Description of Monitoring:
Twice each month on a low tide, volunteers identify and count shorebirds
and waterfowl during 10 minute watches in five defined areas of Reserve
wetlands. The experience is challenging yet rewarding, since an impressive
diversity of birds is encountered in our ponds and mudflats.
 Objectives
The goal of this program is to quantify the diversity and abundance of
shorebirds and waterfowl using central Reserve wetland habitats. If we
detect dramatic changes, we can contact other organizations and reserves
up and down the coast and attempt to find the cause of the pattern, if
it is widespread. If the change is only local, we can seek explanations
in terms small-scale events such as alterations to pollution levels or
habitat management strategies.
Results
Data from the first
year of this monitoring program show significant differences between sites
and also between seasons in bird abundance and diversity patterns. This
first year of data is available in the form of a summary report. Click
to view this report (104 KB) and the associated figures (126 KB) as .pdf files.
How to get involved
We always need assistance from skilled birders for this monitoring program.
Newcomers are invited to join veterans for a few surveys, and when they
are comfortable doing so, can carry out surveys alone. If you are interested in participating
in this monitoring program contact Susie
Fork
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