Volunteers needed to count frogs and birds

American Toad photo by Derek Dafoe for Nature Stuff.

Every year, the Bay of Quinte Remedial Action Plan seeks volunteers to monitor frogs and birds in local wetlands. On Monday, March 3, at 7p.m. at Quinte Conservation, naturalist Terry Sprague will host a presentation that focuses on how to monitor frogs and birds in local wetlands.

Can you tell a Bullfrog’s croak from a Spring Peeper’s peep, or a Least Bittern from a Virginia Rail? If you’re not even sure what they are, don’t worry.

“The majority of wetland species of frogs and birds have calls that are different enough from each other that they can be identified with little trouble,” says Sprague.

Over the course of this evening, guests will learn how to monitor a local wetland for frogs and birds whether it’s in your backyard, at the cottage, or a selected monitoring site.

There are two programs to choose from: the Marsh Monitoring Program and FrogWatch Ontario. The Marsh Monitoring Program focuses on both frogs and wetland birds.

“The information you collect tells us about the presence and abundance of both species in coastal and inland marshes, and contributes to our understanding of these species and their habitat needs,” says Sprague.

FrogWatch Ontario is great for the kids, as they only have to monitor once or twice a week from April to June and submit their results online.

Sprague is available to help guide each individual through the monitoring.

“Monitoring for frogs and birds in our marshes is a way for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy their pastime. While at the same time, contributing to our knowledge of the Bay of Quinte wetlands and their quality,” he adds.

Click poster, or here, for more about the Bay of Quinte Remedial Action Plan.

There is no cost to attend the presentation.  If you require more details, contact Terry Sprague at 613-476-5072 or naturestuff.tours@gmail.com