Trout Creek Ranch Wet Meadows Bird Surveys
ODLT is seeking 2-6 surveyors to help with point counts May-July 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. We may also install audio recording units to capture bird calls throughout the survey area. Teresa Wicks from Bird Alliance of Oregon (formerly Portland Audubon) created this protocol and will assist in the field day training and 1st survey May 15-16. The following will be June 19-20 & July 7/1-7/2. 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. 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.
WHEN:
Surveys will take place May 15-16th, June 19-20 and July 1-2. Surveys will begin around sunrise and end by 10 AM each morning. During this time, we will also deploy audio recording units. We can work with you on what dates are best for June and July.
Virtual Trainings
Documents and slides will be shared with you to learn about the survey protocol and local bird species. You will be required to take a quiz online to help us gauge your identification skills of sight and sound. You may take this as many times as possible before the May field days. Live online question and answer sessions may also occur in late April/early May.
(Teresa will host another virtual orientation for volunteers interested in processing the audio recording unit data, which is tentatively scheduled for September 6-8).
Overnight Field Training & Surveys
Wednesday, May 15 noon = Field training
Thursday, May 16 sunrise-10 am = Survey 1
Wednesday, June 19 noon-5 pm arrival
Thursday, June 20 sunrise-10 am = Survey 2
Monday, July 1 noon-5 pm arrival
Thursday, July 2 sunrise-10 am = Survey 3
May 15th’s Wednesday afternoon run through will expose you to the on-site conditions for Thursday’s survey and you can venture across the site afterward. The same can occur in June/July for new surveyors, with a more flexible arrival time. Parking in close proximity to bird survey points will be determined at the point count training, but will be close to Headquarters. This will require hiking to points. See housing details below.
WHERE:
Trout Creek Ranch headquarters (about 15 min south of Fields)
Google Maps Directions. (Additional directions will be provided).
Next Steps
Please register and, if you haven’t already, fill out our Volunteer Application & Liability Form to participate.
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