Breeding Bird Surveys

North American Breeding Bird Surveys - Volunteers Needed!

Developed in 1966 by the U.S. Geological Survey and Canadian Wildlife Service to monitor the status and trends of North American bird populations, the North American Breeding Bird Survey is conducted annually during the peak of breeding season, usually June in Maine.

Following a rigorous protocol, thousands of dedicated participants will become what Audubon calls “citizen scientists,” collecting data along thousands of roadside routes throughout the continent.

Professional coordinators and data managers work closely with researchers and statisticians to compile and deliver these population data and population trend analyses on more than 400 bird species for use by conservation managers, scientists and the general public.

Volunteers are assigned a 24.5-mile route with stops every half mile to count and record birds heard or seen within a quarter mile. Volunteers must be able to identify Maine's breeding birds by sight and sound and be willing to make a multiyear commitment to the project.

Interested in participating? Please contact Eric Hynes, Maine Audubon staff naturalist, at
ehynes@maineaudubon.org or call 781-2330, ext. 237.