Audubon launches Climate Watch, seeks volunteers

The National Audubon Society has launched Climate Watch, a community science program designed to better understand how birds are impacted by a warming planet.

The first public survey period runs through June 15.

“Climate Watch volunteers and the data they collect are critical to helping us understand how birds are currently reacting to changes in climate. Audubon’s 2014 research revealed that about half of all bird species in the United States are at risk of worsening conditions in the places they live if climate change continues at the current pace,” said Dr. Brooke Bateman, senior climate scientist at National Audubon Society.

Bateman continued, “Climate Watch is a way to test that research and provide key information about what help birds may need right now as they experience climate change.”

Climate Watch is focused on bluebirds and nuthatches, two types of birds that are anticipated to experience climatic changes in the places they live and can also be found across the country.

More specifically, the program is counting Eastern bluebirds, mountain bluebirds, and Western bluebirds, and brown-headed nuthatches, pygmy nuthatches, red-breasted nuthatches, and white-breasted nuthatches.

In addition to the summer survey period, there will be a winter survey period from Jan. 15–Feb. 15.

About Climate Watch:

• Climate Watch volunteers can learn more at www.audubon.org/climate-watch.
• Participants newer to birding or community science can reach out to their local Climate Watch Coordinator and find out more about how to volunteer at https://www.audubon.org/features/esri-climate-watch.
• Birders with an eBird account and who have GIS mapping skills can claim their Climate Watch Square (URL) and get started on their own.
• If you are interested in engaging your local birding community, consider signing up to serve as a Climate Watch coordinator.