Ornithologists from UCLA and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County are looking for bird lovers to join Project Phoenix, a citizen science initiative that studies how birds respond to wildfires. This program is open to anyone interested in observing birds, whether you are a seasoned bird watcher or a complete beginner.
Volunteers from California, Oregon, and Washington can participate by choosing a familiar spot, such as their backyard or a local park, and spending just 10 minutes each week observing bird activity. They will then record their findings on the eBird platform, where their data will contribute to a larger understanding of bird behavior during wildfire seasons.
The project runs from July through November, coinciding with the official fire season on the West Coast. This year marks the third consecutive year of the study, which began in 2023 with about 300 volunteers. The aim is to gather more data on how wildfire smoke affects birds, an area that has not been extensively researched.
Olivia Sanderfoot, the program director and a UCLA ornithologist, emphasizes that no prior bird knowledge is necessary. In fact, beginners may notice common bird behaviors that experienced watchers might miss. “We want this program to be accessible,” Sanderfoot said. Participants can commit to observing for the entire season or just a few weeks.
The data collected will help researchers identify patterns in bird behavior related to smoke and fire. For instance, scientists are curious if birds are changing their locations or behaviors in response to declining air quality. With more volunteers, researchers hope to capture these changes more effectively.
Volunteers will receive support, including resources for identifying local bird species and assistance via email for any questions they might have. Their observations will be reviewed by expert birders before being analyzed by researchers.
Carrie Brown-Kornarens, a ceramicist and wildlife enthusiast from Los Feliz, shared her experience volunteering for Project Phoenix. She enjoys taking the time to observe birds, finding it a peaceful activity that brings her closer to nature.
Anyone interested in joining this initiative can sign up at the Project Phoenix website. This is a great opportunity to contribute to important research while enjoying the simple pleasure of bird watching.