Over Presidents Day weekend, birdwatchers across the U.S. and Canada will watch their feeders and favorite birding spots in what has become one of the biggest citizen scientist projects on the continent. The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is open to everyone, young and old, no matter his or her level of experience.
Last year an amazing 97,331 checklists were submitted, consisting 602 species and 11,233,609 individual birds. Here in Vermont we contributed 696 checklists with 75 species. American Goldfinch was top bird in the state, followed closely by, no surprise, Black-capped Chickadee. On the more unusual side, one each of Glaucous Gull, Gray Jay, Mute Swan, and Winter Wren was counted. Forty-six Bohemian Waxwings were reported, a species that is likely to be seen in higher numbers with this year’s irruption of the species.
Downy WoodpeckerSo what do you need? An interest in the birds, a notepad and pencil, an Internet connection, and an email address. A pair of binoculars is handy, but not necessary if your feeders are near your windows. Click here for the details. The GBBC website includes information on last year’s results, downloadable instructions, and last year’s photo contest winners (photographers, have your cameras ready for this year’s contest!).
This year, as we have the past several years, RCAS has scheduled its monthly monitoring walk around West Rutland Marsh to coincide with the Great Backyard Bird Count. The event is free – simply show up at the West Rutland Price Chopper parking lot at 8 a.m. on Saturday, February 19.
So whether you prefer the comfort of your snug, warm home or want to enjoy a little outdoor exercise at your local park or natural area, get ready to count some birds!