One of the purposes of citizen science is to bring knowledge and awareness to the natural world. The more individuals that know what a Henslow’s Sparrow is, for example, the likelier the chance that this species will be included in conservation managment projects. Flickr.com is where the Birdfreak Team manages photos and shares them with
Category: Bird Conservation
Great Backyard Bird Count – Nygren Wetlands
Birding is important on many levels and on Saturday it provided a great escape from the terrible happenings at NIU on Valentine’s Day. We were signed up to lead visitors around the roads of Nygren Wetlands, a spectacular natural area in the northern part of Winnebago County. The Natural Land Institute was holding a Winter
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Citizen Science – Winter Raptor Surveys
The Hawk Migration Association of North America (HMANA) is a membership-based organization committed to the conservation of raptors through the scientific study, enjoyment, and appreciation of raptor migration. The first HMANA North American Winter Raptor Survey started in February of 2007 in the Northeastern and Midwestern parts of North America. The Birdfreak Team checked on
Citizen Science – Nest boxes for Prothonotary Warblers
Prothonotary Warblers, or Golden Swamp Warblers as they are sometimes called, are the only eastern wood warbler that nests in cavities. Lucy’s Warbler in the west is the only other. Natural cavities abandoned by woodpeckers over or near water is their preference, but they will use nest boxes in shaded areas near standing water. This
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Citizen Science – Magpie Monitors
Sometimes, not seeing a bird (and reporting it) can greatly help bird population studies. The Yellow-billed Magpie is at possible risk due to the West Nile Virus and habitat loss. Citizen scientists can help if they live near the range of this California endemic. Although the Yellow-billed Magpie is common and conspicuous in the open
Citizen Science – Project Feeder Watch
Project FeederWatch is a winter-long survey of birds that visit feeders at backyards, nature centers, community areas, and other locales in North America. Anyone can sign up to be part of this scientific research, which is used to study trends in bird distribution and abundance. The small fee for Project Feeder Watch covers a materials
Citizen Science – Tricolored Blackbirds
Far away in a distant land, miles away from Illinois, live small colonies of wondrous birds never seen by a Birdfreak. Although they might look like our oh-so-common Red-wing Blackbirds, Tricolored Blackbirds are a localized species of small numbers occurring mainly in California. Tricolored Blackbirds near Drake’s Beach at Pt. Reyes, California Photo courtesy of
Citizen Science – The Great Backyard Bird Count
The Great Backyard Bird Count….. …an annual four-day event that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of where the birds are across the continent. Anyone can participate, from beginning bird watchers to experts. It takes as little as 15 minutes. It’s free, fun, and easy—and it helps
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