Scientists call on bird-watchers in a new study of residential areas
[APRIL 18, 2006] ITHACA, N.Y. -- Residential areas can provide
good habitats for birds, but what features are most important for
wild birds, and how do differences among yards influence how well
birds fare? These are some of the questions scientists will answer
with help from bird-watchers in a new citizen-science project from
the Cornell Lab of Ornithology called "My Yard Counts!"
The counting begins any time in April and continues once per week
through August, with flexibility to accommodate summer holidays.
Participants spend 20 minutes each week counting birds in the same
spot around their home and report the highest number for each
species seen at any one time. Their findings will aid scientists in
the only continentwide bird study that focuses on often-overlooked
residential areas in spring and summer.
"Birds will often use
habitats right around where people live," said Dr. Caren Cooper, a
research associate at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology who is leading
the study. "But we don't know the extent to which yard habitat might
add up to affect the numbers and diversity of birds. For example,
certain decisions about landscaping a yard may boost bird numbers."
Residential areas can provide places for birds to stop and find
food as they migrate thousands of miles to and from their breeding
grounds. Birds such as American robins, northern mockingbirds and
house finches may nest in areas around homes. By participating in
the counting project, bird-watchers can help scientists identify the
features that affect birds most, such as landscaping, bird feeders,
natural food sources and predators, including cats and dogs.
You can help test the idea that habitat quality counts, yard by
yard. For bird lovers, it's time to stand up and say, "My Yard
Counts!" Participants will be contributing valuable information for
bird conservation just by doing what they already love to do --
watch the birds. Participation is free. For information, visit
www.birds.cornell.edu/MyYardCounts.
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a membership institution
interpreting and conserving the earth's biological diversity through
research, education and citizen science focused on birds.
