Get involved: 2014 Statewide California Tricolored Blackbird surveys

The 2014 Statewide Tricolored Blackbird Survey will take place on April 18-20, 2014. The triennial statewide survey is the primary means used to monitor California’s tricolored blackbird population. It was originally developed by Ted Beedy and the late William Hamilton in the 1990s and has helped to gauge the trend in the population. For example, the estimate derived from the 2008 statewide survey was 400,000 birds. In 2011 researchers documented only 250,000 birds. Given the chronic poor reproductive success in the species since 2006, project leaders anticipate this year’s statewide survey to produce an estimate of fewer than 100,000 birds. If so, it will be the first time that the statewide population has dipped to below 100,000 individuals despite the fact that over 100 new breeding colony locations have been documented and all location records have been added to the Tricolored Blackbird Portal since 2005.

Over the three-day study period participants will survey known breeding colony locations for presence of birds and to scout for colonies in new, previously undocumented locations.  The surveys will document both historical colony locations as well as survey in appropriate regions for new, previously undocumented colony locations and to estimate the number of birds at occupied sites. No prior experience is necessary to participate in the survey and any level of commitment, big or small, is welcome to help make this year’s survey as complete as possible.

Project leaders are also looking for volunteer County coordinators, local experts who will oversee survey efforts in their county, as well as participate in the count.

To volunteer to be a county coordinator, recommend a county coordinator, or volunteer to participate in this year’s survey, use the Contact Us link on the Portal and select “Statewide Survey” from the Category pull-down menu. You can also contact Robert Meese or Monica Iglecia directly.