Counting crows and other feathered friends
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| A robin munches on a dried berry from a tree in Catskill Friday. Contrary to popular belief, robins and other species will remain in an area through the winter as long there is a suffient food supply. Photo by Claude Haton |
Annual Christmas Bird Count set for Dec. 14
By Hilary Hawke
For Hudson-Catskill Newspapers
COXSACKIE — It's that time of the year again, and fans of our feathered friends couldn't be happier.
Dec. 14 is the annual Christmas Bird Count. A nation-wide event which helps Audubon Societies, scientists, environmentalist and ornithologists keep tabs on our winged neighbors, the Catskill-Coxsackie count is headed by two local ornithological enthusiasts, Richard Guthrie and Larry Federman.
"This year we hope to recruit some new observers, especially backyard watchers in the Catskill and Hudson areas," Guthrie said.
The event takes place over 12 hours, and Guthrie said newbies and tagalongs should commit to the entire day.
"It's hard to be out in the field with a group and suddenly hear someone has to leave at 2 p.m.," he said. "That means driving the person back to the meet-up site and it can compromises the count's integrity."
Guthrie also said the group is looking for property owners, even if they can't take part in the count, who are willing to let birdwatchers on their land.
Started roughly 50 years ago, the Christmas Bird Count has evolved into an irreplaceable source for scientific data.
"This year we will have roughly 10 to 12 teams of between two to five people, or however many can fit into one car,” Guthrie said.
The territory in the Catskill-Coxsackie count covers a fifteen-mile radius centered at Green Lake, and branches out 7.5 miles in all directions.
New Baltimore marks the territory's northern boundary, while the eastern line extends into Columbia County.
Some of this year's teams include a Hudson River group covering Coxsackie to Athens, a grasslands preserve group, a Round Top group and a Coxsackie Flats group. Imbought Bay at the tip of Catskill marks the southernmost border.
Asked why people should get involved, Guthrie said, "I consider the Christmas Bird Count a scientific competitive sport. By gathering data passed on to Cornell University and the National Audubon Society, we are contributing to science."
But it's clear the competitive part provides incentive.
"Each team tries to outdo the other with the rarity and variety of species spotted," he said. "We never miss an opportunity to remind teams of species they should have spotted and didn't."
But it's all in good fun. After the watch, which starts at 7 a.m. for most groups and ends with wine, fine dining and camaraderie at Cameo's in Athens, preliminary final tallies are collected and added to data collected all around the country.
"The Christmas Bird Count is a great way to get outside with people who share a similar interest in birding, wildlife and the environment," Guthrie said. "It's also a great learning experience for everyone involved. The more eyes, the better."
Those interested in joining the count or offering their property for counters can contact Guthrie at gaeltic@capital.net.
Dec. 14 is the annual Christmas Bird Count. A nation-wide event which helps Audubon Societies, scientists, environmentalist and ornithologists keep tabs on our winged neighbors, the Catskill-Coxsackie count is headed by two local ornithological enthusiasts, Richard Guthrie and Larry Federman.
"This year we hope to recruit some new observers, especially backyard watchers in the Catskill and Hudson areas," Guthrie said.
The event takes place over 12 hours, and Guthrie said newbies and tagalongs should commit to the entire day.
"It's hard to be out in the field with a group and suddenly hear someone has to leave at 2 p.m.," he said. "That means driving the person back to the meet-up site and it can compromises the count's integrity."
Guthrie also said the group is looking for property owners, even if they can't take part in the count, who are willing to let birdwatchers on their land.
Started roughly 50 years ago, the Christmas Bird Count has evolved into an irreplaceable source for scientific data.
"This year we will have roughly 10 to 12 teams of between two to five people, or however many can fit into one car,” Guthrie said.
The territory in the Catskill-Coxsackie count covers a fifteen-mile radius centered at Green Lake, and branches out 7.5 miles in all directions.
New Baltimore marks the territory's northern boundary, while the eastern line extends into Columbia County.
Some of this year's teams include a Hudson River group covering Coxsackie to Athens, a grasslands preserve group, a Round Top group and a Coxsackie Flats group. Imbought Bay at the tip of Catskill marks the southernmost border.
Asked why people should get involved, Guthrie said, "I consider the Christmas Bird Count a scientific competitive sport. By gathering data passed on to Cornell University and the National Audubon Society, we are contributing to science."
But it's clear the competitive part provides incentive.
"Each team tries to outdo the other with the rarity and variety of species spotted," he said. "We never miss an opportunity to remind teams of species they should have spotted and didn't."
But it's all in good fun. After the watch, which starts at 7 a.m. for most groups and ends with wine, fine dining and camaraderie at Cameo's in Athens, preliminary final tallies are collected and added to data collected all around the country.
"The Christmas Bird Count is a great way to get outside with people who share a similar interest in birding, wildlife and the environment," Guthrie said. "It's also a great learning experience for everyone involved. The more eyes, the better."
Those interested in joining the count or offering their property for counters can contact Guthrie at gaeltic@capital.net.
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