Join the Purple Martin Monitoring Team to be our eyes in the field and help track population size, breeding success, and colony health during the breeding season. Volunteers conduct 20-minute surveys in the Squamish estuary to record breeding adults, nest box occupancy, activity, and chick presence. Data support long-term conservation and management.
When:
Mid-April to early September. Join as your schedule allows. We suggest at least one monitoring shift per month, but there is no minimum commitment.
Where:
The Skwelwil’em Squamish Estuary Wildlife Management Area, Squamish. Monitoring takes place from the Chelem trail using binoculars and/or spotting scope.
Who:
Anyone who wants to support the recovery of this vulnerable species. No experience required; training provided. Good observation skills are an asset. A vehicle or bike is needed to access the site.
What is involved:
Walk about 100 m along the Chelem Trail from the parking area to the monitoring site. Using binoculars or a scope, observe the nest box structure and the surrounding area for 20 minutes. Count all purple martins seen, and record activity at each nest box: pairs entering, birds carrying nesting material or food, and chicks visible at the box opening. After the survey, enter data in the online monitoring portal. If you are unfamiliar with computers or Excel, training can be provided, or you can send a photo of your data sheet to the project coordinator.
More Information:
- Access to the site is via a 3.5 km gravel road (Spit Road) and a short flat trail.
- A bike or vehicle is required; there is no public transport.
- Binoculars or a spotting scope are needed; a limited number of binoculars can be loaned.
- Best monitoring time: 7:00 – 8:30 am, but data from all hours is welcome.