This message is being posted with the hope that OFO members would be interested in volunteering for an upcoming pilot Grassland Bird Survey in the spring of 2009. This survey is a joint effort between Wildlife Preservation Canada, Bird Studies Canada and the Canadian Wildlife Service. This project will be focused on grassland habitats on the Carden, Napanee and Smiths Falls limestone plains, the Pembroke area, Grey and Bruce Counties in the Bruce Peninsula and on Manitoulin Island. We hope that this pilot project will set the stage for a larger Grassland Bird Survey encompassing a greater portion of Ontario in 2010.
Grassland birds have demonstrated more significant and widespread population declines than any other group of North American birds. The Grassland Bird Survey is being initiated to provide a greater understanding of species abundance, distribution and habitat requirements in Ontario’s remaining grassland habitat. The pilot survey will provide important data on a variety of grassland bird species currently undergoing serious population declines, with special emphasis on the Eastern Loggerhead Shrike. Volunteers will be able to select from two different survey methodologies, based upon their interest and skill level. Participants can choose to complete a point count survey for all grassland bird species seen or heard, or can complete a checklist survey focusing only on a subset of special interest species that are readily identifiable. Volunteers will be assigned 5 specific grassland areas and are asked to commit to surveying these areas on 3 different days between mid-April and the end of June. A detailed survey methodology, data forms and survey maps will be provided to participants. Volunteers may find themselves working alongside biologists conducting related monitoring and survey projects, including on-going recovery activities for the endangered Eastern Loggerhead Shrike. A tax receipt for mileage will be provided to all volunteers as a token of our appreciation. If you are interested in participating in this project and would like to receive a volunteer kit please contact me at Wildlife Preservation Canada by phone (519) 836-9314 or 1-800-956-6608 (toll free) or through email, [email protected]. We ask that you confirm your participation prior to March 31, 2009. Additionally, feel free to contact me if you have any questions or require any additional information. Sincerely, Tara Imlay Acting-Grassland Bird Survey Coordinator Wildlife Preservation Canada RR #5, 5420 Highway 6 North Guelph, Ontario N1H 6J2 _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
