Great backyard bird count this weekend

Great Backyard Bird Count Organized by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society, the Great Backyard Bird Count is an online citizen-science project to collect data on wild birds and to display results in near real-time. More than 160,000 people of all ages and walks of life worldwide join the four-day count each February to create an annual snapshot of the distribution and abundance of birds.

Again this year they invite you to participate. For at least 15 minutes on one or more days of the count, February12 – 15, simply tally the numbers and kinds of birds you see. You can count from any location for as long as you wish!

If you’re new to the count, or have not participated since before the 2013 merger with ebird, you must create a free online account to enter your checklists. If you already have an account, just use the same login name and password. If you have already participated in another Cornell Lab citizen-science proj

ect, you can use your existing login information, too. Your help is needed every year to make the GBBC successful! For the simple instructions on getting started see the website gbbc.birccount.org/get started.

During the count, you can explore what others are seeing in your area or around the world. Share your bird photos, or enjoy images pouring in from across the globe.

Then keep counting throughout the year with ebird, which uses the same system as the Great Backyard Bird Count to collect, store, and display data any time, all the time.

You will be able to see the results and distribution almost immediately.

Scientists use information from the Great Backyard Bird Count, along with observations from other citizen-science projects, such as the Christmas Bird Count, Project Feeder Watch, and ebird, to get the “big picture” about what is happening to bird populations. The longer these data are collected, the more meaningful they become in helping scientists investigate far-reaching questions. For example how will the weather and climate change influence bird populations?

I’ve been in communication with my friend Gary Lee, the naturalist and retired forest ranger. His numbers and species at his numerous feeders have varied from other years. 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? SHORT CASTS NEVITREK Snowshoes Recent snowfalls have created plenty of snow to get out for fun in the natural world. However, due to the abundance of deep, fluffy snow the use of cross country skis is not practical. Unless you go where someone else has broken a trail or visit an area where there are set tracks for cross country skis, you had better forget that for a while or you will spend the time floundering in knee deep snow.

Thanks to the increased popularity of snowshoeing and growing recognition of the superior snowshoes – NEVITREK – that are made here in New York State, it is easier than ever to get out and enjoy the winter. There are many reasons for the increased popularity of snowshoes in recent years.

For many people it is easier than cross-country skiing, especially those who have a fear of keeping their balance while gliding or cruising down slopes. Snowshoes are steadier and give you more control. For moving along at a slower pace such as hunting or photography they are ideal. And if you are moving through heavily wooded areas and uneven terrain, the snowshoes are easier to use.

Snowshoeing is relatively low cost, since all you need are pair of snowshoes and you can wear your regular winter clothing. Anyone can do it. You can adjust the distance and activity to suit your ability and energy level. There are lots of areas nearby that you can use snowshoes. It is excellent exercise and can be combined with other sports.

Today the newer models made of aluminum frames and synthetic covers to replace the webbing. These contribute greatly to the popularity of snowshoeing because they are lightweight, narrow for easy walking, and support a greater amount of weight for their smaller size. They often have crampons or “creepers” that help grip the surface while climbing uphill.

For many years Havlick Snowshoes were the standard of the newer style and were made in Mayfield. Today that company is owned by Joanne Petrozzi who operates with the same standards of quality and design under the name of NEVITREK.

They make three series for different uses and in different sizes for the weight of the person wearing them. Check out the great designs, quality materials, and find out what type is right for you at the NEVITREK website.

Recently Nevitrek teamed up with Dion snowshoes made by Bob and Denise Dion who are noted for being snowshoe racers and have been producing quality racing snowshoes for some time. Whatever your interest, check out the line of quality products at dionnevitrek.com.

Great Opportunity at Great Lot Sportsman’s Club

The Great Lot Sportsman’s Club is hosting four guided snowshoeing trips at their club just off Osceola Road near West Leyden. Those interested are asked to meet at 9:45 at the entrance to the club at 43277 Osceola Road. Spaces are limited and reservations are required. There is lots of snow around Osceola and West Leyden.

Afterwards all will be treated to a hot lunch and refreshments at the clubhouse.

The snowshoe trips and lunch are free and open to all age groups. For more information or to sign up, please contact Guy Case at 315-378-7592. Dates are Feb. 13, Feb.27, Mar. 13, and Mar.27. It is a great facility, and a very nice group of people.

Crossbow Coalition News

The Crossbow Coalition has taken encouragement by the governor’s language in the State of the State Book. Governor Cuomo called for increased hunting opportunities by expanding the crossbow season into the big game season. He also called for allowing junior hunters age 12 – 13 to hunt with a rifle or shotgun when under the supervision of a parent, guardian, or mentor. This is expected to be included in the Executive Budget Proposal to be released soon. Visit the webpage nycrossbowcoalition. com and submit letters to your legislator asking for support.

The DEC has come out in support of use of the crossbow in all seasons where archery equipment is permitted. A growing number of New York’s sportsmen are in favor of equalizing opportunity for crossbows. For example a majority of deer hunters and 68% of seniors and 78% of disabled hunters in surveys supported use of crossbows. There is no statistical or logical reason to deny use of crossbows, except for the fact that some factions do not want any competition in “their season.” Cast your support for equality today.

Big Coyote

The Bob Evans Memorial Predator hunt held early last month by the Independent Fur Harvesters of Central NY was a huge success. There were 48 hunters that entered and 18 were successful. There were 26 fox entered and 12 coyotes. The heaviest coyote prize went to Brandon Barry with a 45.6 lb. coyote. The IFHCNY thanks all who supported the club and the contest. Meetings have been put on hold until it is safe.