{"id":14566,"date":"2022-06-16T10:07:08","date_gmt":"2022-06-16T17:07:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/?page_id=14566"},"modified":"2026-03-02T13:43:41","modified_gmt":"2026-03-02T21:43:41","slug":"climatewatch","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/get-involved\/community-science\/climatewatch\/","title":{"rendered":"Climate Watch"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”c1e424a9-7864-4e06-a88b-5b6b86cb9c39″ da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”d10c861a-5541-4742-ab43-1320c21df5e4″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9mZWF0dXJlZF9pbWFnZSIsInNldHRpbmdzIjp7fX0=@” alt=”Photo features a Sandhill Crane, a large bird, standing on one leg with wings open.” title_text=”Sandhill Crane, Patrick Dennen, Audubon Photography Awards” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _dynamic_attributes=”src” _module_preset=”e02ea4c6-d835-44d6-aace-1c6805576f21″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”4e816006-4dad-44d9-befa-063e096517e9″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][lwp_divi_breadcrumbs font_icon=”5||divi||400″ use_custom_home_link=”off” admin_label=” ” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”b7c43f60-75e9-4a7e-bf2f-65bf47312a20″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/lwp_divi_breadcrumbs][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”31f15a8b-e4c9-42e2-8f09-798e59199e63″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Climate Watch<\/h1>\n

Since 2016, National Audubon’s Climate Watch community science program<\/a> has been collecting data to determine how North American birds are responding to climate change.<\/p>\n

This innovative community-science program enlists volunteer birders across North America to count certain target species twice each year. The data collected by volunteer scientists here in Seattle helps track whether birds are moving in accordance with projections from Audubon’s climate models<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Birds Connect Seattle currently runs Climate Watch counts in seven distinct squares in the Seattle Area, following the scientific protocols outlined by the program developers. See below for details on where we collect data and how to help in the effort.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”e3c9ad65-46ae-46c4-9590-83946bf853a6″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][lwp_divi_breadcrumbs font_icon=”5||divi||400″ use_custom_home_link=”off” admin_label=” ” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”fc5b20a0-0ab0-4fc2-b5e0-6b7a2afa37d8″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/lwp_divi_breadcrumbs][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-27px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”3px|||||” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

The next Climate Watch count window will be May 15 – June 15, 2026. Stay tuned for more info.<\/h3>\n

Please reach out to hanaeb@birdsconnectsea.org<\/a> to learn more and sign up as a volunteer.<\/strong><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion icon_color=”#0A3C23″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Survey Timing & Time Commitment” open=”off” icon_color=”#0A3C23″ toggle_icon=”"||divi||400″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FAF5F0″ background_enable_color=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_text_color=”#000000″ toggle_font=”Connect Display||||||||”]<\/p>\n

Climate Watch takes place during two distinct seasons: Winter (January 15-February 15) and Summer (May 15-June 15) each year.<\/p>\n

Depending on the number of count sites in each park, surveys can be completed in as little as 30 minutes or up to two and a half hours. Surveys are generally scheduled for weekend mornings.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Species of Focus” open_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ icon_color=”#0A3C23″ toggle_icon=”"||divi||400″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FAF5F0″ background_enable_color=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_text_color=”#000000″ toggle_font=”Connect Display||||||||” open=”on”]<\/p>\n

The Birds Connect Seattle Climate Watch program will focus on counting Red-breasted Nuthatches<\/a> and Spotted Towhees<\/a>.<\/p>\n

These birds are easy to identify, have an enthusiastic constituency, and Audubon\u2019s climate models for these species offer strong predictions for range shifts for us to test. In future years, Climate Watch will include additional target species threatened by climate change covering a broader range of habitats and regional interests.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Location” icon_color=”#0A3C23″ toggle_icon=”"||divi||400″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FAF5F0″ background_enable_color=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_text_color=”#000000″ toggle_font=”Connect Display||||||||” open=”off”]<\/p>\n

Birds Connect Seattle Climate Watch survey points are located in seven distinct squares:<\/p>\n

Square 1:<\/strong> Shoreline (Shoreview\/Boeing Creek Park, Carkeek Park, and Hamlin Park)<\/p>\n

Square 2:<\/strong> North Seattle (Washington Park Arboretum and Ravenna Park)<\/p>\n

Square 3:<\/strong> South Seattle\/Mercer Island (Seward Park and Pioneer Park)<\/p>\n

Square 4:<\/strong> Northwest Seattle (Discovery Park)<\/p>\n

Square 5:<\/strong> West Seattle (Schmitz Park, Lincoln Park, and Westcrest Park)<\/p>\n

Square 6:<\/strong> Burien (Seahurst Park, Salmon Creek Ravine Park)<\/p>\n

Square 7:<\/strong> South Seattle\/Renton\/Newcastle (Lakeridge Park, Honey Creek Open Space, May Creek Park)<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Data Usage” icon_color=”#0A3C23″ toggle_icon=”"||divi||400″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FAF5F0″ background_enable_color=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_text_color=”#000000″ toggle_font=”Connect Display||||||||” open=”off”]<\/p>\n

Audubon\u2019s Birds and Climate Change Report predicts that more than 300 North American bird species will lose more than 50 percent of their current climatic range by 2080. For example, the beautiful Mountain Bluebird is climate-threatened because in the vast majority of its summer range, the climate conditions that this bird needs\u2014temperature, amount of rainfall, and other environmental factors\u2014will shift northward and eastward. This bird may be able to move into new areas over time, or it may struggle to adapt.<\/p>\n

To test the report\u2019s predictions, National Audubon has developed Climate Watch, which aims to document species\u2019 responses to climate change and test Audubon\u2019s climate models by having volunteers in the field look for birds where Audubon\u2019s climate models predict they will be in the 2020s. This information helps Audubon target our conservation work to protect birds.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Who can volunteer?” icon_color=”#0A3C23″ toggle_icon=”"||divi||400″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FAF5F0″ background_enable_color=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_text_color=”#000000″ toggle_font=”Connect Display||||||||” open=”off”]<\/p>\n

Anyone with the ability to identify Red-breasted Nuthatches and Spotted Towhees by both sight and sound are welcome to participate. The protocol is very straightforward and easy to follow so anyone who is interested in volunteering their time to the effort is welcome to participate.<\/p>\n

Please note that a majority of the birds for the survey will be identified via sound rather than sight. While we can employ the use of Merlin Sound ID as a resource, the sound IDs must be verified by a human in order to be gathered as data.<\/p>\n

Contact Hanae Bettencourt at HanaeB@birdsconnectsea.org<\/a>\u00a0for more info and to participate.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Volunteer Survey Toolkit” icon_color=”#0A3C23″ toggle_icon=”"||divi||400″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FAF5F0″ background_enable_color=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_text_color=”#000000″ toggle_font=”Connect Display||||||||” open=”off”]<\/p>\n

See below or information on protocol and FAQ on the survey as presented by National Audubon. The Climate Watch coordinator for BCS will contact each team of volunteers during the week prior to each scheduled count with more details of each route.<\/p>\n

Climate Watch FAQ<\/a><\/p>\n

Climate Watch Protocol<\/a> (Steps 1-3 have been completed by BCS. Steps 4 and 5 are to be conducted twice per year.)<\/p>\n

Climate Watch Datasheet<\/a><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Birds Connect Seattle 2025 Climate Watch Summary Report” icon_color=”#0A3C23″ toggle_icon=”"||divi||400″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FAF5F0″ background_enable_color=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_text_color=”#000000″ toggle_font=”Connect Display||||||||” open=”off”]<\/p>\n

This year, 53 volunteers spent 173 hours conducting 168 Climate Watch surveys. We counted 150 Red-breasted Nuthatches<\/a> and\u00a0109 Spotted Towhees<\/a>. Read the full 2025 Summary Report below.<\/p>\n

Birds Connect Seattle 2025 Summary Report<\/a><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_sidebar _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||12px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_sidebar][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Untitled-design-10.png&#8221<\/a>; title_text=”Red Breasted Nuthatch Canva” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/SPOTTED-TOWHEE.jpg&#8221<\/a>; alt=”spotted towhee” title_text=”SPOTTED-TOWHEE” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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<\/span> Home<\/span><\/a><\/span> 5<\/span> <\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>Climate Watch Since 2016, National Audubon’s Climate Watch community science program has been collecting data to determine how North American birds are responding to climate change. This innovative community-science program enlists volunteer birders across North America to count certain target species twice each year. The data collected […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":186787279,"featured_media":17056,"parent":2542,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"3.22\" custom_margin=\"||-3px|||\" custom_padding=\"||0px|||\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_slider admin_label=\"About Us Slider\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_level=\"h1\" background_enable_image=\"off\" parallax=\"on\" module_alignment=\"center\" max_height=\"371px\" custom_margin=\"||-1px||false|false\" custom_padding=\"10%||10%||true|false\"][et_pb_slide heading=\"Neighborhood Bird Project\" use_bg_overlay=\"off\" use_text_overlay=\"on\" text_overlay_color=\"rgba(0,0,0,0.45)\" text_border_radius=\"3px\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_text_align=\"left\" body_text_align=\"left\" background_color=\"rgba(0,0,0,0)\" background_enable_color=\"on\" background_image=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/APA_2013_28356_226966_MegumiAita_Common_Yellowthroat_KK.jpg\" background_enable_image=\"on\" parallax=\"on\" border_radii_image=\"on|5px|5px|5px|5px\" sticky_transition=\"on\"][\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" min_height=\"0px\"]\n

Common Yellowthroat \/ Megumi Aita \/ Audubon Photography Awards<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row column_structure=\"2_3,1_3\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"2_3\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][lwp_divi_breadcrumbs admin_label=\" \" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" background_color=\"rgba(0,0,0,0)\"][\/lwp_divi_breadcrumbs][et_pb_image src=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Carkeek-NBP-January-2022-3.jpg\" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" alt=\"Four people are outside on a snowy day. There are brambles and trees with bare branches behind them. They are dressed in warm clothing and are carrying binoculars.\" title_text=\"Carkeek NBP January 2022\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" min_height=\"0px\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]\n

Neighborhood Bird Project volunteers at Carkeek Park <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\"]\n\nThis project monitors bird species diversity in urban wildlife habitats (a.k.a. city parks and greenspaces) throughout the Seattle area thanks to the work of community scientists, and empowers community members to become advocates for wildlife habitat conservation.\n

How It Works<\/h2>\nVolunteers conduct bird surveys at multiple points along a loop once a month in Seattle area parks, and then enter the data into an online database. Learn more about the survey protocol here<\/a>.\n\nThe project's name includes neighborhood<\/em> because the intent is to enlist volunteers primarily from the neighborhood surrounding the park being surveyed. By regularly visiting their survey sites each month, volunteers are able to observe what birds use that space as the seasons change, as well as see how plants, bodies of water, and other wildlife change seasonally. In doing so, we hope volunteers develop personal connections to their survey routes and with their fellow surveyors, and become advocates for the wildlife and greenspaces in their communities.\n\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=\"https:\/\/seattleaudubon-volunteers.secure.force.com\/VolunteerRegistration\" url_new_window=\"on\" button_text=\"Volunteer Now\" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\"]\n

Volunteer Resources<\/h2>\nFrequently Asked Questions<\/a>\nData Sheet<\/a>\nTraining Packet<\/a>\nExtra Sheet<\/a>\nProtocol Training Video<\/a>\nWetland Sheet (Magnuson Park only) <\/a>\nCode of Conduct<\/a>\n\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\"]\n

Data Entry Website: <\/span>www.nbpsurvey.org<\/a><\/h2>\nNBP participants enter their data online to provide Seattle Audubon almost immediate access to the information they collected on their survey. This website not only hosts our data entry portal, but is an avenue to refresh yourself on our protocol, print off data sheets, and explore your survey history statistics and park-specific statistics. NBP data should be entered on a monthly basis shortly after your survey. Data enterers can refer to the <\/span>data entry instructions<\/a> <\/span>or contact <\/span>science@seattleaudubon.org<\/a> <\/span>with any questions.\n\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"]\n

Current project survey sites:<\/h2>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\"]