Annual Backyard Bird Count (Free!) - Wild Texas Forums: Parks, Travel & Recreation

Shannon · 02-07-2003, 10:56 PM

Quote:

We hope that most of you know about the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), running February 14-17 this year. It's a four-day event that invites everyone, everywhere to spend a little time watching birds on any or all of the count days and to enter their observations online at www.birdsource.org/gbbc. The GBBC is our way of focusing the eyes of the nation on birds to create more awareness about birds and to create a snapshot of winter bird distributions. The data collected will help show changes in bird populations over time.

It's a great family activity! Count at your yard, office, local park - wherever you see birds. Just count!

Here's where you can learn how to participate!

02-09-2003, 11:22 AM

With 3 feeders and an average consumption of 2 1/2 lbs of seed per day, I couldn't start to guess how many birds are in my yard on any given day

!

The Un-Named Texan.

Shannon · 02-09-2003, 11:36 AM

I used to have the same reaction, when I was monitoring 4 feeders and a block of suet for Feederwatch (the year-round component of the same program the Backyard Bird Count belongs to). On their report forms, at least back when I did it though, you could report how long you observed your feeders -- say 45 minutes to an hour -- and they'll use that data to extrapolate out and compare to other reports from your region.

Right now, we've got a resident Northern mockingbird that has claimed out suet feeder as his own and dutifully runs off any interlopers, including the golden-fronted woodpecker and eastern scrub jay that also try to visit it daily. Along with them, we've got some titmice, house sparrows and doves (of course--though, thankfully, we have more mourning and inca doves than white-wings.)

02-10-2003, 08:54 AM

As much as I like them, I have never seen any titmice in our area. Have to wait until we get to the Hill Country in spring to see them. Saw a large number of them the last time we were at Inks Lake SP.

Get a lot of dove, grackle, sparrows, jays and cardnals. Seeing a large number of blackbirds this year as well. I put a hummingbird feeder out later in the year. Don't draw a lot of action but enjoy what I get. Santa brought me a digital camera for Christmas and I want to see what kind of hummingbird shots I can get.

Speaking of hummers, have you ever been to South Llano SP and seen the hummingbird feeders at the Park Host's sites? Great place to hang out in the evenings.

Have a great day, The Un-Named Texan

Shannon · 02-10-2003, 09:49 PM

Feeling under the weather so I'll save a proper follow-up to your post for tomorrow evening after work.

However, the fine folks at the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology sent me their official press release for the Great Backyard Bird Count so I wanted to get that posted ASAP:

I'm attaching it (it's in Microsoft Word format) for those who have the software since it's more readable in that format. I'm also quoting it in this email for those who don't have Word or don't have time to download the document:

Quote:

Media contact: Allison Wells
(607) 254-2475 amw25@cornell.edu
Cornell Lab of Ornithology

6th ANNUAL GREAT BACKYARD BIRD COUNT NEEDS ALL BIRD WATCHERS TO HELP PROTECT AMERICA’S BIRDS AND HABITATS

Pioneer Web-based Count Spotlights Birds of Special Concern

Ithaca, NY, January 20, 2003 – All across North America, birds face survival challenges ranging from loss of habitat to introduced predators and diseases such as West Nile virus. The 6th Annual Great Backyard Bird Count (February 14-17) promises to add important new information to our understanding of birds’ movement and overall health by focusing our attention on common birds as well as on birds of special concern.

Once again, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society call on birders of every age and skill level to make the count possible. “We need every birder to join us,” said Audubon Senior Vice President of Science Frank Gill. “The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) has become a vitally important means of gathering data to help birds, but it can’t happen unless people take part. Whether you’re a novice or an expert, we need you to take part and help us help birds.”

A project of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Audubon, with sponsorship from Wild Birds Unlimited, the GBBC combines high-tech Web tools with an army of citizen-scientist bird observers. The GBBC asks families, individuals, classrooms, and community groups to count the numbers and kinds of birds that visit their feeders, local parks, schoolyards, and other areas during any or all of the four count days. Participants enter their sightings at BirdSource, www.birdsource.org/gbbc. The state-of-the-art web site was developed by Audubon and the Cornell Lab.

Begun in 1998, the GBBC has engaged more than a quarter of a million Americans of all ages and backgrounds, and united them in the effort to keep common birds common. “When the last Ivory-billed Woodpecker was seen in the 1930s, there was no concrete way for citizens to help professional ornithologists monitor bird populations,” says Cornell Lab of Ornithology director John Fitzpatrick, who this past year led an expedition hoping to rediscover one of North America’s most spectacular birds. “We cannot allow other species to face the same fate as the ivory-bill. The Great Backyard Bird Count provides a way for citizens to help us determine which birds are where and in what numbers, so we can take steps to protect those that need protecting.”

Too many species are already showing population declines. GBBC 2003 will put the spotlight on birds that appear on Audubon’s WatchList, an accounting of bird species in decline or at conservation risk due to dwindling habitat and other threats. “The WatchList is an early-warning system designed to raise awareness of birds in trouble, before they become endangered or threatened,” says Audubon’s Gill. “Think of the WatchList as preventative medicine.”

Audubon and the Cornell Lab are asking participants to pay special attention to the nearly 200 species of birds on the WatchList, which was updated in October of 2003. The site includes features relating to these birds and what participants can do to help them.

The GBBC is also important for more common species. In 2002, more than 47,000 participants counted millions of birds throughout North America. They helped the Cornell Lab and Audubon researchers make interesting observations. Evening Grosbeaks, plentiful in California in 2001, were nearly absent in 2002. Snowy Owls, magnificent hunters found predominantly in the northern part of the continent, were reported in 20 states and provinces during the 2002 count, including sightings from as far south as Oklahoma, Colorado, and Virginia. Last year’s count was again instrumental in helping track winter finches, such as Common Redpolls, Pine Grosbeaks, and White-winged Crossbills, that periodically shift their winter ranges southward, particularly in the Northeast.

For the last four years, GBBC participants have shown that Eurasian Collared-Doves are also “on the go,” backing results from other studies such as the Cornell Lab’s Project FeederWatch. Since their introduction into Florida in the 1980s, the birds have increased in number in that state and have steadily expanded their range in the U.S. They were reported in 21 states during the 2002 count. GBBC 2003 participants will continue to help scientists keep track of the consequences of this movement.

To view these results, beginners and experts alike are invited to visit the web site. There they will also find a vocabulary section, bird-watching and bird-feeding tips, bird vocalizations, and more, including information about House Finch eye disease and the Cornell Lab’s groundbreaking study involving citizen scientists. Educators will find the bibliography and geography sections especially handy, and will also find suggestions on how to conduct the count with groups of kids. For those tired of winter and ready for spring, there will be tips about planning and preparing for the spring bird garden.

“The Great Backyard Bird Count is a terrific way for individuals, families, schools, and community groups to contribute to a better understanding of birds,” says the Cornell Lab’s Fitzpatrick. “In return, they learn more about birds in the process. I can’t think of a more enjoyable—and more rewarding—way to spend a little time on a late-winter day.”

Instructions for participating can be found at www.birdsource.org. There is no fee or registration.

Those who would like to participate but aren’t online can try their local library. Many Wild Birds Unlimited locations also accept reports. Libraries, businesses, nature clubs, Scout troops, and other community organizations interested in promoting the GBBC or getting involved can contact the Cornell Lab of Ornithology at 800/843-2473 (outside the U.S., call 607/254-2473); 159 Sapsucker Woods Road, Ithaca, New York 14850.

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a nonprofit membership institution interpreting and conserving the earth’s biological diversity through research, education, and citizen science focused on birds.

Audubon is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitat that supports them. Our growing network of community-based Audubon Centers, grass roots science programs for bird enthusiasts, and advocacy on behalf of ecosystems sustaining important bird populations, engage millions of people of all ages and backgrounds in positive conservation experiences.

Shannon · 02-14-2003, 11:57 AM

Thought I'd share the results I'm reporting for today to the Backyard Bird Count after 28 minutes of birdwatching my backyard this afternoon:

Observation Time: 4:20 PM - 4:48 PM
Habitat: Suburban/Scrub (greenbelt, NW San Antonio near Camp Bullis) -- nothing fancy, but still plenty of chirpers around.

Species --- Max. # observed @ one time
Northern mockingbird --- 1
Northern cardinal --- 2
house sparrow --- 11
turkey vulture --- 2 (soaring above our greenbelt)
mourning dove ---- 2

See how easy this is? Cheap entertainment, and it's for the good of science, too! The count runs through President's Day, so you've got time to fill up those feeders and watch them for 15 minutes or more.

Shannon · 02-15-2003, 09:44 AM

Day #2, morning observation (7:58 AM - 8:32 AM)

Species --- Max. # observed @ one time
Northern mockingbird --- 1
Northern cardinal --- 6!
house sparrow --- 7
chipping sparrow --- 13!
American goldfinch --- 1
house finch --- 1
tufted/black crested titmouse -- 1
mourning dove ---- 4

And this all in just our tiny backyard!

PS: Just in case you think I'm just a geek (guilty as charged), check out the 2003 Backyard Bird Count Stats for TEXAS to see how others have reported during the bird count weekend.

Shannon · 02-16-2003, 01:35 PM

Day #3 - mid-day observation (12-12:35 pm)

Species --- Max. # observed @ one time
Northern mockingbird --- 1
European starlings --- 2
chipping sparrow --- 7
house sparrow --- 6
house finch --- 1
mourning dove --- 2

ploddinTod · 12-16-2004, 11:24 PM

Shannon,
Don't you have the company of robins at this time of year in your part of the state? We get them yearly here on the gulf coast. It'll be interesting to see if they arrive early this year due to recent cold snap.

Shannon · 12-17-2004, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ploddinTod

Shannon,
Don't you have the company of robins at this time of year in your part of the state? We get them yearly here on the gulf coast. It'll be interesting to see if they arrive early this year due to recent cold snap.

I think I spotted a robin about a week ago, but I've not see many birds lately -- mostly my usual house sparrows, house finches and the occasional mockingbird. We had flooding in the "greenbelt" behind our house which toppled a lot of the good, dense brush the birds seemed to like retreating to, so that could be a possible factor.

ploddinTod · 12-17-2004, 11:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shannon

I think I spotted a robin about a week ago, but I've not see many birds lately -- mostly my usual house sparrows, house finches and the occasional mockingbird. We had flooding in the "greenbelt" behind our house which toppled a lot of the good, dense brush the birds seemed to like retreating to, so that could be a possible factor.

I should have clarified myself more. Actually, I was refering to your bird counts of Feb. Usually we have robins by then. But as of right now, I have not seen any. :confused:

kai · 01-03-2005, 11:18 AM

Have you guys heard of Project FeederWatch? It seems like a neat program, although there is a $15 fee to particpate. It seems odd to pay for the novelty of collecting data for them, but thats OK. I've joined in order to force me to learn my birds better. However, I've hit a snag- the big, fat squirrels that we have here tend to raid the feeder as soon as I fill it. And when the feeder is empty, i have no birds

but when the feeder is full, I have a grand central station type of birding location right on my back deck- and i can sit in the sunroom, in the comfort of an afghan on my couch, and keep a tally.

another website that I found concerning bird lists is www.enature.com - you can personalize your location by entering your zipcode, and it kind of narrows the list of birds your likely to see to aid in IDing your birds (or mammals, trees, shrubs, etc...) - you can also look up mammal tracks there, which is nice. you can even log on and save your sighting lists for future reference.

kai · 01-03-2005, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kai

Have you guys heard of Project FeederWatch? It seems like a neat program, although there is a $15 fee to particpate. It seems odd to pay for the novelty of collecting data for them, but thats OK. I've joined in order to force me to learn my birds better. However, I've hit a snag- the big, fat squirrels that we have here tend to raid the feeder as soon as I fill it. And when the feeder is empty, i have no birds

but when the feeder is full, I have a grand central station type of birding location right on my back deck- and i can sit in the sunroom, in the comfort of an afghan on my couch, and keep a tally.

and, now that I scrolled up in the conversation to 2 years ago, i see you mentioned it. sorry. but hey- its worth repeating

and noting that its still going on

Shannon · 01-03-2005, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kai

and, now that I scrolled up in the conversation to 2 years ago, i see you mentioned it. sorry. but hey- its worth repeating

and noting that its still going on

It's always worth repeating. I've been a Project Feederwatch participant for 6 or 7 years now -- even when we lived in an apartment! I haven't been doing well this season on actually counting or reporting my results, but it's still educational. That, and I'm a big believer in the "citizen science" that is behind Feederwatch and the annual Backyard Bird Count. I guess it's the same reason I enjoy things like the SETI screensaver (which uses idle processes on participant's computers to help analyze signals collected by radio telescopes throughout the globe -- yea, searching for E.T.) and anything else that lets ordinary folks participate in science in some small yet meaningful way.

Feederwatch has grown and matured a lot over the years. The only way to submit your count data several years ago was to fill out a lengthy Scan-Tron type booklet (remember your SAT exam?) and mail that to them. Now you can do it entirely online, which provides them with count data quicker and makes it far easier to participate.

Shannon · 01-05-2005, 04:01 PM

Spurred by Kai's recent post about PFW (Project Feederwatch), I washed out all five of my seed feeders today (4 reserved for black oil sunflower seeds, 1 for thistle/niger seed) and filled them to overflowing.

Can you believe that moments ago I counted THIRTY American goldfinches in my suburban San Antonio backyard? It helps that a cool front has finally rolled in and dropped the temperatures about 15-20 degrees -- feels wonderful outside, and the birds seem to concur.

Regarding goldfinches, this is the first winter ever that we have had goldfinches hang around through the winter. It's wonderful to see them starting to get their namesake golden plumeage. Usually, the smallest birds I have at my feeders are a couple tufted titmice or (near the feeders) a bushtit or carolina wren. Now it's the goldfinches, in serious numbers! Sorry, no photos. I should've set up a blind out back a long time ago so they could get used to me being out there in it -- that yields better photos than shooting though our plate glass windows (tinted, no less).

Here's a sample Feederwatch participant. She does a lot more than I do -- I just make sure my bird bath is clean and filled and that at least 3 of the 5 feeders are full every other day (I have squirrels that clean out my two deck-mounted feeders, so I can't keep them stocked 100% of the time!)

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw/Mem...JanetAllen.htm

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