We are a collaborative team of biologists, ecologists, and field researchers
Dedicated to understanding the relationships between piscivorous waterbirds and fish populations in the Pacific Northwest. Formerly known as Columbia Bird Research, our program has grown into a leading research effort focused on the ecology, behavior, and management of colonial waterbirds such as Caspian terns, double-crested cormorants, American white pelicans, and gulls.
Our mission is to advance science that supports both wildlife conservation and fisheries management. We study how bird populations interact with ESA listed salmon and steelhead, and we provide critical data that helps balance the protection of these fish species with the conservation needs of the birds that share their ecosystems.
The Bird Research Northwest team works throughout Oregon, Washington, and California, conducting long term monitoring and research that informs key management initiatives, including the Caspian Tern Management Plan for the Columbia River Estuary, the Double-crested Cormorant Management Plan for the Columbia River Estuary, and the Inland Avian Predation Management Plan.
We take pride in our collaborative partnerships with state, federal, and tribal agencies, as well as universities and conservation organizations, who share our goal of maintaining a healthy balance between avian predators and salmonid populations across the Pacific Coast.
Our success is made possible by the dedication of our staff and research partners, whose hard work and expertise drive every project from data collection to publication.
