Get Involved: Raptor Monitoring

Raptor Monitoring

Description:

Responsibilities and Qualifications: 1.) Must become trained as Raptor Monitor by CPW Resource Stewardship and able to make at least a 1-year commitment 2.) Intermediate raptor identification skills and access to necessary equipment such as binoculars or a spotting scope required. 3.) Become familiar with a particular State Park and observe raptors during both the winter and the summer nesting season twice per month. 4.) Use email and computers to enter data and communicate with the project managers. 5.) During the winter, travel around the park on a regular basis, visiting winter monitoring points and following a standardized monitoring protocol to observe and record raptor activity. During the summer, identify and monitor raptor nests. Follow a standardized monitoring protocol to observe and record raptor nesting activity. Complete raptor monitoring datasheet for every formal observation and enter data in online database. 6.) Attend meetings and training events. 7.) Have a good time and get recognized for your efforts! QUALIFICATIONS DESIRED - Have own transportation and be willing to travel to site - Ability to walk the site. Length and level of difficulty of getting to site varies by park. Some require only minimal walking. Others require traversing sometimes difficult and unmarked terrain (such as at State Forest, Mueller, Spinney/Eleven Mile, Staunton, Eldorado, and Golden Gate).

Time Commitment:

Bi-weekly hour needs range between state parks and seasons. 1 full year commitment required.

Volunteer Benefits:

1.) Collaborate and connect with CPW staff and volunteers 2.) Increase raptor identification skills and natural history knowledge 3.) Receive Resource Stewardship Volunteer uniform items 4.) Access to raptor monitoring and identification resources and materials