Beach to Bayou - October 2016

Citizen Scientists

From tracking Monarch butterflies, to counting birds, to monitoring water quality, volunteers of all ages are helping make a difference through the Citizen Science program coordinated by the Pascagoula River Audubon Center.  

At the end of the story, you'll find info about the Hancock County October bird count and learn how you can help!
- story by Lisa Monti

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If you enjoy the beauty of the monarch butterflies on their migration to Mexico this time of year, imagine helping to capture, measure and tag the delicate Monarchs to gain information about their incredible journey.

Volunteers in the international network of citizen scientists are keeping an eye on the butterflies to gather information on how many successfully make the trip to Mexico.

Gathering information on the Monarch migration is just one of many hands-on ways that volunteer “citizen scientists” can assist researchers as they observe and record our changing natural environment.

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The Pascagoula River Audubon Center connects people to nature through its citizen scientist program, headed by Erin Parker. The center offers monthly training on different topics at no cost involved except the $8 admission to the center for non members.

You don’t need a scientific background, just an interest in our coastal resources and creatures that share it with us. “We do the training for you,” said Parker. The most time you’ll spend is three hours per month.

Like bird watching? Sign up for the National Audubon Society's Christmas Bird Count, the longest-running citizen science project that started in 1900, or monitor the birds on our front beaches during migration seasons.

If you’re interested in the water quality where you live, volunteer to help scientists keep tabs on our waterways. There are two in Hancock County that are monitored monthly: Magnolia Bayou near the Yacht Club and Watts Bayou. The testing sessions take about an hour to complete.

Skimmers on the beach in Waveland - photo by Ellis Anderson

“Anyone can be a citizen scientist, from a kid to a senior. They are able to contribute regardless of experience,” Parker said. “The equipment is pretty minimal and the protocol is pretty straight forward.”

Volunteers learn first hand about the natural world and get the satisfaction of knowing they are contributing data so we can get a much fuller picture of what’s going on in the world.

Find more information about the center and the volunteer opportunities at http://pascagoulariver.audubon.org or email Parker at [email protected].

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Audubon Coastal Bird Survey-
Hancock County Fall 2016 Schedule
 
 
Washington Street Pier, Bay St. Louis-Hancock, Audubon Coastal Bird Survey
Site Description: This site has a sandy beach shoreline, ending at Washington Street Pier, which has rocky jetties on either side. Reddish egrets, ruddy turnstones, and a variety of plovers and sandpipers are common on the mudflats directly adjacent to the jetty. The opposite side of the road has mature live oaks and suburban yards which attracts common suburban passerine species such as mockingbirds, crows, and blue jays.
Meeting location: Washington Street Pier and Boat Launch. There is ample parking available near the pavilion.
 
ACBS Site Coordinator: Judy Reeves, [email protected]
(Note: Contact ACBS Site Coordinator to participate and verify schedule)
 
Schedule:
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
​7:00 AM--8:30 AM
Saturday, October 29, 2016
7:00 AM--8:30 AM
 
 
Ladner Pier, Waveland, MS-Hancock, Audubon Coastal Bird Survey
Site Description: This site has sandy beach on either side of a large pier, with rocky jetties on either side. Reddish egrets, Ruddy turnstones, and a variety of plovers and sandpipers are common on the mudflats directly adjacent to the jetty. The opposite side of the road has mature live oaks and suburban yards which attracts common suburban passerine species such as mockingbirds, crows, and blue jays.
 
Meeting location: Ladner Pier (parking area) 125 N Beach Blvd, Waveland, MS 39576
ACBS Site Coordinator: Barbara Bowen (602) 319-0538 or [email protected], (Note: Contact ACBS Site Coordinator to participate and verify schedule)
 
Schedule: Friday, October 14, 2016
7:00 AM-8:30 AM
 
 
Bayou Caddy, Bay St. Louis, MS-Hancock, Audubon Coastal Bird Survey
Site Description: This site has a sandy shoreline, and many artificial pilings, jetties, and structures. On the other side of the quiet street, you can often see a variety of blackbirds on the power lines. There is also a marsh system across the street, where bald eagles and a variety of herons and egrets are often seen. The sandy shoreline generally has large groups of small shorebirds foraging on the tide line. The artificial structures have gulls, pelicans, and terns. 
 
Meeting location: Silver Slipper Casino (parking lot), 5000 S Beach Blvd, Bay St. Louis, MS 39520. Ample parking is available.
 
ACBS Site Coordinator: Ned Boyajian, [email protected]  (Note: Contact ACBS Site Coordinator to participate and verify schedule)
 
Schedule:
Monday, October 17, 2016  
7:00 AM 8:00 AM
 
 
Buccaneer Beach, Waveland, MS-Hancock, Audubon Coastal Bird Survey
Site Description: This site mostly consists of a seawall, with limited areas of sandy shoreline. Many jetties and artificial structures exist, where pelicans, eagles, ospreys, terns, and gulls perch. The shorebirds are condensed onto the small patches of sandy shoreline. The opposite side of the road has many perching birds of all varieties on mature vegetation. Some sections have productive marsh habitats, so marsh birds such as herons, egrets, sparrows, and wrens are common.  
 
Meeting location: Corner of Forest Street and South Beach Blvd, Bay St. Louis, MS 39520. Limited parking available on the shoulder of the road.
 
ACBS Site Coordinator: Ned Boyajian, [email protected], (Note: Contact ACBS Site Coordinator to participate and verify schedule)
 
Schedule:
Monday, October 17, 2016
9:00 AM 10:00 AM
 
*To sign up online to become Audubon Volunteer, please visit us at https://app.betterimpact.com/PublicOrganization/fb88f60d-ae22-4234-a99a-51c2607450d9/1