This week on the blog I want to talk more about what we can do with the information we
collect about the world around us. We have been spending lots of time watching birds in our
backyard and making observations about their behaviours, appearances and habitats.
Gathering this information works to develop our skills and knowledge about the fascinating
world of birds. As you know there are many professional scientists whose work it is to collect
data and make connections between the species we share our lives with. The work they do is
important to understanding the intricate world of birds and how they adapt to live in an everchanging world. But the work that we do in our observations is also important. In a way we are
scientists too, studying everyday life and creating our own knowledges throughout our
experience. Scientists appreciate the work we do and even have a special name for those of us
who are dedicated to expanding the range of knowledge we have about birds and nature in
general.
They call us Citizen Scientists. As citizen scientists we use our ability to observe nature
and report our findings in order to help scientists keep track of what is happening in the world.
The greater the number of engaged citizen scientists, the better we can help efforts to conserve
natural habitats and protect the Earth from the harms of climate change and ecological
destruction. It is a very important job! Not only are we able to help scientists but we are able
to help protect the birds that are so fascinating for us to observe and help them to thrive and
live happily. This time of year is especially important to citizen scientists in the bird world
because there are two big events that happen which scientists need our help for. The first of
these is the Christmas Bird Count. During the Christmas Bird Count, groups of people all over
North America come together to count the species and numbers of birds in our areas. This data
is given to scientists to help them understand more about bird life. In February there is another
event called the Great Backyard Bird Count. From February 14-21st bird-lovers all over North
America count the birds in their backyard for 15 minutes and submit their findings to an online
database.
I can’t wait to help scientists in their efforts to understand more about birds and to spend time
counting for a great cause. I hope you will join me in this special event and use your special
skills as a citizen scientist to count lots of birds