BACKYARD SCIENTISTS. For over two decades, Beaver Creek Bird Banders have gathered crucial information on local bird populations, encompassing both winter inhabitants and neotropical migrants. Data including age, sex, species, and migration patterns are compiled and submitted to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Bird Banding Laboratory. (Submitted photos)

“Like the trees that line our city streets, wild birds add to the quality of life in our community,” the City of Eau Claire says.

Our invaluable aviary companions are the reason “Bird City” has become a widespread project across Eau Claire and the Chippewa Valley. The Bird City designation offers a means of supporting the birds that enhance our environments, the city believes.

“If we want to ensure the conservation and protection of these (bird) species, it's going to be more dependent on citizens to get involved and helping protect them," Jeanette Kelly, citizen science and education director.

Beyond Eau Claire's 2013 recognition as a Bird City, Chippewa Valley organizations have linked residents to the natural world and aviary conservation. Beaver Creek Reserve’s Avian Monitoring Program — enveloped within the reserve’s Citizen Science Center — collects valuable data to support scientists and residents discover the world found in our backyard, the website reads.

Decades of volunteer efforts by community members of all ages and backgrounds have been key to their success, according to Jeanette Kelly, citizen science and education director.

“You don't have to know anything about birds to get involved with our bird monitoring program,” Kelly said. “What attracts people to (volunteering) is this opportunity to do something you otherwise cannot — this opportunity to get up close and personal with these animals.”

Jeanette Kelly, pictured on the left, connects with volunteers during a Bird Banding 101 training course. Annual trainings are required by volunteers at Beaver Creek Reserve, to create accessible entry points for avian research. (Submitted photo)

BANDING TOGETHER. A volunteer holds a northern saw-whet owl during a banding instructional at Beaver Creek Reserve. The organization bands and tracks the species, to learn about their lifespan and document migratory patterns throughout the year. (Submitted photos)

Avian Monitoring Program volunteers have the opportunity to participate in various initiatives focused on specific bird species. Active projects include weekly bird banding, northern saw-whet owl research, grassland bird surveys, blue bird restoration, American kestrel box monitoring, and more — available to view on the Citizen Science Center website.

Annual reports from the Citizen Science Center show in 2024, 94 out of 112 volunteers — and 2,436 out of 2,627 volunteers hours — were dedicated toward bird-related programming, Kristen Giefer, marketing and program director at Beaver Creek Reserve, noted. These documented hours can include annual educational programs or training, weekly trail work, and observatory-related activities.

During her 15 years at the Citizen Science Center, Kelly has collaborated with a diverse group of volunteers, including biology graduates, postal workers, retired couples, and engineers. Echoing the belief that as long as there is an interest in conservation and birding, you can learn the rest through the reserve’s training programs for volunteers.

A volunteer checking blue bird nest boxes through the reserve's blue bird restoration project.

The training — prior to beginning volunteer work with Beaver Creek Reserve — serves as a bridge between enthusiasm and effective action, ensuring that volunteers are well-equipped to contribute meaningfully to the reserve's mission, Kelly said.

“Through the different programs that we do (or) the different events that we participate in, we are always striving to teach people — of all ages — about birds and their significance both in our human lives but also in nature and in the ecosystem,” she said.

Being up close and personal with nature, provides life changing opportunities for residents of Eau Claire and beyond, she added.

In addition to the avian initiatives at Beaver Creek Reserve, May also marks the return of the yearly Welcome Back Bird Day celebration.

Experienced birders in the area — many overlapping their volunteer work in the Avian Monitoring Program — will observe and count birds around Eau Claire from 7am to 5pm.

All are welcome to engage with the birders, inquire about their work, and learn more about local conservation initiatives happening in their own neighborhoods, the event page reads.

“If we want to ensure the conservation and protection of these (bird) species, it's going to be more dependent on citizens to get involved and helping protect them,” Kelly said.

To become involved with the Avian Monitoring Program at Beaver Creek Reserve, contact the Citizen Science Center through their website online. Residents interested in local bird watching and volunteer efforts can subscribe to the community’s newsletter via email at chippewa-valley-birding+subscribe@googlegroups.com.