Monitoring bird populations: the role of bird observatories and nongovernmental organizations

Abstract

Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) currently participating in Partners in Flight have been monitoring bird populations in North America for decades. These regional organization have strong grass roots and private sector support and are able to conduct truly long term studies by using nontraditional funding sources and staffing with dedicated volunteers and personnel. NGOs are well positioned to provide the expertise needed to implement and maintain long term monitoring programs that are required to document normal and anthropogenic fluctuations in neotropical bird populations. An integrated monitoring scheme that samples both population trends and demographic parameters of populations across both broad geographical regions and local microhabitats is needed. We recommend NGO sponsor monitoring programs that are intensive and localized; habitat or land-use based; employ standardized protocols; utilizes volunteers as well as professionals; attracts grass root support; and provide regular results that can direct management. Specific recommendations and examples on implementing such a program are presented.

Parent Publication

• Status and management of neotropical migratory birds

Citation

Geupel, Geoffrey R.; Nur, Nadav. 1993. Monitoring bird populations: the role of bird observatories and nongovernmental organizations. In: Finch, Deborah M.; Stangel, Peter W. (eds.). Status and management of neotropical migratory birds: September 21-25, 1992, Estes Park, Colorado. Gen. Tech. Rep. RM-229. Fort Collins, Colo.: Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service: 275-279