For the love of birds: Backyard sleuths boost scientists' work

A female cardinal biting the finger of Princeton University grad student Trey Hendrix as he holds her moments before release, in Silver Spring, Maryland. — Photos: AP/Carolyn Kaster

Georgetown University (in Washington DC) ecologist Emily Williams first became fascinated with birds not because of their beauty, or their sweet songs. She was riveted by their extraordinary travels.

“Realising that this tiny animal that can fit in the palm of your hand can travel thousands and thousands of miles one way in spring, and then does it again later in the year, was just amazing to me, ” she said. “I have always been dazzled by migration.”