 |
| Photo by Bill Slavin |
Thousands of migratory birds died in New Mexico last year. A freak phenomenon. Scientists suggested an early cold front, drought, smoke from the Western fires, lack of insects, too early migration. My heart dropped at the news. One less chance for us to witness the amazing flights of birds. Just one more indicator that climate change is wreaking havoc around us. Just one more sign of a horrific year.
Yet there is hope. Last year the United States rose to first place as the country with the most participants in the Audubon annual bird count held every year on Valentine's weekend. Americans submitted 169,234 checklists of birds witnessed over a four day period. The number of species reported worldwide increased to 6942 from 6699 the year before.
The most frequently reported species in North America have familiar names: Northern Cardinal, Dark-eyed Junko, Mourning Dove, Downy Woodpecker, Blue Jay, and House Sparrow. Observed reported over seven million Snow Geese and 3.5 million Common Murre, the two most numerous birds counted in 2020, with Canadian Geese right behind. Because of the mild winter in North America, the flocks of geese stayed farther north longer unlike other migratory birds that began returning to their summer homes too early.
 |
| Photo by Bill Slavin |
This year as I worked on homemade Valentine's, I decided to participate by counting the types of birds that frequent our backyard. The instructions are simple: watch birds for at least 15 minutes or more for four days and record the species findings on one of two apps, Merlin Bird ID or eBird Mobile app. At first, I wondered how I could count birds as I have done for the annual bee/pollinator count. The instructions for counting bees are simple too: sit down and observe a single plant or tree. Count the number and type of bees/pollinators that you see. I found that most plants that attract bees had less than a dozen, so they were easy to count. In the Spring though, trees such as Japanese Maples and flowering fruit trees can have swarms of bees -- a good thing -- but impossible to count each one. When my 15 minutes was up, I sent my information to the Big Bee Count organization.
Since we are still enveloped in COVID-19 restrictions, counting birds or bees is a perfect activity, a chance to get outdoors. What else is more important than taking the time to honor the life that lives right around us?
 |
| Photo by Bill Slavin |
Just a note: If you live in Northern California, birdwatchers recommend that you take down your bird feeders right now, clean and sterilize them. Salmonella is affecting birds this season. Let them forage in natural places instead of your feeder.
Read more about the annual bird count here:
Download one of the apps for the annual bird count:
https://www.birdcount.org/merlin-bird-id-app
https://www.birdcount.org/ebird-mobile-app/
Read about counting bees here:
Great post, Martha. What a wonderful way to be a citizen scientist. Bill's fantastic photos prompted me to dig up this old poem from a few years ago:
ReplyDeleteHopeful Homeowners
A pair of quail evaluate the space around my patio,
a couple, hunting for the perfect place to nest;
he in ornamental best, white chinstrap standing out
on pearly chest and dandy plume a-bob;
she in captivating brown, downy belly round with eggs
(what fun to see a line of furry chicks on tiny legs!)
They're just the kind of neighbors we prefer;
I do hope they concur.
I love this poem. Thank you for sharing it with other readers here, Teresa. With a sense of humor too.
Deletefantastic post. love the photos and the information. What a lovely way o spend the pandemic. Peace to you
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comments. Yes, the birds inspire peace.
Delete