The LSLBO supports external researchers studying avian migration, ecology, and conservation with collaborative efforts and our long-term datasets collected in the Boreal Forest of northern Alberta. For many studies, our efforts will represent the northernmost sample available. If you are a researcher wondering if our data is right for you, please review our Migration Monitoring Read Me document and our detailed Standard Operating Protocol.

If you are a researcher who has previously used LSLBO data or sampling effort in any form of publication not listed in our Research Library, please forward your publication to info@LSLBO.org so it can be included in our records as per our previous data sharing agreement. Failure to comply with previous agreements may result in rejection of new requests for an individual and/or their institution.

The LSLBO can support researchers in three ways: sharing datasets we have already collected and digitized, collecting additional biological samples and measurements from birds captured during our standard operations, and collaborating on projects which may require effort beyond our standard operations. As determined at our discretion, moderate to high effort sampling will likely require researchers provide additional financial support so we can be appropriately equipped and staffed to support their study without sacrificing our own programs.

Data Requests

Although the LSLBO reserves the right to reject any request for data or collaboration, approved data requests are generally free of charge and fulfilled within a few days of acceptance. Datasets available include capture data (species, date and time, location, estimated age and sex, wing length, weight, etc.), count data (daily total counts for birds identified to species and family, counts by method, probable known stopovers, etc.), and effort data (count times, net-hours, weather conditions, etc.).

Sample Collections

Low effort sampling (for example, rectrix or ectoparasite) during standard operations generally only require that researchers provide and arrange for any materials and shipping costs. As determined at our discretion, moderate to high effort sampling may require researchers provide additional financial support and training. To ensure we have proper authorizations on our permits, please contact us as soon as possible.

Additional Projects

As with high-effort sample collection, researchers looking to collaborate on short-term projects should expect to provide financial support to the LSLBO. Some examples of additional projects we have participate in, or designed and completed on another institutions’ behalf, include breeding bird surveys in post-harvest Boreal stands, diurnal and nocturnal roadside owl surveys, GPS deployment on American Robins, geolocator deployment on Canada Warblers, and nest searching for Ovenbirds. To ensure we have proper authorizations on our permits and are appropriately equipped and staffed to stretch beyond our core programs, please contact us as soon as possible.

Researcher Supports

Researchers attempting to use citizen science databases to plan their studies often struggle when faced with how limited these databases are in the sparsely populated Boreal Forest (for example, eBird). Using our knowledge of the Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park and surrounding areas, we have previously helped researchers plan their local study sites, accommodations, and connections to local stakeholders. We have also helped researchers refine their study designs and safety protocols to be more appropriate for local conditions. We may provide limited training opportunities for ethical mist-netting, banding, avian identification, nest searching, point counts, and more.

Interested?

Please complete a form below. We endeavour to respond to all requests within two weeks. If it has been two weeks since you submitted your request and you have not heard back, please contact us since our response may have flown off course. Please email info@LSLBO.org or call us at 780-849-8240 for more information.

Want even more data?

Check out other Canadian Migration Monitoring Network members and request their data through NatureCounts.