Counting birds, one by one
Who counts birds? Citizen scientists. In our area, members of the Lake Erie and Roger Tory Peterson Bird Clubs count for the Buffalo Ornithological Society. For years, the society has sponsored three days when folks count birds they find in specified territories. I would like to tell you of unusual species observed in our count on Oct. 11. Weather is an important factor in what birds are seen. Rainy weather and strong winds might cause birds to hunker down in shelter. Also, there is a lot of luck involved. One might be driving down a road or walking along a trail and miss a bird flying across by just a few seconds. This count is not exact, but it does give an idea of what species and how many individuals are in an area. All of these studies in the world help ornithologists, (people who study birds), learn which species are declining or increasing in population. Then they can try to figure out why the changes are happening. These could be caused by change in habitat or climate.
» Full StoryCelebrating the ‘spook-tacular’ traditions of Halloween
The goblins and faeries will knock on your door, the ghosts and the ghouls will fall through your floor, the witches will fly and the ogres will fright, come out little ones, it is Halloween night! Well, you could call it All Hallow’s Eve, or All...
» Full StoryGardening with native flowers
Unbelievably, over a year ago, many people walked through my property on the Secret Garden Tour. All of the native plants were labeled and weeded.
» Full StoryBirds of Fall and Winter - Part I
As the month of September comes to an end, we await the arrival of many of the fall and winter bird species.
» Full StoryThe arrival of unusual and rare fall and winter waterfowl Part II
In last week’s article I discussed some of the unusual winter waterfowl we can observe in our county.
» Full StoryThe arrival of rare fall mid-October and winter waterfowl - Part I
As the season of fall approaches, those of us who have access to the many waterways of our county such as Lake Erie, along with possible access to some of the smaller interior lakes such as Chautauqua Lake, Bear Lake and others, will very shortly...
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