Your Junco Nest Observations Could Help Researchers Impeded by COVID-19

  • Your Junco Nest Observations Could Help Researchers Impeded by COVID-19

    Nesting season is upon us, and yet researchers studying urban-nesting juncos have found their research halted by stay-at-home ordinances in response to COVID-19. They’re inviting anyone who finds a junco nest (of any subspecies) to please report the details to NestWatch. Together we can help the junco research team continue their studies even as we all stick close to home!

  • three nestlings nestling in a kayak helmet, hanging in a garage
    Your Gear = Their Cozy Nest

    Don’t forget to check your outdoor equipment for nests!

  • an adult Sandhill Crane sits on the nest in the middle of a field, the sun casting long shadows over the landscape
    Year-End Reminders

    Our offices will be closed 12/24 – 1/2, 2022, for winter break. Data entry remains open all year.

  • A screech Owl perched inside the entrance of a nest box, looking out. The Nest box is mounted to a tree and covered in snow.
    Winter-Proofing Your Birdhouse

    With some modifications, you can repurpose your spring birdhouses by turning them into winter shelters for your backyard birds! 

  • An adult female hummingbird sitting in its lichen-decorated nest, built on a tree branch.
    Will Hummingbirds Use Birdhouses?

    Hummingbird “nest boxes” are relatively new products that have a lot of bird lovers asking, “Should I buy one?” But the short answer is “no.” Hummingbirds do not use nest boxes, and there are better ways to attract these flying gems.

  • a male northern flicker in the grass, munching on a cicada
    Will Brood X Boost Success?

    How will this year’s 17-year cicada emergence impact birds?

  • a male northern flicker in the grass, munching on a cicada
    Will Brood X Benefit Nesting Birds?

    Brood X is an enormous cohort of periodical cicadas in North America and is emerging now! NestWatchers are asked to be on the lookout for impacts on the 2021 nesting season.

  • Wildlife at Work

    As companies slowly reopen and work to make their facilities safe for their staff, they can also consider making their properties safer for wildlife. In our new blog post, we highlight some certified wildlife habitats on business campuses as examples of good stewardship which benefit both people and planet.

  • Three young Tree Swallows peek out of a wooden nest box entrance. They look ready to fledge.
    Why Nesting Earlier May Not Be Enough for Northern Tree Swallows in a Warming World

    A new study of nearly 95,000 Tree Swallow nests from across North America found that these birds are laying eggs earlier as springs get warmer. Even though Tree Swallows are adjusting their nesting timing in response to climate change, northern populations have been declining while southern populations have remained stable or even increased. The findings suggest that birds in the north may have a harder time keeping up with rapid warming and other challenges, making them more vulnerable to population declines.