

Colonial Waterbird Volunteer Application
Become a volunteer and help promote sustainability!
Since 1982, our biologists and volunteer community scientists have monitored colonial waterbirds in the Bay Area. Beginning in early February (after a training in late January) and continuing through early August, we track numbers of breeding herons, egrets, terns, gulls and other birds that nest in colonies around the Bay Area.
These numbers are added to a database that extends for more than 40 years, allowing us to document colony location population trends. We also monitor the timing of nesting and evidence of disturbance and predation. These colonies are found on preserves as well as urban landscapes, including the Google Complex campus!
Through our new Strategic Plan, we aim to expand the use of our data and research, and engage with other scientific communities and resource-management agencies, to address climate change, habitat loss, and other environmental issues. Apply here to join our community of scientists, resource managers, and environmental organizations! (photo by Jacqueline Deely)
