[SBB] Burrowing Owl Census continues this year, more help needed

[Ruth Troetschler <[[email protected]]>]

Title: Burrowing Owl Census continues this year, more help needed

Please consider joining the  2007 Burrowing Owl Census--May 15-July 15.   We so-far have only 12 volunteers, and need twice that many. 

 Last year many of you helped with the survey last year, and we need you and your friends again this year to check 32 local 5-km by 5-km census blocks‹24 of which supported owls in past years.

Each volunteer will identify all patches if suitable habitat--open fields with short grass--within the block, and thoroughly search those patches for Burrowing Owls when the owls are most active--between dawn and 10 am or between 4 p.m. and dusk. Some blocks need to be searched several times to achieve this goal.  Count on about 4-5 hours of searching between May and July.

We need you.  The statewide Burrowing Owl survey provides a rare opportunity for individuals or organizations to make an important contribution to science and conservation. Whether you are a professional biologist, a seasoned birder, or simply a Burrowing Owl admirer, we urgently need your participation.  The 2007 Burrowing Owl survey season is quickly approaching! The survey window in Central and Northern California begins May 15 and goes through July 15.

Surveyors will plot the locations of any owls on their maps, count all owls seen (identified to age and sex, if possible), estimate of the number of breeding pairs, and standardized habitat information. Prior to the field season, all volunteers will receive detailed instructions, an opportunity to attend a training session and a local field trip with Ruth Troetschler, your local coordinator.

At the end of the season researchers at IBP will consolidate and analyze the data for the entire 2 year census, and disseminate results as widely as possible.  SCVAS will do the same for our local data.  By incorporating survey results to state policymakers, IBP and all the volunteers who make this survey possible can contribute greatly to the development of an informed, up-to-date statewide conservation plan that we hope will safeguard breeding populations of Burrowing Owls throughout California.

To volunteer to census one or more 5-km by 5-km blocks locally contact Ruth Troetschler, 650-948-4142. [[email protected]]. immediately so we can schedule training and assign blocks in areas you choose.  We especially need volunteers in southern Santa Clara and northern San Benito Counties.

***If you are interested farther afield, contact Bob Wilkerson or Rodney Siegel at [[email protected]] or 415-663-2051.  Web site http://www.birdpop.org/burrowing.htm

Santa Clara County Coordinator

Ruth Troetschler
184 Lockhart Lane
Los Altos,  CA  94022
650-948-4142

[[email protected]]

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