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Nest Monitoring
Home | On the Wing News | Directory of Resources | Introduction | Observations Observations Observing Platform and Ledge Nesters Monitoring platform nesters such as herons, ospreys, and great horned owls should also be done on a weekly basis. Monitoring information should be gathered by observation from below as raptors are often protective of their nests. The nests should be left on the platform for the next breeding season as these birds will repair and add to existing nests. Pioneering adults also seem to be attracted to sites that include old nests. If monitoring mourning dove nests, however, remove the nest after the young have left. Nests on ledges/shelves should be managed according to species. Recent research has indicated that nests of eastern phoebes and barn swallows should be left undisturbed between seasons. Robin nests, on the other hand, should be removed after the young have left the nest. Observing Ground Nesters Monitoring ground nesting birds such as least terns, killdeer, nighthawks, and black skimmers should be limited to observing the nesting site from a distance. Try to avoid disturbances in the nesting area as the eggs and young are vulnerable to predation when the adults leave the site. It is still important to check the nests weekly and record your observations. Field glasses or spotting scopes are especially helpful when observing activities of the nesting pairs, monitoring the nesting cycle, and counting nestlings from a distance. Egg counts can be inferred and hatching success estimated. Signs and Signals If you have more time, you may enjoy observing the activities of the nesting pairs from a distance as well as when closely monitoring the nest. Plan to spend about 5 minutes per nest every week and record the activities you see. Typical activities that may be observed include:
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