The Great Backyard Bird Count is a worldwide project inaugurated in 1998 by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society as a means of monitoring the ebbs and flows of bird populations. Birds are the first indicators of climate and environmental changes. By rallying the public to get out and look for birds for four days in February, researchers have a huge data gathering mechanism. The Columbia Land Conservancy (CLC) hosted an event Saturday, February 18 at the Ooms Conservation Area on Rock City Road in Chatham. A group of about 24 people with binoculars, cameras and coffee gathered for a tour guided by expert birder and CLC Trustee Will Yandik. Sightings included a little group of bluebirds (pictured), which Mr. Yandik identifies as a “climate change species” because normally they wouldn’t be this far north in the winter. Also observed or heard, were the Carolina wren, a raven, tree sparrows, ducks and geese and a mocking bird. A total of 25 different species were identified on Saturday morning. Pictured is the group reacting as a chickadee perches on a branch just above them. Results of the bird count can be found at ebird.org. Photos by David Lee
Community pulls together for one of its ownby Melanie Lekocevic / March 1, 2023