Mass Audubon Seeks Citizen Scientists to Help Study Eastern Meadowlarks
LINCOLN, MA—Mass Audubon has launched a multi-year citizen science project to study Eastern Meadowlarks. The project aims to collect presence-absence data for Eastern Meadowlarks at randomly selected sites throughout Massachusetts from May 15 to June 15, 2017.
Eastern Meadowlarks are in serious decline, both in Massachusetts and elsewhere in New England and North America, and in order to better help this species we need to know more about their status in Massachusetts. The data collected through this project will provide valuable information about this species' current distribution in the Commonwealth, and will form the basis for a better assessment of meadowlark habitat requirements and future conservation needs.
To obtain the information we need, it is critical that we get help from citizen scientists. There are a lot of potential sites where Eastern Meadowlarks could be nesting, but there are only a few of us! The results of this work will help develop models for use in evaluating potential sites that have not been visited.
Project data can be easily entered through the Anecdata website on a computer or in the field on a mobile smartphone device. The surveys required are simple and quick (10 minutes!) to do.
We've provided our citizen scientist volunteers with "hotspots" where we specifically need a volunteer to do a meadowlark survey on three separate dates (with preferably at least 3 days in between each date) during the period of May 15 and June 15. Many of these hotspots will likely not have Eastern Meadowlarks, but knowing where Eastern Meadowlarks are not is just as valuable for scientific analysis as knowing where Eastern Meadowlarks are.
More information about how to get involved is available on the project website.
Not familiar with Eastern Meadowlarks? Check out our quick guide and listen to their song.
Learn more at: https://www.anecdata.org/projects/view/187
Questions? Contact us at birdconservation@massaudubon.org.
######
Mass Audubon protects nearly 37,000 acres of land throughout Massachusetts, saving birds and other wildlife, and making nature accessible to all. As Massachusetts' largest nature conservation nonprofit, we welcome more than a half million visitors a year to our wildlife sanctuaries and 20 nature centers. From inspiring hilltop views to breathtaking coastal landscapes, serene woods, and working farms, we believe in protecting our state's natural treasures for wildlife and for all people–a vision shared in 1896 by our founders, two extraordinary Boston women. Today, Mass Audubon is a nationally recognized environmental education leader, offering thousands of camp, school, and adult programs that get over 225,000 kids and adults outdoors every year. With more than 125,000 members and supporters, we advocate on Beacon Hill and beyond, and conduct conservation research to preserve the natural heritage of our beautiful state for today's and future generations. We welcome you to explore a nearby sanctuary, find inspiration, and get involved. Learn how at www.massaudubon.org.
