With a simple protocol, concise training materials, one-on-one help for participants, and short list of only 10 birds and one loud chattering mammal (red squirrel) to survey, just about any hiker with an interest in birds can join.
You don’t have to be an expert—just enthusiastic—and participating is easy:
- Make sure you can hear the high-pitched song of the Blackpoll Warbler.
- Learn the songs and calls of the 11 monitored (i.e., focal) species, and review the simple protocol and training materials.
- Review the available routes (mountain hikes) in the map below, and reach out to Jason Hill at jhill@vtecostudies.org to confirm your route.
- Choose one day in June that works with your schedule and the weather. Hike up the mountain the day before, scout your route, and get to sleep. The next morning you’ll get up early and conduct your surveys at three to six sampling stations on a hiking trail. Hike to the summit to celebrate!
- Enter your data online and scan or mail in your datasheets. Congratulations—you’re finished until next June!
If you have any questions, contact our Volunteer Coordinator Dana at dwilliams@vtecostudies.org.
Available Routes for 2025
In the spring of 2026, the map will show the routes that are available to adopt. Sign up above to find out when routes are open for adoption.
Green = Surveyed in 2025
Orange = Not surveyed in 2025, likely available for adoption in 2026
Black = Discontinued
Click on the full screen icon (upper right corner of the map below) to see the legend and the available routes, or check out this full list of all the 2025 routes. Once you adopt a route, it’s yours until you no longer want it. You can always switch routes in subsequent years, and routes do become available, so check this map again in mid-June.
