Bird Monitoring
Why Monitor Birds?
Birds are crucial in our estuary ecosystem, dispersing seeds, pollinating plants, and recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem. Birds also provide an incredible connection for humans to the natural world and we want to ensure that we are protecting their needs on our lands. By monitoring birds year-round on KELT preserves, we can make management decisions, like trail routing and usage, that consider birds and other wildlife.
How You Can Help?
"Adopt" a KELT preserve to monitor
Help assess birds for land protection projects
Record all of your birding observations in eBird
Take photos of birds for KELT to use
Attend a KELT bird walk
Spread the word!
Short-Term Goals
Begin or build upon species lists for all of KELT's public preserves
Match volunteers with all of KELT's public preserves
Implement eBird as the primary tool for recording KELT bird monitoring data
Long-Term Goals
Incorporate birds into KELT management palns
Build species lists for new land protection projects prior to KELT acquisition or protection
Work with landowners of properties protected by conservation easements (including agricultural easements) to monitor bird activity and adopt management practices that benefit bird species present on the properties.
Grassland Bird Conservation
Bobolinks and other grassland birds are particularly fragile species due to their exposure to extreme threats, including farm machinery, habitat loss, and climate change. In partnership with local farmers, dedicated volunteers, and statewide efforts, KELT is working to ensure these remarkable birds are protected through land conservation and sustainable haying practices.