As you know, I’m a big believer in having one or more hobbies to enrich your life, and finding the right tools to enjoy those hobbies. In late February I participated in the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), hosted by The Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Audubon, and Birds Canada. Over a long weekend, citizen birdwatchers from around the world, both novice and expert, count birds from wherever they are.
Two free apps are available for identifying and reporting observations – Merlin ID and eBird. The GBBC results for the world are reported on their dashboard (use filters to hone in on specific locations). I participated in the count last year and really enjoyed the experience.
I’m afraid my results were a little spotty this year because we’re having some landscaping done. Despite the turmoil in the yard, hummingbirds continue to visit the hummingbird feeder throughout the day, and a family of mourning doves scratch for insects in the disrupted dirt every morning and evening. Likewise, the little wren stops by for a quick snack of insects. The new yard design is wildlife friendly, so should attract a lot more birds in the future. Next year I’m hoping to improve on the results, but I enjoy seeing any birds that show up!
Steps (the blog) 