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Long-billed Curlew Nest Survey
What: The USFWS has an on-going project investigating the impacts of contaminants on Long-billed curlew productivity. We sampled 10 curlew eggs from the Hanford Reach National Monument last year, and this year we will attempt to sample 10 eggs from the Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge as part of this project.
The project involves finding Curlew nests using a technique called "rope dragging" where a rope is skimmed across the grassland areas where Curlew nest and the rope flushes the birds from their nests briefly, While the bird is briefly off the nest we can sample one egg from the nest. This does not have a large impact on nest success or failure, but might be important for the population of Curlew over all to assess the impact of contaminants on their eggs.
The work involves sharp observation - Curlew are very cryptic.
It also involves lots of walking, so volunteers must be ready to walk long distances while holding a rope. Fitness is very helpful. Good boots are very helpful. Veterans of last year can attest.
When: The weeks we need help are: Week of April 23 Week of April 30 Week of May 7 The work will be most of each day leaving McMary around 7:30 ish ( to Umatilla by 8:30 ish) and returning around 3 or 4 depending on weather conditions.
What to bring: Volunteers should come prepared with hat, sunscreen, water, lunch. You may bring cameras.
How many people: 6 to 7 will be needed each day to find curlew nests. In addition, on April 24, 6 volunteers will also be needed for owl monitoring.
How to RSVP: Please send Heidi the dates you are available! She will create a schedule based on your preferred dates. Then Heidi will follow up each Friday (prior to the week of activity) with dates of assignments, where and when to meet and etc.
Heidi Newsome
Wildlife Biologist U.S.Fish & Wildlife Service
Mid-Columbia River National Wildlife Refuge Complex
64 Maple St Burbank WA 99323
(509) 546-8300
heidi_newsome@fws.gov
Contact our Volunteer Coordinator:
Marla Bennett, Volunteer Coordinator
Mid-Columbia River National Wildlife Refuge Complex
64 Maple Street, Burbank, WA 99323
Phone: 509-546-8300
Email: marla_bennett@fws.gov
Website: www.fws.gov/mcriver/
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
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Volunteer Application (OF301)
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It's our belief that you can benefit by volunteering. Developing a sense of place and knowing that you contributed to the perpetuation of the natural environment through caring and education are just some of the internal benefits of volunteering.
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