Nest Box Monitor

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    Bluebird nestlings

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    Bluebird eggs

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    Mountain Bluebird (male) near nesting site. 


    Photo by volunteer John Whitaker

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    Mountain Bluebirds (male) near nesting site. 


    Photo by volunteer John Whttaker

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Be a Community Scientist! Do you enjoy spending time in the field and learning about cavity-nesting species? Join us as a Nest Box Monitor to help support local bluebirds, swallows, chickadees, and wrens.


The Program: As part of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's NestWatch initiative, volunteers walk assigned 'trails' to track nesting activity from April through AugustWhile every trail is checked twice weekly, you’ll be part of a 3–4 person team, allowing you to rotate shifts and share the responsibility.


Where: Matthew/Winters Park, South Valley Park, or Coal Creek Study Area.


When: April through August.


Volunteer Responsibilities:

  • Monitor the Cycle: Track the nesting journey from egg-laying to fledging using NestWatch protocols.
  • Box Management: Assist with cleaning and repairing boxes to ensure a safe environment for native birds. Reporting predators or competitors.
  • Data Collection: Identify species and eggs, then submit your findings to NestWatch to contribute to vital conservation data.
  • Commitment: Attend an in-person training and check your trail every 4–7 days (on your team's rotation). Visits are best done in the late morning or early afternoon.


Transportation to and from the trails are your responsibility.