Elling Eide Center Bird and Insect Survey

Please join us for a leisurely walk through the Research Preserve and help document the bird and insect species found here.
About this Event

Please help us document biodiversity at the Elling Eide Center research preserve on Little Sarasota Bay. During this walk of less than two miles, volunteers will encounter diverse natural communities including mesic hammock, maritime hammock, scrub, and scrubby flatwoods. Director of Land Management and Environmental Programs Lee Amos will lead the survey, focusing on insect observations, assisting volunteers with iNaturalist, and sharing preserve management plans. Volunteer Alison Bishop will support bird watchers and keep a list of bird observations to upload to the eBird database.

Collecting this data will inform the research and management of our Preserve, as well as guide consevation research and decision-making more broadly.

To fully participate, please come prepared with the tools of the trade:

We recommend that bird watchers bring binoculars and the bird identification phone app called Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab.

We recommend that insect identifiers bring the phone app called iNaturalist. Additional helpful tools include a bug net and small containers for holding insects. Procedurally, insects will either be photographed in situ, or they will be placed in a container, the container put in a cooler, and the chilled insects will later be put on a mat for photographing. Clear containers can sometimes permit photography through the vessel, skipping the step of cooling. The Eide Center will provide bug nets, containers and coolers for any volunteer that needs it. Please indicate your need at registration.

Survey leaders will be available to help you navigate the apps and teach identification.

Schedule

This program is designed to last 2.5 hours.

See registration details for start and end times.

Difficulty

This activity will be easy, but will involve walking a distance on uneven terrain.

Do you have certain limitations or concerns you want to share? Accomodations or alternative events may be possible - please share your needs with Lee at [email protected].

Facilities

Yes, there is a bathroom and picnic tables onsite; however, these will only be accessible at the beginning and end of the survey.

Inclement Weather

If the forecast includes rain, we will send a follow up email with further instructions.

Attire

Volunteers are required to wear closed-toe shoes. For most activities, long pants are strongly encouraged. Please bring adequate water, snacks, sunglasses, hats, sunscreen, bug spray, etc, in order to be comfortable.