PA Audubon looking
to recruit volunteers
to study nominated IBA sites
(Mike Fialkovich & Jack Solomon)
PA Audubon is looking to recruit volunteers to study nominated
IBA sites, in our case, the Racoon
Creek Valley which includes Racoon Creek State Park
and surrounding area. The 3RBC Steering Committee will soon
take up the question of whether, and if so, to what degree,
our club will officially play a role in the collection of
data from the site.
The thought was to enlist local bird clubs, Audubon chapters,
etc. as resources for volunteers to monitor the bird life
in the IBAs. The organization is asked to "Adopt"
the area, which means they would be responsible for monitoring
the site.
PA Audubon asked if the Three Rivers Birding Club would
"adopt" this IBA. What this means is our club
would be in charge of collecting data for the site. It would
be pretty much necessary for at least one individual to
be in charge, to coordinate the work on this particular
IBA.
Data is collected in June, during the height of the breeding
season. Volunteers are to go to the site, do point counts,
and fill out the data sheets. Example data sheets were given
to club Committee Members.
Kim Van Fleet from PA Audubon has set up point counts at
Raccoon Creek State Park. They are marked by wooden stakes
pounded into the ground at every 300 yards or so. Some are
at the Mineral Springs area, others are in restricted areas,
which the park personnel would grant access.
A person or team would walk the area, stop at each marker,
look and listen for 3 minutes, and record all birds seen
and heard at every point. This would require club members
who are experienced with bird song, as most of the data
will be collected by listening. Less experienced and interested
club members are encouraged to go along as data collectors
(for a learning experience) if the "leader" would
prefer.
The minimum number of count times/data collection is 3.
One person could do it 3 times or 3 people could do it once
each. The counts must be conducted early in the morning,
beginning around 5 a.m. There is a person doing the counts
at this point as Kim Van Fleet indicated.
In summary, to do this we need:
Interested volunteers
Experienced birders to collect the data
Birders willing to help, i.e., to be data collectors (carry a clipboard/Data Form).
Volunteers willing to be at the site at 5 a.m.
If you are interested in helping and to request additional information, please contact Kim Van Fleet at 412-963-6100.
