SURVEY TRACKS BACKYARD FEATHERED-FRIENDS

Spotting backyard birds can be a relaxing and fun way to enjoy wildlife during the colder months

PRATT – Bird watchers around the state can participate in two essential studies on winter bird populations simply by keeping a watchful eye. The first study will begin with the Kansas Winter Bird Feeder Survey, Jan. 30–Feb. 2, followed by the 2014 Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) Feb. 14–17.

Participants of the Winter Bird Feeder Survey are asked to observe and record the number www.ksoutdoors.com, and mailing it in. Information gleaned from this survey will help the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) track songbird population trends and types of feed that are most attractive to backyard birds.

and species of birds visiting their backyard feeders on two consecutive days between Jan. 30 and Feb. 2. Watchers can report the results by downloading the survey form found on

During the two-day survey, birders are encouraged to record the times of day they observed birds, the number of each species seen, along with a description of their feeders using the form provided. Each species should be listed by the highest number seen together at any one time. For example, if 10 juncos are seen at 9 a.m., 11 at 12 p.m., and seven at 4 p.m., the number recorded would then be 11.

Following the Winter Bird Feeder Survey, birders can also participate in the GBBC beginning Feb. 14. Unlike the Winter Bird Feeder Survey where participants view birds at a feeder for any length of time, the annual GBBC asks participants to watch birds at any location for a minimum of 15 minutes. This effort aids in better defining bird ranges, populations, migration pathways, and habitat needs. Participants then tally the numbers of each species seen, and report their observations online at www.birdcount.org.

This will be the last year that Kansas has a separate Winter Bird Feeder Survey as future surveys will be integrated with the GBBC. This change will allow participants to enter their data online, eliminating mail-in data forms, and will also allow researchers better access to recorded data. In the future, participants and other Ebird users will also be able to view the data and interactive maps developed with the data entered online.

Global participation will be made possible by www.ebird.org, a real-time online checklist program that the Cornell Lab and Audubon are integrating into the GBBC for the first time this year. The four-day event will receive sightings from tens of thousands of participants who may record more than 600 bird species in the United States and Canada alone.

For more information regarding the Great Backyard Bird Count visit www.birdsource.org/gbbc/ or www.ebird.org.

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CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS IN 112TH YEAR

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Kansas Ornithological Society Christmas Bird Count runs Dec. 11-Jan. 8; Audubon count Dec. 14-Jan. 5
PRATT — An early December cold spell has many bird lovers filling their backyard feeders and preparing for the winter delight of backyard bird watching. For the most avid of bird watchers, December is also the time to go afield and participate in the annual Christmas bird counts (CBCs), sponsored by the Kansas Ornithological Society (KOS) and the Kansas Audubon Society. Christmas bird counts are great for making new acquaintances, renewing old friendships, and learning more about birds and bird watching in Kansas.

This is the 112th year for organized Christmas bird counts, and more than 2,000 counts are held across the nation each year. Kansas averages 50 counts per year, with more than 40 scheduled so far this year and others yet to be announced. Many counts are concentrated in the eastern and southern parts of the state, but in recent years, more have been conducted in western portions of the state — such as Clark County and the Cimarron National Grasslands — providing additional opportunities to participate.

Christmas bird counts are conducted in circular census areas with a 7.5 mile radius. This is consistent from count-to-count and year-to-year, always surveying the same locations and ensuring that data collected is comparable for population trends over time.

CBCs are easy to prepare for, the best tools being a pair of binoculars, a good field guide, and appropriate clothing and footwear for possible extreme weather. For those counting in an area with a lake, a good spotting scope can be extremely helpful in identifying birds at a distance. It’s also a good idea to study what the expected species are for your location.

There are many count compilers in Kansas who only send data to the Kansas Ornithological Society (KOS), and these counts are free. The KOS will accept data collected on counts from Dec. 14 through Jan. 5, 2012, giving counters plenty of time to help survey their favorite areas. However, the official Audubon Christmas Bird Count period is Dec. 14 to Jan. 5 every year. The Audubon count requires a $5 participation fee for persons 18 and older, with the money going toward the cost of data publication.

Information about Kansas CBCs can be found at the Kansas Ornithological Society website,www.ksbirds.org. For details, just click Kansas Christmas Bird Counts. Information about Audubon counts may be found at birds.audubon.org/christmas-bird-count# .

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