More people than ever are taking part in large bird surveys, and the resulting information is more useful, lab officials say. All of the lab's surveys are or will soon be Internet-based for easy access. The information is cleaner. If a birder uses the Web to submit outrageous data, such as a count of 50 ruby-throated hummingbirds, the software asks the birder to check his or her notebook again. Today, we no longer have to do that.
Information is available quicker.
When scientists noticed a new disease in house finches in 1994, they updated survey questionnaires to gather disease data. It's easier for birders to use. Bird scientists hope to take even more advantage of the Internet's capabilities. They'd like to ask their citizen-scientists to study the junco, a North American songbird whose subtle mix of colors is a key to its age and sex. Survey participants would look at color pictures on a Web site and choose which most closely matched the bird in their back yards.