AuSable Valley Audubon

The 28^th annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) will take place February 14-17.  Residents of Iosco and Alcona counties will have an opportunity to submit valuable data to researchers about the numbers and various species of birds located in these regions prior to the massive spring global migrations.

Sponsored by Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Audubon, Birds Canada, and Wild Birds Unlimited, the event is open to anyone.  Observers may count one or all four days for at least 15 minutes each day.  Participants may tally birds visiting their feeders, in their neighborhoods, woodland area, or along water spaces.  New totals are requested for each day or area.  Results are then submitted online to bird count.org.  Easy to follow instructions guide the observer through the submission process.  Help knowing the birds found in your area, or the ability to identify various avian sounds are also valuable clues.  When submitting names, just check those possibilities pre-listed online in your area.  It’s simple !

“With the aid of modern technology and an increasing number of professional and amateur participants reporting online, scientists are now able to get a quick snapshot of where the various species are located, plus the population status of each prior to the massive movements to spring and summer breeding grounds,” added Peggy Ridgway , local ambassador for this world wide event. Many avians travel thousands of miles to reach nesting grounds which may take two or three months for some.

Therefore, it’s not uncommon for many to begin the journey at the end of February, so that’s why the timing of the GBBC is crucial. Hundreds will also travel in the calm of night when air currents are steadier, temperatures more even, and predators less prevalent.  

An online webinar will be held on Thursday, February 6^th at  7:00 pm and again on February 12^th at 3:00 pm to further explain participation in this event and answer any questions viewers may have.  Log onto birdcount.org to register.

During the 2024 annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC) a rare winter sighting of a yellow throated warbler (see photo) was documented at a suet feeder in the Oscoda area. Recently is has been observed in Tawas and seems to be moving south.  So keep your eyes open for this unusual visitor!  Also, be on the lookout for cedar waxwings, as their numbers here are way down this winter. 

With over 200 countries participating, we can truly get a bird’s eye view of the populations and locations of the over 11, 000 species that inhabit this earth, and  your corner of the globe counts!