Big Backyard Bird Count

February 11, 2010 | Story by: Lindsey Chester | Categories: Environment, Events

Cary, NC – This weekend marks  the fourth annual National  “Great Backyard Bird Count”.  Sponsored by Kids Together Playground the event will begin on Saturday, February 13 at 9 am.

Why do we count birds?

Scientists and bird enthusiasts can learn a lot by knowing where the birds are.  Bird populations are dynamic and constantly on the move. Some questions scientists hope to answer are:

How will the timing of birds’ migrations compare with past years?

How are bird diseases, such as West Nile virus, affecting birds in different regions?

What kinds of differences in bird diversity are apparent in cities versus suburban, rural, and natural areas?

Are any birds undergoing worrisome declines that point to the need for conservation attention?

How does one count birds?

First you look around to notice where the birds are.  At Kids Together Playground, located in  Marla Dorrel Park, folks will first walk around the perimeter of the playground to  spot where the birds are.  Marla Dorrel, who will lead the event, says, “Birds are always there, but we’re not attuned to them”.

The process is this: once you spot a species of bird, take out a field guide to identify what you see. Then tally the number of that species that you have seen and record it.  Spend about 30 minutes or so counting all the birds you’ve seen. Participants are encouraged to count birds all weekend long.  In the past spotters have even seen red-tailed hawks and owls nesting in the park.

What is done with the information?

Anyone who counts birds anytime during the weekend can submit their counts using the tally sheet from the Great Bird Backyard Count (GBBC) web site. There is even a place on the web site that you can view data as it comes in from different parts of the country.

How did Cary get involved?

Marla Dorrel and her husband have been avid birders for about 30 years. When she learned about the Great Backyard Bird Count she thought the handicapped accessible park was the perfect place.

Ms. Dorrel thought the park “was an excellent place to hold this event because it helps to connect children of all levels with the natural environment”.

For more interesting events happening in Cary, check out the CaryCitizen Calendar. If you have an event you would like us to add to the calendar, email Lindsey Chester.