Sound Science

Puget Sound Bird Observatory

Sound Science... Scientific Information... Informed Public.

Puget Sound Bird Observatory (PSBO) studies birds and their habitats in the Pacific Northwest to better understand changes in bird populations, to inform decision, and to engage the public with birds and their needs. PSBO is a 501(c)(3) organization of dedicated scientists, researchers, bird enthusiasts and volunteers who are working together to strengthen our knowledge of our region's avian residents.

Sound science, scientific information, and an informed public. That's us, the Puget Sound Bird Observatory.

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© Chris Peterson

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Learning to Band Birds

Puget Sound Bird Observatory

BirdNote

See our project in action in this video

Secretive Wetland

Bird Survey...

Puget Sound Bird Observatory

Read about banding birds with PSBO at BirdNote with Ellen Blackstone

FEATURED PROJECTS

This ongoing project was launched in 2016 to assess presence of several secretive wetland species through a scientifically rigorous protocol throughout the Puget Sound Region. With oversight and expertise provided by Courtney Conwa and Ruth Milner, WDFW Wildlife Biologists, this project is deepening our understanding of these rarely seen species. This project is taking new volunteer surveyors, so get involved with PSBO!

Wetland Secretive Bird Monitoring

Puget Sound Regional Species Microaging Project

A continuing study of molt, feather wear, and aging in four year-round resident species in the Puget Trough Ecoregion. Our researchers have developed a new photographic process to measure color variation in feathers of different ages and wear states. Using this process, we're working to be better able to age our local species more accurately. This field study is accepting help from experienced bird banders.

Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship (MAPS)

The MAPS program is a continent-wide collaborative effort in cooperation with the Institute for Bird Populations (IBP). MAPS bird banders collect data that can be used to estimate key demographic parameters like productivity, recruitment, and survival of individual bird species. This information helps scientists understand which life-stages may be most important in limiting population growth or causing declines. PSBO actively welcomes experienced banders to participate in this project.

View All Projects

Read the latest Nature News by PSBO President Christine Southwick

As published in The Shoreline Area News!

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© Chris Peterson

Visit the newest Nature News Article Archive Here!

The Puget Sound Seabird Survey (PSSS) is a community science survey created by Birds Connect Seattle (formerly Seattle Audubon) in 2007 and adopted by the Puget Sound Bird Observatory since 2022. This survey effort trains volunteer birdwatchers to gather valuable data on wintering seabird populations in Puget Sound, Strait of Juan de Fuca, and waters surrounding the San Juan Islands.