Great Backyard Bird Count Coming Up

Beautiful American Goldfinch from 2013 GBBC
Photo by Pamela Wertz

It is time to prepare for the upcoming Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), February 14 - 17, 2014. This is a great opportunity to visit all of those nearby places we overlook to look for birds and report your sightings via eBird or on the GBBC website.

In 2013 almost 135,000 checklists were submitted as part of this project.

This is great opportunity for classrooms, scouting groups and new birders to get out and learn about the birds. The time can be as little as 15 minutes, or as long as you are still having a good time.

Locally, two group GBBC events are planned--if you want to take part, but don't feel our bird identification skills are up to par, team up with some more experienced birdwatchers at these events.

• January 15, 9 AM, Lake Arrowhead State Park
• January 16, 9 AM, Behind Wild Bird Rescue

 In addition, I'll be doing some independent bird counts  on the 14th and 17th, and would welcome any new birders who would like to take part. Just contact me at txbirds@gmail.com or comment below.

North Texas Bird and Wildlife Club Meeting

The next North Texas Bird and Wildlife Club meeting is Tuesday, January 21, 7:00 PM at the National Association of Letter Carriers building at 5310 Southwest Parkway (next to Wichita Valley Nursery.) The group will be discussing plans for the upcoming Great Backyard Bird Count.

The club is a small and informal group--guests are always welcome.

Big Day, Saturday!

Saturday, January 4 is the Big Day for Wild Bird Rescue! This year, we have two teams competing against one another for the most species found and the most money raised.

Team 1 is the team that has birded in the past: me, Brady Surber, Rick Folkening and Katherine Smith. Team 2 is a new entry this year made up of Sue and Warren King and Chuck Thuesen. These teams will be vying for bragging rights and hoping to raise money to give Wild Bird Rescue a much-needed financial shot in the arm. Know one of these people? If so, consider making a donation to WBR in their honor--be sure to note "Big Day" in the memo of the check or comments field in paypal. Wild Birds Unlimited of Wichita Falls will donate a prize to all donors/sponsors.

You can follow the teams' progress through Twitter by following @birdwithpenny or watching the Twitter feed on this blog. You can also see periodic updates on the Wild Bird Rescue Facebook page. The goal is 100 species. The weather is supposed to be good, so it's possible one of the teams could make it this year.

Good birding!