RAM - Monthly Seabird census
What are RAM days?
RAM (Portuguese acronym for Seabird and Marine Mammal Monitoring Network) is a seabird observation network initiated in the Cantabrian and Galician coasts and now extended to the whole Iberian Peninsula, including the continental Portuguese coast and the Madeira and Azores archipelagos. One of RAM's main initiatives are the seabird observation days. During these days observers are placed along different spots of the coast, preferably at the same time, to record all birds, including items such as species, number, flight direction, age group, etc. This project aims to coordinate the volunteers' work in studying seabirds across the whole Iberian Peninsula, thus improving the knowledge and conservation of Atlantic bird species. An important characteristic of these census is the use of standardized methodology to gather information. Observations are done simultaneously to provide more systematic and accurate information and get an estimate of seabird abundance and movement along the coastline, in different areas and at different months. Participating in this network is free and voluntary for all collaborators with an interest and knowledge on seabirds. How can i participate? RAM days, supported by SPEA's Marine Programme, constitute an opportunity to gather simultaneous data on seabird movement along the coast of Spain and Portugal, from the Basque Country in Nothern Spain to Catalonia, across many important sites in Portugal, such as the capes Raso, Carvoeiro and Sagres. All you need to participate in these observation days is a pair of binoculars or telescope and count passing seabirds for 30 minutes within a 3 hour morning period (7-10am from May to September; 8-11am from October to April). A minimum level of experience will be required or to be part of a team of that includes an experienced observer. Usually bird counts will be carried out in the first Saturday of each month. If, for whatever reason, the date is changed, observers will be timely informed. Next RAM days in 2014: 11 Janeiro 1 Fevereiro 1 Março 5 Abril 10 Maio 7 Junho 5 Julho 2 Agosto 6 Setembro 4 Outubro 8 Novembro 13 Dezembro Would you like to participate? please send an e-mail to: [email protected] Text: www.spea.pt |
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Imagem banner: João Edgar