And this Article by project lead, Max Malmquist!
More than 30 years ago, a dedicated team of ornithologists, state and federal biologists, people from nonprofit organizations, and hundreds of volunteers overseen by Point Reyes Bird Observatory (now known as Point Blue Conservation Science) traversed across the Intermountain West in search of prime habitat for shorebirds. After locating 162 sites of importance, a massive monitoring effort began.
From 1989 to 1995, these sites were simultaneously monitored during the peak of the spring and fall migrations. Before this survey, most studies focused on wintering and breeding populations. The original Intermountain West Shorebird Survey was different–it encompassed a large geographic area that allowed surveyors to observe how shorebirds move across the landscape to find food to replenish their energy reserves as they make their way between their breeding and wintering grounds. This multi-state effort recorded 39 species of shorebirds and helped habitat managers determine which sites were most important for the migrating birds.
30 years later, National Audubon and Point Blue Conservation Science are revisiting this effort. With the help of hundreds of volunteers and community scientists, nearly 200 sites are surveyed twice a year across the entire western United States. There are survey sites located throughout Nevada, and anyone can help conduct surveys!
Contact outreach@gbbo.org or Max.Malmquist@audubon.org to find out how you can get involved!