May 07, 2007
Monday PM

Audubon Alaska today launched a new website to collect citizen bird sightings across Alaska and North America which will be a tool for recording and analyzing bird populations to aid science and conservation.

"Alaska eBird will bring birding to the internet, and, more importantly, citizen science to conservationists and ornithologists," said Rich Capitan, Audubon Alaska's Education Specialist.

Developed jointly by Audubon Alaska and the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, and funded partly by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game through a State Wildlife Grant, Alaska eBird is part of the greater eBird database, used by bird-lovers and scientists across the continent. eBird is amassing one of the largest and fastest-growing biodiversity data sets in existence. In 2006 participants recorded more than 4.3 million bird observations across North America into the eBird database.

The addition of the Alaska portal will ensure that birds found only in Alaska, such as Red-Legged Kittiwakes, are highlighted, and that species like the Trumpeter Swan and the Red Knot are monitored in their Alaskan breeding grounds.

"Alaska eBird will help us monitor declining and at-risk birds on the Alaska WatchList," said Stan Senner, Executive Director of Audubon Alaska. "For example, we'll be watching for sightings of the Rusty Blackbird, which is just now returning to its breeding grounds in Alaska."

The Rusty Blackbird has had a dramatic population decline in recent years-90 percent over the last 40 years throughout North America. The species is poorly understood in its nesting habitat and even less understood during migration. Prior to eBird, the only two direct methods of monitoring this species were the North American Breeding Bird Survey and the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count. Scientists hope that eBird will help define the Rusty Blackbird's habitat usage and seasonal movements.

"Even novice bird-watchers can contribute to science by logging on to Alaska eBird and recording their sightings," said Capitan. "Ornithology has a long tradition of using data gathered by volunteers. eBird builds on this tradition through an accessible and fun internet tool."

The mission of Audubon Alaska is to conserve Alaska's natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats, for the benefit of current and future generations. Founded in 1977, Audubon Alaska is the state office of the National Audubon Society.

On the Web:

Alaska eBird
www.ebird.org

Source of News:

Audubon Alaska
www.audubonalaska.org

 

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