University asks for volunteers to help track birds

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - The University of Rhode Island is looking for volunteers to help track birds.

URI scientists hope the American woodcock, also known as the timberdoodle, will help them better understand the decline of several species in Rhode Island.

URI needs about 100 volunteers to conduct surveys throughout the state this spring to help researchers learn more about the forest habitats many birds rely on.

The number of American woodcocks in Rhode Island has been declining over four decades, likely due to a loss of hospitable habitat, according to URI.

Volunteers will attend a two-hour training session and commit to four dates from April 20 to May 10. They’ll survey a designated route, just after sunset, stopping to listen and observe the birds. More information is available online .