What’s hiding in the cattails? The Puget Sound Bird Observatory (PSBO) invites you to step into the quiet mystery of our marshes and help monitor elusive wading bird species.
INFORMATIONAL, ON-LINE PROGRAM TO BE OFFERED SOON –
DATE TO BE DETERMINED
Back in 2016, inspired by conversations at a Pacific Birds Habitat Joint Venture meeting, PSBO launched a bold regional monitoring project to solve a puzzle: Why were some of our most iconic marsh birds—like the American Bittern, Sora, and Virginia Rail—so rarely recorded in traditional bird surveys? Were they truly scarce, or simply overlooked?
To find out, PSBO began surveying a handful of wetlands. Today, this effort has grown into one of the largest volunteer-driven monitoring programs in the Pacific Northwest, spanning 200+ wetlands across 11 counties. At the heart of this success is a dedicated community of volunteer field surveyors—people like you who bring curiosity, patience, and a love of nature to the marsh. Now, we are expanding into Southwest Washington and would love your help in joining our monitoring team.
Why Your Role Matters
- These elusive birds are indicators of wetland health.
- Because they are so hard to detect, they often slip through the cracks of large-scale surveys like the Breeding Bird Survey or Christmas Bird Count.
- PSBO’s habitat-specific approach is filling critical data gaps, and the growing dataset is already shaping management strategies for these species.
How You Can Get Involved – Watch for additional information regarding the program date or reach out to c_easterson@pugetsoundbirds.org for additional information.
Whether you are a seasoned birder or simply marsh-curious, volunteering as a wetland bird surveyor is a chance to:
- Contribute to cutting-edge conservation science.
- Explore hidden corners of the Pacific Northwest.
- Join a welcoming community of bird enthusiasts and conservationists.
Every survey adds a vital piece to the puzzle of wetland conservation. By lending your eyes and ears, you help ensure these secretive species are not overlooked—and that these elusive wetland species thrive across our landscapes.
