Help Survey Marsh Birds in Northwest Indiana

Image: Least Bittern moving through dense cattails above shallow marsh water, partially hidden among the tall vegetation. Photo by Alva Steury.

Indiana Audubon is seeking volunteers in Northwest Indiana to assist with Secretive Marsh Bird Monitoring, a coordinated survey effort focused on wetland species that are rarely seen but often heard.

Birds such as Virginia Rail, Sora, Least Bittern, and American Bittern spend much of their lives hidden in dense marsh vegetation. Because they are difficult to detect during typical bird surveys, researchers rely on targeted monitoring programs to better understand where these species occur and how their populations are changing over time. Data collected by volunteers helps inform wetland conservation and marsh bird management across the region.

Volunteers participating in the program are assigned to a specific wetland site and complete three early-morning surveys during the spring survey windows of May 1-14, May 15-31, and June 1-14. Surveys begin 30 minutes before sunrise and are conducted at a series of designated points within each site. At each point, observers listen and watch for marsh birds while following a standardized protocol that includes periods of quiet observation along with short playback calls used to detect species that may otherwise remain hidden.

Training and survey materials will be provided to all volunteers. Two training opportunities are scheduled this spring, on March 26 and April 5, and will cover survey methods, marsh bird identification, and field protocols. Participants will also receive maps, audio files for the playback protocol, data sheets, and other materials needed to complete their assigned surveys.

Anyone interested in volunteering should reach out before the training sessions to receive additional information. For more information, contact Owen Hejna, Secretive Marshbird Coordinator, at [email protected].