WCAS offers free Birding Field Trips, Public Programs & Supports Conservation in Central NJ
Reporting Sensitive Species
Birders should take care in reporting sensitive species to eBird or birding forums.

WCAS and eBird developed a protocol for reporting sensitive species after roosting Long-eared Owls were harassed at the Pole Farm. The protocol suggests that the exact location not be reported and that the entry be delayed or hidden. Unfortunately, this protocol has broken down with the use of the eBird app. People report sightings in real time at the exact location. These sightings end up on eBird alerts. A delay of a week would keep the records off the eBird alerts.
e-Bird Guidelines for reporting sensitive species
WCAS enters roosting owls after April 1. The records are then available for conservation purposes but the owls have moved on. WCAS prefers not to hide records because WCAS relies on eBird records for conservation support and hidden records are not available for conservation.
The best approach is to delay reporting to eBird using a general location but immediately report the exact location of the sighting to the NJ Fish and Wildlife Commission using the Rare Wildlife Sightings Form
Washington Crossing Audubon Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the enjoyment and protection of birds, wildlife, and the environment through education, research, and conservation.
Experienced birders from Washington Crossing Audubon lead regular birding field trips in New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania, visiting some of the region’s top birding hotspots.
Washington Crossing Audubon supports several active research projects, including funding two bird monitoring sites here in central New Jersey and in the Central American country of Costa Rica.
CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT PRINCETON: 12/20/20 TRENTON: 1/2/21
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