Audubon's annual bird count kicked off on December 14th and while it appears that most of the New York-based events have already passed, a handful of opportunities remain for wildlife enthusiasts to play their part in the organization's 113th survey.
The free event was created by conservationist Frank Chapman in 1990, and continues to serve a central role in monitoring fluctuations in various species' populations. Using the information collected during the watch, scientists can gain a better understanding of which birds require protection, and others that are seeing a resurgence across the nation.
The official Audubon website explains, "The data collected by observers over the past century allow researchers, conservation biologists, and other interested individuals to study the long-term health and status of bird populations across North America. When combined with other surveys such as the Breeding Bird Survey, it provides a picture of how the continent's bird populations have changed in time and space over the past hundred years."
Last year, 69 counts in New York alone were run. The results indicated that there was a population boom among Bald Eagles, Turkey Vultures, and Northern Shrikes, while a decrease occurred in the number of Wild turkey, Merlin, Wood-Peckers, White-Crowned Sparrows, and American Tree Sparrows. The survey also upgraded the Cackling Goose to a species.
Upcoming counts alongside their dates are listed below, and can be found here. The event officially ends on January 5th.
- Oneida: 1/1/2013
- Southern Rensselaer County: 1/3/2013
- Troy: 1/5/2013
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