Citizen-Science Participation Projects - Here are 2 of the newest from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: 1. Birds in Forested Landscapes - Volunteers study habitat requirements for 7 species of forest thrushes, and Sharp-shinned and Cooper's hawks. Contact Sara Barker, 607/254-2465, or e-mail: forest_birds@cornell.edu. 2. The Cornell Nest Box Network - monitor nest boxes and collect information on the breeding biology of cavity-nesting birds such as kestrels, swallows, chickadees, and bluebirds. Contact Colleen DeLong, 607/254-2482, or e-mail CNBN@cornell.edu. Help by becoming one of an army of volunteer scientists. You generate worthwhile data that the small number of scientist could never hope to obtain!

Bird Banding for the serious Volunteer Citizen-Science Participant: A new and exciting alliance between Audubon and the Institute for Bird Populations (IBP) has been formed. IBP's program, Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship (MAPS), is a nationwide network of bird-banding stations operated during the spring and summer. Data is collected on the productivity and survival rates of land bird populations. The operation of a MAPS banding station entails a total of only 6-10 days per year between May and August. IBP will provide training in banding and mist-netting techniques (a $550/person value!) to Audubon chapter members who wish to take over the operation of existing MAPS banding station(s) or would like to establish a new station, especially on military bases. Bird-banding/mist netting is a time-tested and scientifically sound method for the collection of ornithological data. For more information, contact David Tinker, Altacal Audubon Chapter President, or Ken Burton, IBP, 415/663-9482, or e-mail: birdbanding@compuserve.com Note: If you are interested in doing less energy-intensive bird population censuses, also contact David Tinker.

Fourth Annual Heron Days Celebration at Anderson Marsh State Park on Clear Lake - Pontoon boat rides in Anderson Marsh, nature walks, slide shows, and kid's activities are all part of the Fourth Annual Heron Days Celebration on Saturday and Sunday, April 18 and 19, at Anderson Marsh State Historic Park on beautiful Clear Lake. The Redbud Audubon Society and the Lake County Land Trust, with help from the Anderson Marsh Interpretive Association, are sponsoring this event. · Pontoon boats will take visitors to a Great Blue Heron rookery in the marsh and a variety of other bird life will be viewed. Advance reservations are required for pontoon boat rides in the marsh both Saturday and Sunday; the rides are $10 donation per person and seating is limited. Trips lead from Redbud Park at 9, 11, and 1. Call the Lake County Visitor Information Center at 1-800-525-3743 for reservations. · Activities at Anderson Marsh State Park will be held on Saturday only and will include guided field trips, children's activities, information booths, and slide shows presented by wildlife photographer Philip Greene and hummingbird specialist Bill Bixby. For more information call Roberta Lyons, Redbud Audubon Society President, at 707-994-2024. For information about lodging, camping, and other events in the area, call the Lake County Visitor Information Center at 707-263-9544 or 1-800-525-3743.

April 4-7 - National Audubon Society's 1998 Western Regional Conference, Asilomar, California (Monterey Bay). Theme - "Adventures in Bird Conservation: A Century of Audubon Accomplishments". See last month's newsletter for details.

Cosumnes River Preserve near Sacramento announces free Willow Slough guided tours on April 4rth and 25th. The visitor center is open every weekend from 10-4, and volunteers are on hand to point out birds and answer questions. For more information, call the Cosumnes River Preserve Information Line at 916-684-2816, email crp@ns.net, or visit the website at http://www.cosumnes.org.