I want you to ask yourself three questions: Do you dislike chickadees? Do baby birds frighten you? Does community science bore you? If you answered “no” to these questions. Then we think you’d be a great volunteer for our upcoming Chickadee NestWatch Study!

What is the study?

Eastside Audubon is partnering with Animal Data Science and the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology to compare chickadee nest monitoring methods. The study will look at manual data collection following the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s NestWatch protocol and automated data collection with eNest, a data collection system for bird nest boxes.

Why are we doing it?

To promote bird conservation, contribute to community science, and provide a proof-of-concept for eNest as a nest monitoring system. Providing nest habitat and collecting data for the NestWatch community science program - which will allow researchers to better understand their reproductive behavior - supports the continuation of black-capped chickadees in our area. Testing eNest as a data collection alternative provides scientific evidence for its compatibility with community science projects and viability as a low-cost, electronic data collection method. For volunteers that would like to participate in nest monitoring programs but are unable to make the time commitment or for low-budget research projects without many volunteers, using eNest might be a feasible alternative.

What do we ask of volunteers?

Sign up for NestWatch program and agree to code of conduct.
Train to be a NestWatcher! There are many resources on the NestWatch site, including video tutorials and the NestWatch manual. We will also be providing additional resources and hosting training events TBD February 2020.
Set up nest box with eNest device anywhere outdoors west of the Cascades between Olympia and Bellingham. The location should be in a quiet, secluded place away from feeders and traffic. All materials will be provided. Nest boxes are free standing on a pvc pipe that sits over a 5 foot metal garden fence u-post.
From April to July, visit nest box every 3-4 days (at most every 7 days), and record observations using NestWatch data collection sheet and time tracker. The typical nesting season for chickadees is mid-April to mid-June, but they may nest until the end of July into August. If your nest is still active after July, please continue to record observations.
Submit observations online on NestWatch and turn in datasheets and eNest SD card to Animal Data Science.

If interested, sign up here or contact us at doug@animalds.com for more details. Thanks!