Our Project
Project Phoenix leverages the power of community to learn more about how wildfire smoke impacts California birds.
Why?
In the age of megafires, people and wildlife are increasingly exposed to hazardous smoke. Although birds are highly sensitive to air pollution, we know very little about how smoke affects birds. Learning more is critical to inform bird conservation in a rapidly warming world.
To solve the mystery, we need more data – and that’s where you come in.
How?
Most bird monitoring projects collect data in the spring and early summer to study breeding bird populations, but fires tend to occur later in the year. Project Phoenix engages community scientists across California to monitor birds during the fire season (August–October), providing valuable data on bird activity when fires are likely to impact air quality. The data collected by community scientists like you will help us identify the places and resources birds use during and after extreme smoke. This information will be shared with decision makers in our state to inform wildlife conservation policy.
By observing birds for just 10 minutes a week, you can help us collect critical data to protect birds from wildfire smoke. Click here to learn more and sign up to volunteer.
Who?
“We envision Project Phoenix as an opportunity to bring Californians together to celebrate and safeguard the birds that connect our communities. ”
Project Phoenix is open to all birders and bird enthusiasts – regardless of previous birding experience. We welcome and encourage beginner birders to participate. If you’re a beginner, welcome! You can find support for your birding adventure through our online resources on species identification and eBird. We look forward to sharing our love of birds with our community.
Our Goals
Research:
Collect data on the presence and abundance of birds during the fire season in California.
Evaluate the impact of urban air pollution and wildfire smoke on bird distributions, and consider if these responses vary across habitats.
Propose local intervention strategies to help birds during acute smoke events.
Community Engagement:
Support public participation in research.
Create opportunities for volunteers to learn more about birds in their neighborhoods and share their appreciation of birds with others.
Inspire further community action to protect birds in California.
Expand the reach of the mental health benefits of birding.