The
Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC)
February 18-21,
2000
So busy preparing to celebrate
Scouting's birthday that you forgot to plan a good outdoor activity? Maybe this will help.
While reading Mark Trail in the Sunday comics, I was reminded of something that Dens,
Packs, and Troops should find an interesting activity. What better way to celebrate the
90th birthday of Scouting than to do a short (and simple) conservation project.
Birdsource.org is a web site established by the National
Audubon Society and Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology. It is a place that will allow your
Scouts to record counts of the birds they see in their backyards and on campouts. The data
they contribute will help scientists and conservationists to establish a long-term record
of North American birds. Information from the Scouts and other citizens is used to track
the "density and movement of birds", "define bird ranges, populations,
migration pathways, and habitat needs."
The GBBC starts February 18 and runs through February 21. You can results as soon as
reports come in on the 18. Reports will be accepted through February 25.
The site information states that
"It doesn't matter whether you identify, count, and report the 5 species coming to
your backyard feeder or the 75 species you see during a day's outing to a wildlife
refuge." Find out why everyone's contribution is important.
How to participate in
the GBBC
On February 18-21, 2000,
- Count the birds on one or all of the four days.
- Watch the birds for at least 15 minutes on each day.
Submit a form for each day you count.
More information is available on the How to Participate page.
You can find information about Bald Eagles and learn how the GBBC gives your Scouts the
opportunity to " to provide data that can assist existing Bald Eagle monitoring programs."
You can select from a list of topics
that will help you learn more about birds and how to identify them. Find
out what you can do to enhance your Unit's experiences with the GBBC.
There is even a special message addressed to Scout Leaders listing different participation methods and
suggestions on how to get your Scouts involved. " An overview of these ways to
involve kids in the Great Backyard Bird Count may be helpful to first time participants
and may provide returnees with new ideas."
Their Online Bird Guide has several great features which will help you
and your Scouts in bird identification. The Guide lists those features as:
- Sound clips of songs and calls.
- Beautiful illustrations to help you learn field marks.
- Engaging and informative text describing habitat, food preferences, breeding behavior,
and identification tips.
- Range maps showing where each species occurs.
The site also lists information about
other BirdScource projects and includes the Watch List which "identifies North
American bird species that need our help. Watch List species are those faced with
population decline, limited geographic range, and/or threats such as habitat loss on their
breeding and wintering grounds. A centerpiece of conservation at Audubon, the WatchList is
an early warning system that focuses attention on at-risk bird species before they become
endangered."
You can also leave your email address so that you can receive notification when the
site is updated.
There is much more on this site that Scouts will find useful for completing advancement
and merit badge requirements. Plus, the information they provide to the site may help to
keep the birds singing in their backyards and along hiking paths for many Scouting
birthdays yet to come. |
