BRI biologists will survey sites in mountain ranges of northwestern Wyoming for evidence of breeding. An emphasis will be placed on historic or suspected breeding sites with summits that approach the lower end of elevations known to support Black Rosy-finches to investigate the effects of climate change. We will also visit ranges where breeding status is unknown or poorly documented to assist local managers in identifying the range of the species.

Spring captures of migrating Black Rosy-finches arriving at feeders will facilitate banding and sampling of birds. Color bands will help identify spring site fidelity and movements in the region, and will create the potential for identifying wintering sites. Surveys to locate nesting sites will help determine research sites for future study.