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There are many opportunities to become involved in Nebraska bird conservation:
Within the Nebraska Bird Partnership Volunteer Workgroups:
Also:
The Nebraska Master Naturalist Program trains conservation-minded citizen volunteers to manage natural areas, do public programs, conduct citizen science, or staff nature centers.
Volunteers are critical for the Tern and Plover Conservation Partnership to fulfill the mission of protecting endangered least terns and piping plovers along the Lower Platte, Loup, and Elkhorn Rivers while avoiding conflicts with humans.
Citizen Science Opportunities:
The North American Breeding Bird Survey is an unparalleled source of information regarding trends in the distribution and abundance of birds. Breeding Bird Survey data are accessed by scientists, resource managers, citizens, and others with an interest in conservation of bird populations. Advanced birding skills are a prerequisite for volunteering to conduct a Breeding Bird Survey route.
One year remains (2010) for completion of the 5-year Nebraska Breeding Bird Atlas Project through which detailed data on species distribution is being collected. The project will update, refine, and complement the first Atlas project conducted in 1984-1989, and allow scientists and resource managers to examine changes over that time period. Enthusiastic novice birders can volunteer to complete a Breeding Bird Atlas survey block.
The U.S. Nightjar Survey Network is working to collect information on distribution and abundance of nightjars, a group of poorly-understood nocturnally-active birds of which 4 species regularly occur in Nebraska (i.e. whip-poor-will, common nighthawk, chuck-will’s-widow, and common poorwill). Novice birders can quickly learn the songs of these species, a prerequisite for completing a survey.
Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count has a 100+ year history documenting the distribution of wintering birds across North America. Novice birders can make a contribution.
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Get Involved
