Tag Archives: Great_Backyard_Bird_Count

Pre-storm Birds

We’ve had a Nor’easter forecast for a week and it’s hitting today. Yesterday Ginger and I took several outings and found a number of interesting birds along the river.

In an early walk, I surprised a few Mallards, only to notice that one was a diving duck. It was a first sighting for this spot, a Ring-necked Duck who was actively feeding for about an hour.

The Mallards were busy in the icy water as well. The second photo is some of them just ten days ago.

December 15
December 5

We’ve been seeing a Great Blue Heron nearly every day in December but yesterday, he was situated on our path blocked by brush. So you’ll have to believe me but you can see part of his beak and coloration, and his back.

This pair of Hooded Mergansers has delighted us — they don’t breed for a few months but they look ready to rock and roll. Enjoy

Birdseye BirdLog App Now $.99 — Get It

In conjunction with Great Backyard Bird Count, the wonderful app BirdLog is available for $.99 for a limited time.  I paid $9.99 and think it was worth every penny — you may recall I raved about it here.  How can you miss for less than a dollar?

BirdLog lets you tally birds as you move along on a birding outing and submit the report as soon as you are done.  In the frigid weather we’ve been having, I often wait until I get my fingers thawed out in the truck.  One thing I like is the easy way to put in a personal hotspot — if you have 3G, the GPS lists your location and you can just change the name to one that you like, and voila — it’s ready for eBird.  I often go home and edit the eBird report, adding photos.

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I use BirdLog on my iPhone but they have an Android version as well.  This offer lasts only until February 18th.  Check it out — it’s quite a bargain.

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Great Backyard Bird Count is Coming Up

From February 15-18, take part in a free, family-friendly educational activity that is loads of fun and supports bird conservation!  Tens of thousands of volunteers participate in the annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), counting birds in backyards, local parks, nature reserves, and wherever they happen to be.

From February 15-18, take part in a free, family-friendly educational activity that is loads of fun and supports bird conservation!  Tens of thousands of volunteers participate in the annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), counting birds in backyards, local parks, nature reserves, and wherever they happen to be.

After 15 years of success in North America, this year birdwatchers of all ages and birding skill levels from around the globe are encouraged to participate. The GBBC provides a great opportunity to learn more about birds and connect with nature – whether from your living room window, or by hiking a local trail. The GBBC is also an ideal way for more experienced birders to introduce friends, family, and others to the wonderful world of birding.

Snow Buntings will be one of the target birds for Central Vermont GBBC birders. photo by omarrun

Snow Buntings will be one of the target birds for Central Vermont GBBC birders. photo by omarrun

Visit the GBBC website to explore the species seen in your community or state. Make the birds in your neighborhood count as part of the big picture in continental bird conservation. Join in this year’s Great Backyard Bird Count.  The GBBC is a joint project of Audubon and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology with Canadian partner Bird Studies Canada.

If you are looking for a special GBBC outing in Vermont:

Huntington
Saturday, February 16, 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Green Mountain Audubon Center, 255 Sherman Hollow Rd.
Join us at the Green Mountain Audubon Center for a bird monitoring walk in the morning. Then visit the Birds of Vermont Museum bird feeding station, explore the museum exhibits, drink some bird-friendly coffee, and learn more about the Great Backyard Bird Count. All ages welcome!
–8:00-10:00 a.m. Bird Monitoring Walk; Meeting Place: GMAC Office Building; Free
–10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. GBBC open house; Meeting Place: Birds of Vermont Museum; Museum admission: adults $6, seniors $5, children $3
Contact: Charley Wilkinson

For GBBC events in your state, check here.

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