It’s time for Spring 2024 Climate Watch Surveys!
With warmer days and shorter nights ahead, some of Montana’s favorite bird species are returning for the summer. This seasonal shift also brings back National Audubon’s Climate Watch from May 15 to June 15!
Want to participate? It’s easy! This program involves participants conducting twelve short point count surveys for six bird species: the Red-breasted Nuthatch, White-breasted Nuthatch, Pygmy Nuthatch, Mountain Bluebird, Western Bluebird, and Spotted Towhee.
By conducting these surveys, scientists are able to compare where these birds have been observed to where the birds were predicted to be. Climate change affects entire ecosystems, including the ranges of birds. By comparing where these birds are supposed to be to where they actually are, we are able to see how their ranges have changed as a result of climate change. Your observations play a key role in understanding how these birds are responding!
For more information visit our Climate Watch page or email Gwynne at [email protected] with any questions.
📸 All photos by Dan Ellison.