"Do birds really migrate south for the winter?

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hakeae
hakeae's picture
"Do birds really migrate south for the winter?

This is an article in the Scientific American subtitled - "In a demonstration of the power of citizen science, millions of data points collected by laypeople helped generate stunning North American bird migration forecasts for more than 300 species".

You might find it interesting! 

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=citizen-science-do-birds-really-migrate-south-for-winter&WT.mc_id=SA_CAT_BS_20130215

joanne

Woko
Woko's picture

I did find this interesting, Joanne. Thanks. Here in SA Prof. Chris Daniels at University of South Australia is encouraging citizen scientists to get involved in various projects which are promoted through ABC 891. The idea could spread which is what Chris is hoping for, I imagine.

Holly
Holly's picture

Thanks for that article, I am looking forward to having a close read of it. The Cornell Lab and Audbon Society do some extraordinary work - I am a bit of a groupie wink I hope one day to have BIBY achieving 1/10th of what they do.

Chris and his team in SA do some fabulous citizen science work. Along a similar line I am hoping to ramp up that aspect of BIBY this year, just need some funding and another staff member. Engaging people through citizen science is a fantastic way to collect important data and also to educate people (and they educate us).

WendyK
WendyK's picture

Very interesting.  I know Cornell is a fantastic bird resource.  Great idea and good luck, Holly.  Most people have no idea what's out there and many would be interested if someone opened their eyes for them.

Wendy
Mandurah, WA
Peel-Yalgorup System Ramsar Site

http://www.flickr.com/photos/girlinoz/

Woko
Woko's picture

Good point, Wendy. People I've known to be quite anti-Nature have been given a new perspective on life when they've been able to view, say, a mistletoe bird through binoculars. It's hard to soar like an eagle when you're surrounded by a bunch of smart phones texters.  

hakeae
hakeae's picture

I've read your comments with interest. They obviously have a lot of community support (in absolute numbers at least :\). The observed migration graphics are fascinating and imply support over a wide geographical area.

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