Great Backyard Bird Count

This is the first year I am participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count. My view is pictured in the photo of my blog header and I can look out over my patio, as well as birdfeeders in two other places easily seen. In fact sitting here typing, I can see shadows of birds as they fly to one of my feeders. With those views I have little excuse and more than plenty of reasons to join in the fun.

All of the data is used to help answer questions such as those listed on the GBBC website:

• How will the weather and climate change influence bird populations?
• Some birds, such as winter finches, appear in large numbers during some years but not others. Where are these species from year to year, and what can we learn from these patterns?
• How will the timing of birds’ migrations compare with past years?
• How are bird diseases, such as West Nile virus, affecting birds in different regions?
• What kinds of differences in bird diversity are apparent in cities versus suburban, rural, and natural areas?

Also, here is a map that show, in real-time, lists being submitted all over the world.

For me, it is simply a time to sit still, watch, and let the wonder of birds take me over for a short time. I always come away with a sense of awe at their beauty and diversity, and that awe always leads to worship and gratitude.

I'll be listing my observations for the next few days and if you want to join. Click on the link above for more details. In as little as fifteen minutes for one day you can participate ( in that short amount of time I saw 2 of the beauties pictured above) and add to our understanding of these remarkable creatures.

Observations for February 16, 2018

Species	Count
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)	1
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens)	2
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus)	1
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)	2
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)	1
Carolina Chickadee (Poecile carolinensis)	2
Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor)	1
Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus)	1
Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis)	3
American Robin (Turdus migratorius)	10
Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis)	2
White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys)	1
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)	1
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)	2
Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula)	20
House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus)	4
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)	2
Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus)	1
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)	1