Nest Quest Go: Cliff Swallows

Why are historical nest records important?
Historical records provide a glimpse into the past. We know very little about the historical nesting activity of most birds. These valuable nest cards will give researchers insight about changes in bird nesting behavior over time.

What are we hoping to learn from transcribing these cards?
The potential for learning seems endless. These cards will provide a historical perspective on the lives of birds across the United States in a variety of habitats. Specifically, the cards provide information on the reproductive success of different species, their choice in nesting sites, cowbird activity, etc.

Where did all these cards come from?
The nest record cards were a part of the North American Nest Record-Card Program. For more than thirty years, starting in the 1960s, The Cornell Lab of Ornithology distributed nest record cards to people who wanted to participate in citizen-science and monitor bird nests. Participants filled out the cards and then mailed them to the Lab where they were organized and stored. Until Zooniverse came along, entering all the data into our database was too costly and time consuming.

What if I cannot read the handwriting?
Please do the best you can with transcription. The cards will be looked at multiple times. If it is impossible to read, leave the section blank.

What if I don't see a choice that makes sense or matches the card I am transcribing?
Feel free to engage with us on the Talk channel to have your questions answered.

Other questions?
Feel free to reach out to us on the Talk channel. We will monitor discussions there and provide answers to pressing questions.

Photo credit:
Banner image of Cliff Swallow, @Timo Mitzen/Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab

Icon image of Cliff Swallow, @Dean Hester/Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab

Collage & Tutorial:
Cliff Swallow,©Adam Zahm/Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab

Cliff Swallow,©Daniel Irons/Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab

Cliff Swallow,©Brad Imhoff/Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab

Cliff Swallow,©Ben Sonnenberg/Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab

Cliff Swallow,©Pablo Gutiérrez Maier/Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab

Cliff Swallow,©Kisa Weeman/Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab

Cliff Swallow,©Robert Bochenek/Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab

Cliff Swallow,©Matthew Pendleton/Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab

Cliff Swallow,©Brian Stahls/Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab

Cliff Swallow,©Ryan Sanderson/Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab

Cliff Swallow,©Peter Finley/Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab

Cliff Swallow,©Samuel Paul Galick/Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab

Cliff Swallow,©Liam Huber/Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab