Date: 4/4/25 7:58 am From: Kara Snow <000014e3e51d51c5-dmarc-request...> Subject: [mou-net] NRRI Avian Ecology Lab Pileated Woodpecker Project- Community Science
Greetings MOU Listserv Members-
NRRI's Avian Ecology Lab is reaching out to birders, naturalists, and
amateur ornithologists to assist in locating nesting cavities of Pileated
Woodpeckers across the state. The Pileated Woodpecker is an iconic bird,
and finding its nesting sites will contribute significantly to
understanding its behavior, conservation efforts, and habitat preferences.
If you're interested in helping, please consider the following:
1.
Where to Look: Pileated Woodpeckers typically nest in large trees that
are either dead or contain significant decay. Nest cavities are large
circular or semicircular holes, unlike the rectangular holes made by
foraging Pileated Woodpeckers.
2.
How to Help: The lab is asking for volunteers to report sightings of
active Pileated Woodpecker nests. Active nests can be reported using this
Google form:
PIWO Nest Cavity Documentation
Recording Details: When documenting active nests, please take clear
notes on the location of the cavity. Also, if possible take photographs of
the cavity and surrounding habitat (from a respectful distance). Record the
location using a pin on your cell phone map or GPS coordinates if possible.
Finally, monitoring the nest (at a distance) and providing information on
nest success would be extremely beneficial to our project. For example,
documenting behavior such as feeding or nest predation, or noting when
cavities are no longer “active”.
4.
Ethical Considerations: It's important to respect the birds' space and
not disturb them during nesting periods. Nesting sites should be observed
from afar to prevent causing any stress to the birds or their young.
Lab members will reach out to folks that have reported nests via the Google
form to request further information. We will also potentially make plans
with you to view the nest in the fall after the woodpeckers have fledged.
If you'd like more information about how to get involved or share this with
your community, feel free to ask!
--
*Kara G. Snow, **MSc.*
Avian Ecologist
*Avian Ecology Lab*
Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI)
University of Minnesota Duluth
5013 Miller Trunk Hwy, Duluth, MN 55811
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<snowx043...> <nels6797...>
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NRRI Mission: Deliver integrated research solutions that value our
resources, environment and economy for a sustainable and resilient future.
