Nebraskaland Magazine
As some may already know, the Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) is a long-term, volunteer-driven bird monitoring program conducted throughout North America. BBS data are used widely by wildlife agencies, researchers and in conservation planning. More information can be found here.
Recently, I took over as the state BBS coordinator and perhaps my principal duty is identify individuals that may be able to fill vacant routes. Currently, there are four available routes in Nebraska, these are shown on the map below with the green ellipses.
Thus, I am seeking qualified individuals interested in helping with this effort. A few key sideboards, observers should meet the following criteria:
- Access to suitable transportation
- Good hearing and eyesight
- The ability to identify all breeding birds in the route’s area by sight and sound. Knowledge of bird songs is extremely important because most birds detected on these surveys are singing males.
- New BBS participants must also successfully complete the BBS Methodology Training Program before their data will be used in BBS analyses.
Also, observers should have the intention of running a BBS route for more than one year. Please contact me if you are interested in one of these routes.
Joel Jorgensen
joel.jorgensen@nebraska.gov or 402.471.5440
