Questions about BFL

What is a citizen-scientist?

People of all ages and backgrounds participate in the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's bird projects. From backyards and city streets to remote forests, these people represent the world's largest research team. We call them citizen scientists. We invite you to join them.

   

Who can participate?

Everyone who can identify or would like to learn to identify forest birds by sight and sound. BFL is an excellent project for birding groups, such as bird clubs and Audubon chapters, and works well with high-school or college curricula.

   

How much time will it take?

Time constraints vary according to the number of sites and species you choose to study. Participants need to visit their sites twice during the breeding season for as little as a half an hour.

   

What will participants receive?

Accessto all online materials necessary to complete the project
A CD with songs, calls, and other sounds of the BFL study species for field use.
Access to BFL-L, a private e-mail discussion group where project participants can communicate with one another, ask questions, and compare results.
A subscription to Birdscope, a quarterly newsletter reporting the latest findings in research and conservation from the Lab's programs and citizen-science projects.

   

What will we do with the results?

Findings from this study will be used to develop management recommendations, with descriptions about the kinds and amounts of habitat required to sustain healthy bird populations, such as the management guidelines we developed for the Scarlet Tanager.