The Woodpecker Cavity Cam Project is a citizen science project where you help scientists learn more about red-headed woodpeckers and the many animals that depend on the tree cavities they create. Red-headed woodpeckers are striking birds once common across the Midwest and Eastern U.S., but their populations have dropped sharply in recent decades due to habitat loss.

 

Researchers have placed small cameras near woodpecker nest cavities in Minnesota to capture videos of what happens there day and night. These cavities aren’t just important for woodpeckers—they’re also used by squirrels, birds, bats, frogs, and other wildlife. By reviewing the videos, volunteers help identify which animals show up and what they’re doing.

 

As a participant, you’ll watch short video clips and answer simple questions, like whether an animal appears, which species it is, and how it behaves. Some tasks are super beginner-friendly, while others are perfect if you already like birding or wildlife identification. Every level of participation helps move the research forward.

 

Why contribute? Your work helps scientists understand how woodpeckers raise their young, how different animals compete for nesting spaces, and what kinds of habitats need protection. You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at wildlife behavior that most people never see. If you enjoy animals, nature, or learning through real research, this is a meaningful (and fun) way to make an impact.