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Showing posts with the label Cornell Great Backyard Bird Count

Participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count!

Cornell University's Great Backyard Bird Count is happening now! They collect data on bird species and their whereabouts from all over the country at this time each year, and you can help. It's easy to participate - just look out your window for 15 minutes each day, today through Monday, and fill out a form on their website noting what species you saw and how many. Here are some notes from their FAQ: How is the information from the GBBC used? Bird populations are constantly changing. No single scientist or team of scientists could hope to keep track of the complicated patterns of movement of so many species over an entire continent. The information from GBBC participants becomes even more valuable as scientists try to learn how birds are affected by environmental changes. The information you send in can provide the first sign that individual species may be increasing or declining from year to year. It shows how a species’ range expands or shrinks over time. A big change,...

Bringing Home Bluebirds

We went to the Wisconsin Garden Expo in Madison last weekend and had a great time. There were hundreds of vendors, as well as free seminars. One of the seminars we went to was "Attracting Bluebirds and Other Cavity Nesters". The speaker was Patrick Ready, of the Bluebird Restoration Association of Wisconsin.  It was very informative. Although we attract a number of beautiful birds to our feeders, I've not seen Bluebirds, so I will try to attract them this Spring. The BRAW website has specifications on types of feeders to buy or build, as well as a wealth of info on Bluebird behavior. Just after I decided to try to attract them, two serendipitous things happened: 1. I was shopping in Walmart and saw a feeder specifically made for Bluebirds, for $9. It seems to have the right dimensions and is made of cedar:  Closeup of the tag: 2. I read Pearl's latest blog post at Serenity Cove , all about the Bluebirds that are gracing her backyard, with fantastic photos! They ...