The Birdathon and Citizen Science

by Pete Salmansohn

One of the great blessings about living in Philipstown is our close proximity to nature, and to the comings and goings of animals, birds, plants, and all things wild. A bear sighting, an observation of a rare bird, or perhaps spotting an unusual and colorful wildflower in the woods which has miraculously escaped the keen senses of hungry deer……these and other everyday discoveries in our own neighborhoods and backyards provide us a way to temporarily escape our worries and the latest endless news stories.

During a 24 hour period beginning at 5 pm on Friday, May 7 th, dozens of local folks will be combing a wide variety of regional NYS landscapes to find as many different kinds of birds as they possibly can for a nationwide activity called a Birdathon, which is a kind of group effort currently known as “citizen science,” or “community science.” It’s a way for ordinary people to take the temperature and barometric pressure of nature, so to speak, and to report back their findings into an organized and data- driven product that can advise policymakers and conservation groups.

For example, not too long ago, it was quite uncommon to see Black Vultures in Putnam County, as they were a bird of more southerly range, and sightings would thus be noteworthy and thoroughly discussed. Now, they’ve moved north and are relatively common. Why, you might ask, do birds shift their ranges? Perhaps warmer winters, or more food availability, or both. Likewise, with Juncos, those two-toned little birds often referred to as “snowbirds.” We’re used to only seeing them in winter when they come south to our feeders for seasonal sanctuary and habitat. Now, because of birders and citizen scientists reporting their findings on a regular basis, we see these birds of the north country beginning to nest in our county, a striking new development. Again, what does this mean, and what do these changes suggest that nature and birds are up to? What signals are we getting from the natural world that behoove us to pay attention to?

Putnam Highlands Audubon Society’s Birdathon is an annual attempt to take careful note of these kind of observations, as well as others on a much wider and grander scale, because its timing coincides with the May tsunami of seasonal bird migration, when literally billions of birds are on their way from southern wintering grounds north to nest and reproduce. On a good day, with observers spread out over several counties and long island, it’s possible to rack up incredible numbers, such as 150+ different species all seen within one 24-hour period. And many of these birds, such as Blackpoll Warblers, White-Crowned Sparrows, or Snow Geese are moving far north to Canadian breeding grounds and may only be seen once or twice here during the month-long migration.

This year Audubon is adding to its usual team-based excursions to include any local individual who would like to participate. Thus, someone at home can watch their bird feeder or yard for species, or someone who wants to get out to the river or to Bear Mountain or an area reservoir or woodland can do that as well. All participants will be given standard bird check lists which they can forward to an Audubon contact and to a team who will quickly summarize and then publicize the findings. And of course, since this event is the most important single fund-raising effort of the year for our local chapter, donations are invited and encouraged. For more information, go to https://www.putnamhighlandsaudubon.org/birdathon2021