When the last of the Valentine’s Day chocolates have been eaten and the flowers have begun to droop, it’ll be time for the 15th annual Great Backyard Bird Count, which this year takes place from Friday, February 17 through Monday, February 20.
During those 4 days, participants are asked to spend at least 15 minutes a day counting the birds they see at a site of their choice (their backyard, a local park, or wherever birds are known to congregate) and enter their counts online.
Until we had the snowfall this weekend, temperatures were surprisingly high (hardly ever below freezing) in Pittsburgh. Because surviving harsh winters is a focus of civic pride here, the mild weather was greeted with disappointment, disbelief, and even the occasional grumble. Where were the deep snows of yesteryear? The blustery winds?
It should be interesting to consider this year’s warmer weather from an avian perspective. Will the GBBC show an increase in the bird population? A greater variety of species? Or the presence of unexpected species? A few minutes a day of bird watching at the window or, say, in Schenley Plaza, may tell.
All GBBC participants become eligible for prizes that will be awarded by random drawing. The prizes are, of course, tools for better bird watching, such as feeders, binoculars, and field guides.
Those who have their cameras on hand while they’re counting birds can also submit photos. Both birds and the people who watch them are acceptable subjects, and the best photos will be posted on the GBBC website.
The GBBC has added a new map feature to its website that should be especially appealing to young birdwatchers. A dot will light up on the map whenever a checklist is entered online. Given the number of participants expected, the map should be flashing like crazy.
To learn more about the GBBC visit: http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/howto.html
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