Embracing NestWatch: enhancing Mountain Bluebird conservation
Nest boxes installed along open fields for Mountain Bluebird habitats
As dedicated members of the Mountain Bluebird Trails Conservation Society (MBTCS), we've spent countless hours monitoring nest boxes along our trails, watching the sky-blue feathers of Mountain Bluebirds flutter against the backdrop of open fields.
Our collective efforts have significantly contributed to the preservation of this beautiful species. Recently, we've discovered a tool that elevates our conservation work to new heights: the NestWatch app.
Mountain Bluebirds perched on a nest box along MBTCS trail
A New Chapter in Trail Monitoring
For years, MBTCS trail monitors have meticulously recorded nesting data by hand. While effective, this method can be time-consuming and makes data sharing more challenging.
Enter NestWatch—a program developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology that streamlines data collection and sharing.
“NestWatch is a monitoring program designed to track status and trends in the reproductive biology of birds, including when nesting occurs, number of eggs laid, how many eggs hatch, and how many hatchlings survive. Our database is intended to be used to study the current condition of breeding bird populations and how they may be changing over time as a result of climate change, habitat degradation and loss, expansion of urban areas, and the introduction of non-native plants and animals.” Overview - NestWatch
Eggs can easily be counted and tracked for each of your nest boxes using the NestWatch app
Why NestWatch is a Game-Changer for MBTCS
Efficient Data Collection: NestWatch allows us to input data on the spot using our smartphones. No need to transcribe data or remember what you observed because of lost notes or forgotten pens.
Real-Time Data Sharing: The app syncs our observations to a central database accessible by researchers and conservationists worldwide. This immediacy enhances collaborative efforts to protect mountain bluebirds. You can also easily export the data to share with others offline.
Enhanced Data Accuracy: With built-in checks and standardized fields, NestWatch helps reduce errors in data entry, ensuring that the information we provide is reliable and consistent.
Educational Resources: The app offers guidelines on nest monitoring best practices, which is especially helpful for new volunteers joining our society.
Mountain Bluebird nestling during regular nest box inspection
Mountain Bluebirds almost ready for first flight
Strengthening Conservation Through Collaboration
By adopting NestWatch, MBTCS Trail Monitors not only improve our own monitoring processes but also contributing to an even larger body of scientific research. Our data immediately becomes part of an international effort to understand avian breeding behaviors and the challenges birds face in changing environments.
“Trail Monitors will find that collecting data using NestWatch is so much easier for data collection and sharing," says Curtis Goodman, Vice President with MBTCS. “It also provides a great record of your site visits over time.”
Screenshots of NestWatch app with Mountain Bluebird data entry
Getting Started with NestWatch
For MBTCS members and other Trail Monitors interested in leveraging this tool, here’s how you can begin:
Download the App on your smartphone: NestWatch is available for free on both iOS and Android platforms.
Create an Account: Set up your profile to start entering data.
Learn the Ropes: Familiarize yourself with the app's features and review the monitoring guidelines to ensure ethical and safe data collection.
Integrate with Your Routine: Bring your device on your next trail check and start logging observations directly into the app.
You can also explore the platform using your desktop computer by visiting NestWatch.
Be sure to use the app on your smartphone when you are in the field so you can make the most of the technology!
You can explore nesting sites using the NestWatch Map Room
Enhancing Our Impact
By integrating NestWatch into our monitoring activities, we enhance the impact of our work in several ways:
Ease of use: Trail Monitors can easily identify exact nest box locations using GPS pins, create groups to manage your trails, log site visits, and export end-of-season data.
Data accessibility: Researchers can access our data promptly, accelerating conservation initiatives. You can also easily compare your year-over-year data and statistics.
NestWatch Map Room: See a high-level map of nest record submissions from all of our participants, including filters for species and year.
Join Us in Making a Difference!
Trail monitors from MBTCS during nest box inspection at Spring Orientation.
Our collective efforts have always been the backbone of MBTCS's success. By embracing tools like NestWatch, we can amplify our contributions to Mountain Bluebird conservation.
We encourage all trail monitors and bird enthusiasts to adopt this app—together, we can enjoy and better understand the wonderful Mountain Bluebird!
Are you using NestWatch? Let us know about your experience in the comments!