This is another great excuse (if you need one) to go birding and challenge yourself to identify birds not only visually but by their songs. Plus, you are contributing to on-going bird research around the world. You can do this by yourself or with family and friends. Make a day of it or plan a little time around your busy schedule.

On this annual bird count, observers record all birds seen or heard in Winnebago County on one day (24 hour period) in September. The Winnebago County September bird count has been conducted every year since 1995.

Anyone can participate. The amount of time you wish to commit is up to you. You can watch your feeders/yard for an hour or all day. You can walk, bike, or boat a certain area. For the more dedicated birder, surveying one of the 30 county areas is also an option.

WHAT IS REQUIRED?

-Record the number of each species seen or heard (including Starlings, House Sparrows, etc.)

-Record time spent watching (yard, walking, car, etc.)

-Record distance traveled (walking, car, etc.)

-Record names of all observers

-Document unusual species and numbers

If you do plan on participating PLEASE contact Tom Ziebell and inform him of the location that you intend to cover to reduce duplication of birds counted.

For more information on the counts or if interested in surveying an area in the county, contact Tom Ziebell at cziebell@new.rr.com or 920-312-1976.