Photo ©
Glenda Simmons
NestWatchers Document Rare Use Of Nest Boxes By House Finches
House Finches are known to nest around human habitations, but are only rarely documented using nest boxes. We spoke to two NestWatchers who have House Finches using nest boxes they monitor, and we share tips on what to look for if you think you might have them, too!
For American Kestrels, It Pays To Stay In Sync With Spring
A unique new study combines American Kestrel nest records from varied sources in order to analyze trends in nesting phenology. What they found is that for kestrels, especially those in the Northeast, it pays off to be right on time. Delays in starting a nest resulted in fewer offspring and lowered probability of success.
Chasing a Moving Target: When insects accelerate, birds must try to keep pace
You’ve heard of getting your “omega-3s”, but did you know that birds need them too? According to new research utilizing NestWatch data, insect-eating birds may struggle to get their omega-3s under climate change. Read about how nutritional peaks (i.e., insect emergences) are changing in this new research summary.
From Pest to Pleasure: Solving a Neighborhood Bird Problem Peacefully
When Pygmy Nuthatches were creating a nuisance in a Colorado community, one woman stepped in to advocate for a peaceful solution. That act of peace eventually changed the arc of her life—taking her from occasional birder to self-taught citizen scientist and community activist.
Not Too Chilled To Build
Nest box monitors in Florida and Texas have reported some extremely early Eastern Bluebird nests this month. Learn more about this exceptionally rare timing, and what may have triggered these unusual nesting attempts.
Does Supplemental Feeding Help Nesting Birds?
NestWatchers have helped shed light on one of the most-asked questions of our participants: what are the biological consequences of providing extra food to birds? As is usually the case, results vary based on species.
Troubled Waters: a Homegrown Effort to Track American Dipper Success
American Dippers in southwestern Colorado are at risk from water pollution, wildfire, climate change, and microplastics. Concerned community members rallied to form The American Dipper Project, a nest monitoring effort to help the birds recover.
Does One Person Really Make a Difference?
Once in a while, NestWatchers document something that is seldom seen. That’s what happened when Jo Roberts of western Texas recorded the first known instance of a Scott’s Oriole reusing the same nest for years. Jo reminds us that even one person can make a difference in what is known about a species.
How to Protect Tree-Mounted Nest Boxes from Snakes
Most predator guards that prevent climbing predators are built for nest boxes that are mounted on poles. New research supports the effectiveness of a simple DIY predator guard meant to deter snakes from tree-mounted boxes.
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.