Finished! Looks like this project is out of data at the moment!
As we get to the bottom of our card-catalog drawers, we are finding random cards or species that were overlooked. Keep a look-out, we'll be rerunning old projects with recently discovered data!
FAQ
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?
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 parasitism rates, timing of nesting, and many other variables. These cards can also help us understand how birds may or may not be adapting to climate change.
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: Kevin Schwartz, Macaulay Library
Icon image: Jared Keyes, Macaulay Library
Collage & Tutorial:
Jonathan Irons, Macaulay Library
Luke Seitz, Macaulay Library
Henry Trombley, Macaulay Library
Nathan Dubrow, Macaulay Library
Ian Davies, Macaulay Library
Ryan Sanderson, Macaulay Library
Liron Gertsman, Macaulay Library
Andy Eckerson, Macaulay Library
Max Nootbaar, Macaulay Library
Ryan Schain, Macaulay Library
Brian Stahls, Macaulay Library
Sam Zhang, Macaulay Library
George Chiu, Macaulay Library