Birds Protocol
Purpose
Characterizing the species, number, and behavior of birds along the shoreline provides valuable information on the use of beach areas. Data can be separated between seabirds on the water offshore of the beach, and terrestrial birds on the upper beach around riparian areas. Birds may respond to habitat characteristics such as riparian vegetation, wrack on the upper beach, or shoreline armoring and development. Foraging behavior may be particularly indicative of the health of a beach.
Protocol
For terrestrial birds on the upper beach, download the protocol below. For seabirds on the water within 300m from shore, use the Puget Sound Seabird Survey. See BirdWeb.org for an online guide to bird identifications. Submit observations and explore data from nearby locations at eBird.org.