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Orange County Cactus Wren Survey March 2010

February 15, 2010
Orange County Cactus Wren Survey March 2010

Cactus Wren by Brian Sullivan

Volunteers Needed

for the 2010 Coastal Cactus Wren monitoring effort. This is a unique opportunity for naturalists and birders, beginning through advanced, to learn survey methods from Cactus Wren scientists and to perform urgently needed surveys and nest monitoring at Audubon’s Starr Ranch Sanctuary, Caspers Wilderness Park, Thomas Riley Park, and Nature Reserve of Orange County (NROC) properties. Training, data collection materials, field assistance, and plenty of encouragement will be provided.

Volunteers Needed for the 2010 Coastal Cactus Wren monitoring effort. This is a unique opportunity for naturalists and birders, beginning through advanced, to learn survey methods from Cactus Wren scientists and to perform urgently needed surveys and nest monitoring at Audubon’s Starr Ranch Sanctuary, Caspers Wilderness Park, Thomas Riley Park, and Nature Reserve of Orange County (NROC) properties. Training, data collection materials, field assistance, and plenty of encouragement will be provided.

Sea and Sage Audubon Society, Audubon California’s Starr Ranch Sanctuary, NROC, and The Nature Conservancy, are working in a collaborative effort to recruit more volunteers for the Orange County Cactus Wren Survey Team. The volunteer-based, scientist-lead team will assist in surveys and monitoring efforts needed to assess the long term status of the Coastal Cactus Wren in Orange County.

Skills Required – Basic birding skills (motivated beginners encouraged), reliable transportation, ability to walk moderate distances, a good pair of binoculars, readiness to learn, and enthusiasm about birds!

Schedule:

  • February 13– Lecture by Dr. Kristine Preston, Nature Reserve of Orange County - at Sea and Sage Audubon Education Center
  • February 27 - Training Session led by ornithologist, Robb Hamilton - at Starr Ranch Sanctuary
  • March - Surveys Begin

NROC Comprehensive Surveys and Monitoring – In addition to the surveys mentioned above, there will be a very detailed survey and monitoring project managed by Kristine Preston on the NROC that will include observations of banded birds, breeding behaviors, and breeding success. Volunteer participation in the NROC project will require a greater commitment of time, and opportunities will be limited to experienced birders and naturalists.

To Sign-up and Reserve a Seat in the Training Sessions or for Questions – Contact

For more information, see Starr Ranch or Sea and Sage Audubon.