The Birdhouse Network

By CONNIE MERTZ

If you enjoy birds, chances are you will be interested in The Birdhouse Network (TBN), a citizen science project of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. There is a growing concern for the populations of cavity nesters, and many of these bird species have little or no nesting information recorded for base statistics.

Essentially, the project involves individuals who can monitor nesting boxes on a weekly basis. They record such information as location, habitat characteristics, number of eggs and nestlings. This data is then sent to the Cornell Lab researchers, who will analyze the reports.

This reporting has been ongoing since 1997, but this is the first year for TBN’s Most Wanted. These are the species not often observed in nesting boxes. Some of these species are already showing declines, according to the Breeding Bird Survey (BBS).

For instance, the prothonotary warbler, a golden-colored bird, is showing a 42-percent decline in the last 20 years. The eastern screech owl has declined 23 percent, as well as American kestrels at an 18-percent decline rate. Other cavity nesting birds in TBN’s Most Wanted include the hooded merganser, red-breasted, white-breasted and brown-headed nuthatch, great crested flycatcher and purple martin. Obviously, not all the 16 species listed in the TBN are found in the east, since this is a nationwide attempt.

Americans spend $2.5 billion each year on backyard, bird-related products including nesting boxes. It is hoped that many will help with this project. Remember, it was the average citizen who played a key role in bringing back the bluebird in the 1950’s.

If interested, e-mail birdhouse@cornell.edu or call 800/843-2473 for more information.