Project overview: Study Yosemite’s migratory and resident birds to guide habitat restoration projects, track population trends in relation to habitat loss, train young biologists, and engage visitors in wildlife conservation.

How your support helps: An estimated 3 billion birds have vanished from the United States and Canada since 1970, with astounding losses among common species, such as warblers, finches, and sparrows. The loss of these songbird populations has direct implications on for meadow restoration and habitat management in Yosemite.   

For more than three decades, the Yosemite Songbird Project has provided opportunities for experienced biologists to work with early-career scientists and interns to collect data on birds throughout the park. The program, which Conservancy donors have supported since 2008, provides critical data on population trends in relation to changing environmental conditions. This unparalleled dataset enables researchers to detect long-term trends and understand how shifting weather patterns influence nesting productivity and the timing of migration and breeding, allowing park staff to make informed restoration and management decisions.  

With Conservancy support, the Yosemite Songbird Project ensures that songbirds — and the meadows they call home — are protected for generations to come. 

This year: In 2026, the Yosemite Songbird Project will celebrate 36 years as the longest-running avian monitoring program in North America, making it a cornerstone of avian conservation science. This year, park biologists will continue to set the standard for long-term species monitoring through cutting-edge research and direct management applications — including collecting data on 3,000+ songbirds. Equally important, the project engages more than 100 youth, students, and park visitors each year in hands-on birding activities that can inspire the next generation of conservationists.

Project partners: Yosemite National Park, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and The Institute for Bird Populations

Photo credit: Sarah Stock