Monitor Nesting Birds

Volunteers Needed to Monitor Nesting Birds 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.    The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a membership institution dedicated to interpreting and conserving the earth's biological diversity through research, education, and citizen science focused on birds. Visit the Cornell Lab's web site at http://www.birds.cornell.edu.   Try Our Bird Quiz Answers below    1. Who is responsible for feeding these baby Eastern Bluebird chicks?      A. Male parent      B. Female parent      C. Both male & female        2. You found this nest five feet off the ground in a tree in your backyard. It is made of grass, twigs and mud. What species made this nest?      A. American Robin      B. Western Bluebird      C. Black-capped            Chickadee     3. You observed this female Northern Cardinal carrying small twigs to a shrub in your backyard. What do you think she was doing?      A. Incubating eggs      B. Feeding      C. Nest building  Images from NestCams   Quiz Answers: 1. (C) Both the male and female Eastern Bluebird will feed the nestlings, although only the female builds the nest and incubates the eggs. 2. (A) American Robin. The female builds her nest in trees or on buildings. She adds a layer of mud to reinforce the nest. 3. (C) Nest building. The female cardinal builds the nest. Males occasionally bring materials. The female crushes the twigs with her beak and bends them around her body.

Your Name:Your eMail:Friend's eMail:
 Policy