Yet another reason to visit to Seattle (one of these days!).
The Seward Park Environmental and Audubon Center, a partnership between the National Audubon Society and the City of Seattle, Department of Parks and Recreation, invites citizen scientists to help track the DNA–and thereby the mating habits–of Bald Eagles.
Putting it bluntly, the scientists want to know: Are Bald Eagles sexual monogamists?
Help the researchers at Seward Park learn:
“Who is sleeping with who, who is loyal to a genetic fault, and who might be raising eaglets from another eagle’s genetic line? To determine the answers to these questions, we’re on a mission to create a library of the DNA fingerprints of all the eagles who live in or visit Seward Park! It’s like CSI for animals!”
Here’s how Seattle dwellers can help: First, collect eagle feathers you find in the park and give them to the park researchers. Then, if you’re interested in taking part in the lab work which includes “spooling” the DNA (or separating DNA fragments according to their size) send a message here!
For more information, check out the Raptor DNA project description in the Sci4Cits Project Finder. And, as always, be sure to share your experiences with others on your own Sci4Cits member blog!