What is PigeonWatch?

PigeonWatch involves people of all ages and backgrounds in interesting scientific research.

               by Julie  Zickefoose

We strive to:

• teach people how to conduct a scientific study and
  
• show them that research can be fun!
• help people learn about the coloration and courtship behaviors of pigeons
• try to understand why pigeons exist in so many colors

WHO can be a PigeonWatcher?  Individuals of any age, including kids in urban youth groups, rural after-school groups, science classes, home schools.

WHAT will I do?  Using the Project PigeonWatch materials, you will learn the pigeon color types (called "morphs") and courtship behaviors. Then, you will count the numbers of pigeons of each color morph at your PigeonWatch Sites and record the colors of courting pigeons.

WHAT will I get?   You will receive a Research Kit, with an Instruction Booklet, a Reference Guide, pigeon posters, and everything else you need. You also receive four issues of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology newsletter, Birdscope, with Project PigeonWatch information and other bird-related news.

WHY participate?  PigeonWatching can be as easy as observing pigeons along a city street, but the data reported back to scientists are crucial for this ongoing research. PigeonWatchers, in turn, learn about birds and how science and scientists work.

WHERE can I PigeonWatch?  Anywhere in the world where pigeons gather in flocks, are accustomed to being fed, and have close contact with people.

WHEN can I PigeonWatch?  You can PigeonWatch year-round.

by Julie Zickefoose