Researchers at the Cornell University Lab of Ornithology are studying the effects of toxic contamination from the Gulf oil spill on the fecundity of migratory birds. While scientists know that toxins are detrimental to bird reproduction, they still need more data to determine to what extent these negative effects manifest further inland; for instance for migratory birds that pass through the Gulf yet breed hundreds of miles away.

In order to gather this data, researchers are asking birdwatchers across the continent to contribute by monitoring local nests and providing information to the NestWatch program. Citizen-science observations have long driven otherwise unworkable research efforts, and hopefully will continue to do so in the future.

william_he Environmental toxicants, Oil Spill bird research