Annual Bird Count to Begin on Friday

The second annual Backyard Bird Count is about to begin.

The National Audubon Society and scientists at Cornell University are enlisting bird lovers throughout North America to help with a bird census from Friday through Sunday. Individuals, families, schools, Scouts and nature lovers are invited to document birds and bird species they see in their yards and neighborhood parks.

“Look out your window, go for a drive, take a walk in the park,” said Allison Wells, communications director of Cornell’s Laboratory of Ornithology.

Counters can spend as much or as little time as they choose, and report their findings online through Birdsource, an Internet Web site at http//:birdsource.cornell.edu.

The information gathered is organized by ZIP Code and helps significantly in tracking the migrations and habitat needs of birds.

“We can make year-by-year comparisons and note fluctuations of populations before they start showing serious population declines,” Wells said.

Watchers make note of what time and where they saw birds, what type and how many. Those who have access to the Web site can find a list of 100 birds, their characteristics, songs and other information to help in identifying species.

Last year 14,000 reports were submitted, counting 500,000 birds throughout the country.

Wells said it’s hoped 1 million people will participant nationwide this year.

For those without access to a computer, Wild Birds Unlimited in Torrance, which is helping to promote the bird count, will provide data sheets and enter the data into the system. Data must be submitted to Wild Birds Unlimited by Feb. 24.

For information, call (310) 326-2473.