I’m new. How do I enter data for a nest I found?
Each nesting attempt should record one clutch of eggs, from start to finish. Eventually, some nest sites may have multiple nest attempts at them, perhaps even from multiple species, and that’s normal! For more information, read the definitions between a Nest Site, Nest Attempt, and Nest Visit here, and view our data structure here. Here is a simple break-down of how to enter data:
- Create a new nest site to record the location of a nest. If you have a nest box trail, each nest box should be recorded as a separate nest site.
- Start a new nesting attempt to record a nest from the time eggs are laid through to when the chicks fledge.
- Visit your nest(s) 1-2x per week, and record data on the NestWatch website or the NestWatch mobile app.
- When a nest attempt is finished, add summary information to let us know what happened, and then end the attempt. Start a new nesting attempt the next time you notice eggs in that nest location!
Read on below for more detailed instructions.
If you are entering data on our website:
- First, sign in to (or create) your account at NestWatch.org
- Next, go to the My Nests page and click “Add new nest site.” Tell us where you found the nest, either by typing in the latitude and longitude, or entering the nearest mailing address. Once the marker is placed, scroll down to name the site and fill out the rest of the nest site details, such as where the nest was found and what the surrounding habitat is like. Click “Save” at the bottom.
- Note: If you have several nest boxes, you will need to add a nest site for each of those nest locations. Similarly, if you move a nest box, it’s best to archive the nest site that represents that location, then add a new nest site for the box’s new location.
- When you’re done, you should next see the option to “Start a new nesting attempt.” This is where you will record all of your nest visits to this particular nest. Enter as much information as you can for your visit(s). You can either fill out your nest visits after each nest check, or all at once at the end – it’s up to you. You will have the option to submit data in “Single Entry Mode” or “Table Entry mode” – table entry mode will allow you to see all of the nest visits you have submitted so far.
- After the young in this nest have left the nest, click “Summarize nesting attempt” to tell us the nest outcome and other important information. Again, fill this section out to the best of your ability- it’s ok to leave some fields blank.
- When you’re done, click “end nesting attempt” to close out the attempt. Then, you’ll have the option to start a new attempt for the next clutch of eggs, if applicable.
Note: There is an option to report “u” when you know that eggs/young are present, but are unsure of the number. The “u” translates to “at least one” in our database. If you don’t look inside a box at all during your nest check, please leave those eggs/young fields blank.
Find more tips using the “show instructions” button near the top of the My Nests homepage. We also have Data Entry Tutorial Videos available.
If you are entering data on the app:
- When you’re signed in to the NestWatch mobile app and on the “Home” screen, look along the bottom of the page and tap “Add nest.”
- Choose the location either by entering the coordinates manually or using the marker. If using the marker, you can also tap the “Enter precision mode” toggle to drag the map underneath the marker. This will allow you to record a nest site that is not near to your current position.
- Next name the nest, fill out as many nest site details as you can, and then tap the “Create nest” button at the bottom of the screen.
- On the next page, tap “Start attempt” to begin recording data for a nest. You will be brought to a page to fill out the data for your first nest visit. Tap “Submit” when you’re done.
- For each subsequent nest visit, tap “My Nests” at the bottom of the app homepage, select your nest site, and then tap “Add visit.” When the nest attempt is finished (the young have left the nest), tap “End attempt” on that same page to tell us the outcome of the nest.
- After you have ended your attempt, the nest site page will show the options to “Start attempt” or “Archive nest”. Tap Start Attempt to start recording the next nest in this exact spot. You can also learn more about when you should archive nests.
Note: There is an option to select “present but could not count” when you know that eggs/young are present, but are unsure of the number. This represents the “u” option mentioned above on this page. If you don’t look inside a box at all during your nest check, please leave the eggs/young fields blank.