When wildlife biologist Sarah Lauerman sent out a request for volunteers, Russ Plummer and Pat Humphress from Four Rivers Audubon came flying. After spending the summer monitoring over 100 groups of red-cockaded woodpeckers (RCWs) on the Osceola National Forest, Sarah needed to relocate banded juveniles and wanted to tap into the local community for help. She found an amazing resource of dedicated birders in the nearby Four Rivers Audubon chapter. “I was seeking volunteers to help me roost woodpeckers in the evening and to participate in capturing 20 birds over a five week period. No experience was necessary, but standing in the forest, thick with mosquitoes, only to catch a quick glimpse of a woodpecker at dusk does take dedication.” said Sarah. “Not only did several Audubon members get involved, some came on a weekly basis and even brought their own spotting scopes-what a bonus.” she exclaimed.
This autumn marked the first time RCWs have been donated from the Osceola National Forest to state, federal and private properties in need of augmenting their RCW populations. Translocations are an important component to the recovery of this federally endangered species. This bird is only found in open pine forests in the southeastern U.S. and the loss of suitable habitat, fire suppression and habitat fragmentation have been the major causes of its decline. The purpose of translocations is to supplement RCW populations that are small (less than 30 potential breeding groups) and therefore at-risk of disappearing.
Sarah was thrilled to bridge a relationship with the Audubon at the onset of the Osceola translocations. Having a relationship with the Four Rivers chapter has not only offered an excellent connection with enthusiastic birders, it has been a great way to share the wonderful work happening on the local level and help spread the word to nearby communities on how those activities serve the regional recovery efforts for this species. “I’m amazed at how many people don’t know there is a large and growing population of endangered birds living so close to them. Any chance I can get to inform and involve the public on issues that come so close to home, I feel like I am doing a better job as a biologist” said Sarah. “It’s not just about the field work that needs to be done. It is also about sharing with the public why it’s important.”
On a beautiful fall evening with a warm sunset and a great crew of returning and first-time assistants, Sarah (now 7 months pregnant) captured and banded the final bird. The connection that these volunteers now feel with the birds and the forest is clear. As Sarah said, “I could not have done this without these folks and the support I have gotten has been beyond my wildest expectations. I have discovered a whole new resource in Audubon chapters and hope to carry on this relationship as long as the monitoring of RCWs continues here at the forest.”
