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National Citizen Science

Kathy Dale, Zach Slavin

July 2013

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Christmas Bird Count

• 113 years, 2351 circles

• 20 countries

• Over 70,000 people/yr

• Over 64 million birds/yr

• 93% of chapters sponsor a CBC circle (2012 chapter report)

Green-tailed towhee, Lake Oconee, Georgia, Rachel Cass

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Value of citizen science efforts to conservation. • 2006: $5.6 million value to

society

• CBC data are used to shape policy and conservation efforts

• Data shared with researchers, agencies for conservation planning and species management.

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CBC Resources

• Resources on how to conduct a Christmas Bird Count: Manuals, videos, data entry and historical data.

• Information and guidance on how to propose a new CBC circle.

• Portal for participants to register for your count.

• National Press visibility.

• Recognition of your chapter in public reports and the historical database.

• Opportunity to submit features to the new quarterly citizen science eNewsletter.

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CBC Opportunities • Starting a new circle in areas/habitats CBC has never been conducted, including a

nearby IBA.

• Adopting circles that have lapsed.

• CBC is a great subject for an evening lecture.

• Opportunity for new people to birding to find out about your chapter.

• Hold a tally rally. Organize a field party for new joiners.

• Tell us how you are using your CBC results locally

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Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC)

• President’s Day Weekend – February 14-17, 2014

• Accessible – 79% of Chapters involved

• Global – 111 Countries and independent

territories

Photo by GBBC Participant Ben Thomas

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GBBC Resources

• Promotional Resources – Posters, eCards, Press Release, etc.

• Educational Materials – Instructions, Birding Guides

• Photos – Over 7,000 each year

Photos by GBBC Participants Michele Black and Burney Huff

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GBBC Opportunities

• Hold an event – Promoted through birdcount.org

• Promote the count – Online and in the community

• Get out and count!

Photo by 2012 GBBC Participant Anna Delapaz

11 Magnificent Hummingbird © Ashok Khosla

12 Rufous Hummingbird © Glen Tepke

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Hummingbirds at Home Resources: • Mobile apps and website to enter data

• National press and visibility

• Narrated powerpoint about the program

• Logos and images for promotion

• Access to show PBS film on hummingbirds

Allen’s Hummingbird © Ashok Khosla

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Hummingbirds at Home Opportunities

• Create an event about hummingbirds: PBS film viewing, birding festival, butterfly counts, native plant sales, hummingbird survey.

• Education: what to plant for hummingbirds, using hummingbird feeders.

• Collaborate with a local garden club or plant society, butterfly or bee enthusiasts.

• Sign-up and submit your hummingbird observations.