RESEARCH SITE IS FOR THE BIRDS
Cornell University's Ornithology Lab wants people from across
North America to aid in its research on birds. The university's
award-winning Birdhouse Network Web site seeks volunteers to
provide information about the roosting habits of birds by
observing nests and recording data such as hatching times. The
site represents a growing movement to use the Internet to find
volunteers for help in large research projects. Cornell uses the
data to fortify its storehouse of information. Such observation
brings attention to deteriorating numbers of certain birds and
other environmental concerns. However, funding for the Web site
from the National Science Foundation will cease this year,
prompting a $15 user fee. Schools, scout clubs, and 4-H groups
are among the people taking part in the initiative.
(Investor's Business Daily, 24 April 2001)