SUBMITTED REPORT
Over the past 30 years, some bird species have dropped in number (including Barn Swallows, Purple Martins, and Eastern Phoebes , which nest in Texas.) The cause remains unknown, though scientists believe it may be linked in part to declines in the insects that birds eat.
Anyone who loves watching birds can help scientists study and understand their plight by participating in the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s NestWatch citizen-science project (NestWatch.org).
“Every year, thousands of volunteers from across the United States monitor bird nests to help researchers track changes in bird populations,” says Dr. Jason Martin, NestWatch project coordinator.
“By keeping track of how many eggs birds lay and how many young they raise, anyone can contribute valuable data that may help lead to the conservation of these species.”
“Recent population declines in North America’s aerial insectivores are a growing concern,” said Dr. Amanda Rodewald, director of Conservation Science at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. “Conservation efforts to halt or reverse these worrisome trends are unlikely to succeed until we fully understand the causes of decline. One thing limiting our ability to identify factors driving population declines is a lack of information on reproduction.”
The nests of many birds are easy to find and observe. Barn Swallows often plaster their nests onto beams inside barns and under bridges. Purple Martins use large communal nesting houses, and Eastern Phoebes frequently nest under porch eaves and in garages.
It’s especially easy to observe nests built in nestboxes, opening the nestbox about twice a week during nesting season. Texas Bluebird Society offers a free nestbox to individuals who join for $15 through Volunteer Distributor, Pauline Tom, in Mountain City phone: 512 268 5678; email: [email protected].
NestWatch accepts observations for all nesting birds, so information about any species is welcome.
For more information, contact Pauline Tom at the Texas Bluebird Society at 512 523 5678 or [email protected].
