For those of you who are in withdrawals and looking for something fun to 
do this summer:
Night birding!

It's time for the Whip-poor-will survey, and there are survey routes 
that need volunteers. Anyone can participate; the call of the 
Whip-poor-will is easily recognized!

Vermont takes part in this standardized survey effort each year to count 
Nightjars from Maine to Florida. Now in its third year, the Nightjar 
survey project is mapping and monitoring the distribution of 
Whip-poor-wills (in Vermont) and other Nightjars. These species are 
declining throughout some or all of their range. The surveys collect 
baseline information about the distribution and abundance of these 
species - the first important step towards establishing a conservation 
strategy.

The survey consists of stops along a road route, and it will require two 
of your evenings, about 2 hours per evening. The first survey window is 
coming up, 15-28 May. The second survey window is 11-26 June. The routes 
that need coverage are in:

Vernon
Guilford
Salisbury
Peacham
Bennington
Hinesburg
Rutland

If you're interested in helping out, please let me know what route you 
can help with, and I'll send details right away.

Cheers,
Rosalind

-- 
Rosalind Renfrew, PhD
Vermont Center for Ecostudies
PO Box 420
Norwich, VT 05055
802-649-1431 X 5
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www.vtecostudies.org