Become a Citizen Scientist and Help House Finches!

Coast to coast, House Finches have become afflicted with a debilitating
form of conjunctivitis. Two projects through Cornell's Laboratory of
Ornithology offer budding Citizen Scientists the opportunity to take part
in tracking and understanding this disease. Neither requires any
experience and both are offered free of charge.

Citizen Scientists participating in the House Finch Disease Survey help
monitor the spread and prevalence of the disease. Participants observe
their feeders and submit data on the presence (or absence) of healthy
and/or diseased birds in their particular location. Data can be submitted
either on paper or online. The only equipment you need to participate is a
feeder and the ability to observe your feeder visitors. Sign up at
<http://birds.cornell.edu/hofisignup/signup.html>http://birds.cornell.edu/hofisignup/signup.html
and you'll receive a kit with instructions and information in the mail.

Citizen Scientists participating in the House Finch Nest Survey are helping
to determine if differences in breeding biology are the cause of seasonal
and geographic variation in disease prevalence. Participants locate and
monitor House Finch nests around their homes and neighborhoods and keep
detailed nest records (nest cards provided). Sign up
at
<http://www.birds.cornell.edu/hofisignup/nestsignup.html>http://www.birds.cornell.edu/hofisignup/nestsignup.html
and we'll send you an information packet to teach you how to safely observe
House Finch nests.

Questions welcomed at <mailto:housefinch at cornell.edu>housefinch at cornell.edu