[Bristol-Birds] Volunteers needed VA Important Bird Areas

VOLUNTEER SURVEY OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE VIRGINIA IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS PROGRAM

The National Audubon Society is looking for volunteers to conduct standardized 
bird surveys in forest, grassland, and/or successional habitats in the mountain 
and piedmont regions of Virginia.  Data from this project will be used to 
evaluate these areas for consideration as Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in 
Virginia.  The IBA Program is part of a global effort to identify and then work 
to conserve essential habitat for birds.  Your participation will help to 
advance this very important first step toward conservation of Virginia's 
critical habitats.  

The areas to be surveyed have been determined through a GIS mapping project.  
Skilled volunteers are needed to conduct point counts (a standardized survey 
technique that allows us to estimate abundance and track population trends) at 
standardized locations within each identified area.  Most surveys will be on 
trails or tertiary roads but some may be backcountry.  Individuals can apply 
for an area and/or habitat of their choosing and must commit to surveying their 
area twice between early/mid-May and mid-June, 2006.             

What skills do you need to volunteer?

Volunteers must have the ability to: 

. Identify all birds in their selected area/habitat by sight and sound . 
Conduct standardized Point Counts or be willing to learn at an IBA Point Count 
Training Workshop.  Workshops will be held at the following times and 
locations:   

            April 22, 10 - 2pm: Manassas National Battlefield Park - a 
recognized IBA

            May 5, 11am - 3pm: Breaks Interstate Park, first day of the VSO 
annual meeting

. Hike up to 3 miles to conduct surveys (not applicable for surveys conducted 
along roadsides) . Use GPS units and/or topographic maps to locate survey 
points (GPS training provided at workshops.  Maps will be provided and a 
limited number of GPS units may be available.  Volunteers with personal GPS 
units are particularly desired!) . Troubleshoot  (you will likely be the first 
person to visit each of the predetermined survey points and you may need to 
make decisions on their suitability) 

Still interested?

For each patch that you successfully apply to survey, Audubon will financially 
compensate you for mileage and food.  This is a great way for you to contribute 
to our understanding of VA bird populations and help to determine - and protect 
- the areas that are most important to our vulnerable species.

If you are interested, please send a message describing your skills, geographic 
area of interest, and desired training workshop date to Aimee Weldon, the 
Virginia IBA Coordinator, at aweldon@xxxxxxxxxxx or call: Office: 804-752-5850; 
Cell: 804-370-3528.  Workshop registration is limited to 20 participants so 
sign up now to ensure a seat!
_____________________

Aimee Weldon
Virginia IBA Coordinator
P.O. Box 1089
Ashland, VA 23005
804-752-5850 (office)
804-370-3528 (cell)
804-752-5882 (fax)
www.audubon.org

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