By Anna Autilio
Lead Environmental Educator
In 2018, we mark the centennial of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the most powerful and important bird-protection law ever passed. In honor of this milestone, nature lovers around the world are joining forces to celebrate 2018 as the “Year of the Bird.” February’s call to action is participation in the Great Backyard Bird Count…
An old friend of mine lives in Boston, and rarely gets to see her father back home in the Pacific Northwest. They talk occasionally, but it’s not the same as being there. Sad to see themselves growing apart and remembering a childhood of helping her father rescue injured and abandoned wildlife around their home, my friend bought him a simple gift for the holidays: a bird feeder.
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| Cedar Waxwing – Linda Conrad. |
Philosophers and scientists alike have long wondered what it is about nature, and birds specifically, that draws people to them. “There’s something about birds—” writes Mark Jannot in a recent article for Audubon. “Their beauty? Their grace? Their tenacity?—that pierces the heart and spurs the imagination.” At VINS we are well familiar with the looks of astonishment and awe that our raptor ambassadors inspire on the faces of our guests.
And birds have the capacity to bring people together. Even those who might think that a list of all bird species encompasses “pigeon”, “seagull”, “hawk”, and “none of the above” are charmed by the first birdsongs of spring, the antics of a playful crow, and rush to the aid of a tiny, injured nestling that lands at their feet.
This spirit is what the Year of the Bird is all about, and in February, we’re joining in the Great Backyard Bird Count—bringing friends and neighbors together over a common enjoyment of birds. Every February, tens of thousands of people all over the world participate in the Count, which is not unlike a certain upcoming sporting event. Last year, in just the 4 days of the count, participants were able to count birds of 5,940 species—over half of all recognized species on the planet.
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| Participants in the Great Backyard Bird Count at VINS |
Participation in the Count is completely free; all one needs is a view of the great outdoors, some good friends, a pencil and paper, and 15 minutes. Optional accompaniments include chips and salsa (for you, not the birds!). You don’t have to watch your backyard—take a walk through a local park, or sit by the subway stop and count. If people join you, all the better–more eyes watching means more birds can be observed. Then, enter your observations online (with these easy instructions).
You especially don’t have to be an expert to join in the fun. There are tons of resources out there for helping you identify your avian visitors (yes, there’s an app for that). Better yet, take a picture of that unknown bird. The GBBC also hosts a photo contest with a chance to win prizes!
My friend’s father was hooked on watching his backyard feeder as soon as he filled it. Now he’s going through 10 pounds of seed in a week, and offering up two different brands of suet. When asked if he would be participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count for the first time this year, he was ready with his big weekend predictions: “Doves: 1, Starlings: infinity.”
We want to hear about your backyard birds too! Plan to visit VINS on February 17th and 18th to help us count birds and learn how you can do it yourself!