[va-bird] Volunteer IBA Survey Opportunity

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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