Background / Purpose

No fewer than five owl species regularly breed in Wisconsin and the western Great Lakes, yet their nocturnal habits, sparse distributions, and relatively early nesting periods have precluded adequate monitoring of their populations by existing surveys. Recognizing this gap, the Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative (WBCI) and Minnesota's Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory (HRBO) teamed up in 2005 to initiate a volunteer-based, roadside survey that aims to assess the status, distribution, trends, and habitat associations of owl populations in the region. This large-scale, long-term survey provides information like no others and will ultimately play a critical role in the sound management and conservation of owls throughout the western Great Lakes.

What participants can expect

The Western Great Lakes Owl Survey follows nationally-standardized protocols and asks volunteers to conduct at least one roadside survey of an assigned route after dark between April 1 and 15. Wisconsin hosts more than 90 survey routes statewide, each consisting of 10 stations spaced one mile apart. Observers record all owls detected during a five-minute listening period at each station, and the entire survey is typically completed in ~ two hours (see here for details on protocol). The most common owls are Great Horned, Barred, and Northern Saw-whet Owl, while other fun critters like American Woodcock, Wilson's Snipe, Ruffed Grouse, coyotes, and frogs are frequently encountered. Check out the "Stories from the Field" section to read more about other volunteers' experiences in years past.

Owl enthusiasts of any skill level are welcome. All volunteers are provided online training opportunities and must pass a brief certification test to ensure accurate data collection. Routes are assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis, so be sure to view the map of routes and sign up today! Keep in mind that the Wisconsin Nightjar Survey uses identical routes and similar protocols so you may consider participating in both surveys.

For more information, contact survey coordinator Ryan Brady, Wisconsin DNR, at ryan.brady@wisconsin.gov or 715-685-2933.

Results

The Western Great Lakes Owl Survey has completed five field seasons. Read annual reports from previous years at the links to the right. In 2009 nearly 70 volunteers surveyed 85 routes throughout Wisconsin and detected 150 owls of five species, but this total was less than the 192 owls tallied in 2008. Check out the 2009 annual report for preliminary data on population trends and summaries of owls detected thus far on each of the 92 routes statewide.

Additional Owl Survey Links

Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory - Spring Owl Surveying
Bird Studies Canada - Nocturnal Owl Monitoring
Guidelines for Nocturnal Owl Monitoring in North America
Northeast Coordinated Bird Monitoring Partnership - Night Birds
Maine Owl Monitoring Program
Pennsylvania Breeding Bird Atlas Owl Survey Protocols