by Carmen Borchelt, MT Audubon
LBCU Citizen Science Announcement
Are you ready to hear the ‘currlleeee’ of the Long-billed Curlew? Well, grab your binoculars and get ready, because it’s almost curlew season! These charismatic shorebirds will be trickling back into the state in less than two months and we need your help finding as many as possible in and around the Mission, Blackfoot and Helena Valley!
Since 2013 volunteers have recorded curlews sightings in these two Montana valleys and these data are helping inform statewide habitat models as well as highlighting important tracts of intact grassland that are in need of conservation.
The Long-Billed Curlew Citizen Science survey will take place from April 8 – May 7 and May 8 – May 31. Please email Peter Dudley at peter@mtaudubon.org or Carmen Borchelt at carmen@mtaudubon.org for more information and to sign up!
GBHE Citizen Science Announcement
The Great Blue Heron is one of Montana’s avian species of concern. While herons nest in colonies, or rookeries, along major waterways, Breeding Bird Survey data indicates that populations have declined every year from 1966 to 2015. To better track this iconic species, Montana Audubon has partnered with the Montana Natural Heritage Program to improve and support greater statewide inventory and monitoring.
The Great Blue Heron Survey will take place from May 1st – June 15th with an online training April 22nd at 6 pm, please email Peter Dudley at peter@mtaudubon.org or Carmen Borchelt at carmen@mtaudubon.org for the training information.