This project builds off nearly two decades of seabird monitoring work at yaquina head outstanding natural area, oregon, by oregon state university and its collaborators

This site is uniquely situated to not only provide valuable monitoring data for seabirds in the northern california current but to also provide opportunities to increase public involvement in environmental research. Our monitoring work is performed at an easily-accessible and scenic headland, regularly leading to informal environmental education and outreach with a wide set of visitors. Breeding murres and cormorants build nests, lay eggs, and raise their young within easy sight from public overlooks, one of very few places in the country where seabirds are easily visible. This enables US to build on long-term research seeking to understand the factors influencing seabird populations while we are simultaneously able to share about the birds, their habitats, and marine science with the public. Our citizen science programs both enhance and engage visitor experiences. Our coastsnap photo point aids US in understanding the seasonal timing of nesting. The birds with fish program mobilizes local nature photographers to assist US in learning more about the diets of oregons marine birds. The data we collect from our monitoring work adds to an extremely valuable, long-term dataset and submissions to our citizen science programs allow US to broaden the research questions we are able to ask. Yaquina head is thus a unique location well suited towards furthering the mutually-beneficial relationship between professional and citizen science.