Spot the Swallows
Spot the Swallows
Applications open through March 18, 2026
Help monitor local nest box sites at Point Defiance Park, Titlow Beach Park, or Chinese Reconciliation Park for purple martins, a type of swallow listed as a species of greatest conservation need in Washinton State. Learn how important these beautiful birds are to our ecosystem and how you can help collect vital information that supports their conservation.
Department: Conservation
Responsibilities:
- Observe purple martins throughout the summer season. Observations occur either 2 hours after sunrise or 2 hours before sunset.
- Track the presence of birds, their behaviors, and when chick begin to hatch and fledge.
- Complete data forms, recording the presence of birds, breeding behaviors, and chick sightings.
- Send in completed data forms from observations (mail, email, or in-person).
Qualifications
- Ability to take verbal and written direction.
- Minimum of 14 years of age. Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult also enrolled as a volunteer.
- Gear: Binoculars are required to participate. A spotting scope is recommended but not required. We have binoculars, spotting scopes and field guides to loan on a first come first served basis.
Training
- Training & Orientation (4.5 hours)
- Training is on Saturday, March 21, 2026 from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm
- 2 hours of asynchronous online training.
Time Commitment
- Minimum of 2 observations per month from mid-April through September.
- Each observation takes 2 hours (either 2 hours after sunrise or the 2 hours before sunset).
Mission Statement
Our Mission
Awakening a connection to Wild Life with everyone in the Pacific Northwest.
