The Trustees is seeking local birders and naturalists to help survey grassland habitat to document grassland bird populations. The Trustees has long identified the management of suitable nesting habitat for grassland birds as a key goal, and is actively working to balance habitat needs with other priorities, such as the production of high-quality forage for its agricultural operations. Comprehensive volunteer monitoring of grassland bird populations across fields with a range of management types will clarify the effectiveness of these efforts and help to inform our further stewardship measures.
Responsibilities (may include but are not limited to the following):
Conduct a minimum of one site visit per month from May – July to assigned grasslands. However, we strongly encourage volunteers to visit more frequently, perhaps on a weekly, or bi-weekly (every two weeks) schedule
Conduct standardized point count surveys on each visit for bobolink, eastern meadowlark, savanna sparrow, red-winged blackbird, grasshopper sparrows, and American kestrel
Record survey results on a standardized data sheet or on eBird and submit results to the Trustees current TerraCorps member via email
Photograph survey points
Log volunteer hours on Volunteer Connect
This data will be used to help determine which hayfields/pastures/other fields are important for sustaining grassland species and will inform field management activities. Over the long-term, these surveys will allow The Trustees to assess grassland bird trends in our fields and evaluate the success of our management regimes to support grassland birds.
Qualifications:
Be confident in identifying target grassland birds by sight and sound or have a desire/willingness to familiarize themselves with common grassland birds, especially bobolinks
Have the ability to make a minimum of three morning visits to their assigned grasslands (have access to transportation and have the time to commit)
Be able to navigate using aerial photographs and other maps and follow survey protocol
Be comfortable participating in light walking/hiking on variable terrain
Have the ability to withstand hot/humid conditions
Have access to binoculars
Please note: a background check is required for this role
Volunteers will be given data sheets to record survey results, aerial photos of their assigned grasslands with survey points highlighted, and detailed instructions about how to conduct the surveys and submit the data. Birders are needed at our properties across Massachusetts.