Project NestWatch is a large citizen science project that involves participants of all ages in monitoring naturally occurring bird nests, nests in nest boxes, web cams, and streaming video of nests, with the aim of collecting important data on spatial variation in breeding success of native and invasive bird species. The project has a heavy evaluation component as well, and will seek to determine the learning and behavioral outcomes of participating in the two internet based projects (hands on versus virtual nest watching) in comparison with a more guided approach used in Neighborhood NestWatch, a project conducted through the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Unit. We are just beginning this project, which involves developing large internet data-collection tools and testing the project with 5 regional partners. The outcomes we are looking for include learning about science process and content, increased awareness and empowerment with respect to environmental issues, and scientific advances in our understanding of variation in nesting success across the urban gradient. An additional outcome of our virtual NestWatch program will be the ability of people in closed communities (jails, hospitals, and nursing homes) to interact with nature in a meaningful way.

This collaborative work was motivated by three concerns: 1) the goal of improving the overall understanding of science by demystifying the process, 2) an urgent need to know more about patterns of variation in nesting birds and to recoup historic data that will address important issues, like global climate change, 3) a need to know more about the impacts of citizen science experiences on participants.

We have created a data entry structure, developed critical partnerships, secured four years of funding from the National Science Foundation`s Informal Science Education program, met with partners to define the scientific questions, selected an evaluation specialist, and developed and advertised an interesting behavioral study to attract (market for) participants.

Project NestWatch was funded at: $1,740,000 and will cover a project leader for 3 years, a biologist (0.5 FTE) for two years, a project assistant for 3 years, and a cam coordinator at (0.25 FTE) for 3 years. The project also supports partner organizations, the evaluation team, development of sustainable IT tools, and creation of educational materials. Many scientists are involved with the project, but funded on core positions, so the project supports research for a team of collaborative scientists. The impacts we will test with this project include, but are not limited to, increased science knowledge, increased understanding of science process, understanding of the differences in impact of three styles of engaging participants, increased environmental knowledge and awareness, and in the case of closed communities, mental health benefits.

Ornithology/animal behavior

• Rick Bonney
• Andre Dhondt
• Caren Cooper
• Paul Allen
• Tina Phillips
• Peter Marra