The birds are singing and the days are getting longer, meaning it’s time to head outside and lend a hand in one of our Citizen-Science (CitSci) projects. If you enjoy watching birds, we need your help! Your collective observations and sightings are a valuable source of information on birds. Participating is easy and can take as little or as much time as you want.
By John Sill
We offer an array of fun and meaningful CitSci projects. Over the years we have had thousands of participants, registering over 7500 reports. All projects are designed to engage your passion for birds and conservation, and to provide an opportunity to share information with scientists and with each other.
This year, we are conducting a state-wide survey to determine where Cliff Swallows are breeding in the state. Cliff Swallows were once a common species and have been undergoing a long, slow decline in Massachusetts. Identifying breeding sites is the first step in addressing this worrying decline.
We need you to help us map both old and currently active colonies. A highly colonial species, Cliff Swallows build clusters of nests, usually in corners with a wall behind and a ceiling above.
Contributing to this project is simple: if you find a colony or know where an old colony was, you can report it using our online mapping tool. This program is in partnership with Dr. Andrew Vitz, the Massachusetts State Ornithologist at Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.