SPRINGFIELD TWP. — Even without a promise of good weather, 66 volunteers have signed up for Saturday's annual winter bird count in the Hamilton County Park District's 16 parks.

        This is the 28th year the district has conducted the one-day count. For many, it's an opportunity to get outdoors and perhaps see something different and exciting.

        But there is a larger design to the daylong count.

        “The idea is to have an accumulation of information,” said Carol Mundy, a park district naturalist who coordinates the bird count. “One year by itself is interesting, but it doesn't tell a very complete story. So by looking at these years of data collected you can find out if populations (of bird species) are increasing or decreasing.”

IF YOU GO

To participate in Saturday's bird count, call 521-7275, Ext. 240.

        The fluctuations in bird populations can indicate weather patterns and their effects and reveal changes in the habitat and environment.

        Some bird populations are sensitive to changes, especially in human population and sprawl, and will increase or decrease because of it.

        Ms. Mundy said, for instance, that populations of starlings and English sparrows could increase with the human population, while other species are more intolerant of the loss of green space.

        The accumulation of data could help planners and government officials decide issues of development.

        “I think it brings to everyone's attention just how important open greenspace is,” Ms. Mundy said. “By saving greenspace, you may stall some of that change taking place. With this accumulation of information, people will come to see how important preserving greenspace is.”

        Last year, 72 volunteers counted 22,264 birds, representing 67 species. That was similar to 1998, when 22,409 were counted, representing 69 species. The count is conducted between 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. at all 16 parks.

        Over the years, 350,000 birds have been counted, representing 115 species.

        Harry Sjolin, a Springfield Township retiree, has participated in the bird count for close to 30 years. He will be there again Saturday.

        “I've always been interested in nature,” Mr. Sjolin said. “It's fascinating just watching the habits of different birds.”

        Ms. Mundy said organizers emphasize that participants should be “hardy souls,” because of the long period of time spent outdoors.
       
       

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