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What is this project all about? Why are we
gathering this information?
In western North America, a
smattering of nest sites have been documented, from Alaska in the north
to Colorado and California in the south. A number of researchers
are studying the breeding biology and monitoring nest site locations
throughout the area.
During the
breeding season, our study is focusing on British Columbia populations.
Very few nesting
locations have been found, and our understanding seasonal movements is
abysmal. The species is not listed as a threatened or endangered
species in British Columbia, but it's breeding population may be very
small and local. Our plan is to accumulate a database of both
breeding and non-breeding distribution in the province to serve as a
baseline for further evaluation.
Outside the
breeding season, we are curious to learn of migration, staging and
dispersal patterns of the species. We hope to compile sighting
data from observers throughout the western United States and Canada to
help piece together the puzzle.
How you can help.
We are interested in all 2004-2006 Black Swift observations,
plus records of significant gatherings from previous years. Click
HERE to
download the data form and instructions. We would much appreciate
if reports can be entered on the data form as we don't really have the
time resources to extract data from individual communications. If
you have difficulty downloading the form, please contact us
at swifts@birdinfo.com
What do we plan do with the data collected?
Data received will be kept in a database for storage and
analysis. From time to time spreadsheets will be posted detailing
observations. When we have adequate information, summary reports will be
prepared and made available to the public.
How will we disseminate our findings?
In the short term, we will prepare short data summaries which will
be posted on
www.birdinfo.com. Longer, more comprehensive reports may be
produced in the future, and published on the web or other media.
Click HERE to view the
latest data posted.
Who is coordinating this project?
This Black Swift survey project is coordinated by
Paul Levesque, BIT and Michael
G. Shepard, RPBio. We are members of the Association of Professional Biologists
of British Columbia, and are bound by a code of ethics of professional
conduct. We are conservationists by nature, and wish to have reputable
information available to the general public, resource managers and
decision makers.
How to contact us about the project?
If you have questions about the project, please e-mail us at
swifts@birdinfo.com Due to a heavy field schedule, it may take up to
three weeks to get a
reply. We apologize in advance for this anticipated delay in
communication.
Click HERE
to view our Black
Swift image gallery. The
2004 Survey Report is now available. Click HERE
to view.
Very little new information has been received since 2004, hence no no
report will be prepared in the near future. |
