BS: Great Backyard Bird Count

Subject: BS: Great Backyard Bird Count
From: Arkie
Date: 19 Dec 12 - 11:55 AM

The Cornell Ornithology Lab's Great Backyard Bird Count is scheduled for February 15-18 and anyone who wishes to join in is welcome. There are specific guidelines but the count can be done from a window overlooking a feeding area or anywhere else that might be convenient and reports can cover one or multiple days within the count time frame. Last year was my first but I intend to do it again. There are also people who can offer advice for those who may be stumped by a new bird at the feeder. Last year I had what appeared to be an Oregon Junco and took a photo that was determined by the Cornell rep to be a hybrid.

GBBC at Cornell

Subject: RE: BS: Great Backyard Bird Count
From: Beer
Date: 19 Dec 12 - 12:03 PM

I have been doing tis for a number of years and intend to continue. Thanks for posting this Arkie.

Adrien

Subject: RE: BS: Great Backyard Bird Count
From: GUEST,999
Date: 19 Dec 12 - 03:11 PM

Ditto, but in the front yard.

Subject: RE: BS: Great Backyard Bird Count
From: Arkie
Date: 20 Dec 12 - 02:13 PM

One of the things I like about this, is that it can be done at the surveyor's convenience from what ever site you choose. I tried to get in on the Christmas bird count but could not find a group.

Subject: RE: BS: Great Backyard Bird Count
From: theleveller
Date: 20 Dec 12 - 02:40 PM

In BRitain we have the RSPB Great Garden Bird Watch _ I wrote the TV commercisl for it.

Subject: RE: BS: Great Backyard Bird Count
From: Arkie
Date: 20 Dec 12 - 06:33 PM

Lev, its nice to know that Great Britain has TV time promoting your bird watch. And good to know you have a piece of the action. Thanks for reporting in. I noticed that last year your report indicated a decline in the Starling and English Sparrow population. That would not be bad news in some circles in this country as both have an adverse affect on our Purple Martin nesting. I witnessed and interrupted a Starling attack on a Martin nest. While I think they are actually pretty birds, I don't like finding dead Martin babies. The Sparrows will move into bluebird houses, killing the babies and building a nest over the dead bodies. I remove Sparrow nests when I find them in bluebird boxes. I don't bother the Sparrow nests in trees.

Subject: RE: BS: Great Backyard Bird Count
From: Janie
Date: 20 Dec 12 - 08:48 PM

What Beer said, including the thanks to Arkie for posting.

On a nearer front, get yer 2012 lists ready to post and share notes about to wind up our own Mudcat annual birdwatching thread.