A NOTE FROM OUR TEAM

Sometimes data collection can look like a lonely process on paper. However, no matter how many humans you’re with, it’s never a solitary process. Not only are you getting to know your local habitat and birds, your contributions create new knowledge that goes on for generations - just like this week’s featured species, the American Crow!

Many bird nerds are familiar with corvids, like crows, being intelligent and adaptable, but let’s take a moment to appreciate how their intelligence is not individualistic. Like the Project Phoenix team of research and community scientists, what they learn, they share. And crows can quickly learn a lot! From recognizing safe and unsafe humans to making good use of novel food sources, our local crows are constantly adapting and supporting each other through social learning. 

Not only can crows learn from each other, but they have also been documented to teach and organize behaviors to support the flock. In the research described in this article in Scientific American, scientists trained a population of crows to correlate a specific mask to being targeted for trapping. Five years later, their children and children’s children could recognize that mask - and mobbed the researcher wearing it to protect the flock, because crows will be crows. 

It’s exciting to think that our work now will have an impact for generations, and that the way we are learning together reflects how the crows in our community share their knowledge every day to survive and thrive. Whether you decide to take your Project Phoenix surveying time as well-deserved quiet time to rest and reflect once a week or if you decide to join with friends and family, know that this is a community of learning, and you - whether doing it solo or with a group - are a vital part of this effort. 

Thank you for everything you do for birds and Project Phoenix!

Sam Tayag | Advisor & Strategist, Project Phoenix

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: Rebeca Ladrón de Guevara

Rebeca has been an avid birder for over a decade. Her passion for birding and love for birds has led her to join conservation advocacy projects. She served as the president of her local Audubon Society for three years and now serves as the Co-Conservation Chair where she continues to advocate for birds and their habitat. She was recently interviewed by her local TV station about how wildfire smoke can disrupt local bird populations! Rebeca spends her time birding in Northern California with her two rescue dogs and cat. She gets to watch birds and other wildlife that flock to her gorgeous backyard, filled with flowers, berry trees, bird feeders, and nesting boxes! Rebeca heard about Project Phoenix from a friend and knew she would be a great fit to volunteer, as she observes birds every day and lives in an area that is heavily affected by wildfires.

You can connect with Rebeca on her Instagram (@sad.eyed.rebe_ofthelowlands) or on iNaturalist (ladrong11). 

Thank you so much for your contributions to Project Phoenix, Rebeca!

We love to hear from our volunteers! What motivated you to join Project Phoenix? Click here to share your story.

BIRD OF THE WEEK: American Crow

by Caitlin O’Neil | Communications Lead, Project Phoenix

American Crows are commonly found across the lower 48 states. They are often observed roosting in large numbers and, yes, a group of crows is known as a “murder” - but we promise these birds aren’t scary! American Crows are known for their intelligence: they will follow other birds to find their nests, steal food, and even use tools! Captive Crows have also been taught to speak and crows in the wild can exhibit some fascinating behaviors as well. Dr. Kaeli Swift is a Corvid expert who has a lot of fascinating information about Crows and other Corvid species on her website. She details her studies of crow funerals, writes about the Crow family structure, and has great tips for telling American Crows and Ravens apart!

FAQs: Can I use Merlin or BirdNet to help me identify birds during my surveys?

Great question! Merlin Bird ID is a useful tool for beginner and expert birders alike. This app helps you identify birds you observe by sight and/or sound.

Spot a bird? Just answer five simple questions about the bird, and Merlin will generate a list of species that match your description.

Want to know which birds are calling or singing? Start recording, and Merlin will suggest species that match those vocalizations in real-time.

Merlin is a great resource to consult on the go and works very well for most common birds, which are the focus of Project Phoenix. However, like all predictive models, Merlin is not perfect, and birders should be mindful when reporting rare birds.

BirdNet is another useful tool that supports birding by ear. We recommend the following best practices when using Merlin Sound ID or BirdNet:

—> Turn your location services on. Neither Merlin nor BirdNet will work well if the apps don’t know where you are and which species are likely to be near you!

—> If Merlin/BirdNet suggests species you have previously observed at your monitoring site, or you know the call or song, go ahead and report that species.

—> If Merlin/BirdNet suggests a species that is new to you, particularly if it is rare, try to confirm the species visually. And remember, you can always report larger taxonomic groups on your checklists if you're not sure (e.g., "finch species" or "hummingbird species").

For more FAQs, find them under the resources section of our website.

FEATURE STORY: Birding and Mental Health

by Caitlin O’Neil | Communications Lead, Project Phoenix

Did you know that birding supports our mental health and well-being? It’s true!

Just by tuning into the great outdoors, we feel less stressed and mentally fatigued. Research has shown that listening to birdsong restores focus. Our everyday encounters with birds – whether heard or seen – positively impact our well-being.

Here at Project Phoenix, we believe birding supports mindfulness, centering us in the present. Practicing mindfulness has numerous health benefits, including lowering blood pressure. Birding specifically has been linked to decreases in stress, anxiety, and depression.

For some, birding also helps counter feelings of isolation and keeps us connected to a broader community! Going birding with friends or a group, or even exchanging bird sightings with passersby on a birding outing, fosters community. Those who prefer solo birding may still enjoy sharing photos, stories, and experiences to celebrate their birding adventure.

Birding also grants us moments of awe and appreciation, offering a time to slow down and appreciate the world around us. Whether it’s marveling at the bright plumage of a bird you’re witnessing for the first time, listening to a beloved and familiar birdsong, or laughing at a bird with a funny habit, birding provides us with both new and comforting moments. Moments that can challenge us and celebrate us, moments that allow for peace, laughter, and joy in a world that can be overwhelming, exhausting, and fearful.

No matter why you bird, we at Project Phoenix are so grateful that you do and for your participation in this project.

Happy Birding!

Thank you to all our partners and supporting organizations!

Project Phoenix is grateful to our partners and all the supporting organizations who help our program soar. Visit our partners page to learn more about the incredible work of these non-profit organizations – from science to conservation to outdoor recreation, these orgs are dedicated to protecting our environment for people and the birds we love.