The NRTG's fully-online Avian Nest Sweeps and Monitoring Methods training program will train participants to plan and conduct nest sweeps. Breeding birds and their nests, eggs, and young are federally protected. Birds nest in a wide variety of habitats and specialized surveys are required to detect them. Nest sweeps are conducted in an area prior to, as well as during, industrial activity such as road and pipeline construction. The appropriate technique depends on those species likely to be present and the habitat. Once nests are found they need to be marked and monitored to prevent destruction or disturbance.