Bud Carter, a regular Nature Reserve volunteer, participated in Project Phoenix, a study of the effects of smoke on birds in neighborhoods across California, Oregon, and Washington. For several months, Bud observed birds each week for at least 10 minutes in the same spot, noting how many and what kinds of birds he saw. He then submitted his observations to eBird (linked HERE), a website and app developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology where birdwatchers can upload checklists of birds to contribute data to science, conservation and education.

Bud shared how he became involved with Project Phoenix, “Obviously, after over 31 years in the fire service, I was keenly drawn to getting involved in this project. My first year (2023) was spent just observing birds in our backyard which is in Rancho Mission Viejo’s Sendero Gavilan neighborhood. This limited the birds due to the proximity to houses, cars, people, etc. For this year’s project, which was extended from two months to 4 or 5, I thought it would be cool to see what other species I could spot at The Nature Reserve headquarters. Leeta didn’t even hesitate when I asked permission to come out once a week! Relocating to Nature Reserve Headquarters was incredible. The variety, numbers, and overall activity of the birds just 4 miles up the Ortega overwhelmed me. Being a new ‘birder,’ my access to John, Bonnie and Leeta to help me identify the birds, was invaluable.”

Bud contributed important data to the study while enjoying birding in nature. Birding is not only a fun hobby but also a way to improve mental health and well-being. Being out in nature, listening to birdsong, relieves stress and mental fatigue. Studies have shown that people who live in areas with more birds are less likely to experience anxiety and depression.

Thank you, Bud, for donating your time to community science! To learn more about Project Phoenix and how you can volunteer as a birder, visit https://www.project-phoenix-investigating-bird-responses-to-smoke.org/.