Great Backyard Bird Count
Citizen scientists count birds
For many, the thought of an outdoor enthusiast brings up images of buff hikers with legs of steal and heavy packs, or rugged survivalists who are more comfortable in the woods than in town.
For some, that's true.
But there's another group of outdoor fans who are every bit as dedicated to their pursuit - birdwatchers.
Beginning today, people are encouraged to participate in the 13th annual Great Backyard Bird Count.
The four-day event runs today through Monday giving people a chance to participate in a grand social experiment.
Participants simply count birds in their own backyards, park or any other area where birds can be found, then report their findings online at www.birdcount.org.
People can participate as little or as much as they'd like - one short excursion into the backyard or all four days.
These "citizen scientists" can be beginners or expert birdwatchers.
During the last dozen years, tens of thousands of birdwatchers have participated. Last year, more than 93,600 lists were submitted online.
With participation across North America for four days, the survey provides a snapshot of bird populations.
Participants can go online during the survey and see real-time data on maps and charts as reports filter in.
Beginning birders can also find tips on identifying birds and enter a photo contest for bird feeders, binoculars, books, CDs and other products if they capture a great image during their birding forays. Many photos will be featured in an online photo gallery.
Information gathered during the surveys will be used by Audubon, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Bird Studies Canada.
Researchers will be able to better track shifting bird populations and may spot trends earlier thanks to the information gathered during the four-day effort.
An example of that data came during the 2009 bird count when Pine Siskins were counted in the southeastern United States at rates seven times higher and on more than four times as many checklists than the previous high from 2005.
Researchers believe a failure of seed crops caused Pine Siskins to move south to find food.
And the birds can be counted in many more areas since normal bird surveys focus on public areas and the Backyard Bird Count will get counts from private lands as well.
Birdwatchers are among the most loyal and numerous among the outdoor enthusiasts.
According to a survey conducted using 2005 data by Southwick Associates on outdoor recreation impacts, wildlife viewing - including birdwatching - are enormously popular activities and economic drivers.
In Vermont, there are 282,000 wildlife watchers. That's 54 percent of the state's population in 2005 and the majority of those are bird watchers.
By comparison, the second most numerous group in Vermont were trail users at just less than 163,000 users, or about 33 percent.
For more information about the Great Backyard Bird Count, visit www.birdcount.org.
Darren Marcy is a local outdoor enthusiast. Contact him at darren@darrenmarcyoutdoors.com or through his Web site at www.DarrenMarcyOutdoors.com.
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