Migration Projects
Conservation Action in the Field
NORTH AMERICAN MIGRATION COUNT
The North American Migration Count (NAMC) was started in 1992 to
give bird watchers the opportunity to enjoy a day's birding during
spring migration with the knowledge that the results of their findings,
together with the birds counted by others, would reveal the status of
bird migration on a specified date. The goals of the NAMC are to get a
picture of the progress of spring migration, obtain data on the
abundance and distribution of each migratory species, create more
challenges and goals for birders, and (most important) have fun. No fee
is involved. For more information, write to Jim Stasz, NAMC
Coordinator, RO. Box 71, l North Beach, MD 20714. For an article by Jim
Stasz, go to North American Migration Count.
HAWK COUNTS
Suitable habitat along migration routes is key to the survival of
migratory birds, and locating these routes is crucial to their
conservation. Raptor migration is the sole focus of the Hawk Migration
Association of North America (HMANA). Since 1975, HMANA has been
collecting data forms from thousands of volunteer hawk watchers
observing migrations across North America. Volunteers record numbers
and species of raptors, weather conditions, and other pertinent
information from specified hawk-watch points (such as Hawk Mountain,
PA.) or any location where migrating hawks can be seen. The data are
used in monitoring populations and in determining areas to be
conserved. To download daily reporting forms and instructions or to get
more information go to the Hawk Migration Association of America website
SHOREBIRD COUNTS
The International Shorebird Survey (ISS) is a volunteer-assisted project that counts shorebirds throughout the Americas during spring and fall migrations. The data help identity key shorebird migration sites, detail the timing of migration, document trends in populations, and determine which species are at greatest risk from habitat loss. So far, this information has been used to develop a shorebird management manual, identify the most appropriate timing of shorebird conservation efforts, and improve shorebird tracking methods. ISS has been sponsored and operated by the Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences since 1974. Volunteers count shorebirds in 35 countries and commonwealths throughout the Western Hemisphere. No participation fee is involved. If you are adept at shorebird identification and are interested in participating visit Manomet's website.