Bird Monitoring

Riparian Zones

GCAS aims to supplement the recently released Goleta Creeks and Watersheds Management Plan by providing automated recording unit (ARU)-based monitoring of our local riparian areas. Birds in riparian zones are disproportionately impacted by human development, and much of the original characteristic riparian bird community of Southern California has been extirpated from the Goleta area. 

Motus Bird Tracking

MOTUS is an international network of radio towers used to track the movements of migratory birds. The successful deployment of radio tags on birds relies on tower installation around the country. Currently, the Pacific Coast of the United States is lagging far behind other areas in the number of towers available for tracking (six so far). 

GCAS is working with local radio engineers and nature reserves to evaluate the feasibility of establishing a MOTUS tower in our area. This would allow the detection of birds migrating up the coast from Mexico through Canada, illustrating the importance of large-scale cooperation in bird conservation efforts.

To learn more about Motus go to their website.

How to Help

  • Funding

    GCAS is seeking funding to purchase recording units and employ undergraduate interns in deploying so that the breeding dynamics of this imperiled group of birds can be better understood. This will contribute to ongoing and future restoration efforts across our watersheds.