Some Tools for the Coming Monitoring Season!

Let's Watch Those Chimneys! The Chimney Swifts are working their way northward and should be visiting Manitoba soon. The Manitoba Chimney Swift Initiative has prepared survey forms and survey protocols to guide monitors in the 2014 season. A primary focus of our efforts for 2014 will be chimney observations as part of a national effort. Monitoring is to take place during the "roost hour" on May 21, May 25, May 29, and June 2. The national four-day monitoring protocol may be seen at http://www.mbchimneyswift.ca/Documents/MB_Protocol_Swift_2014_ROOST.pdf and the monitoring form may be obtained at http://www.mbchimneyswift.ca/Documents/MB_Survey%20data%20sheet_Swift_ROOST_2014.pdf For those monitoring their sites on other dates throughout the season, please use the "MCSI monitoring protocol." The protocol is explained at http://www.mbchimneyswift.ca/Documents/Monitoring_Protocol.pdf , and the associated monitoring form is at http://www.mbchimneyswift.ca/Documents/report_form.pdf Check the resources area of our website at http://www.mbchimneyswift.ca/resources.html  for a variety of information about monitoring. Please email the monitoring coordinator at mbchimneyswift@gmail.com to volunteer or ask any questions about the monitoring program for 2014. Now, don't overstress those neck muscles!