The Aquatic Bird Survey is meant to be an easy addition to the water chemistry sampling, and can be conducted on the same day that you collect your water samples.

Two survey protocols have been developed for the Aquatic Bird Survey: a standard bird survey where the number and species of each aquatic bird observed on a lake is recorded, and an advanced survey that involves recording both the birds and their surrounding habitat. Volunteers who want to participate in either survey should have their own binoculars and bird identification guide, as well as a keen interest in the local aquatic bird community. LAKEWATCH will provide volunteers with a training packet and survey sheets. Volunteers conducting the advanced survey will also receive an aerial photo of their lake with descriptions of the surrounding habitats. If, upon reading the training packet, volunteers would like further information, training sessions can be arranged. Training sessions typically last no more than an hour and involve field identification of local birds and, for the advanced survey, further description of the aquatic and shoreline habitats.

Survey sheets can be turned in at the nearest water collection center, either with or without your water samples.

Survey information will be compiled in a long-term database at here in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences at the University of Florida. Volunteers will receive periodic reports on the their lakes and yearly updates on seasonal trends and other significant findings within their region.

Florida LAKEWATCH
IFAS, School of Forest Resources and Conservation

Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
University of Florida/IFAS
7922 NW 71st Street
Gainesville, FL 32653-3071
Toll Free Message Line: 1-800-LAKEWATCH (525-3928)
Phone: 352/392-4817
Fax: 352/392-4902
E-Mail:fl-lakewatch@ufl.edu