Citizen Science
PHOTO BY MORGAN SLEVIN
Become a
Citizen Scientist
Citizen science has revolutionized the field of ornithology by democratizing the process of data collection and analysis, allowing enthusiasts, nature lovers, and concerned individuals to actively contribute to scientific records. We greatly benefit from the collective efforts of everyday citizens who observe, document, and report bird species and behaviors. This collaborative approach has expanded the scope and depth of ornithological research, as it harnesses the diverse observations and contributions of people from all walks of life, highlighting that anyone with an interest in birds can make meaningful and valuable contributions to our understanding of avian life and ecosystems.
There are a number of statewide and national programs open to the public. See just a few ways that you can start contributing below!
Florida Shorebird Alliance
The purpose of the FSA is to provide an online resource for information and materials on Florida’s shorebirds and seabirds, and improve the level of coordination and information sharing between the various groups involved in shorebird and seabird conservation across Florida.
JayWatch
Audubon Florida coordinates the Jay Watch citizen science program statewide. They train and support volunteers to conduct scientific surveys that measure annual nesting success and count the total number of Florida Scrub-Jays at more than 50 sites in 19 counties.
EagleWatch
Audubon EagleWatch is Audubon’s citizen science program to monitor and protect Florida’s eagles. With over 1,400 nesting pairs in our state, this team of volunteers spans 27 counties monitoring more than 350 nests.
Coastal Bird Stewardship
Many species of beach-dependent birds are still on the decline. In order to reverse the declines and stabilize these bird populations, it’s necessary to collect and analyze data through surveys and monitoring, to educate the public through interaction and outreach, and to protect nesting colonies and provide sanctuaries where birds can nest, rest and feed with minimal disturbance.
North American Breeding Bird Survey
The BBS is a large-scale roadside survey of North American birds and joint project of the United States Geological Survey and the Canadian Wildlife Service. The BBS was started in 1966 and now contains over 5,000 survey routes which are surveyed in June by experienced birders.
eBird
eBird is an online database of bird observations providing scientists, researchers and amateur naturalists with real-time data about bird distribution and abundance.
Project Feeder Watch
Each year, 15,000 people count birds at their feeders for Project FeederWatch. With more than 1.5 million checklists submitted since 1987, FeederWatchers have contributed valuable data enabling scientists to monitor changes in the distribution and abundance of birds.
NestWatch
NestWatch participants help scientists track the breeding success of birds across North America by finding and monitoring bird nests.
Celebrate Urban Birds
Celebrate Urban Birds is a bilingual citizen science project focused on underserved urban and rural communities.
The Great Backyard Bird Count
Begun in 1998, the four-day Great Backyard Bird Count was the first citizen-science program to collect and display bird observation data online on a large scale.
Habitat Network
Habitat Network collects detailed maps of landscapes and people’s practices to document what is happening in our communities and explore how collective efforts to transform yards and urban landscapes into more diverse habitat may support wildlife and connect people to nature in communities around the world.
