At this time of year you may see bird courting rituals, lots of singing, nest construction, and the beginnings of fragile new life. Spring also brings another season of the NestWatch citizen-science project from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, building its ever more valuable database on nesting birds.
Joining NestWatch is free, and it only takes about 15 minutes to learn how to participate, keeping the safety of the birds in mind. Simply find a bird’s nest and begin recording details about the number of eggs, nestlings, and fledglings, along with key dates such as when the eggs hatch and when young leave the nest. It is not necessary to be an expert birdwatcher to join in as there are many opportunities to learn as you go.
All the long-term data help form a clearer picture of how birds are responding to threats such as climate change, habitat destruction, and invasive species.
Studies have also shown that humans benefit by getting outdoors in nature. By participating in NestWatch, participants do good for themselves and for the birds. To learn more, visit NestWatch.org. Register on the website or through the free NestWatch app, available in the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Photos, from above: Three Eastern Bluebird chicks by Glenda Simmons; and Prothonotary Warbler by Paul DuBowy.
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