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 the annual May bird count, observers record all birds seen or heard in Winnebago County on one day (24 hour period). The Winnebago County May bird count has been conducted every year since 1966. The final results are submitted to the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology.

     Anyone can participate in the bird count. The amount of time that 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 an 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 

- Record distance traveled 

- Record names of all observers

If you do plan on participating PLEASE contact Tom Ziebell at thomasjziebell@gmail.com or 920-312-1976 and inform him of the location that you intend to cover. This is to reduce duplication of birds counted.

For more information visit our website winnebagoaudubon.org and look under Birds/Bird Counts or contact Tom Ziebell.

Photo: Palm Warbler, courtesy of Matt Saunders.