LINCOLN — Nebraskans are occupied with birds and group science, because the outcomes of the Nebraska Fowl Month 2020 Problem present.

Usually celebrated with statewide birding occasions, Nebraska Fowl Month in Might regarded a bit of completely different this 12 months, based on a press launch from the Nebraska Sport and Parks Fee.

To safeguard in opposition to the unfold of COVID-19, the Nebraska Sport and Parks Fee took occasions on-line, and provided chicken lovers a brand new solution to rejoice: through the use of the crowd-sourcing group science app iNaturalist to report chicken observations.

5 chicken observations had been wanted to finish the Nebraska Fowl Month 2020 Problem.

Greater than 350 individuals participated, utilizing the app to {photograph} and determine birds throughout the state.

“We had wonderful participation,” wildlife educator Jamie Bachmann mentioned. “Our prime observer made 299 observations of greater than 100 completely different species of birds.”

In whole, contributors logged greater than 4,530 chicken observations, making a snapshot of the chicken species present in Nebraska in Might. Essentially the most generally noticed species was the American robin, with 295 observations. Lesser-observed species had been the scissor-tailed flycatcher, blackpoll warbler, blue-headed vireo and night grosbeak.

By utilizing iNaturalist, contributors additionally contributed to science.

“When a minimum of two individuals from the iNaturalist group verify or refine an identification, it turns into a ‘research-grade’ commentary,” Bachmann mentioned. “Analysis-grade observations may help scientists perceive inhabitants ranges and species variety.”

Bachmann was excited to see Nebraskans’ participation within the Nebraska Fowl Month Problem.

“Whereas we wanted to alter the format this 12 months, I feel this problem helped us all keep linked as a statewide group of wildlife watchers,” she mentioned.

Whereas Nebraska Fowl Month is over, the prospect to have enjoyable observing birds will not be.

For extra bird-related group science alternatives, go to scistarter.org.