Round Robin

We’ve got citizen-science programs that run the gamut from global life-listing to backyard feeder bliss… and on into the urban world. Many city dwellers who might otherwise associate feathers with pigeons have opened their eyes to the world of birds through Celebrate Urban Birds. The project emphasizes creativity and sets people on the path to expertise by introducing them to 16 common species around them.

To help communities get started, Celebrate Urban Birds annually offers about 20 “mini-grants” of $250-$500 each. We’re now accepting applications for 2011—the deadline is Feb 15.

Neighborhood events or projects feature activities involving birds, community service, art, greening, and science. Participants collect simple information about common birds and report to the Cornell Lab. Celebrate Urban Birds mini-grants could be used to support a bird-activity day at a local museum, afterschool program, library, or community center, or fund art and gardening activities at your club, business, school, senior center, or neighborhood.

To apply for a mini-grant, visit www.CelebrateUrbanBirds.org. Organizations working with underserved communities are strongly encouraged to apply. No experience with birds is required.

Celebrate Urban Birds is a free, year-round citizen science project in which participants watch birds in their neighborhoods and report what they see. This information helps scientists better understand how birds survive in cities and make use of green spaces, including parks and gardens.

(Image courtesy Proyecto Juan Diego, Brownsville, Texas.)