Blog: Citizen Science Projects, People, and Perspectives
By Michael Gold, Apr 22, 2010
Doesn’t spring make you antsy to go outside, get moving, and act all scientific? (Or maybe those are real ants you’re feeling—this season does bring out all sorts of little critters.) If you’re craving more, even after our earlier list of suggestions, here are another five projects to help you scratch that springtime citizen science … Read more “Five more springtime projects for citizen scientists”
Categories: Animals, Birds, Citizen Science, Insects, Nature & Outdoors, Ocean & Water
By Darlene Cavalier, Apr 01, 2010
This week, an article in the Charlotte Observer newspaper featured citizen scientist Benton Bragg and his family. The Braggs installed a video camera in an owl box to track the habits of the owl and her babies. “We never know what we’re going to see,” Bragg said. “One night she brought in seven snakes. Another … Read more “Charlotte Observer: “Citizen Science is in full flight.””
Categories: Animals, Birds, Citizen Science, In the News, Nature & Outdoors
By John Ohab, Mar 17, 2010
Are you a Westchester (NY), Putnam (NY), or Fairfield County (CT) resident just itching for a reason to dust off that old boombox? If so, the The Who’s Whoo-ing citizen science project needs you to play a CD of owl calls for 10 minutes and record if a response is heard. Using simple “call playback surveys”, the Mianus River … Read more ““Who’s whoo-ing” in your backyard?”
Categories: Animals, Birds, Citizen Science, Nature & Outdoors
By Michael Gold, Mar 16, 2010
To fans of hummingbirds and “nature cams,” Phoebe Allens needs no introduction. She’s an intrepid little momma bird whose adventures in nurturing her young have been well documented by a Web cam pointed at her nest in a rose bush in Orange County, California. Now that spring is nearly here, it’s time for another exciting … Read more “The hummingbird versus Godzilla–on video!”
Categories: Animals, Birds, Citizen Science, Nature & Outdoors
By Michael Gold, Mar 10, 2010
One of the many reasons I love to sneak up to Point Reyes is the night sky. It’s often stunningly clear up there compared to foggy, urban San Francisco, offering a gorgeous celestial show to anyone inclined to look up. But on a recent getaway, I was bummed to find out that I’d forgotten to … Read more “Phone apps for citizen scientists: What are you packing?”
Categories: Animals, Apps, Astronomy & Space, Biology, Birds, Computers & Technology
By Michael Gold, Feb 18, 2010
There is definitely no breed of citizen scientist more enthusiastic and dedicated than bird watchers. The results of last weekend’s birding binge are now being tallied on the Great Backyard Bird Count website—and they are mighty impressive. Here are some highlights: Total checklists submitted: 81,590 Total species observed: 582 Total individual birds counted: 9,443,847 Even … Read more “Nine million birds and counting”
Categories: Animals, Birds, Citizen Science
By Susan West, Feb 09, 2010
Get those binoculars out: The Great Backyard Bird Count 2010 takes place this Friday through next Monday, February 12 to 15. In as little as 15 minutes a day, you can help scientists learn how climate, disease, and habitat changes are affecting bird populations. Plus, you’ll have fun checking out your backyard visitors. The bird … Read more “Don’t miss the Great Backyard Bird Count”
Categories: Animals, Birds, Citizen Science, Nature & Outdoors
By Darlene Cavalier, Feb 04, 2010
New to bird watching? Professor Stuart Pimm talks us through the basics in this video. Many bird watchers share their observations with researchers in an effort to learn about and protect these little critters that are so important to our ecology. If you’re interested in getting involved in bird watching to help science, you’ll find … Read more “An introduction to bird watching.”
Categories: Birds, Citizen Science
By Susan West, Jan 18, 2010
Cephalopods use their heads: Australian researchers Julian K. Finn, Tom Tregenza, and Mark D. Norman have discovered octopi that carry around coconut shell halves and use them as shelter. They say it’s the first report of tool use by an invertebrate, a skill that crows, chimps, and, of course, humans share. Check out the amazing … Read more “Octopi use coconuts as mobile homes”
Categories: Animals, Biology, Birds, Nature & Outdoors
