New Cornell University Programs

Barn Swallow by Walter Siegmund,
Wikimedia Commons

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is looking for people with nesting barn swallows to help in conducting a study on the effect of light on these birds. Although barn swallows haven't yet returned to our area, if you usually have nesting barn swallows, you can learn more from a recent newsletter article

I'm a little late bringing this to you, but Cornell is getting ready to launch their duck ID webinar series again, as well as the shorebird identification webinars. I have taken the shorebird series and learned a lot. I am going to sign up for the duck series this time, even though I am pretty good on ducks, and they're all getting ready to leave the area again until next winter. However, I can use some help on the non-duck swimming birds (grebes, etc.) I can't wait for the crow series to come back around. They are fascinating birds.  At $10 a webinar, these are within reach of most budgets, if you take one at a time.

Good birding!

Leave Nest Boxes Up

Although nesting season is over for this year, birds will still appreciate you leaving up your nest box over winter.

According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology NestWatch newsletter in October, nest boxes can provide winter shelter for cavity nesters. Be sure to clean out your nest box first. Although the newsletter suggests insulating the boxes for the cold weather, that is seldom necessary in our area, although if we have a severe cold snap as we did last year, I am sure some extra protection from the elements would be welcome.

If you put up nest boxes, you should consider signing up to participate in the NestWatch program next year and contribute data to help us learn more about birds.

Good birding!