51st Annual Spring Bird Count

The 2015-2016 El Nino event has been one for the record books, and our weather has reflected this: an extremely warm December and wet, stormy weather in February. It is heartening, therefore, to be able to write about the April 30th BA Spring Bird Count, when the weather will be more befitting of spring. Already neotropical migrants are making their way north and that means it is time for the 51st annual Spring Bird Count!

This is a fun count, when we venture out to welcome our returning neotropical migrants. The count provides a wonderful opportunity to spend some time outdoors and watch the feathered parade as the birds follow their migration route north! Many of the local breeding birds will be well on their way to raising young too.

This all-day count will cover parts of Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair and Blount counties, and we’ll need as many participants as possible to adequately cover the area. Even though this is an all-day count, you may join a party for any part of the day if you only have a limited amount of time. It is essential though that you make arrangements now to join a party on count day. Feel free to call me at 251-2133 for the names and phone numbers of party leaders in your area. Or, you may wish to count the birds at your feeders and call or e-mail your report to me later. Rose-breasted Grosbeaks will surely reward those who take the time to watch at home!

At the end of the day we will gather to compile our results, swap stories and share our adventures of the day.  Those fortunate enough to find a real rarity should expect to provide appropriate written documentation. Sharon Hudgins will handle compiling duties and Susan Barrow will host our compilation at her home, located at 1777 S Lakeshore Drive, Birmingham, AL 35216-1621. Call Susan if you need directions: 205-942-8667 (H) or 205-253-8667 (C). The compilation will begin at 7:00 p.m. and light refreshments will be provided.

Greg Harber, Bird Counts Committee