Photo: Birders, Camila Cerea/Audubon
When: Wednesday, March 18, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Where: Virtual
Fee: FREE
Fairfax County Park Authority’s (FCPA) Landscape Legacy and Sustainability Program (LLS), part of the Natural Resources Branch, is partnering with NVBA to conduct breeding-season point count bird surveys at two restored meadow sites in western Fairfax County.
Inspired by a previous project led by Dianna Loescher in Montgomery County, this initiative aims to evaluate the relationship between restored habitat and bird populations. By surveying various plots, the LLS program can assess whether certain habitats support higher bird use than others.
The results will help the LLS Program index current bird populations, evaluate habitat management and restoration efforts, and determine whether designated management areas are serving their intended purpose to restore native bird habitat. In general, bird diversity is a strong indicator of the quality, diversity, and resulting ecological benefits provided by ideal habitats. Because of this, birds are “indicator species” that offer valuable information about the conditions and characteristics (good or bad) of the habitats in which they are observed.
NVBA’s mission is to engage others in enjoying, conserving, and restoring nature for the benefit of birds, other wildlife, and people; making it an ideal project to partner with FCPA on. So we’re calling on birders to help us with this new community-driven science project - learn how you can join us below!
Project Timeline
March 18th: Introduction and Information Webinar (public webinar; recording sent to those who RSVP).
By March 27th: Interested volunteers submit Volunteer Intake Form. Applicants notified if not selected if applications exceed available spots.
April 1 at 7:00 PM: Mandatory Volunteer Training Session (online) for selected volunteers. Volunteer Survey Teams (2-3 volunteers each) will be formed and plots distributed accordingly.
Before May 1st: Each survey team schedules a route and plot scouting date with FCPA staff.
From May 1st to June 19th: Each team schedules and conducts three survey dates, coordinated with project organizers that are conducted between sunrise and 10:00am.
End of June: Volunteer wrap-up meeting at the end of the survey season.
July & August: Additional Volunteer Opportunities to Validate Acoustic Recording Data
Late Summer/Early Fall: Project results published and presented.
Want to Join Us?
We are recruiting both experienced and beginner birders to volunteer for point-count surveys on three separate dates, each one week apart, between May 1 and June 19, conducted between sunrise and 10:00 AM.
Each Volunteer Survey Team will include:
Experienced Birder: Someone who has been birding for several years and can readily identify birds by sound and, when possible, by sight.
Data Recorder: No prior experience required, though a basic knowledge of bird identification is preferred.
(Optional) Backup Volunteer: May assist with data collection or identification as needed.
Volunteering Requirements
Due to site conditions, volunteers must be comfortable walking off-trail through a variety of habitats, including brush and tall grass, and working in typical summer weather conditions. Survey teams will walk between survey points.
All activities take place outdoors in rugged terrain and require appropriate clothing, including sturdy shoes. Tick repellent is strongly recommended and will be provided by FCPA in advance.
Surveys will not be conducted during rain, heavy fog, or high winds.
Organizers will review and confirm each participant’s experience level prior to participation. Because of the structure of this project, organizers will select volunteers based on experience and availability. As such, interested volunteers will be asked to self-identify their experience when applying (see next steps below).
Next Steps for Volunteers & Webinar Policies
Those interested in learning more about this opportunity can register for our Introduction & Information Webinar on March 18 at 7:00 PM. Participants must register through Eventbrite to receive the Zoom link and attend this program.
The session is open to the public. If you cannot attend live, those who RSVP will receive a recording to review the project details and decide if this project fits your interests.
Questions may be directed to NVBA’s Community Engagement Coordinator, McKenzie, at mckenzie@nvbirdalliance.org.