Date: Wed, 8 Mar 2000 07:18:49 -0500 Reply-To: Maryland Birds & Birding Sender: Maryland Birds & Birding From: Saunders_N Subject: Smithsonian's Neighborhood Nestwatch MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain Smithsonian's Neighborhood Nestwatch Have you ever wondered if the robin nesting in your front yard was there last year or if the phoebe nesting under your eave successfully raised young? Well, Dr. Peter P. Marra of the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) in Edgewater, MD is launching a project that guides you and your family through your own scientific research project that will answer those very important questions. The Smithsonian Neighborhood Nestwatch will provide you with an incredible scientific learning opportunity while at the same time gather important scientific data on the biology of migratory birds in urban/suburban landscapes. Neighborhood Nestwatch enables you, a Smithsonian Observer, the opportunity to monitor the reproductive success and survival of a nesting pair of migratory birds (such as Carolina wrens, robins, catbirds or phoebes) in your neighborhood or even in your own backyard. You (and your family) will select a bird species that is nesting in your neighborhood. A SERC scientist, along with your help, will then catch the pair of birds, measure and band them with a unique color band combination, and then release them. Each observer will receive specialized training that will enable him or her to observe the pair, find their nests and record important scientific data. The following year, you search your neighborhood to determine if your color-banded birds survived the long migration or the wintering period in the tropics. This experience will be like taking a course in field ornithology in your own backyard. Don't miss this opportunity. For more information on how to sign up Call Pete Marra at (301) 261-4190 (ext. 200) or e-mail: marra@serc.si.edu. ***************************************** Peter P. Marra Ph.D. Smithsonian Environmental Research Center P.O. Box 28 647 Contees Wharf Rd. Edgewater, MD 21037 Phone: (301) 261 - 4190 ext 224 Fax: (301) 261 - 7954 E-mail: marra@serc.si.edu ======================================================================= To leave the MDOsprey list, send e-mail to listserv@home.ease.lsoft.com with the following message in line 1: signoff mdosprey ======================================================================= =========================================================================