 a.m. There is a charge of $5, which includes a
bonfire lunch following the event. Registration is required. Call 218-721-3731
or email boulder@d.umn.edu. More
information can be found at http://www.nrri.umn.edu/boulder/research/citizen/birdingbigday/index
Minnesota Breeding Bird Atlas
Skill Level: High Timing: Most likely Spring/Summer 2009
Planning is just beginning for the creation of the Minnesota Breeding Bird
Atlas. Participants in this program should have good skills in identifying birds
by both sight and sound. If you were at the recent DAS program that included a
presentation on this new project, you know that this promises to be a very
exciting project for its participants. Use this early notice to hone your skills
so you can contribute to what may be the best breeding bird atlas in the
country. (DAS is exploring plans to provide classes in bird identification so
more local birders can participate in this and other citizen science programs.
If this idea sounds interesting to you, please let us know.) Click here to
email: mailto:das@duluthaudubon.org
Forest Birds of the Western Great Lakes
Skill Level: Trained Observers Timing: Summer
A collaborative project between the Natural Resource Research Institute, the
Minnesota Department of Revenue and the three national forests in this region
(Chippewa, Superior and Chequamegon), the goal of this program is to sustain
forest resources and bird diversity in the western Great Lakes forests. Trained
observers help in this extensive, long-term monitoring program that includes
over 1600 off-road sampling points designed to "track regional population
trends and investigate the response of forest birds to regional land use
patterns." Research includes "intensive field studies designed to
describe bird-habitat relationships and to identify factors responsible for
observed population trends." For more information, including a database on
the program's findings, go to: http://www.nrri.umn.edu/mnbirds/default.htm
Nationally Based
Birding Citizen Science Programs
Non-Birding Citizen
Science Programs
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