About
NestWatch is a free, participatory citizen science project run by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology that enables people of all ages and backgrounds to contribute meaningful data about bird breeding biology. By monitoring nests in their local environments—backyards, parks, forests, and beyond—participants help scientists track changes in bird nesting behavior, reproductive success, and population health over time. The platform guides users through a simple three-step process: learn how to locate and safely monitor nests, find active nests in their area, and record detailed observations through the website or the dedicated mobile app. All submitted data feeds into a continuously growing open database that researchers and conservationists use for peer-reviewed publications and long-term ecological studies. NestWatch also serves as a rich educational resource, offering downloadable nest box plans, birdhouse installation guides, species-specific nesting information, and a curated Map Room for visualizing observation data across North America and beyond. The monthly newsletter keeps participants informed of new research discoveries and seasonal highlights. Ideal for families, educators, birdwatching enthusiasts, and students, NestWatch transforms everyday outdoor experiences into scientifically valuable contributions. Whether installing a nest box in a backyard or observing a wild nest in a forest, every participant plays a direct role in advancing the understanding of avian reproductive ecology.
Key Features
- Nest Observation Recording: Log detailed breeding observations including nest status, egg counts, and hatchling progress via the web platform or mobile app.
- Mobile App for Real-Time Entry: The NestWatch app lets participants record nest data in the field in real time, available on iOS and Android.
- Open Scientific Dataset: All collected observations are compiled into a publicly downloadable open dataset used for peer-reviewed ornithological research.
- NestWatch Map Room: An interactive mapping tool that visualizes nesting observations across geographic regions for exploration and analysis.
- Birdhouse & Nest Box Resources: Downloadable nest box plans, installation guides, and species-specific birdhouse recommendations to support local bird populations.
Use Cases
- Families and backyard birders monitoring nest boxes in their gardens and recording seasonal breeding activity for scientific contribution.
- K-12 educators using NestWatch as a hands-on science curriculum tool to teach students about ecology, data collection, and conservation.
- Amateur ornithologists and birdwatching enthusiasts contributing structured nest observations to long-term population studies.
- Researchers and conservation organizations downloading the open dataset to analyze bird breeding trends across regions and years.
- Community science volunteers helping to assess the impact of habitat changes, climate shifts, or land use on local bird nesting success.
Pros
- Completely Free to Participate: NestWatch is open to everyone at no cost, making citizen science accessible to individuals, families, and classrooms alike.
- Contributes to Real Scientific Research: Observations feed directly into a global database used by professional ornithologists for published studies on bird population trends.
- Rich Educational Resources: Extensive guides on nest identification, birdhouse construction, and bird biology make the platform valuable for learners at all levels.
- Open Data Access: The open dataset allows researchers, educators, and enthusiasts to download and analyze nesting data independently.
Cons
- Highly Niche Focus: The platform is dedicated exclusively to bird nest monitoring, limiting its utility for those interested in broader wildlife or ecological data collection.
- Requires Physical Fieldwork: Participation depends on actively finding and revisiting physical nests, which may not be feasible for all users depending on location or mobility.
- Limited AI or Automation Features: NestWatch is primarily a manual data entry and community platform with minimal automated identification or AI-assisted tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can participate in NestWatch?
Anyone can participate — individuals, families, students, and classrooms worldwide. No prior birding experience is required; the platform provides all the guidance needed to get started.
Is NestWatch free to use?
Yes, NestWatch is completely free. There are no fees to join, submit observations, or access educational resources and the open dataset.
How do I record nest observations?
You can record observations through the NestWatch website after creating a free account, or use the NestWatch mobile app (iOS and Android) to log data in real time while in the field.
What happens to the data I submit?
Your observations are added to NestWatch's continuously growing scientific database, which researchers use for peer-reviewed studies on bird breeding biology and population trends. Data is also available as open downloads.
Do I need a nest box to participate?
No. While NestWatch provides nest box plans and resources, you can also monitor naturally occurring nests found in trees, shrubs, or on structures in your local environment.
