PSO Projects
Special Area Project (SAP)
The SAP is a field trip program that inventories birds on the state's public lands. Volunteer birders adopt local state parks, game lands, natural areas, county parks, and sanctuaries for year-round bird population monitoring. SAP gives birders an opportunity for field work and interaction with fellow birders. Volunteers make multiple trips at all times of the year to their adopted location and record the species and numbers seen. The data is then compiled and used to create checklists for the site and also serves as an inventory of the birdlife.
For more information, contact Doug Gross at dogross@state.pa.us
Winter Raptor Survey (WRS)
The WRS monitors winter raptor populations by conducting roadside surveys in mid-winter. Participants create their own route in thier area and drive it once and count all of the raptors seen.
WRS Guidelines
1. This being a road survey, THE MOST IMPORTANT CONSIDERATION IS SAFETY. I suggest a designated driver if possible.
2. Design your own route(s). I suggest a min. of 10-20 miles and max. of 100. For long routes - split into 2 days? AVOID BUSY ROADS as much as possible.
Avoid non-maintained backroads that might not be passable some years.
3. Dates: You choose the day: Jan 20 -Feb 11 inclusive.
Do the route just one time (at least for "official" report purposes).
4. Time of day: Suggest between 10-2 as much as possible.
5. Weather: WAIT FOR GOOD WEATHER: Avoid foggy, windy, rainy, snowy days.
6. Record hours of survey time(to the nearest half-hour) and miles driven.
7. Note the average approx:
-snow depth
-temperature
-% cloud cover
-wind as calm, light, or strong
8. Record the following as possible:
Harriers: Ad. male or female; or immature
Red-tails: Adult or immature
Rough-leg: light or dark form
Kestrel : male or female
Other raptors - record by age (if possible)
Vultures (TV or BV)
Don't linger over birds you can't easily age or sex - just record species.
9. Record other owls, shrikes.
10. You may leave your car to scope or get closer to a bird but do not go on hikes looking for birds.
11. It may be advisable to establish some good (and safe) spots (good vantage points) along your route where you get out scan more thoroughly.
12. Coordinate with others in your county to avoid route duplication.
13. For consistency sake, I will not accept Interstate highway routes.
For more information, contact Greg Grove at gwg2@psu.edu