Last year's warm and largely snow-less winter resulted in far fewer birds being seen at feeders during Mass Audubon's winter bird count.

This year's count is Feb. 2-3.

Anyone is welcome to take part. 

Record one count for each species seen then submit your results to Mass Audubon. Participants’ names will be entered in a drawing to win several prizes.

The deadline for submissions is Thursday, Feb. 28.

Information on how to participate and submit reports can be found at www.massaudubon.org/focus.

Last year, nearly 100 species were reported in 292 communities statewide, thanks to more than 850 observers, according to Mass Audubon.

Here are some highlights from the 2012 Count

• Nearly 100 species were reported. These included 39 of the 40 species we have been tracking since 1997 (no ruby-crowned kinglets this year). Several raptors, waterfowl, wading birds, and rare species were also reported, including the lazuli bunting at our Wellfleet Bay Sanctuary, and a Townsend's warbler in Ipswich.


• Species which were observed in the greatest numbers:
  
  4,353  Dark-eyed Juncos
  3,820  House Sparrows
  3,642  Mourning Doves 
  3,332  American Goldfinches
  2,791  Black-capped Chickadees