Finch Research Network

Wildside Nature Tours is proud to partner with the Finch Research Network!

In collaboration with Matt Young and FiRN, Wildside Nature Tours created our inaugural partnership tour with FiRN to Oregon and Washington in search of western finches! Check it out here! We hope to offer more tours focused on finding finches and other birds with the Finch Research Network in the future!

The newly-established Finch Research Network (FiRN) is working to create a global research network interested in observing and studying finches. From siskins to euphonias, there are 227 finch species worldwide and many have very restricted ranges or specific habitat requirements. These colorful and diverse songbirds are found on all continents except Australia. The Finch Research Network has spearheaded a number research projects and outreach efforts focused on finches, starting with their flagship “Crossbill Project” which is working to study the ranges, distribution, and movements of the various call types of North American Red Crossbills. A full list of FiRN’s projects can be found here, but fundraising and research efforts for now will be focused on 3 species groups: Red Crossbill call Types, Evening Grosbeak call Types and the three North American rosy-finch species. Whether it’s through sound recording finches you encounter in the field, making a donation, adding scientific expertise via writing and publications, direct research or assistance with FiRN’s projects, or having gear you could loan to assist with fieldwork, there are several ways you can contribute to building the Finch Research Network. At Wildside, we plan to partner with FiRN in designing and leading multiple tours that specifically target finches such as Red and White-winged Crossbills, Evening Grosbeak, both redpolls, and Purple Finches to observe and study their ecology in person in the beautiful and scenic locations where they reside. Outreach and education is important to us, and it is vitally important to understanding and conserving these stunning songbirds. Consider joining our inaugural tour with Matt Young from FiRN to Oregon and Washington in search of the Pacific Northwest’s 10+ finch species and many other regional specialties this summer! Keep an eye on FiRN’s blog for more up-to-the-minute information and current events!