ITHACA, New York — For 25 years backyard birders have had a chance to become citizen scientists by participating in the annual Great Backyard Bird Count.

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The annual event gives tens of thousands of birders the opportunity to join with scientists to identify and count the birds they see in backyards and woodlands around the United States and Canada for a few days each February. That information is then entered into a massive database used by scientists to track changes in bird populations over time.

This year, the GBBC is scheduled for four days stretching from Friday, Feb 18, through Monday, Feb. 21. And the information gathered during that event appears to be growing more important to scientists by the year.

“Birds tell us how our environment and climate are changing,” said Chad Wilsey, chief scientist at the National Audubon Society. “By joining the Great Backyard Bird Count, participants can contribute valuable data that help scientists better understand our surroundings. Together we can use this information to better protect birds and the places they need.”

The Great Backyard Bird Count is a joint project of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, National Audubon Society, and Birds Canada. Participants are asked to identify and count birds over a particular length of time – say no less than 15 minutes — and then report what they see to special online sites set up by Cornell. It’s easy for people of all skill levels.

“Sometimes people feel intimidated about jumping into the world of birds if they have no previous experience,” said Patrick Nadeau, president of Birds Canada. “The Great Backyard Bird Count is a wonderful way to get your feet wet, feel the warmth of the community, and start to realize the wonders in your own neighborhood. The tools and resources are free. And you are helping birds when you get involved.”

Locally, the LaGrange County Parks and Recreation Department will be participating. In addition, Naturalist Leslie Arnold will be hosting two birding events that encourage people to visit Maple Wood Nature Center and watch the birds that come to the park’s feeders.

Arnold said she likes being part of the program.

“I enjoy participating in these counts because it’s a cool feeling to know at that exact same moment all across the United States other people are also counting birds just like you,” Arnold explained. “It is a great way to learn the names of the birds that visit your feeder. It is also a great way to contribute to real scientific data about migration patterns and declining populations. I get a lot of enjoyment out of watching the birds, and I feel this is a small way I can repay the birds for everything they do for me.”Arnold said she will be inviting visitors to spend time bird watching at the park, starting on Friday, Feb. 18, from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. and again on Saturday, Feb 19, from 9 a.m. until noon.

Arnold has a few tips for people who want to participate by observing and counting the birds that visit their backyards.

“Remember to only count the highest number of a species at one time. In other words, do not count a male Cardinal every time one comes to the feeder,” she explained. “You could unknowingly be counting the same Cardinal over and over again. This will give you inaccurate data. Instead, count one male Cardinal, and then wait until you have two male Cardinals at your feeder at the same time to say that your total is two. Just counting the high total also becomes a challenging game when you have a flock of friends like Juncos come in together. You need to try and count them quickly to see if you can increase your total or if you have to keep on pins and needles for just one more friend to fly in and join the flock. Also, remember to keep track of the amount of time you sit and watch. It is also helpful to note the hours of the day.”

People participating enter a new checklist for each new location or time of day during the four-day count. There are also tools and information on the GBBC website to help new and returning birders. Those interested are invited to watch a special webinar about how to participate in the GBBC. That broadcast takes place on Feb. 16 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. And it’s free. Simply visit birdcount.org and follow the prompts.

Steuben County Naturalist Fred Wooley said the information collected during the count is invaluable to scientists.

“With so many birders spread across the county, this gives us a snapshot of the birds that are in that area at that time,” he said. “But when you do this year after year after year, you begin to see trends. Scientists can only go so far, but birders are excellent at what they do.”

Last year, a record number of participants joined the count. An estimated 300,000 people submitted checklists reporting 6,436 species.

“The GBBC is about the birds, but it’s also about the people,” said David Bonter, the Cornell Lab’s co-director at the Center for Engagement in Science and Nature. “It’s clear from scientific studies that getting outdoors or connecting with nature — even watching or listening to birds from home — does people a lot of good.”

Many GBBC participants discover a fascination with birds for the first time and find it a welcome distraction from pandemic worries, as this new birdwatcher from Maryland explains.

“Like many others, I found solace in the natural world, especially in birds,” said participant Anna Anders about birding during the pandemic. “I now had time to observe and learn more about them. I began going birding, put out more feeders and a birdbath, took birding classes, and started my life list…I can’t wait to do the GBBC…and continue my birding journey!”

All participants are urged to watch birds safely as they begin or continue their own birding journey. That means following COVID protocols for your area, not gathering in large groups, and wearing masks if you’re unable to remain at least six feet apart from others.

Source: https://www.kpcnews.com/newssun/article_f1e0c96e-4006-5652-8736-515d81618fd4.html