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NestWatch Blog Posts

  • A yellow and gray bird perched at the entrance to a nest box with a piece of snake skin in its beak.
    Do Birds Use Scarecrows? On the Evolution of Snake Skin as Nest Material

    Humans use scarecrows to scare away birds, but do birds also use scare tactics to repel predators from their nests? Our latest research suggests that they do, and NestWatchers may have even witnessed it in action. Read on to find out how birds try to frighten away ghouls from the nest.

  • 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 Nuttall's Woodpecker feathered nestling lies in a nest box
    Meet the Nuttall’s Woodpecker, a Little-known Nester

    This month we shine a spotlight on the often-overlooked Nuttall’s Woodpecker. Much about their breeding habits remains a mystery, creating a great opportunity for citizen scientists to contribute valuable insights. Discover what we still don’t know about Nuttall’s Woodpecker and how you can get involved in uncovering these mysteries.

  • A college student checks a nest box in a field
    FORCES for Good: An experiential learning program for college students

    This month, we’re highlighting students as FORCES for good. A unique program in the Finger Lakes, Niagara, and Central regions of New York called “Friends of Recreation, Conservation and Environmental Stewardship” (FORCES) is engaging college students to improve state park offerings. NestWatch is among the lineup of hands-on opportunities that are available to college students to help them gain career-related experience while also benefiting their local state parks.

  • The face of a gray ratsnake peeks out from under a wooden structure.
    NestWatch Data Aid in Snake Study

    The latest research paper to include NestWatch data is not your average avian study. Your data contributions were recently put to use in an examination of gray ratsnake climbing behavior. The study authors were interested in which factors correlate with ratsnake climbing forays, and they wondered if the timing of nests (and thus a seasonal abundance of eggs and nestlings) was an influence.

  • 3 House Finch eggs lie in a nest surrounded by greenery
    Cold Snaps and Heat Waves Create Challenges for Nesting Birds

    Many songbirds are nesting earlier in spring because of warmer temperatures brought about by climate change. But the shift brings another danger that is especially deadly for nestlings: greater exposure to temperature variability in the form of cold snaps and heat waves. A new study from Cornell documents that such extremes result in more nest failures.

  • A nest box is mounted on a fence post along a pasture fence, with trees and another nest box in the background.
    Survival of the Coolest Nests: Birds, Heat Waves, and Conservation in Working Landscapes

    Researchers from the University of California, Davis recently investigated how heat waves impact the nesting success of numerous generalist bird species. They found that forests buffered nesting birds from the effects of extreme heat, whereas nests in open agricultural landscapes suffered a decline in survival. They offer tips for helping birds cope with climate change.

  • A Mottled Owl perched on a branch at night.
    Repopulating Mottled Owls in Veracruz, Mexico

    The Xalapa Wildlife Conservation Management Unit in Veracruz, Mexico, works to boost populations of Mottled Owls in urban green spaces. They are piloting a first-of-its-kind nest box program to help the owls find safe nesting spots in cities.

  • An eastern Screech-Owl nestling in a nest box
    Using Wi-Fi Enabled Security Cameras for Nest Monitoring

    With more people using Wi-Fi enabled security cams at home, we’re seeing an increase in their use for monitoring nests as well. These smart cameras integrate with apps on your phone to provide around-the-clock access to your favorite birds. NestWatch project leader Robyn Bailey and NestWatch chapter coordinator Ian Stewart share their experiences with two different camera styles. See what they learned, compare image quality samples, and share your own tips.