[Mich-listers] Volunteers needed for Michigan Nightjar Survey

Tue Apr 19 11:20:49 EDT 2011

The Michigan Bird Conservation Initiative (MiBCI) is recruiting volunteers for a statewide nightjar survey that will take place this spring and summer.  We currently lack reliable data on nocturnal bird species, such as Whip-poor-will and Common Nighthawk, needed to inform conservation decisions.  The MiBCI and several member organizations began implementing this annual survey in 2010 to further our understanding of nightjar distributions and relative abundance, which will help conservationists make sound management decisions.  This survey will augment ongoing efforts by other states and the U.S. Nightjar Survey Network to support regional and national evaluations of the status of nightjars.  We need the help of dedicated volunteers to make this program a success.

For more information on the program, including an instruction booklet, please visit the Michigan Nightjar Survey website: http://www.mibci.org/index.php?id=234.  We are using a road-based survey protocol consistent with ongoing programs across the U.S.  Volunteers will conduct nightjar surveys along existing Breeding Bird Survey routes in Michigan.  We ask volunteers to survey an assigned route during one or two (preferred) evenings per year.  Because surveys need to take place when the moon is at least half illuminated and above the horizon, survey dates vary annually but usually occur between about late May and early July.  A route consists of 10 stops spaced approximately one mile apart along a road.  Surveyors count nightjars for six minutes at each stop, so a total route will take about two hours to complete.  We will provide surveyors maps and supporting materials to allow them to easily locate their survey routes.

Please contact David Cuthrell (Cuthrell at msu.edu) if you are interested in helping or if you have questions.  The MiBCI is now coordinating surveys conducted in Michigan for the U.S. Nightjar Survey Network, so please contact David Cuthrell if you previously volunteered for that program and plan to continue surveys.  You can visit the Michigan Nightjar Survey webpage (http://www.mibci.org/index.php?id=234) to see where the routes are located.  We assign routes on a first come first serve basis, and below is a list of the available routes.  There are over 50 routes still available, so please consider participating with this valuable survey.

RICHMOND

49172

RIGGSVILLE

49042

ADRIAN

49057

ROCHESTER

49166

ALLEGAN WMA

49907

S LYONS

49066

ALMENA

49909

SKEELS

49045

BEAVER LAKE

49060

TYRE

49071

BELDING

49034

WALLOON LAKE

49043

BIG BLUE LAKE

49019

WALDENBURG

49073

BIG RAPIDS

49031

MARENSICO

49033

BRUSH CREEK

49044

CRYSTAL FALLS

49007

CATHRO

49059

GIBBS CITY

49008

COOPERSVILLE

49033

MAPLE GROVE

49009

DECKERVILLE

49070

WILSON

49012

HAMTRAMCK

49069

SHINGLETON

49014

HARRIETTA

49128

ISABELLA

49016

HARTLAND

49168

TAHQUAMENON

49024

HERRON

49162

RACO

49040

HOMER

49055

PICKFORD

49041

JUNIATA

49063

IMP LAKE

49901

LAPEER

49165

PINE RIVER

49902

LAWRENCE

49020

HIAWATHA NF

49903

LAKE CITY

49027

BETCHLER LAKES

49904

MAYFIELD

49230

SENEY NWR

49906

MONTEREY

49037

SIDNAW

49908

MOTTVILLE

49039

NED LAKE

49055

NO BRADLEY

49050

HERMAN

49066

OBERLIN

49048

OWENDALE

49064

PETTYSVILLE

49067

PRATTVILLE

49058

If you want to learn more about MiBCI’s volunteer-based bird survey programs, you can download last year’s report at the following link: http://www.mibci.org/fileadmin/user_upload/ResearchMonitoring/MiBCI_bird_surveys_year1.pdf
______________________________
Michael J. Monfils, Ph.D.
Conservation Scientist
Michigan Natural Features Inventory
Michigan State University Extension
P.O. Box 30444
Lansing, MI  48909-7944
517-241-2027