Citizen Science
The very first citizen science program may have been National
Audubon Society's Annual Christmas Bird Count. The development of the
Internet opened the door for the private citizen's increased
participation in the observation and collection of data relating to
wild birds. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology has taken the lead in
developing programs that are built around the participation of
individuals with an interest in birds.
There are several programs currently underway in which you can play a valuable role.
 |
The Birdhouse Network
Join and help scientists study and
conserve North American cavity-nesting birds. All you need is a nest
box (birdhouse) and a small amount of time each week during spring and
summer to monitor the birds nesting in your box(es).
Click here » |
 |
House Finch Disease Survey
Will House Finch eye disease
cause an epidemic in the West as it has elsewhere? We need help from
citizen scientists in all regions to find out more about how the
disease is affecting House Finches across the continent.
Click here » |
 |
Urban Bird Studies
It's a mystery how birds survive in
urban landscapes. Join hundreds of city residents and help scientists
learn more about urban birds.
Click here » |
 |
Celebrate Urban Birds!
Get to know the birds on your block! Join thousands of others across the continent in celebrating some of the amazing birds that live with us in cities, towns and the countryside. You’ll learn about birds and help scientists figure out how they survive. This project takes only 10 minutes. All the materials you need to participate are free.
Click here » |
 |
PigeonWatch
Pigeons are cool! They come in a kaleidoscope of colors, they mate for life, and they do a little dance to attract a mate. But there’s still a lot we don't know about these birds. By taking part in this free citizen science project, you get pigeon-smart and help scientists learn more about birds we tend to take for granted. Simply count pigeons and report how many you see and where you see them.
Click here » |
 |
Project FeederWatch
Join more than 16,000 other citizen
scientists who periodically count the birds that visit their bird
feeders from November to April. Your counts will help scientists track
the distribution and abundance of birds in winter. Anyone can
participate in Project FeederWatch.
Click here »
|
 |
Classroom FeederWatch
Students learn inquiry by observing
and recording bird counts and interacting with university scientists.
Data are part of a continent wide effort to learn more about bird
population dynamics.
Click here »
|