Every year, the Bay of Quinte Remedial Action Plan (BQRAP) needs volunteer citizen scientists to monitor for frogs and birds in local wetlands. On Monday, March 7, 2016 at 7:00 pm at Quinte Conservation, naturalist and columnist, Terry Sprague will host a presentation that provides information on the Community Wildlife Monitoring Program (CWMP) a core program of BQRAP, and teach volunteers how to identify various local bird and frog species.
Can you tell a Bullfrog’s croak from a Spring Peeper’s peep, or a Least Bittern from a Virginia Rail? Don’t worry, Terry will explain all you need to know, he says, “These monitoring programs are all user friendly and even inexperienced volunteers will feel comfortable taking part.” He adds, “The majority of wetland species of frogs and birds have calls that are different enough from each other that they can be identified with little trouble.”
Over the course of this evening, you will learn how to monitor a local wetland for frogs and/or birds whether it’s in your backyard, at the cottage, or a selected monitoring site. There are two programs to choose from, the FrogWatch program is a family-friendly activity while the Marsh Monitoring Program is more structured. The Marsh Monitoring Program records wetland birds and frogs twice for 15 minutes each between May and July, and FrogWatch volunteers record the amphibians present once a week from April through June. Terry adds, “The information you collect tells us about the presence and abundance of both species in coastal and inland marshes, and contributes to our understanding of these species and their habitat needs.”
Terry is available to help guide each individual through the monitoring. “Monitoring for frogs and birds in our marshes is a way for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy their pastime. While at the same time, contributing to our knowledge of the Bay of Quinte wetlands and their quality,” states Terry.
There is no cost to attend the presentation. Those interested should contact Terry Sprague at 613-848-4549 or naturestuff.tours@gmail.com
