Thursday, February 17, 2000
Here's how to join the bird count
BY MIKE PULFER
The Cincinnati Enquirer
If it sings like a bird and it soars like a bird and it eats like a bird, it's probably a bird. Count it.
Even if you don't know a sparrow from a buzzard, you can participate in the National Audubon Society's Great Backyard Bird Count 2000 this weekend.
Just sit and watch and write what you see Friday, Saturday, Sunday or Monday. Or each of the four days. Then enter your results at the Society's Web site, www.audubon.org/chapter.
If you don't have a computer, call (800) 843-2473 or check with your local library about computer and Internet access.
If you don't want to count, but you're interested in the results, watch the Web site during and after the event. Numbers will be posted as soon as they are received and processed.
If you'll be watching for birds — for at least 15 minutes — remember to count only the largest group of a particular type of bird you see. That way, officials say, you won't be counting the same birds twice.
When you report your findings, the Society and its project partner, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, will want to know when and how long you observed and in what sort of habitat; the weather conditions at the time; your ability to identify birds; and your ZIP code.
The findings will be used to document migration patterns and population trends, which can be used as early indicators of “endangered species” status.
One species under scrutiny in Ohio is the red-headed woodpecker, which has been showing population declines in recent bird counts. Another is the evening grosbeak, which migrates to Ohio from Canada.
Before you start your count, officials suggest that you keep the cat inside, put out water to attract birds, review a species checklist for Ohio (available at the Audubon Web site) and consult a field guide so you'll be familiar with them. Then, grab a pair of binoculars and get comfortable, indoors or out.
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