Getting Started with Monitoring Black Oystercatchers in Monterey Bay

What Are Black Oystercatchers and Why Monitor Them?

Black Oystercatchers are excellent indicator species of the rocky shoreline habitat, and desgnated as a species of conservation concern. One thing that makes them a valuable indicator species is that they do not go across any other habitats. They only nest on rocky shores: they are not found inland, on sandy beaches, or in any other habitat. For another, they are large and visible. It is much easier to see and track an oystercatcher than, say, an anemone. Lastly, oystercatchers are territorial: they pick a territory and tend to stay there for life. This means we can get years' worth of data out of a single pair. Black Oystercatchers nest on beaches and are very vulnerable to human encroachment, oil spills, and severe ocean conditions.

Rick Hanks monitors/watches the birds from shore

About the Black Oystercatcher Monitoring Project

Since 2011, Monterey Audubon has been supporting Audubon California's efforts with the California Central Coast BLOY Monitoring Project. In 2021, Monterey Audubon Society took over local monitoring in two study areas - the Monterey Bay South Coast, consisting of 3 monitoring sections (Monterey Peninsula, Pebble Beach, and Point Lobos), and the Monterey Bay North Coast (northern Santa Cruz County coast and southern San Mateo County coast). There are other BLOY monitoring efforts south in San Luis Obispo County and north in San Francisco that we regularly communicate and strategize with. But thanks to funding from our Monterey Audubon members and supporting donors, the project monitors BLOY territories from Greyhound Rock in San Mateo County south through Point Lobos in Monterey County.

We have an informative webpage that shares the full story of the project and summary data while showcasing the territories we monitor on an interactive map. The project is managed by Regional Coordinator Rick Hanks.

Black Oystercatcher adults with chicks, photo courtesy of Jane Smith.

To learn about the results of the project so far, you can watch our recent lecture about the BLOY Monitoring Project, with Judith Romero, Assistant Project Biologist

Become a Volunteer Monitor

Volunteers are invited to join the monitoring team. To be part of the Black Oystercatcher Monitoring Program’s community science program, you are required to do the following:

1. Register as a Monterey Audubon volunteer at http://MontereyAudubon.org/volunteer.

2. Attend the lecture about monitoring, hosted at the beginning of March. If you are unable to attend the lecture, you are required to watch the virtual training on YouTube https://youtu.be/wS8vtSRwn_4.

3. Read the accompanying guide.

4. Complete the BLOY Volunteer Project Registration on Get Connected. You will need an account.

5. Participate in the field training.

Once you have completed all these steps, the Regional Coordinator assigns the monitoring sites for all volunteers. Don't worry, you'll be paired with a mentor first! Once you feel comfortable monitoring and entering data, you'll be able to monitor your site or be assigned to another one by the Regional Coordinator.

Reference material from the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History and Monterey Audubon Society website.

Atlasing at Rana Creek Preserve - 5/24/26

We had a fantastic trip to Rana Creek Preserve, managed by Wildlands Conservancy. Natural Resource Manager Kat Hardisty-Cranstone and Docent Ernie. With Trip Leaders Kai Russell and Karen Kreiger, we were astounded by the beauty and biodiversity of this area, from 56 bird species seen over the course of 3 hours to a hillside of California bunch grasses, a wolf spider and some late blooming Elegant Clarkia. This event is part of the California Bird Atlas project, where community scientists converge to document bird breeding and how birds use our landscape.

Trip Report written by Kai Russell

The low cloud cover meant that raptors were readily visible - a pair of Golden Eagles, a Bald Eagle, Turkey Vultures, and Red-tailed Hawks were all circling low above the valley of Rana Creek as we walked along. Many passerines like Western Warbling Vireo, Purple Finch, and Lawrence's Goldfinch were present, and we observed breeding behaviors in several species at this peak time of year. We were happy to confirm breeding for Western Bluebird, Black-headed Grosbeak, Western Tanager, and Black Phoebe. Rufous-crowned Sparrow and Blue-gray Gnatcatcher were slightly surprising to find, and will make good targets to confirm breeding for on our upcoming June 6 trip. All were in good spirits from observing the many birds in this beautiful habitat. A big thank you to Kat Hardisty-Cranstone and Ernie for hosting us!

eBird trip report by Kai Russell: https://ebird.org/tripreport/528489

Kai Russell is a volunteer Monterey County Regional Coordinator for the California Bird Atlas and Board Member of Monterey Audubon Society,

Trip Photos

Select photo credits:

Red-tailed Hawk: Karen Kreiger

Acorn Woodpecker, : Greg Plowman

Before You Trim That Tree, Think About Who Might Be Living In It

A friendly guide to tree trimming, habitat loss, and the small steps that make a big difference for birds and wildlife

Tree trimming and vegetation removal are a normal part of property maintenance — but the tree you're about to cut back might be home to a family of birds, a colony of pollinators, or a host of other wildlife. Trees and dense shrubs provide nesting sites, shelter, and food sources for dozens of species. When vegetation is removed abruptly, these animals lose their homes with little warning and often no time to relocate.

Acorn Woodpecker in cavity by Greg Plowman

Timing is everything. In most of North America, bird nesting season runs roughly from February through August, with peak activity in spring. Nests during this time may hold eggs or chicks not yet ready to fly. Before trimming, take a few minutes to slowly scan branches for nests, cavities, or parent birds coming and going. If you spot an active nest, it's best to pause work until the young have fledged — and worth knowing that most wild birds and their nests are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

When in doubt, reach out to a local wildlife rehabilitator or your state fish and wildlife agency before proceeding. And for everyday landscaping, consider leaving some intentional "wild" areas — brush piles, uncut shrubs, or a dead snag — as habitat. Small, thoughtful choices add up, and the wildlife in your yard will notice.

Check with Monterey County SPCA if you find a baby bird for more info on what to do: https://www.spcamc.org/programs-resources/wildlife-rescue-rehabilitation/baby-birds.html