The Alaska Swallow Monitoring Network is an ASI-monitored partnership between Alaskan scientists and communities working together to monitor climate change impacts on boreal birds. Network participants monitor the phenology and success of nesting Tree Swallows across the state, building a large data set that can better reveal population trends and changes in breeding phenology and success.

Together we are studying Tree Swallows (Tachycineta bicolor), migratory songbirds that readily use nest boxes around human development. Swallows are aerial insectivores. Many aerial insectivores are declining throughout their ranges, but most rapidly in the north. They are highly sensitive to changes in seasonal timing (called phenology).

The network also aims to build STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) literacy, job skills, and career awareness in participants, and develops ecological and climate literacy in host communities. Are you interested in joining the Alaska Swallow Monitoring Network? See these instructions for help setting up your station, nest banding protocols, bird banding protocols, data entry protocols, and ethics and safety information.