Community Corner

Backyard Birders Take Note: Winter Bird Count Next Weekend

Help track bird species and their numbers by noting what you see at your bird feeder on Feb. 2 and 3.

 

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.

Find out what's happening in Marbleheadwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

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.

Find out what's happening in Marbleheadwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

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

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