 Black oystercatcher. Photo by Dave Ledig Once again, the U.S. Geological Survey has put out a call for volunteers to help with the annual survey of our coast’s population of black oystercatchers (or BLOYs, in the shorthand of bird books and scientific surveys. These beloved denizens of our rocky shores are beginning their raucous breeding displays, and by mid-May should be on their nests. The USGS scientists need help in monitoring them.
This year the survey window will be May 12-20. As in prior years, volunteers are asked to conduct an initial visit to their site during the survey window and make a second, follow-up visit by May 27. Unfortunately, there are no very low tides during this year’s survey window. Those who have participated in previous years and have a site which might be difficult to monitor at higher tide levels should contact the survey organizers.
 Contact: Phillip Johnson, Executive Director, (503) 238-4450, or EMAIL |