Virginia Working
Landscapes is seeking skilled birders for its Grassland Surveys. After a
successful 2011 season, we are recruiting citizen scientists to assist with
point
count surveys throughout the northern Virginia and Piedmont region for spring
and summer 2012. The surveys are part of a study of working landscapes that
examines species diversity at various stages of warm season grass
restoration.See http://www.vaworkinglandscapes.org for more details. Training ;
and surveys are supported by the Smithsonian
Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) in Front Royal.
Introductory training will be held on April
15th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and will include a brief
overview of project goals, survey protocols, data collection and site
assignments. A second training session
will be held May 12th from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00a.m. (location TBA)
and will focus on point count techniques. Knowledge of local bird species is
essential. Survey season begins May 18 and runs until June 30. Point counts are
carried out within 4-5 hours of sunrise and take approximately 45-60 minutes
per site (three 10-minute counts). Time commitment is a minimum of 6 survey
sessions
plus training (estimated 15 hrs not including travel). You will need personal
binoculars and a field guide, all other survey supplies provided.
What you will get
from volunteering your time:
1. An opportunity to apply your naturalist skills
to ground breaking scientific research.
2. Training and knowledge of identification of key
elements in Virginia grassland bird communities.
3. Training in point count surveys and preparation
protocols.
4. Opportunities to network and communicate with
others of similar interests.
What we will need from you:
1. A Volunteer Application form.
2. Your participation in introductory training
sessions and sampling days.
3. Agreement to undergo fingerprinting and background check.
4. Completion of your field surveys within the
allotted time period.
5. Prompt replies to emails concerning logistics
and data management.
For more information
or to register for the bird surveys contact: Amy Johnson at johnsonae@xxxxxx.
Please provide your name,
cell and/or home phone numbers, email, city of residence and survey you are
interested in and short description of your relevant skills.
