Midwinter Bald Eagle Survey: A Citizen Science Opportunity
Training: Friday, January 11, 2019, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM @SRA Office (2 Green Hill Road)
Survey: Saturday, January 12, 2019, 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM (assigned locations)
Bundle up and become a citizen scientist by scanning sections of the Shepaug River for bald eagles. The data collected will be reported to the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) as our contribution to the nationwide survey whose goal is to document trends in bald eagle populations over time. With such a broad geographic and temporal scope, this project relies on public input and exemplifies the value of citizen science: a method where non-professionals perform meaningful science.
We welcome all degrees of expertise to get involved in the project. Sites will be assigned to volunteers based on ease of access, degree of hiking, and time of availability. Training will be provided on January 11, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at SRA’s office located at 2 Green Hill Road, Washington Depot, CT 06794. Protocol, identification/aging of bald eagles, as well as waterfowl identification will be covered. If you cannot attend the training, please contact the program leader for a site assignment.
Although the early hours of a winter day may be cold, patience and perseverance are often rewarded with many wildlife sightings. Witnessing the 7-foot wingspan of an adult eagle searching for open water to hunt will quickly make one’s day special. Following the survey at 11:30 a.m. on January 12th, return your data sheet to SRA’s office, warm up, and connect with other citizen scientists over coffee and donuts.
PROGRAM LEADERS: Rory Larson (SRA’s Conservation and Program Leader) has professionally researched several bird species and currently works to better understand the importance of SRA’s preserves to birds