Community Science Bird Monitoring

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.

After a second successful year in 2023, we are excited to start year three 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 2024 Bird Survey, contact Ben Majsterek, Stewardship Coordinator at:  or 208-788-3947 ext. 110

2024 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 you have completed it in the past.

May 15 (Required): Please watch this one hour eBird training video with Heidi Carlisle by May 15. This can be watched on your own, and is not required if you have watched in the past.

May 15 (Required): Please watch this one-hour Bird ID training video.  This can be watched on your own, and is not required if you have watched in the past.

May 15 (Optional): eBird Q&A.  If you've watched both trainings and still have questions, Ben will be available from 9:00-10:00AM and from 1-3PM at the Wood River Land Trust office to lend a hand!

May 17 or 18 6:30-9:30 AM (Required Attendance!): Required attendance to either the 17 or 18 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 19-25 MIGRATION SURVEY: Choose one day during this week to complete the Migration Survey.  Plan to spend 1-3 hours in the field on your chosen day.

JUNE 16-22 BREEDING SURVEY: Choose one day during this week to complete the Breeding Survey.  Plan to spend 1-3 hours in the field on your chosen day.