Great Backyard Bird Count coming this February
2009 Backyard Bird Count 2/13-2/16
Birding From Your Home
Here's an update from Colleen Snow of Wild Bird Country, a birding supply store in Edison, about the upcoming Great Backyard Bird Count:
So, it's cold outside and you don't feel like getting all bundled up to venture out and count birds. Ok. How about taking 15 minutes and sitting by a window in your home with a cup of hot chocolate, pencil and pad of paper? Yep, it's that easy to participate in the 2009 Backyard Bird Count co-sponsored by Audubon and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
During the weekend of February 13th-16th, people like you and I will set aside at least 15 minutes of their day to count the different types of birds and highest concentration of each they see in their chosen location. You may look out your kitchen window, stroll the neighborhood, go to a park, stop by a local pond or lake.....the possibilities are endless. You will also be asked to take note of weather conditions, snow depth (if applicable), time of day, etc.
The data form is available online at 2009 Data Form in pdf format. If you cannot print the form, we will have copies available at the store. You will also want to print the Bird Checklist for your area. Just enter your zip code or the name of the area where you will be counting and the list of birds likely to be found this time of year will be displayed. Again, we will have copies of lists for the surrounding areas available at the store.
You may participate in the Backyard Bird Count once or multiple times. You can also count at one or more locations. All that is required is that a separate Data Form and Tally be submitted for each time and place. The information may be entered online or mailed in. It is then compiled to track trends in populations, migration, unusual irruptions (like the Pine Siskins in NJ this winter), etc. and made available to scientists and regular citizens alike.
It would be a good idea to start taking notice of what birds are in your yard and/or around your feeder(s) to be sure you can identify them when counting. We, of course, have guides available to help you pin down the ones you don't know. Or, you can try to get a photo or description and drop in or email it to me and I'll help you out.
Now that you have no more excuses, let's get on with the count.
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