Want to Help Montana’s Wildlife? Nighthawk Volunteers Still Needed

If you’re someone who enjoys quiet summer evenings and giving back to wildlife, here’s a cool opportunity you might want to jump on. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and Montana Audubon are still looking for volunteers to help with surveys of common nighthawks in several areas across the state.

What Exactly Is a Nighthawk?

Common nighthawks are one of Montana’s two “nightjar” bird species, along with common poorwills. These birds are most active at dawn and dusk and can be found soaring over grasslands, shrublands, and wide-open spaces. You’ll only spot them in Montana during the summer, since they migrate once the weather cools down.

Why They Need Your Help

Nighthawks and poorwills are both considered species of concern in Montana. The trouble is, there’s just not a lot of solid data on them. That’s where citizen science comes in. By getting everyday people to help with surveys, researchers can gather much more information than they’d be able to collect on their own.

Western Montana Is Covered, but Other Regions Need You

So far, interest has been strong in western Montana, but there’s still a need for volunteers in north-central, south-central, and eastern parts of the state. If you live in or can travel to those areas, you could play a big part in helping wildlife experts understand and protect these birds.

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No Experience Needed, Just Some Training

Don’t worry if you’ve never done a bird survey before. Volunteers are asked to complete a quick online training video, less than an hour long, before heading out. The training walks you through everything you need to know so you’re ready to go when it’s time to observe.

How to Sign Up

Ready to take the training or claim your survey route? Head over to montanabirdsurveys.weebly.com/nightjar-training.html. You can also watch the training video directly at this YouTube link.

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Make a Difference One Summer Evening at a Time

Helping out with nighthawk surveys is a great way to spend time outdoors, learn something new, and contribute to important conservation work in Montana. Plus, you’ll be doing your part to help protect a species that really needs it.