In 2022, the Land Trust teamed up with Boise State University and local birding enthusiasts to put their expertise to use as part of a new community science bird surveying program made possible by a grant from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. For the pilot year, 10 committed volunteers took part in trainings through Cornell and BSU before completing two weeks of in-field surveys, tracking their observations closely in the eBird app.
The goal of this program is to engage and empower community members to turn their birding observations into data that can be used to inform land management decisions and measure restoration efforts on Land Trust preserves. With robust training and protocols, volunteers can help provide high quality data both locally and globally.
We are excited to build on the momentum of last year’s surveys as we head into the second year of the program this spring. If you are a birder- whether you’re a novice, expert, or somewhere in between, we could use your help!
To sign up to participate in the 2023 Bird Survey, contact Ben Majsterek, Stewardship Coordinator at: or 208-788-3947 ext. 110
2023 Calendar of Events
April 30: Complete the online Cornell eBird training. This is a self-paced 3 hour training on the eBird app. This is not required if it was completed last year.
May 3 (Required): Please watch this one hour eBird training video with Heidi Carlisle by May 3. This can be watched on your own, and is not required if it was completed last year.
May 11 (Optional): eBird Q&A with Ben Majsterek. If you've watched both trainings and still have questions, Ben will be available from 10:30-11:30AM and from 4-5PM to lend a hand!
May 11 (Required): Please watch this one-hour Bird ID training video. This can be watched on your own, and is not required if it was completed last year.
May 12 or 13 6:30-9:30 AM (Required Attendance!): Required attendance to either the 12 or 13 bird survey. This is a 2-3 hour session that will be held in the field. Details about what to expect will be sent prior to the event.
MAY 15-21 MIGRATION SURVEY: Choose one day during this week to complete the Migration Survey. Plan to spend at least 5 hours in the field on your chosen day.
JUNE 12-18 BREEDING SURVEY: Choose one day during this week to complete the Breeding Survey. Plan to spend at least 5 hours in the field on your chosen day.