Bird Surveys

Trout Creek Ranch Wet Meadows Bird Surveys

ODLT is seeking bird surveyors to assist coordinators in sunrise point counts May 8-9 and June 12-13 in the wet meadows of Trout Creek Ranch Headquarters. These four-hour, thee-mile wetland surveys capture overall abundance of migratory birds and guide restoration plans. Overnight stays are required because of the early start time and we have accommodations for sleeping indoors, outdoors, or vehicle camping (see below and registration form for details).

We’re restoring hundreds of acres of wet meadows at Trout Creek Ranch for sandhill cranes, long-billed curlews, avocets, and other birds in this critical migration and breeding area of the Pacific Flyway. Documenting bird activity will help us understand how we can manage Trout Creek to best benefit the diversity of species that use the creek and associated wet meadows.

The wetlands of Southern Oregon-Northeastern California (SONEC) comprise some of the most important spring and fall staging habitat for waterfowl in North America, supporting more than 70% of the Pacific Flyway’s dabbling ducks in spring migration. Approximately 5,700 acres of Trout Creek Ranch have been identified as SONEC priority areas. Trout Creek Ranch lies 40 miles south of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, a protected area that supports more than 340 bird species. Like the refuge, we’re planning to manage flood-irrigation, haying, and grazing to provide critical habitat for waterfowl and pronghorn antelope during their migrations, as well as many other animals throughout the year.

Skills and supplies needed/most helpful: Ability to identify regional birds by sight and sound is required and this presentation PDF can help you learn focal species beforehand. Collecting data entails traveling across wetlands, uneven terrain and crossing fences without shade. Routes are typically three miles roundtrip. There will only be bathroom access at the beginning and end of the route.

A backpack could help carry the necessary pencils and clipboard, along with any insect repellent, mosquito nets, beverages, and snacks. Please bring your preferred food, water, and appropriate clothing for the weather and terrain (waterproof boots, and clothing that can get wet. Hiking poles may be helpful. We have a handful of binoculars for use, but you are welcome to use your own or bring a spotting scope.

Teresa Wicks from Bird Alliance of Oregon (formerly Portland Audubon) created the slideshow presentation and original protocol. Audio recording units were also placed the first year of 2024 to capture as much bird activity as possible. We’ll share the findings when we know more!

WHEN:
Surveys take place May 8-9 and June 12-13. Surveys will begin around sunrise and end by 10 AM each morning. In May, we’ll deploy audio recording units and retrieve them in July. Survey start points are a 5-10 minute walk from parking/housing. See overnight stay details below.

Surveys and Overnight Stays

Friday, May 8 3-8 p.m. arrival
Saturday, May 9 sunrise-10 am

Friday, June 12 3-8 p.m. arrival
Saturday, June 13 sunrise-10 am

Arrival times are flexible between 3-8 p.m. the Friday night before to allow you time to explore the wetlands prior to the survey the following morning. Survey start points are a 5-10 minute walk from parking/housing. See overnight stay details below and in the registration form.

WHERE:
Trout Creek Ranch Headquarters Visitor Info (with detailed directions)

Trout Creek Ranch Headquarters Webpage

Google Maps Directions (About 15 min south of Fields)

WHO
Project Lead: Brooke Gray, Trout Creek Ranch Restoration Manager
bgray@oregondesertlandtrust.org