For Birders

This webpage gives quick links to a number of bird monitoring opportunities for citizens in Wisconsin. Each survey has very specific survey goals and objectives and different requirements of the surveyor. WBCI encourages birders of all skill levels to get involved in one or more of these opportunities that match your skill level. Each link should contain a brief note on the skill level required of the surveyor.

For Program Leaders

This webpage is by no means exhaustive of all of the opportunities available to citizens. If you coordinate a bird monitoring program that you'd like listed here, please send the appropriate information to the survey coordinator, Ryan Brady, at ryan.brady@wisconsin.gov or 715-685-2933. Opportunities could include annual monitoring programs for species, properties, etc.

Christmas Bird Count Skill - any

More than 50,000 observers participate each year in this all-day census of early-winter bird populations. The results of their efforts are compiled into the longest running database in ornithology, representing over a century of unbroken data on trends of early-winter bird populations across the Americas. To view historical data or read updates on national trends, explore the Audubon website above. To get involved in a count near you, see the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology website and search for a count or start your own!

Wisconsin eBird Skill - any

A real-time, online checklist program, eBird has revolutionized the way that the birding community reports and accesses information about birds. Launched in 2002 by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society, eBird provides rich data sources for basic information on bird abundance and distribution at a variety of spatial and temporal scales.

eBird differs from many of the other programs for volunteers in that it is meant as a repository for birder observations on any day of the year at any place in the Western Hemisphere. There are a number of different protocols to choose from and all birders of any skill level are encouraged to participate. See the Wisconsin eBird site for information on recent bird related news/events or information on how to become a better citizen scientist. You can also click on the View and Explore Data tab to learn all about bird populations in Wisconsin or at discrete sites/counties within the state.

Nicolet National Forest Bird Survey Skill - any

The Bird Survey takes place each year during the second weekend in June. Everyone with an interest in birds and a desire for adventure is invited to participate in the Bird Survey. Volunteers work in small groups led by at least one expert in bird song identification. Computerized results are used to guide forest management policies and have been the subject of numerous scientific research articles and master's theses. Results also provide visitors with information about habitat preferences and "hot-spots" for northern Wisconsin's bird species.

Great Backyard Bird Count Skill - any

The Great Backyard Bird Count is an annual four-day event that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of where the birds are across the continent. Anyone can participate, from beginning bird watchers to experts. It takes as little as 15 minutes on one day, or you can count for as long as you like each day of the event. It's free, fun, and easy - and it helps the birds.

Project FeederWatch Skill - any

Project FeederWatch is a winter-long survey of birds that visit feeders coordinated by the Cornell Laboratory for Ornithology. Data generated from this project provide information on population trends, abundance, and distribution. Citizen scientists who periodically record birds from November to April at fixed feeder stations in backyards, nature centers, and other areas collect data throughout North America. Past results and analyses can be viewed online.

Federal Breeding Bird Survey Skill - high

The BBS is a cooperative effort between the U.S. Geological Survey's Patuxent Wildlife Research Center and the Canadian Wildlife Service's National Wildlife Research Centre to monitor the status and trends of North American bird populations. Following a rigorous protocol, BBS data are collected by thousands of dedicated participants along thousands of randomly established roadside routes throughout the continent. Professional BBS coordinators and data managers work closely with researchers and statisticians to compile and deliver these population data and population trend analyses on more than 400 bird species, for use by conservation managers, scientists, and the general public. Click on the link above to view and explore past data, sign up for a route, or explore some of the learning tools to become a better birder.

Annual Midwest Crane Count Skill - any

The Annual Midwest Crane Count is a tradition dating back to 1976. It is one of the largest citizen-based inventories in the world. One of the primary purposes of the Crane Count is to allow the International Crane Foundation (ICF) to monitor the abundance and distribution of Sandhill Cranes in the upper Midwest. Each year, more than 3,000 volunteer participants in more than 100 counties in five states observe at wetlands across the region from 5:30-7:30 a.m. on a Saturday in mid-April. Visit ICF's Crane Count website to see exact dates and learn how to get involved in this year's survey.

Central Wisconsin Kestrel Research Skill - any

The Buena Vista Grassland nest box program was started in 1968 by the well-known naturalist Frances Hamerstrom. Nearly 60 American kestrel nest boxes are monitored every 7-10 days, from May 1st to August 1st or until the last chick has fledged. Volunteers are invited to ride along, enjoying the many bird species found on the Buena Vista while helping to monitor these nest boxes. Throughout the season, we will be banding and collecting data from the birds, and volunteers will get a chance to see kestrel eggs, chicks and adults. If you are interested in joining us for a day, contact Janet and Amber Eschenbauch at pi.beta.falco@gmail.com or 715-572-5727. See our website for more details.

Milwaukee County Avian Migration Monitoring Partnership Skill - any

The Milwaukee County Avian Migration Monitoring Partnership aims to assess habitat quality and changes in habitats for migratory birds within Milwaukee County, WI. The partnership's goals are to: (1) assess habitat use and quality in riparian and upland sites; 2) study habitat use by migratory species; and 3) train citizen-scientists to begin monitoring birds in Milwaukee and to work in conjunction with scientists on addressing urban ecology questions. Volunteers are needed to help with transect counts, banding operations, vegetation analysis, and data recording. To learn more or get involved, visit the MCAMMP website or contact project coordinator William P. Mueller, 414-698-9108.

Wisconsin Loon Population Survey 2010 Skill - any

LoonWatch is a program of the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute at Northland College in Ashland, WI. Established in 1978, LoonWatch works to protect common loons and their aquatic habitats through education, monitoring and research. LoonWatch is currently looking for volunteers to help with the next Wisconsin Loon Population Survey, which is a one-day survey conducted at five-year intervals to track the population trend of Wisconsin's loons. The next survey will take place on 17 July 2010, between the hours of 5:00 and 10:00 A.M. Volunteers are needed to visit each of 200+ randomly selected lakes in northern Wisconsin and count all adult loons and their chicks. To view available lakes and sign up, please see and fill out this form or contact Stacy Schaefer for more information.

LoonWatch's Annual Lakes Monitoring Program Skill - any

LoonWatch is recruiting volunteers to monitor lakes around Wisconsin as part of the Annual Lakes Monitoring Program. Volunteers earn the prestigious title of Loon Ranger by helping to record important loon events such as migration, nesting, and chick rearing on lakes they live on or frequently visit. Started in 1978, this program continues to establish a statewide reference for where loons are and how they are doing. For more information, see the website linked above or contact survey coordinator Stacy Craig, 715.682.1220.

Ozaukee Washington Land Trust Bird Surveys Skill - any

Bird monitoring efforts are underway in 2009 on 14 properties protected by the Ozaukee Washington Land Trust (OWLT). These properties include Bratt Woods, Cedarburg Environmental Study Area, Donges Bay Gorge, Fellenz Woods, Forest Beach Migratory Preserve (Squires Golf Course), Hepburn Woods, Huiras Lake, Kurtz Woods, Lake 12, Mequon Nature Preserve, MacLaurin Property, Riverbend Conservancy, Sauk Creek Nature Preserve, and Wendt Farm. Volunteers are needed to help with various surveys including point counts and bird blitzes. Any bird sightings made on these properties during ANY visit can be entered into Wisconsin eBird. Contact Noel Cutright for further information.

Wintering Golden Eagle Survey Skill - any

The National Eagle Center has coordinated an annual survey of wintering Golden Eagles for the past six years. The 2010 survey will be conducted on January 16, 2010. Volunteers are needed to survey routes in western Wisconsin, southeastern Minnesota, and northeast Iowa. All skill levels are welcome and three optional training sessions are available prior to the survey. For more information and to sign-up, visit the survey's website or contact survey coordinator Scott Mehus.

Breeding Birds of the Cook Arboretum Research Project Skill - moderate

Volunteers are needed in June and July to conduct surveys for Hooded Warblers, Cerulean Warblers, and Acadian Flycatchers at the Cook Arboretum, a.k.a. the Janesville Schools Outdoor Laboratory, in Rock County. 2010 marks the fifth year of this project. Contact UW Biology Professor, Tom Klubertanz, 608-758-6553 to learn more or join the effort.

2010 Chiwaukee Bird Blitz Skill - any

Volunteers are needed for the 3rd bird blitz conducted on the Chiwaukee Prairie State Natural Area in southeastern Kenosha County on Saturday, June 19, 2010. Birders of all skill levels are welcome to attend and should meet at the TNC Gen Crema Trail between 4:30 and 4:45 am (early bird gets the worm!). For more information, please contact Marty Johnson at 262-884-2391 or bmartinus.johnson@wi.gov.