Purpose of the Session

This workshop will guide participants through the free nesting resources available through NestWatch, demonstrating how they can support community groups, nature centers, NGOs, and researchers in developing and monitoring nesting projects. Participants will learn how to incorporate volunteers into nest monitoring programs and expand capacity (e.g., nest box trails, focal species monitoring, and community-engaged research).

Background and Rationale

While modern monitoring programs are improving our understanding of bird population trends, understanding the drivers of these trends requires closer attention to reproductive success and survival. In the Caribbean, information on reproductive success for most species remains limited.

NestWatch is a free participatory science platform that enables the public, NGOs, and researchers to monitor bird nesting success. Managed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, it provides open-access data, tools for data entry and exploration via web and mobile app, and resources available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Although NestWatch includes data from nearly one million nest attempts, most records are from North America. This workshop will explore how NestWatch can be adapted to meet the needs of the Caribbean ornithological community and support conservation efforts in the region.

Session Objectives

• Share tools and resources available through NestWatch 
• Engage participants in identifying data and information needs for Caribbean birds 
• Explore how NestWatch can support research on reproductive success in the region 
• Help inform priorities for a new Cornell Lab mini-grant program

Session Structure and Format

The session will begin with an overview of NestWatch tools, including demonstrations of data entry and visualization. This will be followed by examples of research findings to highlight the program’s impact. A facilitated discussion will then focus on: (1) data and information needs in the Caribbean, (2) how NestWatch tools can evolve to better support regional work, and (3) additional priorities identified by participants. The workshop will conclude with a short survey to gather input on research priorities and future needs.

Target Audience

Researchers, conservation practitioners, NGOs, government agencies, educators, outreach professionals, students, and early-career conservationists, ecotourism and bird guides, general public.

Expected Outcomes

Participants will gain the knowledge and tools to use NestWatch resources in their own work on bird reproductive success. The session will also help identify gaps in existing tools and inform future program development. In addition, the workshop aims to build partnerships and strengthen networks across the Caribbean focused on nest monitoring and conservation.