Environment
Bird Count Helps Scientists Study Wildlife Population
By
Sep 25, 2005, 01:04

(NUI) - In the United States, an average of 2.1 million acres of land is converted to residential use every year, and 80 percent of U.S. households have private lawns, more than any other country in the world, according to the National Audubon Society.

This enormous, though often overlooked, habitat is crucial in efforts to save North American birds and the natural resources they depend upon.

From February 13 through February 16, 2004, bird enthusiasts can take part in the Great Backyard Bird Count, a project developed and managed by the National Audubon Society and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. During the event, everyone who enjoys birds will be able to submit their observations through BirdSource at www.bird source.org.

The purpose of the project is to track the abundance and distribution of North America's winter birds as a means to ensure that common birds remain common, especially during a time when birds face many environmental hurdles.

"The Great Backyard Bird Count is a terrific way for individuals, families, schools and community groups to contribute to a better understanding of birds," said Frank Gill, Audubon's director of science.

Whether they spend a few minutes or several hours counting birds, participants will help scientists determine the status of birds throughout the continent. At the same time, the project will teach participants how to turn their back yards into real, useful habitats for birds.

"Participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count gives people a first-hand view of how important bird-friendly back yards are to many bird species," Gill said.

In preparation for the count, participants can visit the BirdSource Web site for suggestions on how to become a bird-friendly family. For instance, families can go on bird-watching outings, keep an annual list of birds that visit the yard, and encourage children to learn more about birds and the habitat around their home by keeping a pair of binoculars and a field guide handy.

Participants also are encouraged to visit the"Audubon At Home" Web site, www.audubon .org, to learn the best ways to improve the health and diversity of their back yard with native plants, water and other wildlife-friendly elements.

Instructions for participating in the bird count, along with bird watching and feeding tips, can be found at www.birdsource.org. Registration is free.

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