People everywhere are learning about city birds, watching birds for science, and improving their neighborhood habitat for birds.

What is PigeonWatch?

PigeonWatch participants observe pigeons and send their data to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, where scientists compile the information and use it to examine these two questions of scientific interest. People participate by counting pigeons and recording courtship behaviors observed in their neighborhood pigeon flocks.    

PigeonWatch is an international research project that involves people of all ages and locations in a real scientific endeavor. It combines real "hands-on" science with neighborhood-based education. Although PigeonWatching can be as easy as observing pigeons along a city street,  the data are crucial for scientific research, and PigeonWatchers learn about birds and how science and scientists work.

How do I PigeonWatch?

Watch pigeons and send us your observations! It's easy and we provide all the  materials needed.

• Learn about pigeon color morphs
• Learn about pigeon courtship behaviors
  
• Find a flock of pigeons you can easily observe or a PigeonWatch Site.
  
• Watch the instructional video and read instructions
  
• Send us your observations:
  PigeonWatch
  Cornell Lab of Ornithology
  159 Sapsucker Woods Road
  Ithaca, NY 14850
  

When and where should I PigeonWatch?
Anytime and anywhere! Watch pigeons and submit data any time. PigeonWatch once or become much more involved! It's up to you.

• distribute PigeonWatch Kits at your community event so that families and individuals can participate on their own
  
• host a simple event at your organization that fits into your programming needs
• host and promote a large community event (with music, art, community improvement activities, container planting projects)

What is the PigeonWatch kit?
The PigeonWatch Kit is a bilingual (English and Spanish) set of materials that includes a resource booklet, instructions booklet, posters of color morphs and directions, coloring page and data form. Please download the kit HERE.

Where is the Science?
An important part of PigeonWatch is to have citizen scientists help scientists at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology collect information about pigeons. The scientists have created a project that will use data collected from participants  to study pigeon color morphs and behavior. You will be using scientific skills as you observe, count, identify birds, and submit data. 

How do I collect data? The PigeonWatch Kit includes an easy-to-use data form with instructions. You'll be able to enter data online using Google maps later this Spring.

Is this an ongoing project?
Yes. You can participate repeatedly ANYTIME.

 
Do scientists only want data from urban locations?
We will gladly accept data from all locations, including rural locations, suburbs, small towns, small cities, as well as large cities. It is exciting for us to receive data from a large variety of habitats. Don't be shy -- send in your data!

If you are interested in joining the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in this exciting project, please register as soon as possible.  Please feel free to invite others in your community to join us as well. The more the better!