One of the pillars of Bluebird Experience is technology. We strive to bridge the gap between nature and technology and bring everyone the resources to utilize their online time effectively – like reading this blog!
The inspiration for combining a nature restoration project and online resources came about in 2007 and was truly the golden thought that made Bluebird Experience a reality. When the internet and family desktop computers were becoming very relevant. Shelly witnessed her daughter rushing home from school screaming that she needed to feed her pets. She raced past her two dogs and logged into Webkinz.com. Shelly’s confusion grew as she watched her daughter virtually feed her Webkinz while the chocolate lab and yellow lab lay on the kitchen floor big eyed and begging for treats.
In that moment, Shelly realized there was a misconnection between nature and technology. Bluebird Experience has worked the last 12 years to bridge that gap. Seeing a bluebird nest in a nest box is one beautiful thing, documenting what you saw at Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s NestWatch is magical. You are now becoming a citizen scientist and using technology for the good of your community. Monitoring a Bluebird Trail effectively is a way our children and community are able to help bluebirds and other songbirds in a very real way.
Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s NestWatch is helping bridge the gap between nature and technology. Year after year, Citizen Scientists use this platform to track status and trends in the reproductive biology of birds.
As of May 26th, 2020 citizen scientists have reported 4,430 Eastern Bluebird nesting attempts this season. This means the number will only go up if we have the courage to care for and monitor our nest boxes.
Getting started is easy as 1, 2, 3, 4. Go to NestWatch.org and complete these steps.
One of the biggest lessons learned from NestWatch is the importance of consistent monitoring of the nests and nestboxes. This not only helps in predator control and prevention, but the consistent data helps narrate the story of the songbird. It shows the whole reproductive cycle from beginning, middle, to end.
Data and statistics are evidence and validation for restoration, progress, and science. It takes courage to care.
By joining NestWatch, together we can watch the stats grow as we demonstrate how many generous individuals are caring for Mother Nature.
Please join us as we show you how we have learned how to manage our Bed and Breakfast Bluebird Trails in our own backyards, on golf courses, at local schools, cemeteries, and nearby neighborhoods.
If you see a nest, make it the best!!
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