Bird observatories: an underutilized resource for migration study

Since the first bird observatory was established over a century ago, hundreds have been established around the world. Classic observatories share a focus on capture and study of birds in the hand, particularly migrants. Many professionals were first inspired by working at a bird observatory, and researchers have long been using observatory data and facilities in collaborative studies. Results from observatories have made major contributions to knowledge of migration: timing, routes and destinations, body condition and local movement during stopover; as well as tracking long-term population change. Nonetheless, observatories are an underutilized resource for researchers, and this paper highlights the benefits they offer and opportunities for further cooperation. Received 26 November 2015. Accepted 13 May 2016. Key words: bird observatories, cooperative studies, migration timing, routes, energetics, strategies.
THE BIRD OBSERVATORY RESOURCE The term 'bird observatory' came from the English translation of 'Vogelwarte,' part of the original title of a book describing 50 years of bird study on [...]