Community Science
Beached Birds
Find, measure, and photograph dead birds.
Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team
Dead birds encountered while walking a mile on the beach are common. Most bird deaths fluctuate with seasons and can correlate with storms, migrations, and hatchings. Community scientists make significant contributions around the globe by alerting scientists who use the data to discover links to the reasons for these deaths.
The beached bird survey, developed by COASST (Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team, based at the University of Washington), involves monthly surveys measuring and identifying each bird carcass in the same location every month. COASST staff trains volunteers online and through seasonal training sessions along the Pacific coast, including Oregon.
COASST was one of CoastWatch’s first community science partners, and we have been assisting in recruiting volunteer beached bird surveyors for over 20 years.
Volunteers in Action
Ready to get involved?
To join a community science project, start by adopting a CoastWatch Mile.
Community Science