Volunteer surveyors are needed for our Grassland Bird Survey (GBS) beginning in Spring, 2011. The GBS is a collaborative effort of Wildlife Preservation Canada, Bird Studies Canada and the Canadian Wildlife Service to locate Loggerhead Shrike (migrans subspecies) while at the same time collecting information on other grassland bird species associated with shrike habitat. The survey results will help to improve our understanding of bird species composition in Ontario's remaining grasslands.
Grassland birds have demonstrated more significant and widespread population declines than any other group of North American birds. Given its need for large areas of suitable habitat, the Loggerhead Shrike serves as a flagship species for grassland birds in general. The GBS will focus on grassland habitats in the key breeding areas of the Loggerhead Shrike including the Carden, Napanee and Smiths Falls limestone plains, the area around Pembroke/Renfrew, Grey and Bruce Counties in the Bruce Peninsula, and Manitoulin Island. Participants will be asked to complete a survey of a suite of grassland bird species compiled based on North American migratory bird population trends as well as results of the second Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas. Surveyors will conduct 15-minute roadside surveys along assigned 'sites' from which high quality, grassland habitat is visible. Each volunteer will be provided with a survey kit containing detailed survey methodology, data forms and survey maps. If you are interested in participating in this project and would like more information, please contact the GBS Coordinator, Erica Lagios, at Wildlife Preservation Canada, 519-836-9314 or 1-800-956-6608 (toll free), or by email: [email protected]. Please confirm your participation prior to March 18, 2011. We hope we can count on your support! ********************************** Erica Lagios Grassland Bird Survey Coordinator Wildlife Preservation Canada RR#5 5420 Highway 6 North, Guelph ON N1H 6J2 Tel: 519-836-9314 Fax: 519-836-8840 [email protected] www.wildlifepreservation.ca _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
