Volunteers Needed to Monitor Nesting Birds

Ithaca, NY–Peeking is allowed. In fact, it is a vital part of participation in the NestWatch citizen-science project offered by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. NestWatchers peek into bird nests and nest boxes to collect data on which species are nesting, when eggs are laid, how many eggs are in a nest, and how many chicks hatch and fledge. Scientists use NestWatch information to learn more about nesting birds and study the impacts of climate change and land use.“NestWatch is a free, fun activity for people of any age,” says project leader Laura Burkholder. “The nesting season is now in full swing, and it’s not too late to get in on the action. NestWatchers participate on their own, in classrooms, or as a homeschool project. We need more people to help gather this important information.”All materials and instructions are on the NestWatch website, including directions on how to get certified to monitor nests without disturbing the birds, following the NestWatch Code of Conduct. Look for information on how to provide the best and safest boxes for bluebirds, swallows, chickadees, and other cavity-nesting birds and how to monitor the nests of backyard birds that don’t use nest boxes, such as phoebes, robins, and goldfinches.Download and post this NestWatch flyer. (PDF)NestWatch was developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in collaboration with the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center, and funded by the National Science Foundation. Project Contact: Laura Burkholder, (607) 254-2450, llb93@cornell.edu Media Contact: Pat Leonard, (607) 254-2137, pel27@cornell.edu