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Dorie Klissas
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Dorie Klissas, Manomet Press Officer
DKlissas@Manomet.org
(917) 287-5643
Manomet Conservation Sciences Launches Third Annual Massachusetts
Shorebird Blitz August 2-10, 2025, to Identify Important Locations for
Shorebirds
Coastal Massachusetts Data to Track Vital Migration Data to Inform
International Shorebird Conservation Strategies
PLYMOUTH, MA — June 3, 2025 —Manomet Conservation Sciences is
proud to announce the Third Annual Massachusetts Shorebird Blitz, a
coordinated, statewide survey of migratory shorebirds from August 2 to
10, 2025. The data collected by participants skilled in shorebird
identification and counting produces invaluable insights, helping identify
the most significant staging areas along the state’s coast and contributing
to the International Shorebird Survey (ISS), a global research initiative
launched by Manomet over 50 years ago.
The Blitz, held during the peak of the southbound shorebird migration, will
provide a snapshot of how species like the Semipalmated Sandpiper,
Short-billed Dowitcher, and Black-bellied Plover use Massachusetts’
shoreline as a crucial stopover. These staging areas offer essential rest and
refueling during the birds’ epic migrations between the Arctic and their
southern wintering grounds.
Last year’s Blitz drew 102 participants, who surveyed 155 sites and
counted an impressive 74,065 shorebirds across 27 species. The data
supports conservation decisions and policies in Massachusetts and
beyond.
“We’re building a powerful grassroots network to monitor the health of
these extraordinary travelers, which fly as many as 9,000 miles between
their Arctic breeding grounds and South American wintering grounds
twice a year to complete their annual cycles,” said Liana DiNunzio,
Shorebird Biologist at Manomet. “What we learn from this Blitz helps
protect not just individual species, but the ecosystems they rely on during
their travels.”
“The Shorebird Blitz reflects the best of what Manomet stands for —
science in action, people working together, and meaningful impact on
the ground,” said Lizzie Schueler, President of Manomet. “This effort
empowers communities to contribute to global conservation, and the
efforts will help guide future research and conservation.”
Participants in the Blitz will record data using a simple app, choosing to
survey priority sites or self-selected locations that meet habitat criteria.
To ensure accuracy, all surveys must be conducted during the same tide
cycle to reduce the possibility of double-counting birds that may move
between locations.
The Massachusetts Shorebird Blitz is conducted in partnership with local
and regional conservation organizations. Volunteers can sign up to survey
solo or with a small group. Training and coordination are provided to
ensure a consistent, science-driven approach.
To sign up or learn more:
Contact Liana DiNunzio at ldinunzio@manomet.org to participate in the
August 2025 Blitz.
For opportunities during other migration periods, contact Lisa Schibley,
North America ISS Coordinator, at lschibley@manomet.org.
To learn more about the 2024 Massachusetts Shorebird Blitz Survey, go
to: Massachusetts Shorebird Blitz: 2024 Results
About Manomet Conservation Sciences
Manomet Conservation Sciences is a nonprofit organization dedicated to
using science and collaboration to create a world where people and nature
thrive together. From reversing shorebird decline to advancing
environmental education, Manomet’s work is driven by research,
partnerships, and a commitment to real-world impact.