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Suggested qualifications for Utah BBA Volunteers

Recognize all local species by sight. (Critical)

The volunteer should be able to identify all the birds expected within his/her assigned square by sight. They may rely on field guides for the less common species.

Recognize most birds by sound. (Highly desired)

The volunteer should be able to hear bird songs and be able to identify the majority of birds expected in the assigned square.

Physical stamina (Varied)

Volunteers should be healthy and adequately physically fit for the square they are assigned. Square difficulty varies from easliy accessible from a vehicle to very remote, accessible only via strenous physical effort.

Time committment (Required)

The BBA requires from 3 to 6 trips to the survey square, spending adequate time in each habitat to find and identify appropriate breeding behavior, early, mid and late during the breeding season.

Ability to record sightings accurately (Required)

Records must be kept as the sightings occur, noting the location, habitat, behavior and numbers of birds observed. The ability to use a map to determine ones location is required. The ability to use a GPS is highly desired. The volunteer must be able to identify habitat types and bird behavior.

Timely submission of observation data (Required)

Volunteers should submit their records on-line using the Internet or mail the original records (keeping a copy for their records) to their supervisor as soon after the survey trip as possible. It is required the records be submitted by August 10 of the year the sightings are made. It is highly desired that the sightings be submitted via the Internet the day they were made.

Attendance at training Sessions (Highly desired)

Volunteer training sessions will be held every year in the spring near the major population centers in Utah. The topics covered include:

Square survey techniques
Map, compas and GPS usage
Recognizing the different Utah habitats
Identifying bird behaviors
Identifying birds by song
Recording sighting information
Using Utah BBA Internet resources
Trip preparation and safety

Submit a release form (Manditory)

While the liklihood is low, it is possible a volunteer could have an accident or experience some medical problem while performing a Breeding Bird Atlas survey. The UOS and the Utah BBA committee must be absolved of any liability for these kinds of problems. Volunteers may assist in the project only at their own risk; of their own free will and accord.

Provide their own equipment (Manditory)

The following items should be provided by the volunteer (not an exhustive list):

Survey square maps, over and beyond the maps provided with the square assignment papers. Such maps may be useful, but if needed must be acquired by the volunteer.
Transportation to and from the survey squares, including vehicle and fuel costs, including the cost of any repairs due to normal and extraordinary wear and tear. Adequare insurance must be carried on all vehicles used in performing square surveys. Also includes costs of other services resulting from breakdowns or getting stuck or lost.
Birding equipment, including but not limited to binocuars, field books, ourdoor clothing, sun and insect protection, recording equipment, cameras, GPS and computer equipment.
Meals, food and lodging required while performing square surveys or while traveling to and from the squares.
Emergency equipment such as first aid kits, water, extra clothing, and cellular phones.