Audubon California is partnering with chapters to visit “at-risk” refuges to monitor waterfowl and shorebirds. This real-time data is provided to refuge managers to inform land management decisions to benefit birds. This program is the first of its kind. The Migratory Bird Conservation Partnership provided program design oversight and identified the Pacific Flyway Shorebird Survey as an already existing protocol that could be extended for drought monitoring.

Altacal Audubon, Fresno Audubon, Stanislaus Audubon, and Kern Audubon Chapters began biweekly surveys in October on Gray Lodge Wildlife Area, Los Banos Wildlife Area, Volta Wildlife Area, Grasslands Wildlife Management Area, Kern National Wildlife Refuge, and Pixley National Wildlife Refuge. The surveys sample the refuges for Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Dunlin, Dowitcher, Black-necked Stilt, and Long-billed Curlew. Chapter members also collect habitat characteristics, note the presence of water, and document evidence of diseased birds. Surveys will run through January with the potential to continue through March drawdown as capacity allows.

Stay tuned for more stories from the chapters.

Photo of Gray Lodge Wildlife Area provided by Altacal Audubon Society