National Estuary Program Shorebird Monitoring
Break out those binoculars and spotting
scopes and join other experienced shorebirders for the Morro Bay National Estuary
Program's Volunteer Monitoring Program (VMP) spring shorebirding effort. The
VMP is seeking volunteers with shorebird identification experience for a census
on Saturday, November 11th from 8:30 am to noon.
Under the coordination of the Point
Reyes Bird Observatory, shorebird surveys were conducted in Morro Bay between
April 1988 and August 1994. Using the same protocol, the VMP has continued the
effort with spring and fall surveys since 2003. Observers will be observing
from land with spotting scopes, from kayaks or canoes on the water, and from
the Sandspit and Morro Strand from Morro Rock to the Rocky Point (Northpoint).
Collecting these data will provide a view of the variability of shorebird numbers
seasonally and annually, with the overall goal of tracking long-term trends.
Birders will be observing from land with spotting scopes, from kayaks or canoes on the water, from the Sandspit, and from Morro Strand from Morro Rock to the Rocky Point (Northpoint). About 25 volunteers are needed, and first time volunteers are welcome to this event.
Shorebirds are an important bioindicator
of the health of the bay and the Pacific Flyway. If you are interested in participating,
please call Annie Gillespie at the NEP office at 772-3834.
Please respond by October 31st to participate.