Bird watchers sought for Audubon count
PENN TWP — Local volunteer bird watchers will kick off the New Year by participating in the 115th Audubon Christmas Bird Count Jan. 3.
In a 15-mile diameter circle in southern Butler County centered on Callery, an estimated 100 volunteers will observe, record and report on the numbers and species of birds present in the area in the world's longest- running wildlife census.
“This is a citizen science project we do here to see what kind of impacts suburban development and now gas drilling will have on the bird population,” said Chris Kubiak, development associate for the Audubon Society. “It's the oldest citizen science project in the world.”
“It's the granddaddy of them all,” said Succop Nature Park naturalist Ryan Stauffer.
Kubiak and Stauffer said the Christmas bird count began in 1900 as an alternative to the then-popular custom of the post-holiday “side hunt” where teams of hunters competed to see who could shoot the most birds in a day.
“We're hoping this year to break 100 for volunteers,” said Kubiak. “I feel pretty confident that we are going to get at least 100 this year.” He said last year's bird count drew 50 volunteers.
Kubiak said the county's bird count began in 2012.
There are two ways to participate in the count, he said.
“We take you out in the field with us, team you with more experienced birders. There's no experience necessary. We need the extra pairs of eyes,” he said.
“If you don't want to go out in the weather, you can observe the birds at your feeder or in your own yard, count the birds there,” Kubiak said.
“Those who want to participate should contact me by phone or e-mail,” Kubiak said. “If you want to observe in the field, I'll assign you to a particular area. If you are doing a feeder count you get a form.”
The county's observation area is broken into nine areas, each assigned a field team.
“On Jan. 3, 2015, I might get up and start counting at midnight and go for 24 hours,” said Kubiak. Although he added, whether a volunteer conducts the count for 15 minutes or 24 hours, as long as the birds he records are in the geographic circle the numbers are valid and important.“It's a fun thing to get outside. We are doing real science. The data that comes in is important to science,” Kubiak said.“Some groups are going out for two hours or half the day,” said Kubiak. “They'll be counting the numbers and, obviously, the type of species.”Stauffer said, “The more participants we have, the more accurate the count is going to be.”Stauffer added while participants don't need training, he offers nature hikes every Thursday at 9 a.m. at Succop Nature Park, 185 Airport Road, to give novice counters a little experience. There will be two more nature hikes before the bird count, Stauffer said, because there will be no hike on Christmas Day.Kubiak said last year's count revealed the presence of surprising species in the county.“Mocking birds we didn't expect to see. There are all sorts of other species that have become more common here because of the climate warming, he said, citing the presence of turkey vultures and Carolina chickadees in the count circle.He said the Audubon Society identifies 314 bird species that are in danger because of climate change, and the bird count could help determine if the affected species' ranges are increasing or decreasing.“There are thousands of circles across the country. The count gives us a snapshot,” Kubiak said.“This is a fun, family event,” he said. “It's an enjoyable way to connect kids with nature, get exercise after the holidays.”“We want people to be observant, but more than anything we want people to get outside and have fun doing science,” Kubiak said.
