Project Phoenix

Project Phoenix is a community science monitoring project to study the effects of smoke on birds in neighborhoods across California, Oregon, and Washington. In the age of megafires, people and wildlife are increasingly exposed to hazardous smoke. Although birds are highly sensitive to air pollution, we know very little about how smoke affects birds. Learning more is critical to inform bird conservation in a rapidly warming world.
To solve the mystery, we need more data – and that’s where you come in.
Most bird monitoring projects collect data in the spring and early summer to study breeding bird populations, but fires tend to occur later in the year. Project Phoenix engages community scientists across California, Oregon, and Washington to monitor birds during the fire season (July-November), providing valuable data on bird activity when fires are likely to impact air quality. The data collected by community scientists like you will help us identify the places and resources birds use during and after extreme smoke. This information will be shared with decision makers to inform wildlife conservation policy.
By observing birds for just 10 minutes a week, you can help us collect critical data to protect birds from wildfire smoke.
Project Phoenix is open to all birders and bird enthusiasts – regardless of previous birding experience.