Greater Sage-grouse project in NV

Male Greater Sage-grouse

On March 11th 2013 I started a job as a volunteer with USGS in Reno NV. I was going to work on a research project focusing on the Greater Sage-grouse which is up to be listed as an endangered species in 2014. The project involved radio collaring female sage grouse and locating their nest and then following the success or failure they have a nesting.

Orientation took place over a week in the Reno area. We where taught many things including paperwork, methodology, ATV training, telemetry and of course trapping, handling and collaring of grouse. We were able to practice handling techniques using pheasants. The first part of the field season was to begin by trapping the Sage-grouse. Trapping involved working at night and spot lighting the grouse who are then radioed collared. The second part of the field season would involving using telemetry to track a female grouse to their nest.

I participated in orientation and the beginning of the trapping season before an illness forced me to leave the position. I was only out in Nevada for two weeks but I was able to learn a lot and meet a bunch of great people.

(My illness I believe was brought on by the extreme cold in northern NV and my health returned to normal as soon as I returned home)