Migratory Bird Joint Ventures (MBJVs) are harnessing the power of community science to fill critical information gaps about declining bird species. A recent study published in Ornithological Applications showcases how MBJVs are using data collected by birdwatchers to support effective species and habitat conservation.

eBird, a participatory science project run by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, collects billions of observations from birdwatchers worldwide. This freely available data provides year-round information on where specific bird species are present, how abundant they are, and how these numbers change over time — insights that traditional monitoring programs often lack due to funding and resource constraints.

The Cornell study presents compelling examples of eBird data in action. Pacific Birds Habitat Joint Venture discovered that 99% of the Marbled Murrelet population resides within their region year-round, reinforcing the area’s critical importance for this federally listed species. The Gulf Coast Joint Venture used eBird’s year-round abundance estimates to develop seasonal energetic needs for waterfowl populations, something aerial surveys previously provided. The Rio Grande Joint Venture learned from eBird data that 28% of important habitat for three declining grassland species fell outside existing conservation areas, revealing new habitat management opportunities.

These studies clearly demonstrate how data from community scientists can complement traditional data collection to support and enhance species and habitat conservation efforts. Whether participating in an official event like the Christmas Bird Count, visiting a local wildlife refuge, or just going out around town to see what birds are happening that day, birdwatchers can enter their sightings into eBird and become part of a worldwide project to protect these amazing creatures.

Photo credit: Dezaraye Bagalayos