Vermont Nest Records

Contributor's Guide To Vermont Nest-Record Card Program

Thank you for your interest in the Vermont Nest-Record Card Program. Each year many birders and professional researchers observe hundreds of nests in Vermont, yet no system exists for compiling these records. A statewide database will enable us to examine nest success, cowbird parasitism rates, nest habitat types, physiographic locations, and many other questions on a large geographical scale. This database will be used for future editions of the Vermont Breeding Bird Atlas. An annual report will be sent to all subscribers of Records of Vermont Birds.

Nest-record cards are kept on file as permanent documents by the Vermont Institute of Natural Science Research Department. Each card is entered into a computer database for analysis, data archival and retrieval. Researchers, students and others can request specific data from the program coordinator in a variety of computer file formats or as hard copies. Eventually you will be able to access the data on our web site.

If you are concerned about others using the data you have collected, please discuss it with the program coordinator before submitting your cards. This may apply to researchers planning to publish results and to those working with rare or endangered species. Nest-record cards are placed in three classes: class 1 data are available for any request, class 2 data require advance permission of the observer, class 3 data apply to rare and endangered species and require advance permission of the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Nongame and Natural Heritage Program.

The ornithological knowledge we can gain will rely on your care in making observations and recording data carefully on the cards. Please print clearly in black ink. Clear and legible cards aid with computerization. Information recorded in wrong areas is confusing and can make your data unusable.

While we are anxious to improve our understanding of the nesting biology and success of Vermont's birds, and to use these data for meaningful conservation purposes, we must ensure that our activities do not compromise the welfare of the birds we are monitoring. Please refer to the section, how do I visit a nest?, to learn about guidelines and suggestions that help minimize the disturbance of nests.

How to Nest Find: A Guide

How do I visit a nest?

When should I fill out a card?

What should I do if I find a rare or endangered bird?

How many visits to a nest should I make?

Resources/Bibliography

Nest-record card instructions

Nest-record Card (online form)

2001 Nest-record Program Report

Download a nestcard (Microsoft Word document)

Vermont Nest Records Home