Community Science Opportunities

Do you love watching the Black Oystercatchers prying mussels from exposed rocks? Are you full of joy seeing a family of tiny Snowy Plover on the beach? Do you wish you had some way to help protect these and other marvelous creatures of the Oregon Coast?

We have some opportunities for you!

You can help to protect sea and shore birds along the coast by joining one of the surveying or monitoring efforts. Training is provided by Portland Audubon staff. Follow the links below to learn more!

Oregon Black Oystercatcher Project

Black Oystercatcher bathing, photo by Ernie Rose

Black Oystercatchers are a striking and easily recognizable bird in which we share our coast. It is also a species of conservation concern because of its small population size and vulnerability to a variety of impacts.

Learn how you can help monitor oystercatchers!

Snowy Plover Patrol

Snowy Plover, Illustration by Nora Sherwood

Portland Audubon is partnering with Oregon Parks and Recreation Department to monitor for endangered western Snowy Plovers four sites on the North Coast (from Clatsop Spit in Astoria to Sitka Sedge beach near Pacific City) starting in April and continuing through the summer.

Learn how you can become part of a snowy plover patrol!

Seabird Nest Colony Monitoring

Common Murre Colony, photo by Jack Doyle

Do you like seabirds and care about their welfare? Join a volunteer opportunity to monitor seabird nests at Cape Falcon Marine Reserve and at Oregon’s iconic Haystack Rock.

Learn how you can help monitor Oregon’s nesting seabirds!

Marbled Murrelet Surveys

Marbled Murrelet, Illustration by Nora Sherwood

Join the annual Marbled Murrelet community science survey on a spectacular stretch of Oregon’s coast. Training will be provided, so no prior experience is needed.

Learn more about training and surveys!