Winter 2022 Covid-19 Update
As of 2022-01-24
Field Trips Update -- In light of the continuing spread of the Covid-19 "omicron variant," the chapter has continued to put on hold plans to restart its public bird watching program. We will continue to closely monitor the "omicron variant" situation in hopes it will abate and group gatherings will become less risky in the
Blake Allison, Steering Committee Chair
February Bird Counts
February marks the advent of two, important, annual backyard birding events both locally and nationally. These counts have taken on heightened importance in the wake of reporting that showed a shocking decline of the bird population in the United States and Canada over the last five decades. The study estimated wild bird populations have declined 30% since 1970.
Several suggestions have been put forward regarding what individuals can do to contribute to a better understanding of the circumstances involved in that precipitous decrease. One way is to become a “citizen scientist” and help track bird populations in your backyard or neighborhood. There are two good opportunities in February where you can make a contribution to this endeavor while either afield or by watching backyard feeders from the comfort of your own home.
The first is the “Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC).” A joint project of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society, the “GBBC” is now in its 22nd year. This year's count will take place between Friday, February 18 and Monday, February 21. Click on the following link for more information.
https://birdcount.org
The other opportunity is NH Audubon’s “Backyard Winter Bird Survey.” This annual event is to take place this year on Saturday, February 12 and Sunday, February 13. More information about that count and how to participate in it can be found by clicking on the following link:
https://nhbirdrecords.org/backyard-winter-bird-survey/
Of course, you needn’t limit your counting to just February. Set up your own account with the Cornell Lab’s eBIrd project and submit your bird counts at your convenience. Information on how to do that can be found using this link:
https://ebird.org/home
