2026 Seabird Monitoring Volunteer Training | Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods

Join us to learn the skills you need to become a Volunteer Seabird Monitor with Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods.

No experience is necessary.

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 breeding seabirds off the Sonoma Coast and is a local Chapter of the Seabird Protection Network.

Instructor: Hollis Bewley (Seabird Monitoring Program Coordinator)

This is a two-part training:

Part 1 of the training on zoom Monday March 9th from 6-7:30pm
Seabird Monitoring Training part 1
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84074028922

Part 2 of the training on Thursday, March 19 from 9:30 AM to noon is an experiential training at a location meeting at the Bodega Head East parking lot. We’ll visit one or two of the monitoring sites, practice using the equipment and filling out data forms and sorting cormorant and becoming familiar with other bird species.

You can view a recording of last year’s training here: Seabird training part 1 2025 recording

This was an online introduction to the coastal bird species we will be monitoring and the use of data forms and other information.

The 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 breeding colonies to identify the sources and impact of disturbances. Monitoring the productivity of the species raising their families on these offshore rocks provides documentation of the impact of any disturbance as well as the establishment of new colonies. Seabirds can be flushed off nests by hikers, low-flying planes and helicopters, boats and paddlers, drones, hang gliders and fireworks.

Tasks: Seabird monitors collect monitoring equipment and drive to one of four observation sites and use the data sheets to record information such as weather, number of individuals observed, and species present. New volunteers are always paired with experienced mentors.

Meeting times: There is one 2-hour shift per week for each breeding colony and though we ask for a commitment of at least one shift per month, many volunteers participate more often to keep up with the progress of the birds raising their families and to enjoy the camaraderie of others in the stunning environment that is our Sonoma Coast. Our monitoring season runs from April 1 through the end of August though due to the trending earlier arrival of one of the species we monitor, we may begin monitoring two of the sites in February or March.

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 or watch the recording of one General Volunteer Orientation, and encouraged to attend seminars to further their education.

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Become a Volunteer Seabird Monitor