Tracy Aviary Citizen Science Indoor Training – Advanced Group March 2, 2016

Tracy Aviary inspires curiosity and caring for birds and nature through education and conservation Who we are

Who you are Name Hometown Favorite hobby Why you joined TA citizen science

Citizen Science Project Overview

Tracy Aviary Citizen Science Background 8 volunteers study sites 1 study site ~38 volunteers City Creek Canyon Regional Athletic Complex Jordan River Golf Course City Creek Canyon Liberty Park Parley’s Historic Nature Park Scott Ave Park Big Bend Habitat Restoration Area Galena Soo’nkhanni Preserve Alta Ski Area

Why do we study birds?  (relatively) Easy to identify  Indicators  Contributors to healthy ecosystems  Charismatic ambassadors American Dipper

Program Objectives  Science for everyone  Engaging citizens  Collect & Interpret data  Share results & Inform decision-making ? American Three-toed Woodpecker

Study Sites and Partnerships Regional Athletic Complex Jordan River Golf Course City Creek Canyon Liberty Park Parley’s Historic Nature Park Scott Ave Park Big Bend Habitat Restoration Area Galena Soo’nkhanni Preserve Alta Ski Area  Alta  City Creek Canyon  Jordan River Big Bend Galena Soo’nkhanni RAC/Jordan River Golf Course  Liberty Park  Parleys Historic Nature Park  Scott Ave Park

How is the data used?  Create a baseline  Inform management  Long-term monitoring  Data sharing –Contribute to the big picture eBird BCOR

Survey Protocol and Methods  Point Transect Surveys (Distance Sampling) 2 Roles: Observer Recorder Time: 6am-10:30am Dates: April 15-July (varies by study site)

Survey Protocol and Methods Point Transect Surveys (Distance Sampling)

Distance Sampling  Species Richness  Abundance  Density  Community Composition

Assumptions of Distance Sampling 1.Birds are identified correctly 2.Nearby birds are detected All birds at 0m are detected 3.Birds are detected at their initial locations 4.Distance measurements are exact No “binning”

Field Trainings and Weekly Practices  Field trainings* (March 6 through June): Saturday mornings Thursday afternoons Same topic *Minimum of 6 required  Weekly Practices (Feb 28 through April): Online bird ID practices and quizzes In-person birding by ear practices: Fridays  Breeding Bird Surveys (April 15 through July)

Training Resources  tracyaviaryconservation.org ***Password to access schedule: woodpecker

Broadtail Blitz Other Citizen Science Opportunities Migration Moonwatch Nest Monitoring Nature in the City Nature Walks Park Habitat Preference Study Nightjar Survey Feederwatch

Break Northern Flicker

What birds do you know?

QUIZ PART 2 TURN OFF PROJECTOR

WETA: YEWA: AMGO: BCCH: DEJU: LAZB: WAVI: BEKI:

PISI: SWTH: BHGR: CHSP: AMRO: FOSP: NOFL:

Thank you!!!

Training Assessment American Avocet

Learning Resources All About Birdsallaboutbirds.org Macaulay Librarymacaulaylibrary.org Dendroica natureinstruct.org/dendroica ebirdebird.org Merlin ID appmerlin.allaboutbirds.org Xeno-Cantowww.xeno-canto.org Utah Birdsutahbirds.org Larkwire ($)larkwire.com Thayer ($)thayerbirding.com

How is the data used?  Jordan River: –River restoration Russian olive removal, channel reconstruction –Restoration and management recommendations –Minimize consequences of non-native removal

How is the data used?  City Creek Canyon: –Then: Ladder fuel removal Impacts of three shaded fuel breaks –Now: Continued monitoring of City Creek Canyon Health

How is the data used?  Alta: –Ecological Assessment –Formal baseline bird inventory