New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Region 4 is seeking volunteers to participate in DEC’s Winter Raptor Survey. The survey is designed to identify habitats used by bird species, especially those that are threatened or endangered. The data will be used to help guide future conservation and protection efforts.

Region 4 Acting Regional Director John Weidman said, “The DEC Winter Raptor Survey is an excellent opportunity for avid birdwatchers, nature enthusiasts, or novices who just want to get involved to participate in conservation. Volunteers will assist regional wildlife biologists in tracking New York’s bird species to ensure these birds are protected and able to thrive in our ever-changing environment.”

Stationary surveys are completed on a weekly schedule from mid-November to late April and survey sites are located across the nine counties that make up DEC Region 4 (Greene, Columbia, Rensselaer, Albany, Schenectady, Schoharie, Montgomery, Delaware, and Otsego). The survey is a 1.5-hour commitment beginning one hour before sunset and ending 30 minutes after sunset.

While the specific goal of the survey is to identify habitat used by threatened northern harriers (Circus hudsonius) and endangered short-eared owls (Asio flammeus) during their non-breeding winter period, DEC records all raptors seen or heard, including owls, hawks, vultures, falcons, and eagles.

Volunteers are welcome to participate in as many or as few surveys as their schedules allow and DEC will provide training to those in need. DEC does not provide transportation to and from survey sites. Volunteers are also asked to use their own binoculars for surveys.

Please email DEC Region 4 Wildlife Biologists to learn more about the program and how to get involved in the Winter Raptor Survey at wildlife.r4@dec.ny.gov.