Each year, thousands of migratory shorebirds rely on Mono Lake as a critical stopover during their journey across the West. Recent Intermountain West Shorebird Survey results show just how vital this habitat has become, and how much it’s at risk.
Scientists have found that more than 90 percent of all shorebirds counted are concentrated at only nine sites across the region, including Mono Lake. At the same time, populations have declined sharply since surveys in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, with some species, such as avocets, dropping by more than half.
These trends make one thing clear, protecting key habitats like Mono Lake is essential. The next phase of research will focus on these nine critical sites to better understand population changes and guide future conservation decisions.
Support from the Bodie Foundation has already made this work possible. Now we have the opportunity to continue that impact by funding a Fall Shorebird Survey. Every survey adds crucial data, strengthens long term monitoring and helps safeguard one of the West’s most important habitats.
Please consider making a gift to support ongoing shorebird monitoring and conservation at Mono Lake.