NestWatch - Cornell Lab of Ornithology

09/28/2026

Lesser Goldfinches live in the western parts of North America. They nest in cottonwoods and willows along rivers, as well as a variety of trees and bushes. Nests are built 4 to 8 feet or higher off the ground and usually on slender twigs several feet out from a main branch. Have you ever spotted Lesser Goldfinches?

📷️: Kathie Johnston

09/25/2026

Both members of a Black-capped Chickadee pair will excavate a nest cavity - often in rotten wood - or they will enlarge an abandoned woodpecker cavity. They'll use nest boxes too - find nest box plans using our Right Bird, Right House tool: https://nestwatch.org/learn/all-about-birdhouses/birds/black-capped-chickadee/

09/23/2026

The breeding season may be winding down in the Northern Hemisphere, but for penguins it's just getting started! Chinstrap Penguins nest in huge colonies of thousands of birds, and typically arrive to those breeding grounds in Oct-Nov. Their nest is a round platform of stones, and they usually lay two eggs.

📷️: Chinstrap Penguin by Bryce Robinson / Macaulay Library

https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/413486541

09/21/2026

Installing a nest box on a freestanding pole makes it easier to add predator guards like cone and stovepipe baffles! Get tips for how to install a box on a pole using items that are easy to find in a hardware store with this video:

NestWatch staff demonstrate how to install a nest box for small son...

09/18/2026

Fall is a great time to build and install nest boxes for next spring. But, how do you build a nest box? Take a look at this helpful video!

NestWatch staff demonstrate how to assemble a nest box for small so...

09/16/2026

Baltimore Orioles build and raise their young in pouch-like nests. After fledging, young orioles follow their parents around for up to an additional two weeks. Once independent, young gather in small flocks - setting them apart from the more solitary adults. Do orioles live near you?

📷️: Laura Finazzo

09/14/2026

Have you ever heard of a Phainopepla? These birds are found mainly in the Southwest. Females are gray (pictured below) while the silky black males are the ones that select the nest site, usually in the fork of a tree or inside a mistletoe plant.

📷: Kerry Pfaltzgraff

09/11/2026

September is here and migration is already in full swing! What was your favorite part of this past nesting season?

📷️: Pileated Woodpeckers by Neva Scheve

09/09/2026

Barred Owls live across much of North America's forests. If you live within their range, consider installing a nest box to attract a pair to nest! We have construction plans available in our Right Bird, Right House tool. Scroll down the page for more tips on appropriate habitat, proper nest height, and more! https://nestwatch.org/learn/all-about-birdhouses/birds/barred-owl/

📷️: Linda May

09/07/2026

The NestWatch offices are closed today in observance of Labor Day.

📷️: American Kestrel by Jennifer Hyypio