I have made postings to IBLE in the past regarding availability of raptor survey routes for the Winter Raptor Survey Project, a very extensive citizen science project sponsored by the East Cascades Audubon Society based in Bend, OR. This is our 17th survey season and we now have over 450 routes that are surveyed throughout OR, ID, WA, and a small part of northern CA and northeastern UT.
As a review, we ask that project volunteers commit to once a month surveys for December through February. These surveys can be done on a day that fits your monthly life schedule. You would need to have at least a pair of binoculars to view distant birds and if you have a spotting scope even better but not required. You should also have a good working ID knowledge of the more common species of raptors that frequent your area.
The following routes are still available if you have the desire to survey birds of prey for us this winter:
DeSmet - Tensed 72 miles
Churchill - Oakley 68 miles
Rupert North 69 miles
Rupert East - Minidoka 55 miles
Burley SW 54 miles
Burley SE 31 miles
Paul 65 miles
Minidoka NW 68 miles
American Falls SW 44 miles
American Falls - Rockland 78 miles
If you live near one of these areas and are interested in joining this project, please email me as soon as you can as this will be the last advertisement of these routes for this winter. I will be happy to hear from you and more than happy to get you prepared for the survey work that you will be doing :). This is a great way to get out during the doldrum winter months and do some raptor watching, hope to hear from you soon, thanks! :)
Jeff Fleischer Project Coordinator Winter Raptor Survey Project East Cascades Audubon Society
