Life
Watching the skies
TogetherGreen Volunteer event seeks bird watchers to
gather data
EASTON On Nov. 13, Pickering Creek Audubon Center will
launch its second TogetherGreen Volunteer Day event
Project FeederWatch, a
citizen science program sponsored by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
As citizen scientists, volunteers will observe winter bird life and collect data. Participants across the nation submitted more than 115,000 checklists during the 2007-08 FeederWatch season, documenting unusual bird sightings, winter movements and shifting ranges information that scientists use to monitor the health of winter birds and the environment. Scientists learn something new each year from the data, whether it's about the movements of common backyard birds or unusual sightings of rarely-seen species.
The project also gives volunteers a way to enjoy nature with children and learn to identify birds. Studies have shown that getting closer to nature reduces stress and promotes a feeling of well-being in children and adults.
"Nature is not merely an amenity; it is critical to healthy human development and functioning," said Nancy Wells, Cornell University assistant professor of design and environmental analysis.
Her studies find that a view of nature through a window or access to the environment in any way improves a child's cognitive functioning and reduces the negative effects of stress on the child's psychological well-being.
Wells also notes that when children spent time with nature early in life it carries over to their adult attitudes and behavior toward the environment.
"Volunteering for Project FeederWatch opened my eyes to the fascinating wildlife that is around in wintertime. I never thought I'd enjoy bird watching before I participated, and now I get really excited to go on a hike looking for birds with my friends," said Kelsey Frey, a seasonal educator at Pickering Creek.
From 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, Pickering Creek Audubon Center invites volunteers of all ages and skills to an orientation to Project FeederWatch and planting of a new native wildlife garden for the bird feeder area.
Pickering Creek will need FeederWatch volunteers from November to April to observe birds at the bird feeders on site. Staff will provide training to volunteers who cannot make the Nov. 13 launch.
To register to volunteer, visit http://www.pickeringcreek.org/ or contact Kelsey Frey at 410-822-4903.
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| PHOTOS BY KELSEY FREY A Downy Woodpecker enjoys a woodpecker feeder filled with suet. |
As citizen scientists, volunteers will observe winter bird life and collect data. Participants across the nation submitted more than 115,000 checklists during the 2007-08 FeederWatch season, documenting unusual bird sightings, winter movements and shifting ranges information that scientists use to monitor the health of winter birds and the environment. Scientists learn something new each year from the data, whether it's about the movements of common backyard birds or unusual sightings of rarely-seen species.
The project also gives volunteers a way to enjoy nature with children and learn to identify birds. Studies have shown that getting closer to nature reduces stress and promotes a feeling of well-being in children and adults.
"Nature is not merely an amenity; it is critical to healthy human development and functioning," said Nancy Wells, Cornell University assistant professor of design and environmental analysis.
Her studies find that a view of nature through a window or access to the environment in any way improves a child's cognitive functioning and reduces the negative effects of stress on the child's psychological well-being.
Wells also notes that when children spent time with nature early in life it carries over to their adult attitudes and behavior toward the environment.
"Volunteering for Project FeederWatch opened my eyes to the fascinating wildlife that is around in wintertime. I never thought I'd enjoy bird watching before I participated, and now I get really excited to go on a hike looking for birds with my friends," said Kelsey Frey, a seasonal educator at Pickering Creek.
From 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, Pickering Creek Audubon Center invites volunteers of all ages and skills to an orientation to Project FeederWatch and planting of a new native wildlife garden for the bird feeder area.
Pickering Creek will need FeederWatch volunteers from November to April to observe birds at the bird feeders on site. Staff will provide training to volunteers who cannot make the Nov. 13 launch.
To register to volunteer, visit http://www.pickeringcreek.org/ or contact Kelsey Frey at 410-822-4903.
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