Bird Surveys

ODLT is seeking 2-6 surveyors to help with point counts May 15-16,  June 20-21,  July 18-19 in the wet meadows of Trout Creek Ranch Headquarters. These surveys are used to determine overall abundance of migratory birds and are important in guiding restoration plans.  Teresa Wicks from Bird Alliance of Oregon (formerly Portland Audubon) created this protocol and will help us  install audio recording units at seven survey points to also capture bird calls throughout the survey area. Overnight stays are required and we have accommodations for sleeping indoors, outdoors, or vehicle camping (see 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 our online tools can help you learn focal species beforehand. Collecting data entails traveling across wetlands, uneven terrain and crossing fences without shade. Routes are typically 5-7 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, waders and clothing that can get wet,  hiking poles may be helpful). We recommend using Avenza maps or Gaia GPS on your smartphone to navigate routes to survey points. We have a handful of binoculars for use, but you are welcome to use your own or bring a spotting scope.