Bird nesting season is now underway in Perry, Florida. This critical period marks when our local bird populations build nests, lay eggs, and raise their young.
You can contribute to vital bird conservation efforts by joining NestWatch, a citizen science program through the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. NestWatch participants collect data on nesting birds by monitoring when nesting occurs, counting eggs laid, tracking hatching success, and documenting how many young birds survive to fledging.
This information helps scientists study changes in breeding bird populations over time, particularly in response to climate change, habitat loss, urban expansion, and non-native species introduction.
To participate, simply visit https://nestwatch.org/about/overview/ and follow the instructions to create an account. The website provides training materials on proper nest monitoring techniques to ensure you don’t disturb nesting birds.
Common nesting birds in our area include Northern Cardinals, Carolina Wrens, and Eastern Bluebirds. Look for activity in trees, shrubs, and nest boxes around your property.
Remember: observe from a distance, visit nests infrequently, and never disturb active nests. Your careful observations can make a real difference in bird conservation science.
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