For more information, visit the Indiana Marsh Bird Survey main page or contact Stephanie Beilke; 312-453-0230 ext. 2009.
Volunteers conduct three surveys between April and June for the Indiana Marsh Bird Survey. Each surveys begins early in the morning and lasts between 2-3 hours. Routes consist of 4-12 points at a wetland site. At each point, surveyors will listen for marsh bird calls during an 11-minute period. The 11 minutes will include a passive listening period and a broadcast period where the calls of target species are played to solicit bird responses.
Beginner and advanced birders are welcome to volunteer. We require advanced birders to have good hearing and know or be able to learn the target species by sight and sound. Beginners can participate as an assistant who will help with navigation and playing the recording. All volunteers should have good navigation skills and be able to hike through wetland terrain and take detailed data records.
There are a few differences in the survey protocol based on if you are surveying in Northern or Southern Indiana. For the purpose of this survey, northern sites are north of Indianapolis/I-70 and southern sites are south of Indianapolis/I-70.
Additional Resources:
- Survey Broadcast Calls
- Training Manual (Northern Indiana)
- Training Powerpoint (Northern Indiana)
- Datasheet (Northern Indiana)
- Survey Point Maps (Northern Indiana)
- Training Manual (Southern Indiana)
- Datasheet (Southern Indiana)
- Survey Point & Water Gauge Maps (Southern Indiana)
- Volunteer vehicle placard
- Training Materials: How to use Nature Instruct (Identification Practice) and Focal species “Cheat Sheet”
The survey will focus on species: American Bittern, Least Bittern, Black Rail, Sora, Virginia Rail, King Rail, Pied-billed Grebe and Common Gallinule. In the north part of the state, data will also be collected on a set of secondary species; see a full list of species here. Or return to the main Indiana Marsh Bird Survey page.
