Terms of Use

 

Data and Image Use Policy

(Note: This document is subject to change. Please check back to this site before using Journey North data or images.)

Journey North is a citizen science program that spans the North American continent. Journey North volunteers collect data on phenological events including migration and life cycle stages of project species. Journey North volunteers also collect data on the distribution of project species during the breeding season. Their data have been the basis for many publications on migration and the impact of climate change.

Journey North follows the Creative Commons BY-NC-SA copyright policy (Attribution-NonCommercial-Share-Alike) (see http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/).

Photographs, Infographics, Educational Materials Copyright

Individuals who use photos found on the Journey North website, maps, and sightings database must attribute the work to the photographer listed with the photo and to Journey North. You may not use the work for commercial purposes. If you alter, transform, or build upon the work, you may only distribute the resulting work under the same or a similar license to this one. If you use photos from the Journey North website, follow the Creative Commons policy linked above, and attribute the photos as follows: Photographer Name, courtesy Journey North. If you use infographics, charts, and other educational and outreach materials for classroom settings, and not for commercial use, please use the following attribution: Image courtesy Journey North. When appropriate, please use the Journey North logo. 

Data Access Policy

For Scientists:

Journey North encourages researchers to disseminate findings in appropriate publications, based in whole or in part on Journey North data. All publication(s) or product(s) using Journey North data are requested to adhere to the policy outlined below.

Journey North has strived to make data accessible and publicly available. In keeping with this goal, Journey North has published nine data packages on a central environmental data repository hosted by the Environmental Data Initiative.

Please note: In the EDI data repository, these data packages have unique identifiers, are well-described by metadata documentation, and are transparent and easily accessible. Credit is given to the creators with acknowledgment requested to be given to the Journey North volunteer observers who collected the data. 

If you have any questions about these data packages and Journey North projects, please contact the Journey North Program Coordinator directly.


List of Data Packages

Description: Journey North Monarch & Milkweed Project: an ongoing study of monarch butterfly migration (species Danaus plexippus) and milkweed phenology, conducted at broad spatial and temporal scales. Participants from Canada, the US and Mexico track and submit observations on monarchs’ first arrival dates, breeding and feeding behavior as well as the onset of fall migration, roosts, and presence of monarchs found beyond official sanctuary locations on Mexico. Community scientists also track first emergence of milkweed in the spring and the presence of milkweed across the landscape, documenting milkweed species, if known. This data package featured here contains 24 years of monarch and milkweed data (1996 – 2020) collected by 42,518 community scientists.

  • Sheehan, Nancy, and Luis Weber-Grullon. 2021. Journey North – Hummingbird observations by volunteer community scientists across Central and North America (1996-2020) ver 1. Environmental Data Initiative.  

https://doi.org/10.6073/pasta/a4bebd2b5fb5c1fd0757eac254a06357

Description: Journey North Hummingbird Migration Project: an ongoing study of hummingbird migration. From 1996 to 2000, 30,703 community scientists from across North America submitted observational data on first arrival dates, breeding and feeding behavior, the onset of fall migration and presence of hummingbird species throughout the winter months in the United States. Focal species are the Ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) and Rufous hummingbird. Observational data is also available for Broad-tailed hummingbird (Selasphorus platycercus), Black-chinned hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri), Calliope hummingbird (Selasphorus calliope), Costa’s hummingbird (Calypte costae), Anna’s hummingbird (Calypte anna), Allen’s hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin).

  • Sheehan, Nancy, and Maricela Abarca. 2021Journey North - Barn Swallow observations by volunteer community scientists across Central and North America (2000-2020) 

https://portal.edirepository.org/nis/mapbrowse?packageid=edi.1170.1

Description: This data package contains Barn Swallow migration data consisting of 3,836 total observational reports from 2000 - 2020 across North America and Central America. These data were collected by 1,320 community scientists for Journey North, a crowdsourced participatory science program of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum. The Journey North Barn Swallow Project is an ongoing study of Barn Swallow phenology conducted at broad spatial and temporal scales. Since 2000, community scientists have tracked first arrival dates of Barn Swallows (Hirundo rustica) in the United States. Observers also provide estimates of the number of birds sighted. However, observers do not follow standardized methods for counting species observed. Observers do not observe at set times of the day, do not repeat observations regularly, and are not required to provide the length of time during which a specified number of species observed were counted. Therefore, it is recommended that this dataset be analyzed to indicate presence, not abundance. Researchers are encouraged to read the rich information provided by volunteers in their comments. These comments provide qualitative information about observational reports. Researchers are also encouraged to refer to submitted photographs that also provide context for observational reports. The Journey North Barn Swallow Project dataset is hosted by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Shared Web Hosting Service.

This data package contains tulip phenology data consisting of 21,148 total observational reports from 1996 - 2020 across North America. These data were collected by 6,645 community scientists for Journey North, a crowdsourced participatory science program of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum. The Journey North Tulip Test Garden Project is an ongoing study of tulip phenology conducted at broad spatial and temporal scales. Since 1996, community scientists have tracked planting, emergence, and blooming of tulips (Tulipa L.) in the United States. Most observations should be of the Red Emperor Tulip, but not all observations can be validated as this species. Researchers are encouraged to read observer comments to confirm tulip species. Observers also provide estimates of the number of tulips sighted. However, observers do not follow standardized methods for counting species observed. Observers do not observe at set times of the day, do not repeat observations regularly, and are not required to provide the length of time during which a specified number of species observed were counted. Therefore, it is recommended that this dataset be analyzed to indicate broad phenological information. Researchers are encouraged to read the rich information provided by volunteers in their comments. These comments provide qualitative information about observational reports. Researchers are also encouraged to refer to submitted photographs that also provide context for observational reports. The Journey North Tulip Test Garden Project dataset is hosted by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Shared Web Hosting Service.

This data package contains Red-winged Blackbird migration data consisting of 9,352 total observational reports from 1999 - 2020 across North and Central America. These data were collected by 4,647 community scientists for Journey North, a crowdsourced participatory science program of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum. The Journey North Red-winged Blackbird Project is an ongoing study of Red-winged Blackbird phenology conducted at broad spatial and temporal scales. Since 1999, community scientists have tracked first arrival dates and breeding and feeding behavior as well as the onset of fall migration and presence of Red-winged blackbird species throughout the winter months in the United States. The focal species is the Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus). Observers also provide estimates of the number of birds sighted. However, observers do not follow standardized methods for counting species observed. Observers do not observe at set times of the day, do not repeat observations regularly, and are not required to provide the length of time during which a specified number of species observed were counted. Therefore, it is recommended that this dataset be analyzed to indicate presence not abundance. Researchers are encouraged to read the rich information provided by volunteers in their comments. These comments provide qualitative information about observational reports. Researchers are also encouraged to refer to submitted photographs that also provide context for observational reports. The Journey North Red-winged Blackbird Project dataset is hosted by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Shared Web Hosting Service.

This data package contains American Robin migration data consisting of 39,260 total observational reports from 1996 - 2020 across North and Central America. These data were collected by 17,619 community scientists for Journey North, a crowdsourced participatory science program of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum. The Journey North American Robin Project is an ongoing study of American Robin phenology conducted at broad spatial and temporal scales. Since 1996, community scientists have tracked first arrival dates and breeding and feeding behavior as well as the onset of fall migration and presence of American Robin species throughout the winter months in the United States. The focal species is the American Robin (Turdus migratorius). Observers also provide estimates of the number of birds sighted. However, observers do not follow standardized methods for counting species observed. Observers do not observe at set times of the day, do not repeat observations regularly, and are not required to provide the length of time during which a specified number of species observed were counted. Therefore, it is recommended that this dataset be analyzed to indicate presence not abundance. Researchers are encouraged to read the rich information provided by volunteers in their comments. These comments provide qualitative information about observational reports. Researchers are also encouraged to refer to submitted photographs that also provide context for observational reports. The Journey North American Robin Project dataset is hosted by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Shared Web Hosting Service.

  • Sheehan, Nancy, and Maricela Abarca. 2022. Journey North - Oriole observations by volunteer community scientists across Central and North America (1997-2020) ver 2. Environmental Data Initiative.

https://doi.org/10.6073/pasta/2844e3353c633bcf4043ecb0955196b0

This data package contains oriole migration data consisting of 14,476 total observational reports from 1997 - 2020 across North and Central America. These data were collected by 7,331 community scientists for Journey North, a crowdsourced participatory science program of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum. The Journey North Oriole Project is an ongoing study of oriole phenology conducted at broad spatial and temporal scales. Since 1997, community scientists have tracked first arrival dates and breeding and feeding behavior as well as the onset of fall migration and presence of oriole species throughout the winter months in the United States. Focal species are the Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula), Bullock’s Oriole (Icterus bullockii), and Orchard Oriole (Icterus spurius fuertesi). Observers also provide estimates of the number of birds sighted. However, observers do not follow standardized methods for counting species observed. Observers do not observe at set times of the day, do not repeat observations regularly, and are not required to provide the length of time during which a specified number of species observed were counted. Therefore, it is recommended that this dataset be analyzed to indicate presence not abundance. Researchers are encouraged to read the rich information provided by volunteers in their comments. These comments provide qualitative information about observational reports. Researchers are also encouraged to refer to submitted photographs that also provide context for observational reports. The Journey North Oriole Project dataset is hosted by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Shared Web Hosting Service.

  • Sheehan, Nancy and M,aricela Abarca. 2022. Journey North - Common Loon and Ice-Out observations by volunteer community scientists across North America (1997-2020) ver 2. Environmental Data Initiative.

https://doi.org/10.6073/pasta/9b8eee58e19deed5d5e6fcbbf2318adf

This data package contains Common Loon migration and ice melt data consisting of 9,800 total observational reports from 1997 - 2020 across North America. These data were collected by 1,437 community scientists for Journey North, a crowdsourced participatory science program of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum. The Journey North Loon and Ice-Out Project is an ongoing study of loon and ice melt phenology conducted at broad spatial and temporal scales. Since 1997, community scientists have tracked first arrival dates of Common Loons (Gavia immer) and ice that has melted from bodies of water in the United States. Observers also provide estimates of the number of birds sighted. However, observers do not follow standardized methods for counting species observed. Observers do not observe at set times of the day, do not repeat observations regularly, and are not required to provide the length of time during which a specified number of species observed were counted. Therefore, it is recommended that this dataset be analyzed to indicate presence not abundance. Researchers are encouraged to read the rich information provided by volunteers in their comments. These comments provide qualitative information about observational reports. Researchers are also encouraged to refer to submitted photographs that also provide context for observational reports. The Journey North Common Loon and Ice-Out Project Project dataset is hosted by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Shared Web Hosting Service.

  • Sheehan„ Nancy and Maricela Abarca. 2022. Journey North - Gray Whale observations by volunteer community scientists across the Eastern Pacific Ocean (1997-2020) ver 3. Environmental Data Initiative.

https://doi.org/10.6073/pasta/9764f8f6df4cd4a8cdf9440a6483cdc0

This data package contains Gray Whale migration data consisting of 1,546 total observational reports from 1997 - 2020 across the Eastern Pacific Ocean. These data were collected by 163 community scientists for Journey North, a crowdsourced participatory science program of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum. The Journey North Gray Whale Project is a study of Gray Whale phenology conducted at broad spatial and temporal scales. Since 1997, community scientists have tracked the migration of Gray Whales (Eschrichtius robustus) through the Eastern Pacific Ocean. Observers also provide estimates of the number of whales sighted. However, observers do not follow standardized methods for counting species observed. Observers do not observe at set times of the day, do not repeat observations regularly, and are not required to provide the length of time during which a specified number of species observed were counted. Therefore, it is recommended that this dataset be analyzed to indicate presence not abundance. Researchers are encouraged to read the rich information provided by volunteers in their comments. These comments provide qualitative information about observational reports. Researchers are also encouraged to refer to submitted photographs that also provide context for observational reports. The Journey North Gray Whale Project dataset is hosted by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Shared Web Hosting Service.


For Community Members and Educators:

Site visitors are welcome to use the data from the website for educational purposes, or informal analyses. Educators may use the data in a classroom setting for practice in managing and interpreting data, and students may present posters using the data at science fairs or other venues. Educators may publish articles or lessons about how they have utilized the data, but not articles for which the main purpose is to provide information about migration biology or conservation. In the latter cases, educators should submit a request for permission using the process outlined below. Teachers may link to the Journey North site on their school website or social media sites but should not post the actual data.

Redistribution of Journey North Data

Without specific approval, no data provided by Journey North can be distributed beyond the individuals requesting the data. Raw data should not be made available for download through the Internet, but derived data (maps, tables) are usually acceptable. If you plan to present Journey North data on the Internet, the nature of the visualization(s) must be specified in your data request.

Authorship 

If a request for data includes proposed research with significant Journey North staff contributions, then agreement on the role of involved staff, joint authorship, and order of authors on publications must be reached before the data are released. Journey North review of manuscripts (or parts thereof) before submission to journals is requested.

Final publications are requested to be shared with Journey North so that Journey North can share relevant research with Journey North volunteers.

Acknowledgments

The researchers agree to use the citations provided if downloading data via the Environmental Data Initiative data portal, including authors, DOI numbers, and acknowledgment of Journey North volunteers, in all relevant publications.

If you are an educator and using Journey North data in informal settings, the following statement must be included in the acknowledgment section of any student work:

We wish to thank Journey North for providing this dataset. We also wish to thank all the observers who contributed data for the project.

If data retrieved from Journey North is to be used for web-based products (maps, summaries, etc.), please contact the Journey North Program Coordinator directly. 

Revocation of Privileges

Any researcher/author/user not abiding by this policy may forfeit future access to Journey North data.

Contact Information

Requests for data must be submitted to:

Journey North does not release any personal information about project volunteers.

Created 07/31/2020; Revised 08/19/2020; 11/05/2021; 10/30/2023