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When night falls and the whip-poor-will calls, biologists and volunteers will be listening. And counting.
Heard but rarely seen, this nocturnal bird is named for the sound of its call, a rhapsodic “whip-pur-will.” Surveys and monitoring are needed since biologists lack detailed information on its habitat, status, and population trends in western North Carolina. You can help, with or without listening and counting. This tax season, check Line 26 Option of your state income tax form to give any portion of your refund to the Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Fund. The fund helps the Wildlife Diversity Program of the N.C. Wildlife Resources with projects such as whip-poor-will surveys and monitoring. “The generosity of North Carolinians through the Tax Check-off allows us to assess population changes and implement conservation actions that benefit whip-poor-wills and their habitat,” said Chris Kelly, Mountain Wildlife Diversity biologist. “First, we will better map out their distribution by setting up survey routes throughout the region. Then we will shift the focus to research about habitat associations and management needs.” To learn more about the projects and activities of the Commission’s Wildlife Diversity Program and how your donations are being used, visit http://www.ncwildlife.org/fs_index_07_conservation.htm. Tax season isn’t the only time to give to wildlife. Other ways to help North Carolina’s wildlife and their habitats year-round include:
(Images provided by NCWildlife.org.)
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