Project NestWatch - Before You Start Looking for Nests

Project NestWatch relies entirely on data submitted by volunteers. The Project is accessible to everyone, the only requirement is that you find an active nest, record the nesting activity through a few visits during the incubation and nestling periods and then enter the data through our online Data Entry page. As most people have never monitored nests, we have oriented Project NestWatch towards common species, notably the American Robin. In addition to being an indicator of the state of the environment, the Robin can be found breeding in great numbers over most of Canada and often builds its nest in urban areas. However, remember that we are keen to receive your nest records for any bird species.

Before you go out and start looking for nests, you should familiarize yourself with the instructions and make sure that you adhere to the code of conduct so your activities do not jeopardize the birds' nesting attempt. You should print and read carefully these documents and plan to carry them with you in the field in case you need to refresh your memory. You should also make a few copies of our field sheet (PDF format) that you can use to fill in while in the field.

If you need more information about the American Robin, make sure to check out our Robin Fact Sheet. It contains information about the species' nesting biology as well as pictures of the adult, the young, the nest and the eggs. We will be adding new fact sheets a little later this year for other common species. If you want some tips on finding nests, you may want to check finding and monitoring nests. Finally, a pair of binoculars and a field guide may be useful to carry with you.

There are no registration fees to participate to Project NestWatch and you can contribute data from as many nests as you like. Participants do not have to be members of Bird Studies Canada (BSC), although we encourage everyone to join our not-for-profit conservation organization. For as little as $35 per year, individual members benefit in a variety of ways:

Receive BSC's Newsletter BirdWatch Canada (4 issues)
Receive Bird Studies Canada's Annual Report
Have voting rights
Can participate in any of the following programs, free of charge:

By joining Bird Studies Canada, members directly contribute to research, education and conservation programs regarding wild birds and their habitat. Click here to learn more about becoming a member (Join BSC) or to have more information about the other programs (National Programs).