Get Involved in Citizen Science this Spring
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| Bald Eagle |
Help with Spring Bald Eagle Count
MassWildlife is preparing for its Spring Eagle Count, scheduled for April 10. In the case of bad weather, the backup survey date is April 17. The goal of the survey is to document active eagle nests and to identify banded birds throughout the state. This will be done by checking known nest sites and searching for new nests in areas where recent eagle activity has been reported or where the habitat seems especially good for breeding eagles. When eagles are observed, remember to look for any leg bands. Banded eagles will have a color band with a unique letter/number code that is often readable either using binoculars or high resolution photography. If you would like to participate in this count, please contact Andrew Vitz at (508) 389- 6394 or Andrew.vitz@state.ma.us
Report Rusty Blackbird Sightings During Spring Migration
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| Rusty Blackbird by Bob Stymeist |
MassWildlife needs your help documenting Rusty Blackbirds during spring migration! The Rusty Blackbird has undergone one of the most precipitous declines documented for any species in North America. Since the mid 1900s, the population is thought to have declined by 85%, and the cause largely remains a mystery. Very little is known about the migratory habits of this species, and the goal of the Rusty Blackbird Migration Blitz is to gain a better understanding of the species requirements during migration. To report your Rusty Blackbird sighting, learn more about the project, and review identification tips visit the International Rusty Blackbird Working Group’s website. If you are interested in participating and have questions, contact MassWildlife Ornithologist Andrew Vitz at Andrew.vitz@state.ma.us or (508) 389-6394.
Report Roadkill on Linking Landscapes Site
MassWildlife and Massachusetts Department of Transportation, and the University of Massachusetts have launched Linking Landscapes for Massachusetts Wildlife, a long-term and multifaceted volunteer based monitoring program and planning collaboration. LLMW aims to 1.) reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and improve public safety, 2.) enhance, protect, and restore habitats impacted by roads, 3.) incorporate conservation priorities into transportation planning, and 4.) implement wildlife transportation and research. As a citizen, you can help by contributing data or volunteering to survey road segments. You can document your observations of roadkilled wildlife using this form. Roadkill reports help inform our wildlife mitigation and transportation safety decision making.
Good birding,
Sue
With best wishes,
Sue
Sue McGrath
Newburyport Birders
Observe ~ Appreciate ~ Identify
Newburyport, MA
Website: www.newburyportbirders.com
Blog: http://nbptbirders.blogspot.
Twitter: @ nbpt_birders
Sue
Sue McGrath
Newburyport Birders
Observe ~ Appreciate ~ Identify
Newburyport, MA
Website: www.newburyportbirders.com
Blog: http://nbptbirders.blogspot.
Twitter: @ nbpt_birders