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The Winter Survey

2025 Winter Shorebird Survey

The Winter Survey

2026 Winter Shorebird Survey

2026 is the 18th annual Florida Winter Shorebird Survey (a.k.a. The First Friday in February Survey)!  We are enthused to invite you to participate in the mid-winter survey that serves as a statewide snapshot of shorebirds and seabirds across the state. 

The primary objective of the Winter Shorebird Survey is to better understand the winter distribution of shorebirds and seabirds in Florida. This annual survey will allow us to recognize long-term trends or changes in winter population sizes and distribution. It will also help us identify key wintering sites- information that is much needed to guide future conservation efforts, particularly for state or federally listed focal species.

To participate, follow these steps:

1)      Sign up for your preferred survey transects. You may either sign up for an existing transect or add a new transect on the Survey Transect List. Please contact your regional coordinator prior to adding a new survey transect. Remember, adding your name to the 2026 column for your route means you are officially signed up!

2)      Review the attached 2026 Protocol prior to surveying.

3)      Survey your route between February 6 and 12.

4)      Enter your data in the Google Sheet  by March 1.

 

Adding your name to the 2026 column for your route means you're officially signed up!

Here are some key things to remember as you prepare for the survey:  

  • Survey dates, February 6th – 12th (first Friday in February)
  • You must report all GPS locations in Decimal Degrees
  • You can sign up for an existing survey transect without contacting a coordinator
  • You have the option to survey only focal species
  • GPS locations for flocks >50 non-focal species are optional (and encouraged), rather than required

As partners in shorebird conservation, we sincerely appreciate your dedication to the birds and your health and safety are top priorities. If you participate in the Winter Shorebird Survey, visit www.myFWC.com/AvianInfluenza for updated information about Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).

If you have questions or concerns, please email shorebird@myfwc.com. We look forward to participating alongside you in this fun winter survey.  Thank you for contributing your vital data. 

Happy Counting!

FSA Winter Shorebird Survey Coordination Crew