This summer, Ava Gardner had the opportunity to work for the Monterey Audubon Society, participating in a dream internship. She had the unique opportunity to apply her knowledge of data analysis to support to the Black Oystercatcher Monitoring Project. She applied her skills in data organization and visualization while gaining unique insight into the impacts humans have on the lives and futures of shorebirds.

During Summer 2026 at Monterey Peninsula College, Braulio Beltran participated in the Black Oystercatcher Monitoring Project with Monterey Audubon Society. His experience influenced his perspective on bird wildlife.

Standing at the edge of Seaside State Beach, I watched Kyan Russell look through the spotting scope to check the little legs of the gulls. I was thrilled to learn he found a banded fledgling! Wow, a tiny success. This year’s new Heermann's Gulls of Seaside project included monitoring, outreach, fledging safety, and banding. This rare colony emphasizes collaboration with community science.