Citizen Science
Pinyon Jay Surveys
Pinyon Jay
Photo: Jeff Bleam
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Did you know that Pinyon Jay populations have declined 80% since the 1960s? Here is your opportunity to help scientists understand why this species is in decline and how we can help to conserve them. Lahontan Audubon Society is partnering with the Great Basin Bird Observatory (GBBO) to recruit community scientists to conduct Pinyon Jay surveys. No experience is necessary and birders of all levels are welcome. This is a great opportunity to learn about a local species and support conservation efforts. Surveys require a smartphone app or a handheld GPS.
Each month we will host a field trip where new volunteers will meet our experienced surveyors to learn the survey protocol and share their experiences. Send us an email to be notified of the next field trip. |
ShoreBird Surveys
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The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation awarded a grant to the National Audubon Society (NAS) for its Saline Lakes Program on a project aimed at conserving shorebirds and their important habitat within the Lahontan Valley. NAS, Lahontan Audubon, along with Manomet, are working closely with the Nevada Department of Wildlife and US Fish & Wildlife Service to identify habitat needs for 11 priority shorebird species; examine the habitat management units at Carson Lake and Stillwater in order to identify impediments to and opportunities for improving shorebird management; and improve capacity for monitoring shorebird populations.
Lahontan Audubon volunteers conduct surveys during peak migration in the spring and fall throughout the Lahontan Valley Wetlands. By utilizing volunteers, we are able to survey the full area at the same time allowing for a better count of the total number of individual shorebirds that are using this vital area. We are currently not recruiting new volunteers, however, there may be more opportunities to conduct shorebird counts at additional sites soon. Stay tuned! Learn more about the grant LAS has received to fund shorebird conservation on Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge here. |
Shorebird Survey Volunteers
Photo: Dennis Ghiglieri
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Advocacy
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Lahontan Audubon continues to engage in advocacy work on behalf of the bird's of Nevada. We keep apprised of legislation, management comment and scoping opportunities, and working groups for conservation. Check out some of the issues we have provided comments for on our Advocacy page or sign up to receive periodic conservation alert emails with information on how you can support conservation issues.
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Subscribe here to receive chapter emails with announcements and ongoing conservation news.
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Oxbow NSA Pollinator Garden
LAS was part of creating a small garden on the north side of the Oxbow visitor's center made up of native plants, and flowers to benefit birds, insects and visitors of the park. Huge thank you to our volunteer Judith Lockwood for continuing to maintain these beds each year.
