Research at Home and Abroad
Washington Crossing Audubon Society supports several active research projects
WCAS funds two bird monitoring sites here in central New Jersey and in the Central American country of Costa Rica. These projects provide data on both breeding and wintering populations of our vulnerable neotropical migratory songbirds. WCAS has also provided funding for other local research projects through its Holden Conservation Grant program.
All photos this page © Tyler Christensen
Featherbed Lane Bird Banding Station
The Featherbed Lane Bird Banding Station Important Bird Area (IBA) is a research and monitoring project situated in central New Jersey’s Sourland Mountain region. Initiated by biologist Hannah Suthers in 1977, the FLBBS is among the longest-running bird banding stations in the United States. Learn More at FLBBS
Right: Hannah Suthers checking mist nets
Sourlands Breeding Bird Surveys
For nearly a decade, WCAS officer Sharyn Magee has conducted regular bird surveys within the Sourlands. Sharyn’s work includes monitoring breeding populations of birds such as Kentucky and Hooded Warblers within sensitive habitats.
Left: Hooded Warbler at Baldpate
Nicoya Peninsula Avian Research Station
In 2011, the WCAS Birdathon provided the funding for the pilot season of the Nicoya Peninsula Avian Research Station, a bird banding and research initiative in Costa Rica. NPARS collects data from vulnerable neotropical songbirds in their tropical wintering grounds. Learn more at: NPARS and http://birdsofnicoya.blogspot.com
Right: Male Prothonotary Warbler sipping nectar from Tea Mangrove flower
Northern Saw-whet Owl Migration Survey
In Fall of 2014 WCAS provided funding for the pilot season of a survey of Northern Saw-whet Owl migration in central New Jersey. The survey will provide a more accurate picture of Saw-whet Owl abundance, timing, and ecology during migration.