The Bureau of Land Management Moab office is partnering with Raptor Inventory Nest Survey on raptor monitoring efforts. RINS offers volunteers a unique opportunity to learn about Utah’s eagles, hawks, falcons and owls. A training workshop for individuals interested in volunteering will be held Wednesday, Jan. 29, in Moab, according to the BLM Moab Field office.
Through this partnership volunteers can learn about raptors while helping support their continued success on the landscape. RINS offers a unique opportunity for volunteers to become involved as “citizen scientists” in a long-term raptor nest monitoring project. RINS collects and manages vital data regarding the nesting ecology of eagles, falcons, hawks, osprey and owls. The BLM uses the collected data to improve habitat management and monitoring efforts across the State, according to BLM-Moab.
To be a volunteer, no science credentials are needed. Those interested in participating in the project do not need to know how to discover a nest or identify a raptor; complete training is provided. The only requirement is that you enjoy Utah’s outdoors, particularly remote areas, and possess a desire to help the magnificent birds of prey.
Volunteers will need to contact RINS and attend one training session. It is recommended that RINS own a pair of binoculars, a GPS unit, a digital camera, and have an email address. The time commitment involves monitoring visits to an assigned area from March through July, said the BLM.
Call 801-554-0807 for more information about the workshop location, times, and training. Inquiries can also be sent via email to [email protected]. For more information about RINS visit rins.org/.
