Seabird Monitoring

The Program

Stewards’ Seabird Monitoring program began in 2013, thanks to funding from the Bureau of Land Management. Stewards is partnering with the California Coastal National Monument (CCNM) to monitor seabirds off the Sonoma Coast and eventually create a local Chapter of the Seabird Protection Network.

A Seabird Protection Network works to reduce human disturbance to seabirds and other wildlife along the California coast through an organized outreach and education program combined with law enforcement and seabird management actions. The first step is to monitor local seabirds to determine the level of distrubance and from what sources. Seabirds can be disturbed by hikers, low-flying planes, helicopters and drones, boats and paddlers, hang gliders and fireworks. Colonies are photographed and counted in order to document the impact of disturbances as well as productivity.

Tasks: Seabird monitors collect monitoring equipment before their shift begins. With the equipment, they drive to one of several observation sites and use the data sheets to record information such as weather, number of individuals observed, and identify the species present. There are almost always a minimum of 2 volunteers per shift at each observation site: one to identify and count the species and individuals, and another to do the recording on the data sheet. Monitors return the equipment and completed data sheet at the end of their shift.

Meeting times: During breeding season (April 1 through the end of August), one-hour shifts are scheduled at each breeding colony weekly.

Training and requirements: No prior experience is necessary! New volunteers should register and attend a Seabird Monitoring training. Volunteers will then shadow experienced volunteers until they feel comfortable on their own. New volunteers are required to attend one General Orientation, and encouraged to attend our affordable seminars to further their education. All new volunteers are required to complete the New Volunteer Onboarding Packet. Read the Seabird Monitoring Duty Statement and Volunteer Handbook for more information about becoming a volunteer.

Volunteer Trainings

More Information

Contact Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods via email or phone at (707) 869-9177.

Incident Reports, Training Documents & Survey Forms

Reporting Wildlife Disturbances or Concerns

NEW: What constitutes a disturbance?
Email Stewards Volunteer Coordinator to report a problem or concern from your shift
Contact the Marine Mammal Center to report abandoned or injured marine mammals
Fill out the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary’s Wildlife Disturbance Form to report seabird and marine mammal disturbances (be sure you understand how to use the form
before you fill it out)