Guidance on Effective Shorebird Monitoring Available from PRISM

Shorebird flock, Panama Bay. / © Karl Kaufmann

The Program for Regional and International Shorebird Monitoring (PRISM) was developed to provide a framework for shorebird monitoring in North America. In December 2009, the PRISM Steering Committee published the document, “Guidance for Developing and Implementing Effective Shorebird Surveys," to give general guidance on conducting shorebird monitoring, with a primary focus on counts of individuals or flocks. This informative 15-page guide builds on a variety of past publications about shorebird monitoring as well as incorporates the ideas and work carried out by committee members. The document addresses three categories of monitoring: casual data contribution, protocol-based programs, and designed surveys.

Shorebird Monitoring Guidance (PDF, 120 KB)

For more information, please contact Brad Andres (brad_andres@fws.gov), National Shorebird Coordinator, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.