The Why Files Blog
Why Files wonders about citizen-scientists
Posted March 30th, 2009
As we delve into the recent federal report on the State of the Birds, we’re noticing that citizen-scientists have played a major role.
Why? Could the explanation lie in the opportunity to hold a golden-crowned kinglet? This bird was banded during a volunteer study at Picnic Point, Madison, Wis., by a group lead by Mara McDonald of University of Wisconsin-Madison.
So why do people get up early to spend a few hours on the weekend catching and banding birds? “Some are curious, and some are birders who know the exhilaration of working with birds,” McDonald told us.” We have people from all ages, one is 10, some in their 80s, working with us.”
Photo: Glenda Denniston
Tags: bird, bird conservation, citizen scientist
