A recent study by Dr. John Bower at Western Washington University found
that seabirds in north Puget Sound have declined dramatically since the
late 1970's (learn more
<http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/northwest/story/138470.html> ). But
what about wintering seabirds in central and south Puget Sound? Well,
we honestly don't know and the volunteer Science Commitee at Seattle
Audubon has declared it a priority to find out. We have established the
framework for a citizen science project to take place this winter and
for winters to come.

That's why we need your help. Might you be the birder we are looking
for with a couple hours to spare every fourth Saturday this winter?

--------------------------------

WHO: A dedicated team of talented citizen scientists!

WHAT: Wintering Seabird Survey

WHEN: The first Saturday of every month, October through April. Count to
take place within two hours on either side of high tide (4-hour window).
Only 15 minutes per site.

WHERE: Central Puget Sound (eastern shoreline) from Edmonds Ferry
Terminal south to Dash Point (south Federal Way). 28 survey locations
have been mapped out, at least one mile apart.*

--------------------------------

* Would you like to help but live outside the Seattle area? Please
contact Adam Sedgley at adams at seattleaudubon.org to learn more. The
Seattle Audubon Science Committee is very interested in conducting
surveys throughout central and southern Puget Sound. Take this protocol,
find a site, visit it monthly over the winter and send us your data.
It's that easy.

To learn more or to download the protocol, please visit
http://seattleaudubon.org/science.cfm?id=1168
<http://seattleaudubon.org/science.cfm?id=1168>

In field training with members of Seattle Audubon Science Committee, two
possible dates:

Wednesday, September 19th, 6-8pm (at Golden Gardens in Seattle)

Saturday, September 22nd, 10am-12pm (at Golden Gardens in Seattle)

Please let me know if you are interested in this survey and if so, which
sites would you be able to visit, your birding ability and which
training session you will be able to attend. We would really appreciate
your help.



Thank you.

Adam Sedgley

Science Associate

Seattle Audubon

206-523-8243 ext. 36

adams at seattleaudubon.org <mailto:adams at seattleaudubon.org>

www.birdweb.org <http://www.birdweb.org/>