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Mother Nature is ready to push the “refresh” button via the springtime rhythms of birdlife. One way to witness the wonders of the natural world and do good at the same time is to participate in the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s NestWatch project.
Participating in NestWatch is free, apart from taking a bit of time. Participants can monitor open nests or nesting boxes, then report online on the timing and success of bird courtship, egg laying, chick hatching, rearing and fledging . This is information that scientists can use to better understand what breeding birds need and how they survive.
“Scientists working with NestWatch data have discovered how everything from climate change, noise and light pollution, and even the diet of backyard birds affects nesting success,” said Robyn Bailey, chief of project. “Researchers have used NestWatch data in more than 130 new scientific studies.”
NestWatcher Gina Gerken has lived in both Colorado and Southern California, finding opportunities to explore the variety of birds in different habitats and sharing the experience with others. Gina writes:
“For 15 years I managed a community bluebird nesting box trail and did data entry via NestWatch. It is extremely satisfying to know that more than 3,000 secondary cavity-nesting birds have flown away from our project, and at the same time, we have also trained many volunteers. I had fun bringing groups of people onto the property in late spring to see all the nesting birds.
Now it’s your turn to draw inspiration from the resilience and beauty of nature. Visit NestWatch.org to learn more about the project and how to watch bird nests safely. You can sign up on the website or through the free NestWatch app, available in the Apple App Store and Google Play.
You can also learn more about the project by watching this recorded webinar. Join thousands of people around the world in watching birds come to life with NestWatch.
Thanks to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology for providing this content.
