The 2020 Spring Bird Count is still on and scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 2020. Every year since 1972, volunteers have participated in this one-day count across the entire state of Illinois. If you have never participated before, consider making 2020 your year to join in by collecting data on birds in your yard or neighborhood.
The COVID-19 pandemic will unfortunately influence this year’s count. Many participants have their favorite birding areas and this year those sites may be closed, social distancing may preclude visiting the location or it may be too far away to safely visit. But that shouldn’t stop participation when a Spring Bird Count can still be conducted from a backyard or nearby neighborhood park.
To accommodate this option, a new “line” item has been added to the data form to record miles walked and hours spent birding from a “House”or “Nearby.” The data will provide for an interesting comparison in future years.
To join, first contact your SBC County Coordinator – click here for a list to help you get started.
Remember: staying safe, and keeping others safe, should be a top priority while counting birds this year. If you do not feel comfortable, please do not feel compelled to participate in the Spring Bird Count.
COMPILERS WANTED:
There are some counties still in need of compilers. If you would like to adopt one of these counties please contact Tara Beveroth: Franklin, Fulton, Grundy, Jefferson, Macoupin, Mason, Massac, McDonough, Moultrie and White.
photo by Chuck Peterson, Kane County Audubon Society