Planning is under way to develop a bird species baseline for Death Valley National Park, and volunteers are being sought to help with the data collection.

The effort, by the National Park Service and the National Parks Conservation Association, focuses on two desert riparian areas within the park, which is particularly important in light of climate change.

Death Valley officials would like to establish several surveys during the course of the year, but the first target will be from April 20 to May 13 to observe a variety of nesting and breeding species. Volunteers will be provided maps, data sheets and detailed directions. Volunteering will be flexible, but the best birding during this time of year occurs from dawn to 10:30 a.m., so early birds are welcome.

If you can participate contact Seth Shteir, NPCA's California desert field representative at [email protected] (750-332-9776-cell).