Washington Island Christmas Bird Count

The Washington Island Christmas Bird Count will be held Dec. 14. Field counters will meet at K.K. Fiske between 7:30 and 8 am to form groups for the four quarters to be covered. Each group will receive a map and recording materials and will work together all morning to identify and record every bird they see and hear while driving and walking. At lunch, the findings will be shared. Those who can work in the afternoon will cover any left over areas.

Many people help by counting at their feeders on Dec. 14. Feeder watchers will receive recording information in the mail ahead of time. They can mail (or email) their count back in the self-addressed, stamped envelope provided. More than 15 feeder watchers help every year and provide important data.

The three days before and after the count date (Dec. 11-13 and Dec 15-17) are the count week. Any additional species seen/heard during this time can be added to the overall count. The date and species should be recorded on the count sheet. Photos are extremely helpful if there are ID questions.

Some time later in the year, data collected on Washington Island, along with everyone else’s counts, are published in the annual American Birds journal. The information is used for comparison of species over time and space and has pinpointed species that are doing well or poorly. We are all able to help with the conservation of bird species through the annual Christmas count.

Contact Sandy Peterson if you wish to help at [email protected] or 608.873-0294.