Raptor Nest Monitoring RTH-OR-104 Black Star

Volunteers are assigned nest(s) to monitor in order to gain citizen data on the success of the Raptor population.

We request that volunteers monitor the nest a minimum of 3 times from April through June (every 3-4 weeks)Once you’re assigned a nest, an activity will be placed in your LGO account

Submit data on Survey123 (phone app) or via browser within 1 week of visiting answering questions on the provided survey link: Raptor Monitoring Survey 123 (2021)

Please adhere to proper trail etiquette by staying on trails

Adhere to inclement weather (including rain, trail conditions and Red Flag Warning) policies. We will contact you if your patrol is cancelled for Fire Watch.

You and all IRC volunteers must be in IRC uniform (with proper landowner identification/patch), including your badge(s).

Before leaving your home to report for the activity, fill your water bottle, bring everything you need to be healthy, and conduct a self-assessment by responding to the questions (current as of February 4, 2021 from the CDC). Please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/testing/diagnostic-testing.html -OR- CDC self-checker bot here:

CDC Self Checker

Reminders for you on the trail:

• A paper copy of the survey questions if you have not downloaded the survey questions.
• Surveys conducted on foot/bike
• binoculars & spotting scopes (scope can be checked out with IRC, but must be arranged 48 business hours or more in advance) ​
• Active nests are monitored regularly to document egg-laying, incubation, hatching, and fledging.
• Remember, you are also creating a disturbance by observing these birds
• Minimize time spent at the nest—just enough to determine nesting status
• Leave or back off if you flush a raptor from its nest or if you think you are disturbing the adults or chicks
• If a new nest is observed, do not approach a nest closer than about 75 ft. and inform the program coordinator about the discovery
• The use of audio playback (phishing) to induce visual observation or vocalization is prohibited (We have a protocol if you need a copy)
• Participants should not linger at nest site unnecessarily or use this program as an opportunity to pursue other interests like bird watching or hiking
• Avoid, when feasible, attracting the attention of others to the nest location
• Stay on existing trails as much as possible
• If nest monitoring necessitates off-trail access you may need snake chaps. Please don’t leave a visible social trail from the authorized trail (e.g., take different routes back and forth each time)
• Avoid conversation if surveying with another individual to maximize your ability to see and hear signs of raptor activity or nest.