Birds & Science >

Twenty-six projects from 12 organizations are listed.

1. Volunteer Opportunities, Generalized Projects

Audubon Citizen Science Programs:

eBird
http://www.ebird.org
Design your own Citizen Science monitoring project with eBird, the online bird database. Audubon’s eBird-bird web site is a tool for recording fluctuations in bird populations over time. You can help to fill in the pieces of the overall puzzle and help scientists learn more about the movements of and population changes in birds, and bird usage of Important Bird Areas by adding your own observations of birds to the eBird database. You can also use eBird as a place to keep track of your personal observations. Particularly helpful would be records for WatchList species in the nesting season. The WatchList can be found here: http://audubon2.org/webapp/watchlist/viewWatchlist.jsp

Important Bird Areas Program
http://www.audubon.org/bird/iba/ct.html
http://www.audubon.org/bird/iba/you_do.html
Contact:
Patrick M. Comins
Director of Bird Conservation Audubon Connecticut
185 East Flat Hill Road
Southbury, CT 06488
Voice: 203-264-5098
pcomins@Audubon.org

There is a large assortment of volunteer opportunities: nominating IBAs, carry out citizen science projects, advocate for land acquisitions and laws and policies to benefit birds of concern, develop public awareness programs, fundraising, writing articles and letters about IBAs in public outlets.

Great Backyard Bird Count
http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc
Report birds you see in your backyard or local park over a weekend in February and help scientists study and understand winter bird patterns and species trends.

Christmas Bird Count
http://www.audubon.org/bird/cbc
http://pages.cthome.net/jbair/christma.htm
December 14, 2005 through January 5, 2006: birders will cover a region together counting birds. The data provides information about the shifts and trends of bird populations and the health of the environment. More information and organizers for CT regions can be found at the above links.

Project Feederwatch
http://birds.cornell.edu/pfw
Set-up a birdfeeder, record the birds your see, and then send in your data (or enter it online).

Birdathon
http://www.audubon.org/bird/birdathon
See how many species of birds you can record in 24 hours and raise money to support your favorite bird conservation project.

Other:

Connecticut’s Hawk Watches
http://www.hmana.org/watches.php?stateprov=Connecticut&country=USA
http://www.hmana.org
Several locations in Connecticut have regular hawk watches—come and volunteer for a day or a few hours during the fall. Some sites are active in the spring as well.

North America Migration Count
http://www.mbr-pwrc.usgs.gov/namcnews.html
Purpose of NAMC is to record migrations of all birds through North America. Generally in Connecticut a day or weekend in May is chosen for reports.

The Big Sit
http://members.aol.com/nhbirdclub/bigsit.htm
A record of the birds sighted from a single position in a 24-hour period; usually done in Connecticut in October. Connecticut has one of the best records for this unique count.

Breeding Bird Survey
http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbs
Currently the best tool for tracking changes in populations for nesting birds. Play around, interested in the population and range changes of Northern Cardinal, Tufted Titmouse, or other North American breeder? This site is for you.

Other Bird Counting Opportunities in Connecticut
http://pages.cthome.net/jbair/counts.htm
Do you love birds—seeing them, hearing them, and ticking them off on various lists? Quench your competitive birding hobby and help contribute to science through these bird-counting opportunities.

Volunteer Opportunities
http://www.americanbirding.org/opps
This is an amazing list compiled of over 600 projects in the U.S., Canada, and elsewhere.

2. Specific Projects in Connecticut

COA Projects:

Summer Bird Count
http://pages.cthome.net/jbair/counts.htm
Coordinated by the Connecticut Ornithological Association, the Summer Bird Count is a statewide program to assess populations of breeding birds throughout Connecticut. The SBC is loosely modeled after the Christmas Bird Count, with birds observed within various count circles over a period of three weeks in June. All birds recorded over a two-day period are compiled for each circle and then sent to a centralized compiler for the whole state. Results and analysis are published in the Connecticut Ornithological Association's journal The Connecticut Warbler. Please see website above for area contacts.

Natural Diversity Database
http://www.ctbirding.org/natural_diversity_data_base.htm
The Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) and the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection's (CTDEP) Natural Diversity Database (NDDB) are sponsoring a joint project to document the occurrences of endangered, threatened, and special concern avian species in Connecticut. The CTDEP NDDB is the central repository for information on the biology, population status and threats to the elements of natural diversity in the state of Connecticut. Information on rare plant and animal species and significant natural communities is compiled, stored and made available through the Database. This is crucial in our efforts to protect our declining bird species. The information documented in the NDDB plays a major role in what efforts are made to mitigate threats to avian species and what efforts are made to protect and improve habitats that are critical to the survival of many of Connecticut's birds and can help with the identification of IBAs for state-listed species.

Connecticut DEP Wildlife Division
Wildlife Diversity Program Projects:
http://www.dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/wildlife/geninfo/volunteer.htm
Contact:
Geoffrey Krukar
Sessions Woods WMA
PO Box 1550
Burlington, CT 06013
Voice: 860-675-8130
geoffrey.krukar@po.state.ct.us

Wetland Call-Back Project
The Wetland Call-Back project was developed by the Connecticut DEP Non-harvested Wildlife Program to inventory state-listed birds that prefer wetland habitats. The Wetland Call-Back Project helps pinpoint likely nesting locations for secretive marsh-nesting birds. Knowing where these birds occur will aid in the conservation of their important wetland habitats.

Grassland Bird Survey
The grassland bird survey project is part of a statewide initiative to more thoroughly inventory Connecticut's grassland bird population using techniques that have been standardized by Partners in Flight for grassland bird research projects throughout the northeast. Participants will be asked to conduct point count surveys of grassland birds in various areas throughout the state. The surveys will require participants who are familiar with grassland bird calls and identification as this group of birds can be very challenging at times. The surveys will be conducted from late May through mid-July and will likely involve a total of four site visits.

Migratory Bird Stopover Habitat Survey
Little information exists on critical stopover habitats used by migrating birds. Partners In Flight has noted identification of such areas throughout the country as an important priority. These surveys will help to identify Connecticut's priority sites and help guide conservation efforts at state and local levels. Participants will be asked to conduct point count surveys in important migratory habitat areas throughout the state. The surveys will require participants who are familiar with bird identification by sight and sound. Once you are assigned to an area surveys can be conducted by individuals or small teams. You may also choose to split up the surveys of one area between individual surveyors.

Birds in Forested Landscapes
Birds in Forested Landscapes (BFL) is a citizen-science project of the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology and the USDA Forest Service that links volunteer birders and professional biologists in a study of the habitat requirements of North American forest birds. Findings from this study will be used to develop management recommendations, with descriptions about the kinds and amounts of habitat required to sustain healthy bird populations. We have expanded the list of species we are studying from the original 9 species to 48 species of forest-dwelling birds. Participants will select census points in forest areas of different sizes and visit each point twice during the breeding season to search for thrushes and/or hawks, look for evidence of successful nesting, and note the habitat characteristics of the study site

Connecticut Bluebird Restoration Project
Project in conjunction with the DEP and citizens designed to provide nest cavities for cavity nesting birds. Participants will help set-up bluebird boxes and monitor them throughout the season, reporting the species usage and productivity of the nest boxes. Great program for community groups: public school, retirement homes

Connecticut DEP Wildlife Division
Wildlife Diversity Program Projects
Contact:
Julie Victoria
Franklin Swamp WMA, 391 Route 32
North Franklin, CT 06254
Voice: 860-642-7239
Julie.victoria@po.state.ct.us

Mid-winter Eagle Surveys
Each year, the Connecticut DEP surveys the number of eagles found along the major rivers in the state. Volunteers are needed to go to specific censusing locations to count the number of eagles seen on the survey day. Surveys are held on the second Saturday in January.

Least Tern/Piping Plover Project
Educate the public about Least Terns and Piping Plovers, and patrol nest sites. Attend a morning training session in March. Location: Along Connecticut coast; Long Beach, Stratford and Sandy Point, West Haven, Milford Point, Milford. When: Weekends from 15 May through 1 August.

Connecticut DEP Wildlife Division
Contact:
Min Huang
Franklin Swamp WMA, 391 Route 32
North Franklin, CT 06254
(860) 642-7239
min.huang@po.state.ct.us

American Woodcock Surveys
The DEP’s American Woodcock project is a comprehensive study of woodcock population status, dynamics, and habitat availability in CT. The DEP is setting up 30 survey routes throughout the state, stratified by excellent, good, and poor habitat. These will be run for 3 years. Researchers will be trapping birds and radioing them to look at habitat preference, survival, and movements. They also are looking at the role contaminants may play in woodcock survival. Additionally, we will be using GIS to map current habitat in the state, and estimate potential habitat. Volunteers are asked for a 3-year commitment to survey American Woodcocks along one or two routes in the state.

Mute Swan Surveys
The Connecticut DEP and the University of Connecticut will be initiating a study of the effects of grazing by Mute Swans on Long Island Sound’s eelgrass beds. They will be seeking volunteers to help with observations of Mute Swans and other waterfowl in eelgrass areas. Please contact Min Huang for more details.

The Connecticut DEP is also seeking more information on the locations of nesting Mute Swans in Connecticut. If you know of a location where Mute Swans are nesting, please send along that information to Min Huang.

Ruffed Grouse Surveys
The DEP is beginning a statewide grouse survey effort, and is interested in having some volunteer help with this effort. They will be asking for a 2-3 year commitment from volunteers, in order to ensure continuity of observers. Please contact Min Huang for more details.

Connecticut Natural Diversity Database Projects
http://dep.state.ct.us/cgnhs/nddb/volun.htm
Contact:
Dawn McKay
DEP-Environmental and Geographic Information Center
79 Elm Street, Store Level
Hartford, CT 06106-5127
(860) 424-3592
dawn.mckay@po.state.ct.us

Whip-poor-wills
The whip-poor-will's breeding cycle is closely tied in with the lunar cycle. On most nights, the birds feed on small flying insects that are visible during dawn and dusk. Their secretive habit makes finding nesting whip-poor-wills extremely difficult. Luckily for biologists, these birds call in the evening hours. Surveys for whip-poor-wills, which should be performed in June, should only take about an hour. Volunteers are required to fill out a one-page survey sheet for whip-poor-wills.

Common Nighthawks
The common nighthawk, like the whip-poor-will, is most active at twilight, using the approaching day or night to catch insects on the wing. Unlike the open wooded habitats preferred by the whip-poor-will, the common nighthawk seeks non-forested open areas as its preferred habitat. Historically, the common nighthawk sought out open, bare ground and grasslands for laying eggs, but during the last 100 years, these birds have shifted to utilizing more urban sites, using flat gravel roofs. to raise their semi-precocial chicks. Therefore, city dwellers that might not have thought about wildlife in their neighborhoods can also participate in the survey. Because these birds may now exclusively use urban roof tops as their preferred nesting sites in Connecticut, detecting their population numbers without recruiting volunteers to help scour urban rooftops is difficult.

Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences
http://www.manomet.org
Contact:
Brian Harrington
Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences
PO Box 1770
Manomet, MA USA 02345
Voice: 508-224-6521
Fax: 508-224-9220
bharr@manomet.org

Program for Regional and International Shorebird Monitoring (PRISM)
http://www.shorebirdworld.org/fromthefield/PRISM/PRISM1.htm
Manomet is seeking volunteers to help with shorebird monitoring in both the spring and fall. Sites of particular interest include Milford Point in Milford, Sandy Point in West Haven, and the Menunketesuck flats in Westbrook. Additional sites for which shorebird data would be useful include the shorebird pools at the corner of 146 and Sachems Head in Guilford, and Portland Meadows in Portland, but anywhere you can regularly see shorebirds would be useful.

Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Golden-winged Warbler Atlas Project
http://birds.cornell.edu/gowap
The Golden-winged Warbler Atlas Project (GOWAP) is designed to determine the population status and habitat and area requirements of the Golden-winged Warbler and the Blue-winged Warbler as well as their hybrids.

Cerulean Warbler Atlas Project
http://birds.cornell.edu/cewap/cwaprojc.htm
The Cerulean Warbler Atlas Project (CEWAP) has been completed. The project was designed to determine the population status and habitat and area requirements of the Cerulean Warbler (Dendroica cerulea), a high conservation priority Neotropical migratory bird. We are still interested in learning more about the distribution of Cerulean Warblers in Connecticut. Please submit any data you may have for Cerulean Warblers in the nesting season to eBird, the online bird database from Audubon and the Cornell Lab. http://www.ebird.org

Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge Volunteer Opportunities:
http://www.llbean.com/parksearch/parks/html/15466gd.htm
http://northeast.fws.gov/ct/sbm.htm
Contact:
Sara Williams
USFWS
PO BOX 1030
Westbrook, CT 06498
860-399-2513
sara_Williams@fws.gov

Westbrook: Bluebird and Swallow nest box monitoring from May-August at the Salt Meadow Unit IBA. Boxes need to be maintained in the winter, cleaned in the spring, and checked for usage and productivity in the summer.

Guilford: Assist in the monitoring and management of the largest tern colony in Connecticut at the Falkner Island Unit IBA. Help is needed conducting predator control, censusing breeding terns, monitoring productivity, conducting feeding observations, entering data and also with light maintenance from May-August. The position involves night and morning work, occasionally on weekends and holidays, extensive beach walking, living in a field camp setting on the island while working for up to 4 days in a row. Water and cooking facilities are provided. Fringe benefit, working with the federally endangered Roseate Tern and wonderful views of this beautiful bird.

Connecticut public beaches: Piping plover and least tern monitoring is needed from April-August the summer at Long Beach in Stratford, Milford Point in Milford, and Sandy Point in West Haven. Few species in Connecticut are as high a conservation priority as Piping Plovers. They are one of only a few globally threatened bird species found nesting in Connecticut. Spend your summer days at the beach and help protect a federally threatened species! Interested volunteers must attend a mandatory training session in March, which reviews the biology of the piping plover and demonstrates how to monitor breeding pairs and chicks.

Professor Chris Elphick’s Salt Marsh Birds Project
http://www.eeb.uconn.edu/faculty/Elphick/sparrows/saltmarsh_sparrows.htm
Love getting dirty? The research crew need help re-sighting banded birds in Connecticut marshes. Don't like getting dirty? They also need help compiling information on the post-breeding distribution of the three species being studied. elphick@uconnvm.uconn.edu

The Seabird Ecological Assessment Network (SEANET)
http://www.tufts.edu/vet/seanet
The Seabird Ecological Assessment Network (SEANET) beached bird surveys are being carried out to identify and record information about bird mortality along the northeastern US coast. Data collected by SEANET volunteers are used to examine the spatial pattern of bird carcass deposition and how it varies across time.

Purple Martin Database Project
Contact: David Clapp dclapp@massaudubon.org
The Massachusetts Audubon Society is interested in developing a database of known Purple Martin nesting colonies in New England. Please contact David Clapp if you are interested in taking part in this project.

3. General opportunities

Volunteer at your local Audubon Center:

Audubon Center at Bent of the River
185 East Flat Hill Road
Southbury, CT 06488
(203) 264-5098
BENTOFTHERIVER@Audubon.org
With 650 acres, there's a lot to do. Here are volunteer needs at the center: trail maintenance, gardeners, turtle lovers, office work helpers, and gutsy invasive plant removers

The Guilford Salt Meadow Sanctuary
http://www.audubon.org/local/sanctuary/guilford/index.html
330 Mulberry Point Road
Guilford, CT 06437
Contact Frederick Hill III
Sanctuary manager
Voice: 203-458-2582
e-mail
Please contact for volunteer information.

Audubon Center in Greenwich
http://greenwich.center.audubon.org
613 Riversville Road
Greenwich CT 06831
Voice: 203-869-5272
Fax: 203-869-4437
greenwich_center@audubon.org

Sharon Audubon Center
http://www.audubon.org/local/sanctuary/sharon/index.htm
325 Cornwall Bridge Road
Sharon, CT 06069
Voice: 860-364-0520
sharon_audubon_center@audubon.org
There is a great need for volunteers at the center. Here are a few opportunities: Special Events and Festival Activities and Planning (up to 150 volunteers assist per event), Raptor and Reptile Curators, Wildlife Rehabilitation and Baby Bird Feeders, Teacher Naturalists, Greeters and Nature Store Clerks, Maintenance and Trail Work, Maple Sugaring, Gardeners, Bluebird Trail Monitoring, High School Volunteers for Summer Programs

Connecticut Audubon Society Centers and Sanctuaries
http://www.ctaudubon.org

Connecticut Audubon Birdcraft Museum
314 Unquowa Rd
Fairfield CT 06430
Voice: 203-259-0416
birdcraft@ctaudubon.org
Please contact for volunteer information.

Coastal Center at Milford Point
1 Milford Point Rd
Milford, CT 06460
Voice: 203-878-7440
milford@ctaudubon.org
Please contact for volunteer information.

Connecticut Audubon Center at Fairfield
2325 Burr St
Fairfield, CT 06430
Voice: 203.259.6305
fairfield@ctaudubon.org
Please contact for volunteer information.

Connecticut Audubon Center at Glastonbury
1361 Main St
Glastonbury, CT 06033-3105
Voice: 860-633-8402
glastonbury@ctaudubon.org
Please contact for volunteer information.

Connecticut Audubon Center at Pomfret
189 Pomfret St
Pomfret Center, CT 06259
Voice: 860-928-2939
Fax: 860-928-2939
Please contact for volunteer information.

Connecticut Audubon Society at Trail Wood
93 Kenyon Rd
Hampton, CT 06247
Voice: 860-455-0759
Please contact for volunteer information.

Connecticut Audubon Ragged Hill Woods Program
139 Wolf Den Rd
Brooklyn, CT 06234
Voice: 860-774-9600
Please contact for volunteer information.

Join, lead trips or help your local Audubon Society Chapter or Bird Club:

Contact Person:
Peter M. Hornak, President
2bird@adelphia.net

New Canaan Audubon Society
New Canaan, CT

Potapaug Audubon Society
http://www.potapaugaudubon.org
P.O. Box 591, Old Lyme, CT 06371

Quinnipiac Valley Audubon Society
C/O Loretta Victor, 107 Green Road
Meriden, CT 06450

Saugatuck Valley Society
P.O. Box 684, Wilton, CT 06881

Other Bird Clubs:

Connecticut Ornithological Association
http://www.ctbirding.org
314 Unquowa Road
Fairfield, CT 06430

New Haven Bird Club
http://members.aol.com/nhbirdclub
P.O. Box 9004
New Haven, CT 06532

Hartford Audubon Society
http://www.hartfordaudubon.org
P.O. Box 270207
West Hartford, CT 06127

Natchaug Ornithological Society
http://www.nosbird.org
PO Box 192
Mansfield Center, CT 06250

Western Connecticut Bird Club
44 Church Street
Woodbury, CT 06798